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Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Food and Company Review: 1-2-3 Gluten Free

(I am not paid or given any incentive to write one way or the other. What you are about to read is from me to you; my honest opinion.)

 

Delicious boxed mixes that are easy to make, even for kids, yet they are delicious for every table as well as for many courses in a meal: main course, side dishes, and desserts. Each box is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes offered on the 1-2-3 Gluten Free site or in ones you make up on your own. When I am able to get 7 or more recipes out of one single box of mix from a gluten-free company, and it tastes good, I’m really pleased.

I know of 14 current mixes, but out of these, there at least 142 versions of recipes thus far that I know of. My testers and I played a game of trying to come up with ten recipes using the site’s recipes as well as our own. Each recipe was delicious, many unique, and all very well-liked. (The site offered 80 additional ones.)

Founder Kim Ullner comes from a celiac family. Her sister was celiac, and as a child, Kim created recipes to help her face the challenges of her gluten-free diet. Later on, her niece and nephew were diagnosed, and soon Kim’s gluten-free pigs-in-a-blanket was a family hit. Kim has named many of her mixes after family members, and now that Kim is a mother of two, we can guarantee two new names will soon be on her newer mixes.

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The mixes are very easy to make and require very few ingredients, all common to your home’s pantry. Each box offers double the size of most other brands. 1-2-3 Gluten Free products are all made in a facility free of wheat, gluten, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and soy.

Click here to enter the GlutenFreeHelp/1-2-3 Gluten Free give-away of September. 5 individuals will each receive a 3-pack assortment of delicious 1-2-3 mixes for FREE!

Their biscuits were light and fluffy and just how I wanted a biscuit to taste.  I also made mine without any dairy and they were perfect.

With this same box I made cinnamon buns, pigs-in-a-blanket, chicken and dumplings and roasted vegetable pizza.  I could have made more but I accepted the versatility of these products.


1-2-3 Gluten Free’s Aaron’s Favorite Rolls have the texture of a true roll, where one can “rip” out the insides (like kids love to do) instead of the all-too-common crumbled gluten-free alternative.

Let’s not forget the devilishly decadent brownies, silky, rich, and loaded with chocolate chunks. The pound cake, with a hint of lemon. Sugar and Spice Pan Bars, which are delicious with banana, sweet potato, or even zucchini added.


The prices are good. The servings per box are definitely greater than most companies offer and it all just tastes fresh as far as baked goods are concerned.

All their products are made in a gluten-free facility, are gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free and egg and dairy (casein) free.  All but two are corn-free and all but one is soy-free.  Their labels are clear and easy to read.  Their packaging is smart.

1-2-3 Gluten Free is worthy of a well-written book describing their finest mixes and options. And don’t forget to look inside the box to find even more recipe options. They have a website offering many more recipes and welcome ideas.

Great mixes – terrific company.

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Ben & Jerry’s – Gluten-Free Flavor List

 

We all love ice cream, especially when it’s gluten-free right?  Well folks, the following list makes it very easy for you to enjoy some of the best ice cream in the world:

BEN&JERRY’S Gluten-Free Flavor List:

 

Ice Cream

Butter Pecan

Cherry Garcia

Chocolate Fair Trade-Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl

Chocolate Macadamia

Chunky Monkey

Coconut Almond Fudge Chip

Coffee Fair Trade

Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz

Crème Brulee

Mint Chocolate Chunk

New York Super Fudge Chunk

Orange and Cream

Phish Food

Strawberry

Triple Caramel Chunk

Vanilla Fair Trade

Vanilla Heath Bar Crunch

Yogurt

Black Raspberry Swirl LF Yogurt

Vanilla LF Yogurt

Sorbet

Berry Berry Extraordinary

Jamaican Me Crazy

Lemonade

Mango Mango

Strawberry Kiwi

No Sugar Added

NSA Vanilla Fudge Chip

 

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, August 23rd, 2010

U.S. Way Behind in Gluten-Free Awareness

     Celiac disease in America affects three million citizens, but only one out of every hundred of its sufferers has been diagnosed. The average American has never heard of the disease, and it doesn’t occur to the average American doctor to test for it.

      There are several organizations in the United States which are researching the disease and working hard to raise celiac awareness and support. One such organization is the Celiac Disease Research Center at Columbia University, headed by Dr. Peter Green, MD, a Professor of Medicine at the University. He is personally responsible for the diagnosis of 2,400 people with celiac disease every year and is dedicated to increasing the celiac diagnosis rate in the United States.

 

     A higher rate of diagnosis yields a higher rate of support, Dr. Green says. This means more and more grocery stores and restaurants offering gluten-free foods and gluten-free cooking to gluten-intolerant consumers. Abroad, there are more gluten-free options available because there are more people diagnosed with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. For instance, every pizzeria in Sydney, Australia offers gluten-free pizza, made with gluten-free flour.

  

     Why is America way behind in celiac awareness? It probably has something to do with the fact that celiac disease is the only autoimmune disease that the government doesn’t support with research grants. Centers such as Dr. Green’s Celiac Disease Research Center are one-hundred percent dependent on charitable donations or university funds. Even though diagnosis is slightly up for celiac adults, this isn’t enough to raise awareness and bring relief for the three million people who suffer from celiac disease, nearly ninety-seven percent of whom don’t even know the cause of their painful symptoms. With increased diagnosis, we will surely see increased support, and soon the celiac community will be able to enjoy the same quality of life and food and cooking options which is enjoyed by, for instance, the lactose-intolerant community.

Tina Turbin

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Friday, August 20th, 2010

Can Do Kid- A Terrific Gluten-Free Company

 

Do you like children, delicious food, and supporting a terrific cause? Well, I’ve got quite a food company to share with you!  The name is Can Do Kid.

Can Do Kid founder and owner Deb Luster supplies tasty, gluten-free nutrition bars all in the hopes of satisfying hunger before it strikes in those little tummies, jam-packed with nutrients, and sure to maintain smiling faces!

Can Do Kid nutrition bars are gluten-free, made from all-natural ingredients, and contain sixteen essential vitamins and minerals. They are free of trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup.

I have personally tasted each and every one of these bars, and to be absolutely sincere, these bars are scrumptious. I then went further and ran a taste test with many children and their parents, and these tasty bars received a 100% satisfaction rate.

I had the opportunity to speak with my new friend, Deb Luster about her company to discover that there is true passion and dedication behind this company, directly from her heart. Deb is passionate about raising positive kids and being around positive people. She has full intention to spread the word about positive thinking and to improve this attitude in households everywhere. She wants to inspire kids to be smart and special and to know—in fact, to walk through life knowing—“I can do anything.”

Deb has quite an active and impressive history as a woman and executive. In 1990, she helped Annie’s Homegrown grow from a concept to what it is today, a thriving company. With Deb living on the west coast and Annie on the east, she dealt with opposites in many aspects, yet the vision evolved into a perfect, positive force—a fun and thriving business.

Working hard as usual and pregnant, one day Deb’s water broke and she knew she had another calling—motherhood. She stayed on as part-owner on the Board of Annie’s, in 2002 stepping aside from Annie’s as she devoted more time to enjoy motherhood. She continued to work on many projects—mostly helping others with their companies. Expanding companies is truly her forte.

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In November 2004, along with her family, she published her first book, I Can Do Anything (read the I Can Do Anything book review) and soon launched products such as t-shirts and stickers. In September 2007, her family’s second book, I’m Happy Just the Way I Am was published. In August 2005, after lots of tasting, packaging, and developing concepts, she and her sister (co-founder and Director of Sales) manufactured the first Can Do Kid nutrition bars. With a strong business sense, she knew that kids love food items with animals, as they are symbols kids remember. So, on every bar, there’s a cheetah. Why a cheetah? Because Deb loves cheetahs.

It wasn’t long until stores all over were stocking up on and displaying the bars and her book!  In February 2009 Deb was at a trade show and was introduced more in-depth to the concept of gluten-free. With only one ingredient change, the Can Do Kid bars were now labeled gluten-free and made available to all those in need of a GF diet, such as celiac and gluten-sensitive consumers. These bars currently come in 3 delicious flavors: CAN-illa Vanilla, Chocolate Crunch, and Cookies and Cream.

These bars are on my Highly Recommended list. Grab a bar and adopt Deb’s motto: “It’s not about age—it’s about attitude!” Grab a bar! You and your kids will be happy you did.

 

Can Do Kid executives have their bars tested regularly through the University of Nebraska FAARP to make sure that they contain no gluten. As of August 20101 they are not in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

As of August 2010 you will find the Can Do Kid bars in over 50 Safeway stores!

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, August 16th, 2010

Link Demonstrated between Child Psychiatric Disorders and Gluten Sensitivity

     Recent research is now indicating that there may be a link between Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other developmental and child psychiatric disorders and an allergy or sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in barley, rye, and wheat, and it is estimated that millions of Americans have a sensitivity or allergy to it. Gluten intolerance can affect the entire body, leading to a variety of troubling physical as well as mental symptoms.

     Upon a change in diet, various developmental disorders have been documented to lessen in some cases. Some of the disorders the symptoms for which were relieved are autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), non-verbal learning disorder (NLD), and pervasive development disorder (PDD).

     These studies which link gluten intolerance to autism and other child mental disorders have noted that gluten-sensitive children will also display physical symptoms such as bloating, frequent gas, constipation, diarrhea, dark shadows under the eyes, excessive sweating, and pale skin. These physical problems can clue parents into whether their autistic or ADHD child may have a gluten allergy.

     So what can you do if you suspect that your child has a gluten allergy? Thankfully, a gluten allergy can be confirmed with a simple blood test. Also, gluten can also be eliminated from the diet and then the child observed for improvement. It is important to check with your doctor before significantly changing the child’s diet.

Tina Turbin

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Saturday, August 14th, 2010

What on Earth is Celiac? by Diane Jacobs

 

Author Diane Jacobs is ensuring people become well-informed about “What on Earth is Celiac” through her eBook of the same name.

With a complete, downloadable reference guide containing informative chapters on the history of celiac disease (CD), children with CD, symptoms, and much more, anyone can have the fruits of Diane’s labor, research, and compilation.

It really is a handy guide for newly-diagnosed celiacs and a tool to share with anyone else, even simply as a reference in one’s arsenal of books and data to help one’s own family and friends understand the disease.

You may go to Diane’s site, www.celiacdiseaseinfo.org, to download this 50-page gem. You can also read about the many other wonderful things this oman is doing and her delicious country-style gluten-free cookbook.

Click here to read my enlightening interview with Diane Jacobs.

About Diane: Diane Jacobs was diagnosed in 2003 with celiac disease and has dedicated herself to sharing information about celiac disease and also about the benefits of eating and cooking wheat and gluten free. In 2005, Diane created her own website: http://www.celiacdiseaseinfo.org; in 2006 she self-published her first edition of her Ebook: What on Earth is a Celiac?; in 2008, her cookbook: Delicious! The Very Best of Gluten Free & Wheat Free Cooking, a Homestyle Recipe Collection for Celiacs and Wheat Sensitive Folks” was self-published both at the website and at Amazon.com: http://amzn.com/B002GQ2ZJU.

Then in 2010, she created her food blog: “Gluten Free Foodie Heaven”: http://www.glutenfreefoodieheaven.blogspot.com.

Diane speaks to community groups and organizations about celiac disease and about how to comfortably (and fabulously!) and survive as a person who either is required to or desires to eat gluten and wheat free.  She also makes appearances on TV programs cooking gluten free and has been featured in local newspaper articles as well.

Prescott, Arizona Courier article: March14th, 2010:
http://www.prescottaz.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&SubSectionID=111&TM=69298

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Saturday, August 7th, 2010

Food and Company Review: Enjoy Life Foods

 

Enjoy Life Foods® is not a company unknown to most gluten-free consumers, but there were things about the company that I didn’t know.

Enjoy Life Foods® (ELF) was founded in early 2001 with a purpose to support a product line free of gluten as well as the 8 most common allergens: wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish, and shellfish.

With a purpose as star high as that, it took a bit of work to be able to deliver products palatable and delicious. I for one know what it’s like to try and bake without even half of the most common allergens—difficult!

I personally taste-tested their soft-baked cookies, granolas, snack bars, chocolate chips, trail mixes, chocolate bars, and bagels.

I’ve been using the chocolate chips for years and these are the most common chips I choose to use in my recipes and those listed on my website (http://glutenfreehelp.info). I never have physical troubles nor do my “allergic” friends with these chips.

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The granolas were fantastic and bursting with flavor. We also tested them as the base for our homemade trail mix and in granola cookies.  The soft-baked cookies were moist, and we all agreed they were light in flavor, offered in a number of flavors.

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Most people do not know about the man behind all this, Scott Mandell. As part of a class assignment at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, he came up with the notion that those with dietary restrictions sacrifice flavor and nutrition in foods. Scott and his team came up with a business plan with good nutrition and great taste for people on a restricted diet. In 2001, he raised money to build a dedicated GF facility to start his company and develop products. Enjoy Life Foods® has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 500/5000 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies for three years in a row from 2007 through 2009.

Enjoy Life Foods® teamed up with Fair Winds Publishing to launch a GF allergy-friendly cookbook entitled, Cookies for Everyone! You can be assured of allergy-free cookies, brownies and bars that are safe and delicious. Each of the 150 recipes are gluten-free and allergy-friendly (NO: wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg or soy). All readers will also learn how to use naturally allergy-free ingredients and substitutes to add extra richness, texture and nutritional content to any cookies and bars without losing the taste. This is a company that cares and is doing something about the growing needs of celiac and allergic individuals. They already have another book planned to be released in January, Cupcakes and Sweet Treats.

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Gluten-Free Summer Camp

     Summer camp is a cherished summertime tradition for children. Just because your child eats gluten free doesn’t mean he has to suffer without summer camp this year. There are actually some camps that specialize in the gluten-free diet, which you can find online; other camps specialize in other restricted diets, such as for diabetic children. You don’t have to choose a special camp for your child, though, as he may want to go to the same summer camps as his friends.

     Just as you had to meet with your child’s teachers and school administrators regarding his diet, talk with counselors and cooks in advance regarding your child’s gluten-free diet. Find out who’s in charge of meals and talk to them, in person if possible, about the details he’ll need to know. I recommend giving them a copy of a gluten-free cookbook and some articles about celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle, so that they’ll be able to refer themselves to these resources when they need it. Make sure to allow plenty of time before camp starts to let the camp staff prepare for the diet specifications. Don’t forget to discuss food preparation and serving techniques so they can avoid cross-contamination. Additionally, I recommend sending food along, if the camp’s regulations allow it, so your child has his favorite gluten-free snacks and also some gluten-free flour mixes, for example, which the whole camp can enjoy in gluten-free brownies, cookies, and cakes.

     It’s essential, as much as the camp’s personnel have been enlightened about gluten-free living, that your child understands his own dietary needs as much as possible. This will give him ultimate control in his gluten-free diet. Tell him the questions to ask about food preparation to prevent cross-contamination, make sure he knows how to read food labels, and teach him the synonyms for gluten.

Tina Turbin

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Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Jo-Sef – A Gluten-Free Company Worth Reading About!

Cookies are good and can satisfy a little sweet desire now and then, but Jo-Sef gluten-free cookies really hit the spot! This is a company built on love and determination to keep a couple’s son eating normal foods after being diagnosed with celiac disease. After a year of fruitless doctor visits and restless nights, a celiac diagnosis was enough to turn a family kitchen into a “test” kitchen for gluten-free recipes.

The cookies that Jo-Sef now successfully sells are a few of the results from those days nine years ago. Jo-Sef simply delicious “Sandwich O’s” are much like an Oreo ® yet come in vanilla, chocolate, and absolutely over-the-top cinnamon, three choices for our heart’s desire, all with a creamy, velvety filling.The Cookie Squares, too, come in three flavors and are already known not only for their flavor but for optional uses such as “pie crust” solutions. For the child in all of us, and for our kids, we have Jo-Sef Chocolate or Vanilla Cookies. When it comes to animal cookies, theirs are truly flavorful, with a delicate and wholesome flavor. Kids will love them. Many already do love these whimsical little bites.

Jo-Sef recognizes gluten is not the only issue facing many individuals, and without compromising flavor, their products are free of dairy/casein, nuts, lactose, eggs, trans-fats, and preservatives. They are also kosher, processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility, undergo ELISA testing, and are certified by the CSA (Celiac Sprue Association) to be free of gluten.

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This is a one of a kind flavor, one of a kind company and the products are out of this world delicious.

Little Side Note:  I crumbled up the vanilla cookies and used them in a pie crust for my apple pie. Wow! People were raving about the flavor: www.josefsglutenfree.com.

I give this company a BIG thumbs up!

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, July 19th, 2010

Get Tested for Gluten Sensitivity Even if You Think You Know the Answer

     Don’t assume that your symptoms are unique to you. For much of my life, I just thought that it was just normal for me to be in pain. People with osteoporosis, for example, say that their condition “runs in the family,” ignoring the fact that osteoporosis is often connected with celiac disease, which prevents the absorption of the vitamins and minerals that bones need.  You can take a look at the list of symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease on my gluten-free website.

     If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, even if you think you know why, you should schedule an appointment with your physician right away to get tested for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Tina Turbin

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Tina Turbin

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Tina Turbin became extremely interested and involved in the subjects of gluten free, gluten sensitive and celiac disease a number of years ago as a result of...

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