Posts Tagged ‘Gluten-Free Products’

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Monday, March 1st, 2010

Gluten-Free Company – Uli Mana

 

Uli Mana is a successful company with nothing but positive energy in every handmade product, founded by single mom Theresa Green. My L.A. and Florida gluten-free test group and I had the wonderful opportunity to test these delectable little morsels of yum. Each and every product has the capability to tease one’s taste buds and offers a smooth taste. They are a delicious treat for anyone needing a gluten-free chocolate fix. Who doesn’t have one of those cravings now and then, especially us women! Sorry men, I don’t mean to leave you out of this but there are just those times of the month- “Hey honey, don’t you dare touch MY Uli Mana.”

Not to side track you, but take a peek at the video review of their company.

Theresa Green started her career with Nirvana Manna (renamed later Maca Manna) after expected success with a home recipe passed to a friend at the Natural Foods Expo 2005. Word spread, and she could only grow and expand to incorporating UliMana. Her made-up name is semi-Huna—a Polynesian and Hawaiian science practiced by the aboriginals of those regions. It means asking the goddess Uli, the “Goddess of Serenity,” for the blessings of life force, energy, and vibrant health—“mana.”

All the chocolates used are raw as well as all of her ingredients, offering the raw food community the opportunity to take advantage of the many health benefits of raw chocolate, which reduces blood pressure, contains antioxidants, relaxes muscles (due to the mineral content), and increases insulin activity.

Theresa’s initial products were all sweetened with raw honey, and she featured many Cacao mixes. Two years ago she developed new products as a result of introducing agave into her test kitchen. The result was new versions of truffles, such as Goji Cherry Truffles, Dark Cacao Truffles, and her to-die-for Truffle Butter.

The new truffles were an immediate hit. As Theresa explains, they were an “eat-now” food and did not require any mixing or processing by the consumer except the process of hand-to-the-mouth-and-enjoy. Sales soared.

The  manufacturing facility is generously supplied by Blue Ridge Food Ventures, founded by Advantage West, funded by the State of North Carolina to help business. She has access to storage space, a loading dock, shipping and receiving, and even legal and accounting advice. She credits much of her ease in the business’s evolution to the opportunities her state offers through this facility, stating she’s never needed to take out a loan or sell shares of the business.

With the incorporation of UliMana strategically placed on a positive astrological day, Theresa continues to hire only positive people with positive energy, and all products continue to be raw and made by hand. I asked her what we can expect in the coming future, and she openly said a rice syrup version of new delectables to cater to the needs of the macrobiotic consumer, who will be very pleased, she’s sure.

We testers are still raving about Uli Mana and all the handmade treats which passed our palates.

Tina Turbin

This food company is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended by my entire team here at www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

Don’t forget to look at this company’s video review.


Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

A Hand For Haiti

Lauren is a gluten free teenager, with a passion for good food and a care in her heart for those in Haiti!

“After all, that is what this is about: selling ebooks to donate money to Haiti. All proceeds will do to the Red Cross.  The Canadian Red Cross that is.  You see, I am Canadian so it only makes sense to donate to this one.  Also, it has been in Haiti for many years, so they will be able to use the funds to help as in the best areas possible.  And here’s the really important part: the Canadian Government will match all donations received by February 12th, that are marked for Haiti Relief (as I will be doing to these).  They are matching donations made by individuals as well as those made from fundraisers for Haiti (like this ebook) by schools, businesses, social groups (that is what I believe we are, as blogging is a community of people, in this case coming together around food), etc.”

Lauren started it all in January 2010: ”I don’t know how long it will be, or how much work it will take, but it will happen.  Relief is being sent there in bundles now, and in a few weeks, they will still need clean food and water.  Medical support will still be saving lives. Currently, some of the “big” bloggers are getting together to make a cookbook, but I’m sixteen.  With that said, if you’re a blogger, send me your favourite, most loved recipe that makes you feel at home with an email subject line of “Haiti Ebook” to mail at celiacteen. com.  Please also include a picture!  The recipe does not have to be gluten free.  It can be a baked good, a meal, a breakfast, a treat, anything.  Whatever it is though, make sure it makes you think of home.  They lost theirs, so a comforting dish is the best way in my eyes!”

The project is complete- Help support Lauren’s Cause.

http://www.celiacteen.com/2010/02/haiti-ebook.html

Tina Turbin


Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Gluten-Free Dessert- Calling all Mint Lovers

I have a new absolutely favorite dessert. I feel like I am in the snow and eating clean bright snow as this ice-cream touches my tongue. This magic is the Decadent Coconut Milk Mint ice-cream from Turtle Mountain. No casein and no dairy!

Tonight I was on my way back to my studio in the car, fighting no traffic as my husband and everyone else in the USA ( or so it seemed) was tucked behind the TV watching the SuperBowl. I stopped for a few necessities, such as a dessert to dive into before walking the puppies when I go there. I have tried Turtle Mountain’s Chocolate( delicious) and Vanilla, as this is what my husband always gets us. Tonight it was my choice. I never knew they had Mint! My hubby has been holding out on me. My oh my! How did they know MINT is my absolute favorite ( besides a delicious GF carrot cake with thick cream cheese frosting). I then stopped for a quick meeting with their manager at the Health Food store discussing a GF event I will do and then I had to stop at one other store for another necessity, not so glamorous as a dessert- for Swiffer Sweeper wipes. The puppies are forever tracking in dirt everywhere from the yard with a smile as if this is their job and I appreciate all their hard work.

Anyhow, I got home about 35 minutes after grabbing that little pint of yum- my mint ice-cream. I opened the top, I knew it would be slightly melted but what the heck. Ice-cream is good no matter what. Well, let me tell you, it was perfectly creamy, soft-serve style and the best darn ice-cream I have had in years. No dairy reaction ( all coconut milk) and no sugar shock. It was so minty and had this large very thin shavings of  curled chocolate all throughout. Oh my, I can not even describe the experience and I was not even hungry, so that gives it even a greater rating.

This is not a technical food review. This is a moment of bliss that I am still on a high from and had to run in to my studio and share this with you. Please do yourself a favor and take a moment for yourself one day and give this a try. Let me know what you think.

The company has a number of other types of ice-creams but this is by far the BEST one for any mint lover, like me.

Tina Turbin


Friday, February 5th, 2010

Cooqi’s Gluten-Free Products: Rave Review

Yes – the brownies in the above photo really are that huge!

I had the opportunity to try some absolutely delicious products recently, so incredibly satisfying that I had to run to get to my keyboard and share the news immediately.
 
Cooqi is a wonderful gluten-free company based out of St. Paul Minnesota. Right this moment I am still smiling with chocolate in my teeth from THE BEST brownies I have ever been sent. These are the real deal folks! I can not believe the texture and flavor of these delectable squares. They are not overly rich and most definitely not too sweet, may I be so bold to say these are truly “perfect”.
 
Some of Cooqi’s other products include: granola, muffins, donuts, biscotti and  specialty gift baskets.  If you’re in the St. Paul, MN area, you can stop in for a visit to their bakery, pick up some goodies to take home and of course you can order products online.
 
You may be wondering about their granola. I did inquire about the source of their oats to discover their oats are delivered shipped in from another company. As always, if you are hesitant about oats, you need to do what you feel is right for your body. Not all celiac or gluten sensitive people have adverse reactions to oats and it is wise to start out a little at a time. For those who can tolerate oats, you will love the wholesomeness of their granola. You may call Cooqi and inquire about the source of their oats for further details.
 
In addition to the delicious contributions they’re making to our gluten-free community and taste buds, Cooqii’s website has helpful information on the topic of gluten-free, resources as well as informative information. I recommend spending some time on your computer and learning more about Cooqi and what they offer.
 
Be sure and get those brownies!
 
Happy Gluten-Free Eating!
Tina  Turbin


Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Gluten-Free Book Review: Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet

Watch my video of the JK Gourmet food and book review by clicking here.

Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet is a cookbook offering a clarification to and simplification of the grain-free diet and its health benefits. It also clarifies some specific points regarding the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and offers some well-researched and documented history and evidence concerningthe diet.

Bestselling authors Jodi Bager and Jenny Lass met one day while on a trip to meet with then author Elaine Gottschall, creator of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and started talking recipes and food. They soon collaborated and found that their individual styles complimented each other perfectly.

Jodi says her style is simple and she’s a mom and on the other hand Janet is more scientific and a medical writer. They even like opposites. Jodi prefers family meals and recipes to serve her kids, while Jenny has a bit of a sweet tooth and loves ice cream—hence, the basis of a wonderful assortment to not only satisfy the palate, but an array to fill the many basic needs from breakfasts to dinners, desserts, and kitchen staples, all with a great homemade taste.

For anyone wanting to absorb the premise behind the SCD, this is the book for any reader. You are presented with just what you need to grasp the concepts. I, for one, now understand Elaine’s original book as a result of Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet’s well-written explanations.

The recipes produce without a doubt top-of-the-line, high-quality foods. (Try the cashew butter cookies—with almond flour!) They are packed with nutrition thanks to Jodi’s interests and loaded with “yum” thanks to Jenny.

Don’t forget to watch my video of the JK Gourmet food and book review by clicking here.

Please read more about JK Gourmet at http://www.glutenfreehelp.info/review-food/gluten-free-food-review-jk-gourmet/

Tina Turbin

 

Bestselling first book

Delicious recipes for healthy living

Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet by Jodi Bagers and Jenny Lass


Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Tampa Area Celiacs a Support Group- Janet Heitler

 

There are many ways we with celiac or gluten intolerance can help others. One way is to head a group. Jane is an exceptional woman with her story and running a group for many years now. Here is her story and a link to a news article about her and her experiences. Really worth reading. Janet has recently attended my GF taste testing party to assist in my Reviews. She is FUN!

Janet Heitler joined a pre-existing group (Tampa Bay celiac Support Group) in 1995 two weeks after she was discharged from the hospital with her celiac diagnosis. She had a long time of misdiagnosis and no diagnosis. Things did not look good up to that final day of being correctly diagnosed.

Two women initially founded the group and Janet ended up in the group after they resigned from being Co-chairs. A husband and wife team took it over and I wanted to contribute because everyone was so wonderful – so Janet said she would be the Treasurer, easy to do. Everything was fine until two months into their “reign” I got a call that they were moving to Nevada.  Bam – she got in 1998 and I has had it ever since.

The meeting calendar was all over the chart and the first thing she did was announce to meet on the second Saturday of every other month – Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct and Dec.  We meet at 1 – 3 PM at the Jimmy Keel Library on Bears Avenue in Tampa, unless a luncheon is arranged.

They have done 2 GF Beer and Pizza Parties, when Pei Wei first opened they had a luncheon, and a luncheon at Trang’s Viet-Nam Cuisine — 90% of the menu is GF – it is not a GF restaurant it just works out like that, she says.

There are 200 people on her mailing list, but the most she has ever had at meeting (Beer/Pizza luncheon) was 70 people yet normally there are 20-25 people attending.

According to Janet, a lot of times newbie’s come once and think they know everything there is then fall aside. Then she gets a call and they talk as they are in trouble. She reminds them of the meetings and she tells them the new things that are out there and having the emails has helped people to reconnect and stay connected.

Janet’s email –  jchtbc42@tampabay.rr.com

Janet’s latest article: http://www2.newsadvance.com/lna/lifestyles/food_cooking/article/sifting_through_the_options/4033/

Thank you Janet!       Tina Turbin

 


Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Irresistible GF Chocolate Frosting – Runner Up January 2010 Contest

Dear Tina, Thanks very much for offering this contest! My recipe entry is one your readers will never, ever forgive you for posting, because it’s just too good! I love Pamela’s Dark Chocolate Frosting Mix, but I wanted something even thicker and more sophisticated for a grown-up GF birthday cake.

 

 

January 2010 Contest Runner UP

Irresistible GF Chocolate Frosting

Time: 5 minutes

1/2 cup Pamela’s GF Chocolate Frosting mix
2 tablespoons Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa powder
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon (real) GF vanilla

Combine frosting mix and unsweetened cocoa. Beat in butter, water, and vanilla. This recipe will frost an 8” flourless chocolate torte perfectly. Hope you and yours enjoy it!

Thanks again very much & all best, Vanessa

© 2010 Vanessa Wright


Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Gluten-Free Food and Company Review: Katz Gluten-Free Gourmet

Sitting at home creating gluten-free recipes for herself, family, and friends was pure delight to Mrs. Fradel Katz, diagnosed celiac. Little did she know that word would spread and the popularity of her foods would grow. Orders started flooding in until Fradel knew that her “hobby” was destined to become a flourishing business, and it did.

Click the following link to watch the GlutenFreeHelp.info video/review of Katz Gluten-Free Gourmet. You’ll enjoy it.

In such a way the Katz Gluten-Free bakery evolved from Fradel’s yearning for gluten-free, great-tasting, healthy food with a satisfying texture which became a food sensation for the community at large. She works hard still in her kitchen at home, yet all production takes place in her dedicated facility in Monroe, New York.

Joseph, her brother, can be found running the bakery and handling the clients, satisfying the needs of everyone with a ton of energy. They both share the desire to really listen to customers’ feedback and to continue to improve and expand with success.

Their facility is casein-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and they check into the full background details of all their suppliers. They both know the seriousness of celiac disease and the results which Mrs. Katz experienced once she was diagnosed celiac—free of the pain of rheumatoid arthritis as a result of her gluten-free diet. The pain was 100% gone! Not only is gluten-free eating important to her because of the personal relief she experienced, but also because of her six children, three have tested positive as well for celiac disease.

Katz Gluten-Free’s bestseller is their hallah bread with their whole grain bread coming in a close second. My favorites are the marble cake as well as the incredible cinnamon rugelach, the perfect accompaniment to a cup of milk or coffee. I’m still smiling from the pleasure of the great taste. Sincerely, no one can tell the breads are GF. The whole grain bread and the white bread are distinctly different and both perfect for French toast, with eggs or just any sandwich.

Fradel and her brother are a  perfect fit in this partnership. He enjoys dealing with the business and handling the three sales staff and seven bakers, and she enjoys sitting off to the side orchestrating more delectable items to add to their product list form her home “test” kitchen. Her most recent recipe was the Wholesome Bread, made with unique bean flours, teff for additional protein, and chia seeds and flax for fiber. This woman thinks of it all.

Fradel’s vision is to have excellent products, excellent service, and high-quality ingredients. They both agree the food industry is tough, yet share when they make as many people happy as they do through their store sales and internet sales, “it’s a good feeling and pushes you to continue,” Fradel shares.

Katz Gluten-Free Bakery products are in many stores and available for order by phone 845-782-5307 and online at www.katzglutenfree.com .Joseph and his staff at will treat you as well. Terrific service!

Click the following link to watch the GlutenFreeHelp.info video/review of Katz Gluten-Free Gourmet. You’ll enjoy it.

Tina Turbin

 


Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Central Florida is the World’s Most Celiac-Friendly Destination!


 
It’s always nice to receive a pleasant message, which in turn makes the day that much more brighter.
 
The Attune Foods Community Manager recently wrote to me concerning a  product review of their delicious gluten-free bars.  As a side note, these bars are fantastic and the video and written rave reviews will be posted soon!
 
She shared with me some TERRIFIC news about central Florida and paid me a lovely compliment:

“Tina, The Orlando Sentinel published a blog (click here to read the blog entry) stipulating that ‘Central Florida is considered to be the world’s most celiac-friendly destination.’  I bet your influence and awareness-building had something to do with that!  Have a great day and please let me know if I can be of assistance.”  Attune

Thank you!

Tina Turbin


Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

True Story: Stomach Pains Vanish After Eating Gluten-Free!

Following is a terrific testimonial from a man that had participated in my Gluten-Free Taste Testing Party on January 17th. 

“After the meeting at your house for the products taste party I decided to get very strict on a gluten free  program.

“After two days I had zero gut pain and a brain fog is clearing.   I have had gut pain for years and I have reduced the gluten but had not stayed really strict with it.

“Feel so much better.  Thanks so much again.”

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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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