Is Vanilla Flavored Almond Bark Gluten Free?

I was recently asked if I knew if Vanilla flavored Almond Bark was Gluten Free. We have the CSA Gluten Free Product Listing Book and I was not able to find this information anywhere! The ingredients on the Plymouth Pantry vanilla flavored Almond Bark are as follows:

• Sugar
• Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
• Whey Powder
• Soya Lecithin
• Artificial Flavor
• Milk

If I was to make a judgment by ingredients alone I would say it was probably ok, however, I am not sure whether there is a possibility of cross-contamination in the factory where it is made and packaged. Since this is the case, I cannot positively guarantee it and don't want anyone to get sick. One option would be to contact the company to find out if it is indeed a gluten free product as well as verifying the cross-contamination risks. The contact information is:

Staple Food Products
700 Berkshire Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441

P.S. This is a little off of the subject, but if you ever send an email to me, please include an email address to respond to because I don't have access to your email address (It says it is a "do not reply" email) Thanks and I hope that this helps. :-)

Finally! Some great homemade pancakes!

I have always been a huge fan of buttermilk pancakes, so you can imagine how it feels to not be able to enjoy them any longer. I found a fantastic recipe on Recipezaar that is absolutely delicious (I made some slight adjustments). It doesn't even taste gluten free. These pancakes are fluffy, white, and oh-so-yummy! I hope you will try them out, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy! This recipe makes about 6 small pancakes.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Gluten-free flour blend (1&1/2 cup white rice flour, 1/2 cup potato starch flour, 1/4 cup corn starch flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
3. Add milk mixture to the dry ingredients, and whisk until well blended.
4. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
5. Preheat frying pan to medium heat (melt a small amount of butter to oil pan if needed)
6. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot pan for small pancakes.
7. Pancakes are ready to be turned over when the edges are no longer glossy, and the bubbles that pop stay open. To check the second side for doneness, you just have to lift an edge of the pancake up with a spatula and take a peek.

BACK TO SCHOOL GF LUNCHES!!! WHAT TO DO?

This idea has probably been around for a while in other realms. Who knows, it may have even been mentioned as a Gluten Free idea. My son and I were brainstorming lunch ideas and came up with a fantastic idea that allows variety and spunk in your lunch. We even had some non-gluten free peoples try out our ideas and they enjoyed them a lot. So what could make a gluten free child feel better than to bring a lunch to school that other kids think is pretty neat and would like to try, right?

                     

Here is the deal. The fundamental idea revolves around white corn tortillas. The sky's the limit once you get these. One of our favorite creations is spreading peanut butter and jelly onto the tortilla and rolling it up. A few of these work well as a replacement sandwich. You can also go in several other directions with this....Peanut butter and honey; peanut butter and sliced bananas; mayo, ham and cheese; mayo, turkey, and cheese, the sky's the limit! You layer up your tortilla and roll up as many as you desire. They are ultra yummy and definitely hit the spot. 

Here are some of the combos we put together when packing our school lunches:

1. A corn tortilla roll creation, boiled egg, GF crackers with cookie cut slices of meat and cheese,or homemade trail mix
   
2. A drink (water bottle, Capri sun, kool-aide, milk, chocolate milk)
3. fruit/veggie of some kind (watermelon, banana, apple slices w/ peanut butter, carrot sticks, cucumbers, salad, grapes, cherry tomatoes,etc.)
4. Dairy (string cheese, etc)
5. Snack (chips, fruit snacks, candy, etc)

We have had great success since we have implemented this system and I hope that it is a great help to all of you out there looking for creative options to perk up your child's GF lunch. ENJOY!

Mmmmm, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Nope, I didn't disappear. I have been extremely busy with classes, so my apologizes for the lack of blogging. :-)

So, this is an absolutely delicious recipe. I found this recipe on the Martha Stewart website and have brought it to several family functions. It has actually been a big hit. We just serve it with tortilla chips and "Presto!" fabulous meal, with very little effort.


INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Course salt and ground pepper
• 5 unpeeled garlic cloves
• 2 jars (16 oz each) medium salsa
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
• 12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh, chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, place with garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until an baking thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast registers 165 degrees (25-30 minutes)
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine salsa and cream
4. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Once chicken is cool enough to handle, shred meat.
5. Peel and chop garlic
6. In a large bowl, combine chicken, garlic, and 1/2 cup salsa mixture
7. Stack tortillas flat, and wrap in damp paper towels. Microwave on high for 1 minute to soften.
8. Working with one tortilla at a time, dip in salsa mixture, lay flat, and fill with 1/3 cup chicken mixture.
9. Roll up and arrange, seam side down, 8 enchiladas lengthwise and 4 crosswise in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Top with remaining salsa mixture, then cheese.
11. Bake until cheese is browned and salsa is bubbling (40-45 minutes)
12. Let rest for 10 minutes
13. Serve, sprinkled with cilantro

Namaste Chocolate Birthday Cake

Did I mention that I love Namaste? SO YUMMY! Here are some pics of a 3 tier cake that I made for my little man for his 8th birthday. Namaste chocolate cake mix and chocolate Pillsberry frosting, topped with sprinkles. So moist and absolutely delicious!!!

More GF Ice Cream Cake Creations!!!

I am really loving my latest GF Ice Cream cake creations! They are a huge hit. Yum-Yum-Yum! Here are some pics of my latest creation for my son's 8th birthday party:

It's a Pirate's Life!

Great Gluten Escape Camp 2008

Get ready to walk and talk like a pirate...

When: June 15 - 20, 2008
Where: Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, Texas
What: A celiac camp for children ages 7-15
Camp Fees: $395

Don't miss the boat!
As of February 14th they have already registered 30%
of the camp capacity and we expect to fill the camp this summer!

MISSION STATEMENT
The Great Gluten Escape will provide each camper with an opportunity to participate in all camp activities without concern for the gluten content of the food provided. The camp will provide an environment that encourages peer support and escape from the daily peer pressure of the “I can't have that” syndrome.

Visit our 2005 and 2006 Great Gluten Escape Photo Galleries

QUESTIONS ABOUT CAMP
If you have questions concerning your child's situation that you would like to discuss with a staff member prior to registration, please use the Contact Page. From the contact page you are able to send an email with your questions, or you can contact the Camp Director, Kelly LeMonds via telephone.

CAMP DETAILS
This 6 day/5 night summer resident camp has been designed for youth ages 7-15 with dietary restrictions related to Celiac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, and/or Gluten Sensitivity/Intolerance. This is the camp where you can escape from the gluten loaded world we live in. For one week you will no longer have to worry about gluten!

Camp Gilmont located in Gilmer, Texas approximately 2 hours east of Dallas , Texas . The camp comes with all the normal camp events and activities. Each camper will experience all of the excitement of a summer resident camp, including S'mores by the campfire!

We welcome siblings whom are also of the age 7 to 15 that are not diagnosed with Celiac Disease, DH, or Gluten Intolerance, however, only gluten free food will be served during camp. We regret we will not be able to accommodate campers experiencing the physical challenges associated with Down Syndrome and/or Autism.

CAMP NURSE
We will have a camp RN (celiac knowledgeable) on facility during the entire week, and all foods and medications will be gluten-free. Other dietary restrictions that can be accommodated are casein and dairy intolerance. All other dietary restrictions should be discussed with the Camp Nurse , Cheryl Gainer, RN at 214-274-6094, or ggenurse@dallasrock.org BEFORE registering for camp .

REGISTRATION
Registration may be completed on the Registration Page from the link above. To reserve your spot, complete the registration form and make (at minimum) the $100 non-refundable deposit by May 1, 2008. Information regarding payment by Pay Pal or by check is available on the registration page. Campers will be registered on a first-come first–served basis. It is our policy to return all registrations that are not complete, that do not have the complete deposit, or that have contingencies. The camp deposit of $100 is non-refundable. For more information please contact the camp registrar via email or 972-359-1955.

Note: This information has been copied from the Dallas R.O.C.K. website. This camp offers fantastic opportunity and experience to Gluten Intolerant and Celiac kids!

More Ice Cream Cake Experiments

Happy Birthday Rachel!!!

I have found a new passion...Ice cream cakes. The one I made for my sister's birthday was very popular. I personally thought it tasted better than the first one I made (Mostly because I love chocolate;-) Here are some pictures of the final product (you can get the recipe from my original post).

This cake was made with a chocolate cake base (Namaste, of course.) The filling was mint chocolate chip ice cream, which was frosted with chocolate chip vanilla ice cream. The cake was decorated with green dyed Pillsbury vanilla frosting.

HOPE YOU HAD A FABULOUS
BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

My cousin Katie shared this recipe on her blog and it is absolutely delicious! I am already a peanut butter fanatic, so lets just say that I have been baking and eating peanut butter cookies since she posted the recipe;-)


Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 3 cups packed brown sugar (the original recipe calls for 2 cups, but I found that adding one extra cup makes the cookies hold together better instead of flattening out)
  
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 tsp GF vanilla
• 2 tsp baking soda
• a pinch or two of salt
  

Directions

Preheat oven to 350

1. Mix together dry ingredients, followed by liquid ingredients
   
2. Roll into small balls (I used a tablespoon to scoop)
3. Take a fork and press the down down, making a criss-cross pattern
4. Bake between 8-10 minutes (I bake for 8 minutes using stoneware and they turn out to be perfectly chewy.)
5. Let the cookies cool on pan for about 5 minutes and then place them on wire cooling racks so the can cool completely.

In case your not in the V-day spirit yet....

"THANKS DAD FOR THE YUMMY VALENTINE'S DAY TREATS!"
Love, Grandma, Mom, Rachel, and I :-)

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Ingredients

1. 1 pound semi sweet chocolate chips
2. 1 cup heavy whipping cream
3. 1/2 cup of cocoa powder

Directions

1. Place chocolate in large heat-proof bowl. Bring cream to a boil in microwave
2. Pour directly over chocolate
3. Allow to sit 10 minutes, then use a rubber spatula to stir chocolate and cream until combined.
4. Pour mixture into pie dish; refrigerate until set (about 40 minutes)
5. Using a rounded tablespoon, form balls from mixture and place on parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet
6. Refrigerate until firm.
7. Remove from refrigerator
8. Quickly roll into a ball, dust with cocoa powder
9. If truffles become too soft to handle, chill again until firm

*Makes about 2 dozen
(Must stay refrigerated)
**Store refrigerated in an airtight container up to one week**



This recipe was inspired by a Martha Stewart Chocolate Truffle recipe

Valentine's Day Cupcakes

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Well, as you all may have heard, Whole Foods is already in the process of slowly replacing the Namaste brand with their own products. :-( So, I was surprised to see the process already in full swing the other day when I went to pick up some cake mix. I was pressed on time, so I grabbed a box of Whole Food's Chocolate Cake Mix. I whipped up the mix into cupcakes for a Valentine's party.

Let's see....how would I compare it to Namaste? It was a good mix, and all of the kids gobbled it up. I thought it was really good too. But, for all of you who have tried Namaste products, you will know what I am talking about. Namaste Cake Mixes in general, have this moist and "Oh so delicious taste that lasts for days and days!" Even my "non-gluten free buddies" agree that Namaste cakes are the best cakes they have every had, which is a lot to say since it is gluten free. So, if you couldn't tell, I heart Namaste. Life goes on though, right?

I still plan to make sure that Market Street is not following suit and that they are keeping Namaste on the shelves, but if you are into variety. I will recommend this Whole Food's Chocolate Cake Mix. I am also intending on at least trying out the other Whole Food's products they are putting out (i.e. pancake/waffle mix, cookie mix, bread mix, etc) and I recommend you do too. They are still expensive (being gluten free and all), but they are not as expensive as some of the others. So, here are the cupcakes, topped with Pillsberry Cream Cheese Frosting (dyed pink), sprinkles, and a single DOTS candy (red and pink, of course) Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day ~ This will get you in the spirit

When is the last time you remember enjoying ice cream cake? Well, here is a recipe that will allow you to enjoy an ice cream cake that just happens to be gluten free!

Gluten Free Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

1. 1 box gluten free white cake mix ( and whatever ingredients it requires, which is usually water, eggs, and vegetable oil)
2. 1/2 gallon box of your favorite gluten free ice cream (I used butter pecan)
3. 4 cups (2 pints) gluten free vanilla ice cream
4. 1 (12 ounce) container of white frosting (I used Pillsberry)

Directions

1. Make your cake following the directions on the box.
   
2. Pour the batter into a greased 9X13-inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
3. Once cake is done, let it cool to room temperature.
4. When the cake has cooled, slice it in half and place each half on a wax-paper covered cookie sheet.
5. Put your 1/2 gallon box of ice cream into a mixer and mix until smooth (not too long or it will start melting)
6. Scoop the ice cream out evenly distributed between the two cake halves.
7. Using a butter knife, mold the ice cream so that it appears to follow the same shape as the cake half.
8. Place in freezer for 1-2 hours
9. When the designated time has passed, place your 4 cups of vanilla ice cream into the mixer and mix until smooth (again, not to long as to melt it) (*** You can add food color this if you would like it to turn out another color***)
   
10. Scoop the vanilla ice cream evenly onto each cake half. This time you will be shaping the ice cream as if it is frosting, so fill in the top and cover the sides. (You may use whatever instrument works best for you (I just used a butter knife)
11. Place the cakes back into the freezer for an hour or so to set up.
12. Once the cakes have set, you can decorate if with frosting (perhaps around the top and bottom edges, or write a special note in the middle) Fill a pastry bag with a fancy tip and decorate.
13. Cover the cakes and keep them in your freezer.
14. When you are ready to serve the cakes, leave them out for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
15. Cut the cakes with a sharp knife that has been held under hot water.

Quick Note: Remember, you may use whatever flavor cake mix you desire and same goes for ice cream.

ENJOY AND HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Close to Normal White Bread

So...the only gluten free bread that I have found to really like is the Whole Foods Sandwich Bread. (Not that I am an expert, because there are a lot of GF Breads out there that I have not tried.) Yesterday I tried out this recipe found in Incredible Edible Gluten Free Food, by Sheri L. Sanderson. (recipe below)

The first round was good. I had my father do a taste test comparing the gluten free loaf I made with some Sara Lee Whole Grain White Bread. His opinion was that they were similar in all aspect but a couple. The main differences were that the Sara Lee bread had a wheaty taste (didn't see that one coming ;-) and that although my GF bread was soft and fluffy, it didn't stay in when you pressed your fingers on it, it just fluffed back out. I don't know if that even matters :-)

Needless to say, the bread has gone fast. On the second loaf I made, I added about a tablespoon more of sugar, but did not notice much of a difference. We made some grilled cheese sandwiches and there were absolutely yummy! I also made hot dog buns with this recipe. They were delicious, and my trick to shaping is that I put on rubber gloves, spray them down with cooking spray, and shape away. The one thing I need to work on is how thick the buns are. Since they are not as "fluffy" as wheat buns they are thicker, but I don't believe it will take much effort to change that! Enjoy!

GF Hot Dog Buns. Yum-Yum-Yum-Yum!

Our Yummy Gluten Free
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Classic White Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1 cup potato starch flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 3 TBSP sugar (I used 3)
  
• 1 TBSP xanthan gum
• 1 1/2 tsps salt
• 1/2 cup dry powdered milk
• 2 1/4 tsps rapid rise dry yeast
• 1 tsp unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups water (120-130 degrees)
• 2 TBSP margarine or butter
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (I only had apple cider vinegar, so I used it with an additional pinch of sugar)
• 3 large eggs

Directions

(I proofed yeast first)

1. Measure out water and heat with butter in it until 120-130 degrees. Then add in the sugar and yeast.
   
2. Stir together and allow to stand undisturbed for 6-9 minutes. The mixture will develop froth on top of water and then the liquid will become cloudy.
3. After about your 6-9 minutes are over, stir the mixture and make sure that all of the yeast granules have dissolved. (You will need to let it stand for a few more minutes if there are still undissolved granules.)
   

1. Combine rice, potato starch, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, salt, milk powder, and unflavored gelatin in a large mixing bowl. Have this mixing on slow speed.
   
2. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
3. Slowly add the proofed yeast mixture (from above) to dry ingredients.
4. Add vinegar and the eggs one at a time.
   
5. Once all ingredients have been combined, mix at a high speed for 3 minutes. (The mixture will look similar to thick cake batter)
6. Pour the dough into a greased loaf pan. Put the filled pan into the pre-heated oven (covered ~ I used a dish cloth) and turn off the oven. Let the dough rise until doubled (for about 45-60 minutes)
7. Once bread has risen, remove from oven.
   
8. I put some egg whites into a bowl and brushed them over the top of my loaf of bread. (optional)
   
9. Then cover and turn oven on to 375 degrees.
10. Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes or until loaves are golden and toothpick can be inserted near the center and come out clean. (halfway through baking, when it becomes golden, cover the pan with foil to prevent over-browning)
11. Remove loaves from oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
12. Remove the bread from the pans and cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.

I really thought that bread would be more difficult to make, but it was so simple, just time consuming with all of the rising and baking times. I would just do it on a day you plan to be around the house anyways and check in on it between other activities. I am going to try the hot dog buns again, and I will post pictures. (hopefully they shape better this time) ENJOY!

The Best Homemade Gluten Free Pizza!

This is the best homemade gluten free pizza recipe EVER! Anytime we get a pizza craving around here, this certainly satisfies it. I recommend it to anyone, gluten free or not. Try it out! I found this recipe on Recipezaar.com

Amazing Gluten Free Pizza Crust

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp gluten free rapid rise yeast
  
• 2/3 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 2 Tbsp dry milk powder
  
• 2 teaspoons xantham gum
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
• 1&1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
• 2/3 cup warm water (105 degrees)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cider vinager

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. In a medium mixing bowl blend yeast, flours, dry milk powder, xantham gum, salt, gelatin powder, sugar, and italian herb seasoning on a low speed with regular beaters.
3. Add warm water, olive oil, and cider vinager.
4. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes (if mixer bounces around bowl, the dough is too stiff so add water one teaspoon at a time until it does not resist beaters.) The dough will resemble soft bread dough.
5. Spray pan with gluten free cooking spray. Put mixture in the center of a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet.
6. Spray one side of a piece of saran wrap with the cooking spray and use that side to flatten and shape the dough in the pan.
7. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and remove from oven.
8. Cover pizza crust with sauce and desired toppings. Place back in oven for about another 20 minutes or until nicely browned on top.

Enjoy! :-D