Not that long ago, Betty Crocker announced a contest for the best Gluten Free recipe.  The contest came with some nice perks.  Most notably, a $5000 cash prize.  They’ve taken in all the recipes and picked a winner.  Here’s the press release:

Minneapolis, MN – November 2, 2011 – Holly Phillips of Stow, Ohio has cooked up some competition with her gluten free recipe as she has been named the grand prize winner of the Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest. In addition to taking home the grand prize of $5,000, Stow’s winning recipe for Apple Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Walnuts will be featured on GlutenFreely.com and BettyCrocker.com, and in a future Betty Crocker digital or print publication.

Determined to make delicious gluten free recipes, Holly Phillips did not let anything deter her pursuit of tasty foods upon her diagnosis of Celiac disease. With her decadent Apple Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Walnuts, she submitted a treat that came just in time for the autumn weather and upcoming holidays. By putting a spin on a variety of typical fall flavors, Phillips explained that she wanted to make a cupcake that “captured the essence of Thanksgiving.” Contest judges agreed it surpassed the other candidates particularly because it was simple to make and had an elegant presentation.

Upon discovering that she had been declared as the grand prize winner, Phillips stated, “After my Celiac diagnosis six years ago, I made it my mission to develop gluten free recipes that tasted just as good or better than the desserts I grew up loving. Opening a bakery will literally be my dream come true,” she further explained, “and with the help of the money from the contest, I get to do what I love and make others happy in the process!”

“We’re excited to announce Holly as the winner of our first-ever Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest,” said Alison Miller, Marketing Manager, Betty Crocker Dessert Mixes. “We commend her for her gluten free baking efforts. Her recipe is a great example that a gluten free lifestyle can certainly be delicious!”

The contest resulted in numerous delicious gluten free recipe ideas. In addition to being gluten free, submitted recipes were judged on five key categories including taste, creativity, ease of preparation, consumer appeal and appearance.

To view Holly’s winning recipe, and for more gluten-free recipe inspiration and information about the Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest, visit bakerschallenge.com.

About Betty Crocker

Since her creation in 1921, Betty Crocker has enjoyed a distinguished history as a multimedia superstar. Featured in radio, TV, print and now online, this cultural icon has rightfully earned her reputation as the “Original First Lady of Food.”

Since first published in 1942, over 75 million Betty Crocker cookbooks have been sold. BettyCrocker.com is one of the top websites in the food category and Betty Crocker’s Facebook community has more than 1 million fans. Betty Crocker branded products garner over $1 billion in sales annually. For more information, visit www.bettycrocker.com.

About General Mills

General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries. Its consumer brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant and Old El Paso. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2011 net sales of US$14.9 billion.

Very nice!  And the cupcakes look pretty darn tasty!

Genius bread has just recently become available in the U.S.A, but it’s been receiving rave reviews in the U.K.   As far as I can tell, the only place you can buy it currently (in the U.S.A.) is at GlutenFree.com.  Not only that, but they’re running a special through the end of the month that will give you $1 off each loaf of Genius bread (SKU# 102051M or 102050M) at their store.

Use the code TRYNOW to reduce the price of each loaf from $5.39 to $4.39.  That’s a pretty good price for gluten free bread.  Shipping might pose a bit of an add-on, but shouldn’t be bad.  And, really, does it matter?  It is the only place you can get it currently,  after all.  Click here to start loading up the shopping cart.  Coupon expires on the 30th of September.

I think we might pick up a loaf or two to give it a try.

According to this press release from the Smart Balance website, they’ve just purchased Glutino.

Commenting on the announcement, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Hughes
stated, “We are truly excited about adding the Glutino Food Group to our portfolio of health
and wellness brands. Glutino has increased its sales approximately 30% annually over the past
three years, and we are confident about its growth prospects and contribution to Smart
Balance. The demand for gluten‐free products is significant, and is now a category of over $2
billion in retail sales. We are bullish on the continuation of the category’s 10% compound
annual growth rate due to increased awareness and diagnosis of gluten‐induced ailments,
including celiac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies.”

That’s pretty interesting.  It could be really good for the Glutino brand as well.  They get a large U.S. company with a large U.S. distribution chain to push their product.

Another interesting factoid in there is the fact that the gluten-free product category of food is an over $2 billion market.  No wonder there are so many manufacturers jumping into the game.

Betty Crocker has, lately, been one of the shining stars of the corporate food manufacturers for their gluten free push.  Their mixes are amazing, and they make every effort to clearly mark their product if it is gluten free.  It’s smart on their part, for sure, but it is a godsend for those who have to struggle through the supermarket trying to find food that is safe for them.  Now, they’ve announced a Bakers Challenge:

Betty Crocker® Announces the Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest

Minneapolis, MN – May 24, 2011 – Hold the gluten, grab your aprons, and start your ovens! The Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest, Betty Crocker’s first-ever gluten-free recipe contest, is open for entries Wednesday, June 1st. Through June 30, 2011, gluten-free bakers from across the country can enter online at www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge for the chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000 and the chance to be featured on a Betty Crocker® Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick® Gluten Free baking mix package and/or be featured in a Betty Crocker publication. Entrants will be challenged to create an original gluten free holiday-themed appetizer, bread or dessert recipe, using any Betty Crocker Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix.

Submitted recipes must be entirely gluten free and will be judged on five key categories: taste, creativity, ease of preparation, consumer appeal and appearance. On or about September 20, 2011, Betty Crocker will announce the 10 selected finalists, who will each receive a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking gift basket filled with baking items and Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes (estimated retail value of $119). The finalists’ recipes will be voted on by the public on www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge, and the finalist whose recipe receives the most votes will be announced as the winner on or around November 1, 2011.

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity to the gluten free community,” said Allison Miller, Marketing Manager, Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Mixes. “The Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest is a great way for gluten free bakers to share their innovative creations and show the world how delicious living gluten freely can be.”

For gluten-free recipe inspiration and more information about the Betty Crocker Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest, visit www.glutenfreely.com today. In addition, through the end of June, save 20% on the purchase of any of the five of the Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes at www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore.
###

Contest Abbreviated Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older. Submit your entry online. Entries must be received by June 30, 2011, Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for details. Sponsored by General Mills Sales, Inc., One General Mills Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55426.

It’s an incredible thing.  I can’t wait to see some of the recipes that are going to come out of this!  Have you got a super duper recipe that you make from a pre-mix?  It might be worth $5000 in this challenge!

In light of the Damian Cardone fiasco, I thought it was time we revisit the education part of The Gluten Free Life.  One of the most important things that a newly diagnosed Celiac can do is to educate himself/herself on what that really means.  There’s a great deal to learn about what you can and cannot eat, and all the funny names that gluten can hide behind. But, no matter how much you educate yourself, it’s clear that you still have a lot to watch out for.  And, even then, you end up getting gluten’d by people like Damian Cardone.  Which is why your education efforts don’t end with yourself, or even your friends and family.  You’ve got to attempt to educate your entire community.

Let’s start at the beginning.  You’re planning on going out to eat at a local restaurant. Don’t wait until you get to the restaurant to find out if it will be safe for you.  If you can, do it days ahead of time. Not every trip will be scheduled that far in advance, but, try to give yourself at least an hour or two.

• Start by looking online to see if they have a website.  If they do, see if you can find any information on allergy/dietary needs or (if you’re really lucky) a gluten free menu.
• If they don’t have any info online, call ahead, before they’re busy and discuss your visit with the chef.  You’ll likely get some wonderful advice on what you can and can’t have while visiting the restaurant.  Avoiding discussing it at the table while everyone else is trying to order will help avoid any annoyance on the part of the wait staff, and the chef.
• If you have days before the event, offer to stop in and visit with the Chef.  You may be surprised with how many times you’ll get taken up on the offer.

Taking steps to keep yourself safe, while doing it ahead of time, and in a respectful way, can help other celiac sufferers too.  The more positive experiences that chefs have with gluten free diners, the less likely it is that they will develop an attitude towards gluten free diners like that of Damian Cardone.  Another thing to keep in mind is that if the restaurant that you’ll be visiting is one that is local to you and that you will likely be revisiting again, the more important it is to develop a relationship with the chef and staff of that restaurant.  Putting in a little time here and there to help educate them can give you a safe haven dining spot where you know that, not only is the staff attempting to deliver food that is safe for you, but that, because of the education help they’ve received from you, they likely will deliver food that is safe for you.

Additionally, many of the gluten free and celiac organizations offer educational materials and classes to help educate people, and the staff of food service companies like restaurants.

Celiac learning is an offering by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.  They have great courses for both food service professionals and medical professionals.

http://www.celiaclearning.com/

The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG) also has a wealth of information on their website, including a training/education program specifically for restaurant workers.

http://www.gluten.net/gfrap.php

Many of us who have Celiac, or live with those that who do, know the importance of avoiding gluten at all costs.  Many times, finding a restaurant or cafe that has a gluten free menu and takes the time to make sure it doesn’t get contaminated is a source of great excitement.  And, sometimes, gluten gets in there anyways.  This post by a chef on facebook makes me wonder how often it isn’t a mistake…

Damian J Cardone calls Gluten Free Diners Idiots

I really just don’t understand how anyone can make a claim like that. Maybe he’s looking for the more immediate reaction that, say, a peanut or shellfish allergy would bring? Somebody needs to educate this fellow. And until then, he should not be serving anyone anything at all. Unbelievable.  Anyone from Glenwood Springs, CO that knows where this guy works? UPDATE: Based on a few photos from his facebook page, I think he may work at an Italian restaurant called Florindo’s in Glenwood Springs, CO.  If you are gluten free and find yourself there, you might ask if he’s cooking first.

Here’s a direct link to the facebook post on his wall. (for as long as it stays there. Maybe he’ll get smart and delete it. UPDATE (3/30/11 3:58 Eastern): It looks like his entire facebook account is gone.  Glad I got a screenprint…)

Also, here’s where I first heard about this: Celiac Handbook on Facebook

ADDED: In another post, he says “May god help the Liberal hippie idiot whos going to ask for gluten free pasta this weekend.”

ADDED: A really well written post as an open letter to the chef at Injera and Chocolate Gravy

UPDATE (3/31/11 12:07 am): It made the news in Glenwood Springs on the 30th.  Here’s a link to it: KJCT 8 covers Damian Cardone story

UPDATE (3/31/11 12:36 pm): The local newspaper, The Post Independent, ran an article about as well: Former Glenwood Chef’s Facebook comment angers celiac sufferers (note: it’s kind of a sloppy piece, but it gets the job done. For instance, Shauna Ahern didn’t break the story.  The first place I saw it was on the Celiac Handbook facebook page, and it likely was on Celiac.com as well, way before either Shauna or myself broke it.)

UPDATE (3/31/11 10:19 pm): I finally found the link to the second television spot: 9news: Chef’s gluten free secret

Kelloggs is all set to introduce Gluten Free varieties of some of their cereals this year.  I can’t find anything on the Kelloggs website, but have seen several places (including their facebook page, Gluten Free Appetite, Gluten Free Optimist, and Gluten Free Living ) with this little blurb on it:

We are excited to tell you that we will have a Rice Krispies Gluten Free cereal launching late May 2011.

Whether that means they’ll be adding other cereals in the future or not, it’s a good start.  The link for Gluten Free Appetite, above, claims that there will be several cereals and bars that will be labeled as Gluten Free.  The site also has a nice picture of the Rice Krispies box.

This is exciting for so many reasons, not least of all because it opens up the options for foods that Celiacs can eat.  It’s also exciting to see another major food manufacturer producing Gluten Free foods.  That’s just awesome!  Keep your eyes out for those Gluten Free Rice Krispies in May 2011!

For all those on the look out for a healthy diet, a handful of nuts everyday can make the world of difference. Nuts have several benefits, and need to be consumed regularly for you to enjoy their goodness. They make a healthy snack that can be given to people of all ages, especially children. With the help of nuts you can make several 100 calorie snacks that will benefit your diet.

The benefits of nuts are –

1.They help to lower blood pressure
2.They help to regulate blood flow in the body
3.They can help fight heart diseases4.    They help increase the anti-aging elements in our body
5.They help make the bones stronger
6.They help increase the energy level in a person

Nuts are full of nutrients such as vitamin E and A, which are essential for strong bones. They have fiber in them, which help to ease bowel movements and reduce stomach problems. Nuts also have antioxidants, minerals, proteins, healthy monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids.

It is important to know that while nuts are high in calories, they are at the same time essential for a balanced diet. They are high in unsaturated fats, otherwise known as healthy fats. While they cannot be categorized as high calorie foodstuffs, a handful of nuts on a regular basis are sure to do wonders for your health. Since they are tasty and filling, you will stick to your diet for sure. Different nuts provide different benefits, so make sure you eat all these nuts in moderation because some of them can be relatively high in calories–

Pistachios –

Pistachios as many of us know have nutrients that benefit the heart. Some of the nutrients in pistachios include –

1.Calcium
2.Iron
3.Magnesium
4.Phosphorus
5.Potassium
6.Zinc
7.Vitamin C

They are one of the richest sources of iron and are hence are considered to be very healthy.

Walnuts –

Walnuts contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids which help to prevent irregular heart rhythms. They are also full of essential proteins that are necessary for the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in fish; hence if you are a vegetarian this is a good substitute for your daily omega-3 fatty acids intake. Recent research shows that they help prevent arthritis also.

Almonds –

Almonds are a good source of the following –

1.Calcium
2.Iron
3.Magnesium
4.Phosphorus
5.Potassium
6.Zinc
7.Vitamin E
8.Vitamin C

Since they are full of monounsaturated fats (healthy fats), they help in dealing with cardiovascular problems and to balance your cholesterol level. Walnuts and almonds are considered to be one of the best nuts for a healthy heart. Apart from these benefits, almonds are also good for the skin, as their oil is often applied to the face and body.

Cashew nut –

Although the cashew nut is actually a seed, it is considered to be a nut. They are high in protein as well as all essential minerals. They are also full of iron that benefit blood flow and also contains healthy monounsaturated fat, ideal for a healthy heart. They also happen to be a rich source of antioxidants that are essential to protect cells from any kind of damage, and help prevent cancer. Cashew nuts have the following –

1.Vitamin C
2.Calcium
3.Iron
4.Zinc
5.Magnesium
6.Phosphorus
7.Potassium
8.Copper

Other excellent nuts include pine nuts, Brazilian nuts, peanuts, pecan nuts, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts. All these provide a wonderful substitute to the regular snack such as cookies and chips, and the list of benefits that they provide are indeed endless.

For some more information on how many calories do I need on a daily visit, read ahead.

The folks at Mama Siran’s were kind enough to send me a sample of their Date and Hazelnut Spread.  What is it?

Mama Siran’s Date and Hazelnut Spread is a wholesome and incredibly
tasty product created from a unique family recipe
handed down through the generations.

This sumptuously delicious spread can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

For breakfast Mama Siran’s Spread on toast, on cereal,
as a sweetener with your tea or coffee instead of sugar.

As a snack on your favorite bread, cracker, with fruit or in a smoothie.

Enjoy it for dessert as a topping on ice-cream, or with yogurt.

Mama Siran’s Spread, as versatile as the imagination.

Some of those uses were a little too brave for me, but I did try it by itself and on several gluten free crackers.  And it’s pretty good.  After being in the fridge for a time, it was very difficult to spread, but according to the instructions, it can be heated up a bit in the microwave to fix that.

The taste reminded me a lot of the filling from Fig Newtons.  Some of you who have been Gluten Free might not actually know that taste unless you’ve tried one of the GF varieties.  And, I don’t think the GF varieties of Fig Newtons are really all that close anyways.

The texture of the spread is not what I expected.  I expected that it would be gritty, but it actually is quite smooth.  It’s the consistency (out of the fridge) of a very stiff paste.

Overall, I liked it.  I’ve still got some left and am planning on trying it in a few more of the adventurous ways that they suggest.  I’m thinking it would go quite well over a piece of toasted Udi’s bread!

A few suggestions I would make to the folks at Mama Siran’s.  The packaging seems a bit sub-standard.  I’m sure it’s perfectly sanitary and safe, it just seems less than what I’m used to.  I’m sure it’s a cost thing, and I understand that.  It would just be nice to see it in a small jar like a Nutella or Peanut Butter.

You can purchase Mama Siran’s Date and Hazelnut Spread through their website.  It’s $4.99 for a very generous portion, and from what I can tell, it keeps for quite some time.  If you’re looking for a bit of something a little different that  is certified GF, give it a test run.  I liked it, you might too!

Just in time for Halloween, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has released their 2010 Gluten Free Candy list.  It’s a nice and long list, but, of course, most candy is just straight sugar and flavoring, so most is safe.  As is usual, the list is accurate as of printing, so if anything changes at the manufacturing point, it is possible for some of it to become unsafe.  Should work wonderfully for this Halloween though!