Food Review: Glutino Instant Pancake Mix

Glutino, one of the most popular gluten free companies, has been making gluten free food for 30 years. They are dedicated to making high quality gluten free food. With over 100 products available to us, they make sure that each product is "pristinely gluten free (source: http://www.glutino.com/our-story/)." They are very customer service oriented, and listen to the advice of the customers.

Yesterday morning, I tried one of Glutino's newest products: the Instant Pancake Mix. Just like Bisquick's shake 'n' pour, Glutino wanted to make something just as similar and convenient, but, gluten free. With this product, all you have to do is just add water, and shake the bottle.

The pancakes came out thick and delicious. The bottle does not have a lot of mix in it, so, if you are making pancakes for the family, you might want to purchase a couple of bottles. Same thing goes for making waffles. The bottle only yields 4 pancakes.
I really like the convenience of this product. It's quick to prepare. You don't need to break out the mixing bowl, gather your ingredients together, and mix it all up. It can also be fun for the kids.

The product can be found in the natural foods section of your local grocery store. If you have a natural foods store in your area, I would suggest going there first. Sometimes the instant pancake mix is hard to find. It is a bit expensive for what you get, but, the taste and convenience does make up for it. Glutino is a brand that you can trust, and I cannot imagine spending a few extra dollars on any other brand.

To purchase this product, click on the above photo.

photo credit: http://www.groceryheadquarters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Instant-Pancake-Mix.jpg

Connecticut Finds: Nature's Goods Market (Store Review)

As you have seen, I have done a lot of food reviews. I thought I would switch gears for today and do a store review.

Today, my boyfriend and I went to Nature's Goods Market in Middlebury, Connecticut. It is a natural food and organic market/deli that happens to have gluten free items. The store was pretty crowded. Today, they had employees inviting customers to sample certain products. The employees talked a great deal about the product they were advertising. They seemed to know a great deal about the product.

The store has a great selection of gluten free food. They have all the famous brands (Udi's, Bob's Red Mill, Glutino, Three Bakers, etc. They even had brands that I had never even heard of.
The store also has a lot of gluten free shampoos, conditioners, lotions, body washes, styling gels, vitamins, supplements, etc.

Nature's Goods Market also has a deli with an amazing selection of gluten free food. Today, I bought a pound of gluten free chicken salad so I could make sandwiches this weekend.

When I went to go cash out, the clerk that rang me up was very nice. I told her that I really liked the store, and I asked her how long the store has been around. She told me the store has been around for almost 2 years. Along with my purchase, she threw in a sample packet of seaweed snacks (I wasn't really a fan of it). The prices in the store are a bit steep, so, if you're on a budget, spend your money wisely.

As far as the chicken salad is concerned, it was very very good. It paired well with my Rudi's multi-grain bread, and 2 slices of Boar's Head American Cheese.

Anyways, Celiacs, if you find yourself in the Waterbury, CT area, and you're looking for a place to shop at (or a bite to eat-they also sell gluten free sandwiches and wraps), check out Nature's Goods Market. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. It's a very customer service oriented place, which is something that I love in a store.

Nature's Goods Market:

860 Straits Turnpike Middlebury, Connecticut 06762

 

Store Hours: 

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sun: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

photo credit: http://s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/HFqdQXRAPMZGrNIr57KXIg/ms.jpg

Acknowledgements from Restaurants and Companies that I've reviewed (part one).

 As someone who does a TON of reviews, it is still exciting to have people retweet my posts, and thank me for reviewing their products and restaurants. I wanted to share with all of you some of the acknowledgements that I've received.

Jeff Horowitz ‏@HorowitzJeff 24 Jun

@Shausil82 @Vitacost Thanks for the great review

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gluten Intolerance retweeted you

27 Jun: Is There A Connection Between Celiac Disease and Crohn's Disease? #Celiac #Crohns #Colitis http://fb.me/BZekuFqP

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

KUTOA Company favorited your Tweet

28 Jun: Considering Summer Camp For Your Celiac Child? #CeliacDisease #SummerCamp #GlutenFree http://fb.me/2PIP0BnHi


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Jenkins favorited your Tweet

5 Jul: The Awkward Celiac Diagnosis #CeliacDisease #CeliacSprue http://fb.me/24QA5ktsG

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

 Lynn Mendelsohn ‏@TravelLaughLove 9 Jul

@shausil82 Thank you so much for that blogpost you did on my tours! I really appreciate it! I will also have brochures at various NYC hotels

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

 ALCAT Test favorited your Tweet

Who Else Agrees? @Shausil82 A Restaurant That I Wish Was Gluten Free: Panera Bread #GlutenFree #CeliacDisease http://fb.me/ZolifXMB 

 

ALCAT Test ‏@TheALCATTest 18 Jul

@Shausil82 Very Good Points On Your Part. @panerabread should take note!

 Charlotte Spencer ‏@CharlotteWeb12 18 Jul

@TheALCATTest @Shausil82 I agree!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Desert Essence ‏@desertessence 9 Sep

@shausil82 Thank you for the review, Shauna! We're so thrilled to be your go-to #gf haircare :)

Desert Essence ‏@desertessence 9 Sep

Celiac Warrior @shausil82 reviews our #gf Red Raspberry Shampoo & Conditioner! http://fb.me/1IfdvT4St

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

  Snyder's of Hanover ‏@Snyders_Hanover 25m

@Shausil82 Thanks for the review! We're glad you're enjoying our #GF pretzels.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Thanks to all of the above companies for being a part of the gluten free, and Celiac communities. You all make it so much easier for us! God bless you all!

photo credit:  http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/10/02/b01002f74e9bd35ab5e02e722b2a7879.jpg

Food Review: GF Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Sticks

 With food corporations becoming more Celiac and gluten intolerant aware, they have made strides to accommodate our dietary needs. Snyder's of Hanover has been selling great tasting gluten free pretzels since 2010. After working on these pretzels for a year prior to its release, Snyder's of Hanover went through the proper venues to ensure that their products would be safe for those of us with Celiac disease. They began working with the Gluten Free Certification Organization(GFCO) in 2009, and Snyder's of Hanover pretzels have tested at 10ppm or lower (source: http://celiacdisease.about.com/b/2010/04/04/snyders-of-hanover-to-make-gluten-free-pretzels.htm).

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Sticks are a great tasting snack that you can enjoy while watching TV on the couch, entertaining guests (Celiacs and non-Celiacs), or while you are blogging away in your home office (guilty as charged, LOL). You won't miss the non-gluten free pretzels at all. Your friends and family would never guess that it is a gluten free product. Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Sticks are a Low-Fat, Dairy-free, Casein-free, and Egg free product.
This is a Certified gluten free product that is proudly made in the USA.

Allergen Warning: Product does contain Soy. Also, this product is manufactured in a facility that handles peanut butter.

Pick up a bag of these great tasting pretzels at a supermarket near you. This product costs $3 to $4. If you are live in the northeastern part of the United States, this product is ON SALE at Stop & Shop for 2/$6. Happy gluten free snacking!

You can also order this product online by clicking on the above photo. You will be directed to Amazon for secure purchasing. 

photo credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhvF7JCcKKdc3vbzNfYYgrC07apeqqXghGAh2I2seqOa7rpT8uqnq_UeXOhr-qvDr6Y2Mel3aDzTApfw4lX04_wfK3d8YEU94P45jeu_Z5RYWCmMmScvpakeMIOktGaH2dj66sWZNkvg/s1600/pretzels.jpg

Popular Gluten Free Beers (USA)

When you're over 21, and have Celiac disease, you may think that going out to bars with your friends won't fit into your new life. Think again. With the increase of people being diagnosed with Celiac disease, many food and beverage corporations have been able to accommodate our dietary needs.

While there may not be an abundance of gluten free beers to choose from, there are a few choice beers that have received two thumbs up by fellow Celiacs and those who are gluten intolerant.

1. Omission Beers- This beer is brewed with traditional beer ingredients, one of which is designed to remove gluten. Several testimonies from Celiacs and non-Celiacs alike have attested to this beer's great taste. Be forewarned: if you are a highly sensitive Celiac, exercise caution with this beer (http://omissionbeer.com/)
2. Bard's Beers- This beer is known as being the original sorghum malt beer. The founders of Bard's beers are fellow Celiacs, who wanted to make a great tasting gluten free beer that we could enjoy drinking at the bar. If there is one brand that you can trust, it's Bard's beer (source: http://www.bardsbeer.com/)
3. Redbridge beers- Probably the most well-known gluten free beer out of the bunch, Redbridge beers is a smooth tasting beer, made out of sorghum malt. I have been a fan of Redbridge beers, since I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. This gluten free beer is one of the easiest beers to find in your local liquor store (source: http://redbridgebeer.com/about/aboutRedbridge.aspx).

 Having Celiac disease is quite a challenge, especially when it comes to having a night out with friends. However, as the demand to accommodate us grows, the easier it will be for us to go out with our friends, and enjoy a nice drink at the bar or pool table.

Fellow Celiacs in the US: What is your favorite gluten free beer? Where do you purchase it?

photo credit: http://thebeersessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/anh_redbridge.jpg

Food Review: Nature's Path Envirokidz products

Nature's Path, a family owned and operated company, has been selling high quality organic food since 1985 (source: http://us.naturespath.com/about/our-roots). One of their product lines is called Envirokidz. Envirokidz gluten free cereal and snack items, is geared toward children and families afflicted with Celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

Kids that are missing their sugary cereals can indulge in yummy gluten free cereals, such as "Leapin' Lemurs (peanut butter and chocolate cereal)," "Gorilla Munch," "Koala Crisps (cocoa crispies)," Lightly Frosted Amazon Flakes," and "Panda Puffs (peanut butter cereal)." Along with their delicious line of cereal, Envirokidz has a line of snack food: "Peanut Choco Drizzle Crispy Rice Bar," "Chocolate Crisp Rice Bar," and "Berry Blast Crispy Rice Bar." Not only will kids enjoy these delicious snack bars and cereals, adults will love them as well!

All Envirokidz products are USDA certified organic, and certified gluten free. These products can be found in your local supermarket, and online, at a reasonable price.

As a 30-something woman that is a kid at heart, I enjoy these products. I highly recommend this product line to all my fellow Celiacs, and those who are gluten intolerant.

In closing, I'd like to add that a portion of the proceeds go to environmental education, endangered species, and habitat conservation (source: http://us.naturespath.com/about/movements/envirokidz-initiatives).
So, when you purchase these items, you can be assured that your money is going to a couple of great causes.

Check out the above products and many others today! To order online, click on the above photo. You will be transferred to Amazon for secured purchasing.

 photo credit: http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4720853131987422&pid=15.1

Food Review: Aleia's Peanut Butter Cookies

Aleia's gluten free foods, is located in Branford, Connecticut. The company is run by Kimberly Snow, a culinary trained chef, whom happens to be Gluten Intolerant. Aleia's products are CSA (Celiac Sprue Association) approved, and a wide variety of Aleia's gluten free products are available for purchase (source: http://www.aleias.com/about_us.html).

I recently tried Aleia's Peanut Butter Cookies, and they are actually pretty good. The cookies are tasty and sweet. You can definitely taste the peanut butter in the cookie. They are a bit crumbly, which is to be expected with gluten free baked goods, but, they are definitely worth trying.

The cookies can be found in the natural foods section, and are moderately priced.

I highly recommend this product, if you are looking for a tasty treat that is gluten free, and low carb. Pour yourself a cup of milk, grab a cookie or two, and enjoy!

Allergy warning: This product does contain Eggs, Peanuts, and Milk ingredients. Also, this product is manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts and tree nuts.

To order these delicious cookies online, click on the above photo.

photo credit: http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/jgbe3.ewzv5/v/vspfiles/photos/Al20-2.jpg