SPRING Nourished Festival- Online GF Expo

Whether it’s gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or by personal choice, living a gluten-free lifestyle isn’t always easy. But with knowledge, resources, and support, a gluten-free lifestyle is highly attainable, leading to a happier, healthier life for you and your family!

Get access to experts and resources at The Gluten-Free Expo on Mary 14 & 15, 2022. The Gluten-Free Expo is a FREE two-day event dedicated to the unique needs of those who need or want to lead a gluten-free lifestyle for themselves or their family. The all-virtual event will feature a full schedule of presentations, exhibitors, discounts, giveaways, and the ability to connect with others in the community. The Gluten-Free Expo will cover a variety of topics to help you lead your best gluten-free life, including:

• Medical & Community Support
• Specialty Diets
• Supplements
• Food Products
• Skincare & Cosmetics
• Household & Pet
  

Registration is free but is required to attend the event. https://www.nourishedfestival.com/gluten-free-expo

The exhibitor list and presentation schedule will be shared with registered attendees before the show. Full access to all event content and activities will be available at 10:00am (ET) on May 14th, 2022.

What to Expect

• Engaging presentations and content from experts
• 1-on-1 consultations (by appointment only)
• Live events, chats, and private video networking sessions with exhibitors
• Products and services from gluten-free brands
• Samples, discounts, giveaways, and promotions
• A safe environment to connect and communicate with others leading a gluten-free lifestyle
• A virtual experience that you control—choose to browse, interact, participate as you desire

AND mark your calendars for The FALL Gluten-Free Expo coming Oct 15-16, 2022.

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FALL Nourished Festival- Online GF Expo

Get access to experts and resources at the Gluten-Free Expo on Sat, Nov. 6 – Sun, Nov. 7 2021. The Gluten-Free Expo is a FREE two-day event dedicated to the unique needs of those who need or want to lead a gluten-free lifestyle for themselves or their family. The all-virtual event will feature a full schedule of presentations, exhibitors, discounts, giveaways, and the ability to connect with others in the community. The Gluten-Free Expo will cover a variety of topics to help you lead your best gluten-free life, including:

• Medical & Community Support
• Specialty Diets
• Supplements
• Food Products
• Skincare & Cosmetics
• Household & Pet
  

Registration is free but is required to attend the event. https://www.nourishedfestival.com/gluten-free-expo

The exhibitor list and presentation schedule will be shared with registered attendees before the show. Full access to all event content and activities will be available at 10:00am (ET) on Sat, Nov. 6, and Sun, Nov. 7 2021.

What to Expect

• Engaging presentations and content from experts
• 1-on-1 consultations (by appointment only)
• Live events, chats, and private video networking sessions with exhibitors
• Products and services from gluten-free brands
• Samples, discounts, giveaways, and promotions
• A safe environment to connect and communicate with others leading a gluten-free lifestyle
• A virtual experience that you control—choose to browse, interact, participate as you desire

Bob’s Red Mill Oat Crackers

I love Bob’s Red Mill products, and these were no exception. The crackers were thicker or denser than say Wheat Thins (even though the box says “thin & crisp”) and were delicious with hummus. Not salty like Wheat Thins, just right, and slightly larger. Great for cheese and cold cuts, but you will need to buy a few boxes if entertaining; it’s a small box (8″ x 4.5″ x 2″), and an even smaller bag of crackers inside (says “4 servings” and about “8 in a serving”, meaning 32 crackers in the box) and many of the crackers were broken, that was a disappointment. I found them in the Cracker aisle at Sprout’s for $3.99, not in the gluten-free aisle where I expected them to be.

They come in several flavors, I chose the “classic” flavor. Enjoy!

Good & Gather GF Homestyle Waffles

Good & Gather is the home brand of Target food products. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined Target having THE BEST gluten free waffles I’ve ever tasted! Hands down the most flavorful waffles, thick and crunchy. I’ve eaten Vans Gluten Free and Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free, both in various flavors, none as good as the basic Homestyle waffles offered by Target. And the price is less than $2.50 for a box of 8 waffles. Go stock up!

• Good & Gather GF Homestyle Waffles
• NO artificial flavors, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners!
• NO high fructose corn syrup
• No synthetic color
• Certified GF
• 8 waffles in a package
• Money back guarantee, so you can’t go wrong!
• In Target’s freezer section
• Allergens- contains soy
• Also states on box that it “contains a bioengineered food product”, though I don’t know which ingredient it is.

I regularly use these waffles for almond butter & jelly sandwiches, egg sandwiches, with syrup, and with sliced bananas. Also great drenched with berries!

As an aside, I see from numerous reviews on the Target site, that many people hate the crunchiness of these waffles. Frankly, I am so tired of mushy, limp GF waffles and tortillas that I would take dry any day! Here’s the link to Target’s waffle page for more reviews.

https://www.target.com/p/gluten-free-homestyle-frozen-waffle-8ct-good-38-gather-8482/-/A-80952978

Red’s GF Chicken, Cilantro and Lime Bowl

I found this entree at Sprout’s, and because I was alone that night, I bought it to enjoy on my own. It’s been a long time since I’ve purchased a rice bowl, it’s my favorite because of all the fun ingredients- rice, chicken, veggies/beans, and from the picture, I got the impression the chicken was tender and flavorful.

It was easy to microwave for a quick meal. Cut a few 1″ slits in the plastic wrap and pop in the microwave for 4 minutes on high, then let sit for a minute before you stir and enjoy.

I did pause it at the 2-minute mark to stir it for even cooking. I didn’t stir it so much as shake it a bit to mix.

When I removed the plastic wrap, it looked rather bland & dull, not enticing like the entree pictured.

The flavor was real peppery (pepper is the last ingredient on the list), the brown rice mushy not light and fluffy (more similar to oatmeal, soggy and wet), the roasted red bell peppers limp and sad. The chicken flavor was bland, unsavory.

I ate half, mainly focusing on eating the chicken, and debated saving the rest for the next day, I chose to throw the rest away.

Not a product I’d buy again. I think it was on sale for $4.99.

• Red’s brand
• 15G protein
• Gluten free
• No antibiotics
• One serving bowl
• $4.99 on sale at Sprout’s Market

Front of box, the picture of bowl made me look forward to the taste.

Low fat, high protein, good amount of fiber and potassium.

“World’s Best” Mac and Cheese

I got a text from my daughter-in-law telling me about “the best mac & cheese” they’d ever tasted AND it was gluten-free (they don’t have sensitivities, they just decided to try it out). Happened to be “on sale” for $9.99 (regularly $12.99) at the grocery store she works at.

And for the next few months, they asked if I’d tried it, but each store in my area did not carry the gluten-free product. I finally found it at a Safeway, same price, $9.99 on sale for an 18oz package.

Make sure it bears the orange certified “gluten-free” packaging. It may be sitting next to the regular product.

I haven’t had real mac & cheese in ages! Mainly because I’d been avoiding dairy/cheese (for sensitivity reasons) and only recently added it back into my meals. This was the real deal as far as macaroni & cheese goes- very cheesy, rich, creamy…almost too creamy when it first comes out of the microwave, very soupy sauce. Maybe I just didn’t let it sit long enough after microwaving (it asks you to “let set for up to 2 minutes before serving”). I think this is so the penne pasta absorbs the runny cheesy goodness, as I found the noodles seemed a bit undercooked/firm and dry, not at all tender…at first.

The more I ate, the better it tasted! Soupy with cheese!!! And it left me thinking if I had been alone, I might have eaten the whole package, which at 2.5 servings per package and 14G of *saturated fat* PER SERVING, would be a bit over the top.

The package made 2 meals (one for me and then next day for hubby). My portion was generous and I added parmesan cheese to thicken the soupy sauce. There was still too much sauce at the bottom of the bowl when I was finished with the pasta, so I added a few sliced tomatoes, which didn’t sop up the sauce as much as make it runnier but the tomatoes added a new dimension to the sauce and ideas for next time.

My hubby enjoyed it with some grilled shrimp, and deemed Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese as worthy of another purchase.

$9.99 is a steep price for cheesy noodles, even gluten-free, but in a pinch, if you don’t want or have the time to make it yourself, this is a great alternative and a delicious treat.

Ideas for extending or embellishing the meal-

• add tomatoes or other veggies for color,
• add meat or fish,
• enjoy with a salad,
• use as a side dish.

Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese

Certified gluten-free

Frozen food section, you may have to ask for it

Serves 2-4

It’s vegetarian too

Conventional oven or microwave cooking directions

Allergens- contains milk

Mac and Cheese before baking.

2021 Gluten-Free Easter Candy List

VeryWell Fit is a great place to check out lists and articles. I highly recommend you bookmark the site. Here’s their annual Easter candy list.

https://www.verywellfit.com/gluten-free-easter-candy-562450

I love Peeps and they have so many new flavors- Hot Tamales flavor is a new fave, which is powerful in scent, yet mild in taste, even though it says “fierce cinnamon”. Specifically says “gluten-free” on package back. I hope the Easter Bunny brings me a basketful! (Allergen warning says, “may contain milk”.)

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Another new delicious treat are Starburst Jumbo Jelly Beans! Bite them in half or enjoy them whole and savor them slowly.

Happy Easter to all! – AFI

Having your story be respected

Several years ago, as I helped a friend move, she introduced me as “the person who is writing the gluten-free blog”. The response to her intro was hurtful, especially coming from a guy who didn’t even know me; he said, “well, you’ve been gluten-free for years. You should write a blog before she does.” Ugh!

The response has stuck with me for years, haunted me and kept me from writing when I wanted to; “who are you to write anything when there are so many others who know it better than you do?” His words from years ago still hold sway over me and my blog writing.

No longer!

My intention is to be more mindful with posting here- about my gluten-free experience which is on-going since 2013, food reviews, and topics on body image and food-related challenges.

We are all experts on our own experiences and trials. No one else can give that testimony or witness. To my “friend” who may or may not be reading this, I hope you yourself have started your own blog to help others through the challenges of GF living, you helped me, however, remember to be cognizant of others and their feelings and their need to be heard.

-AFI

Happy Valentine’s Day 2021!

For all those singletons enjoying the day, some ideas to make it even better.

“Be Your Valentine”! http://www.amihungry.com/pdf/Be-Your-Valentine.pdf

2020 Gluten-Free Halloween Candy List

Very Well’s GF candy list updated in October 2020. Lots of great candy to share or keep for yourself! This link will lead you to their site that also includes GF Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas candies. I’m sure it will tickle your sweet spot!

The Online Nourished Festival, a FREE gluten-free festival! Sept. 24-26, 2020!

Usually the Gluten-Free Festival is set for a certain location and, for me, is not convenient to travel to. This year, as Covid-19 and quarantines and social distancing hit, they decided to go online. And this is a major plus for those of us who can’t stand crowds, prefer to remain at a distance, and hate paying money to park (sometimes more than the fee for the event). The offerings for this 3-day extravaganza are amazing! Connect with brands in a virtual booth space, access discounts, purchase products, enter giveaways, watch cooking demos, and join educational presentations (172 Educational Sessions! Categories include: Health & Medical, Cooking, Baking, Lifestyle, and Kids.) There are 280 Exhibitors! Oh, my!

Something for everyone! Sign up now, it begins Thursday, September 24-26, 2020. FREE! Register at the link below…

https://online.nourishedfestival.com/coming-soon

NOTE- It is offered 11 am – 7 pm *Eastern time* each day.

2019 Gluten-Free Halloween Candy List

Just in time for Halloween! Lots of gluten-free ideas for your treaters!

Very Well’s GF candy list updated in September 2019. Lots of great candy to share with trick-or-treaters or your own little monsters.

Schar’s new cookie treats!
“Are you looking for gluten free, individually wrapped candies this Halloween? We’ve got the perfect treats! Choose between: Chocolix – a chocolate covered candy bar filled with caramel, Sch’nacks – little cakes with cream filling, Twin Bar – delicious wafers covered in thick European chocolate, and finally, our Chocolate Hazelnut Bars – light and crispy wafers, covered in chocolate and filled with a hazelnut cream; or get them all now!”

I’ve also found the most delicious Scottie Dog Licorice at my local market, made by Gimbal’s Candy in the ol’ USA (San Francisco!) Peanut free, tree nut free, dairy free, gluten free, soy free, egg free, and kosher pareve! AND no high fructose corn syrup either! I found them on clearance several months ago and bought all the bags they had, then a few weeks ago, they were back at my market in new packaging! (Pictured- (L) old black & white, (R) new white & black). Although these are not in individual portion-size bags, they can still be enjoyed by those you know by placing them in snack-size bags. I love them for going to the movie theater, I make them last by cutting each dog in 3 pieces with scissors and savoring each piece.

Yum!

Something more to consider about my beloved Scotties…

Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2020
To: Gimbals Customer Service
Subject: Scottie’s ingredients

I love your licorice! I can’t eat other licorice brands because I have a gluten sensitivity. A friend is saying that black licorice can cause heart disease because it robs the body of potassium. Because of the sweetening compound “glycyrrhizin”. I don’t see this as an ingredient on your packages and am hoping it is not included, because I have genetic heart issues. Can you confirm whether this ingredient is in your Scotties that I love so much?

Received: Wednesday, March 16, 2020
From: Gimbals Customer Service
Subject: Scottie’s ingredients

Please forgive the delay in responding to your question. (over 1 month to reply to me)

Thank you for your compliment of our Black Licorice Scottie Dogs.  They do contain a small amount of Glycyrrhizin because we use Real Licorice Root extract, along with Pure Anise.  Glycyrrhizin naturally occurs in Licorice Root.  The amount of Licorice Root Extract is pretty low. 0.02% and the amount of Glycyrrhizin is a portion of that.  Just to be on the safe side though, you should discontinue eating this product until you speak with your physician.

We hope that the amount is negligible enough that you will be able to continue enjoying them, since it’s obviously a favorite.

Thank you for writing and again, please accept my apology for keeping you waiting.

Sincerely,

Gimbal’s Customer Service

 

Schar Bread and Storage

This info came through an email from Schar (www.schaer.com). I’ve purchased their products in the past, amazed that they are so fresh for so long on the shelf. I guess I didn’t know that you have to consume it quickly after opening. If there is too much left to eat within a few days, I always freeze it. Honestly, I’d rather not waste the bread, even if it doesn’t taste as good after being frozen. -AFI

”How to Properly Store Our Bread

Since there are no preservatives in any of our products, the bread molds faster than you would expect. The packaging keeps it fresh and shelf stable for 4 months, however after opening, you will need to enjoy within 2-3 days (depending on your environment).

Since we know it can be difficult to consume a whole loaf of bread in one sitting, we suggest placing the product in an air tight container in the fridge. Enjoy!”

How To Identify Gluten in Food Labels

From VeryWell Health – VeryWell Health’s “How To Identify Gluten On Food Labels” article. Very good basic info. Still be cautious of cross-contamination and ingredients that you are unsure of.

Link to VeryWell’s article

Very Well’s 2016 GF Candy List

Safe treating to you!

I’m not a really big candy person, but I love my GF chewy sweets like Starburst & Skittles when I watch a movie.

VeryWell.com has a great GF candy list for this Halloween. Very comprehensive!

Very Well’s list of gluten-free candy (updated 10/2016)

Happy & safe treating this Halloween!