Senators Urge FDA Action On Gluten-Free Labeling

Two US Senators have sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging prompt action on gluten-free labeling laws, after a proposed rule on tolerable gluten thresholds for gluten-free foods has languished for more than four years.

Defining a tolerable threshold level for gluten presence in gluten-free foods was included as part of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004. 

In 2007, the FDA proposed that gluten should be labeled at anything over 20mg per kg (20ppm); foods labeled gluten-free containing more than this amount would be considered misbranded. 

Many companies are already voluntarily using this standard, but the rule has yet to be finalized.

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) sent their letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg asking for an explanation for the delay.

They wrote: “We ask that you provide us with an update on when FDA will promulgate a final rule, why FDA has taken so long to issue this rule, and if there are any legal or regulatory hurdles that have prevented the timely implementation of this legislation.”

Read more after the jump - Click Here

Scrumptious Gluten Free French Toast

What better way to test out a new loaf of bread than to make French Toast.

Being an avid breakfast eater, French Toast is one of my favorite meals to make. It's such a delicious and fairly easy meal to make. Usually reserved for a relaxed Saturday morning, summer break affords me the luxury of making this meal mid-week.

So back to the new loaf. If you've ever tried Trader Joe's staple brown rice loaf then you can understand why I steer clear of anything bread-like at my favorite grocer.

While I love many things about TJ's, their gluten free bread is not on that list. This bread, Food For Life's brown rice loaf, is joked about in our house as the perfect weapon should we ever need to attack an intruder!

This thing is so dense. It is only edible toasted with an eighth of a stick of butter slopped on top (possibly a 1/4 stick!).

Needless to say, this thing is rough and in my opinion not worth the money saved (it's $2 less than Udi's).

It's just too stinkin thick, but a few weeks ago I heard there was hope. One of my lovely TJ checkers told me they had other gluten free bread that was better. I've been on the lookout ever since and I found it for the first time yesterday. It's Trader Joe's brand brown rice bread and it's not half bad.

My mother had purchased this bread last week so she warned me that keeping it in the freezer made the bread a bit too dry. I figured I'd remedy that by making half the loaf into French Toast, freeze some of that, and leave the rest in the refrigerator for sandwiches and such (side note, most gluten free bread holds up best when frozen as it goes rancid quickly).

As I started to make the French Toast, I was a bit leery of this bread as it already appeared a bit dry. I kept the bread in the egg solution a bit longer than normal and seemed to do the trick! Twas a tasty tasty breakfast today!!

Gluten Free French Toast (Ingredients) -

• *Secret ingredients are vanilla and cinnamon! It will revolutionize your taste buds! :-)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2-3/4 cup milk of choice (I prefer whole milk) 
• 1/2 t vanilla
• 1/2 t cinnamon 
• 6-8 slices of bread (less bread if not gluten free as those slices are often larger in size)

Directions -

1. Heat griddle or pan over medium heat and spray with Pam to coat.
2. Beat eggs, add milk and vanilla and continue to beat. 
3. Pour mixture into a shallow dish, I use a pie pan, and sprinkle the top of the mixture with cinnamon.
4. Place a few slices of bread into dish and allow to sit for about a minute before turning over. 
5. Let sit another 30 sec-1 minute before placing in pan. 
6. Cook on both sides until golden brown.
7. Continue with remaining bread. I prefer to sprinkle more cinnamon into the mixture between each slice of bread. 
8. Top with sliced strawberries, butter and a bit of whipped cream for an extra treat.

*All ingredients used except for the bread are organic (it has transformed flavors for us).

I'll have to see how this bread fares when used for sandwiches a stuff. I doubt it'll be as good as Udi's, but at $2 cheaper a loaf I'm hoping it comes close.

Maybe I need to start making my own bread...anyone know of cheaper and tasty gluten free bread recipes?

I'd also love to find/make bread that's organic. If you have any leads please let me know.

Otherwise, enjoy a tasty breakfast on this lovely Tuesday!

Trader Joe's - Gluten Free Macarons

Greatest find ever!!!

Okay people, if you know what's good for you, drop what you're doing and head immediately to Trader Joe's and purchase these macarons.

I've been eyeing these beauties for months now and I finally succumbed to my desires and purchased them. Such a smart choice!

Picture the best brownie you've had in your entire life, combine that with the best cookie you've had in your life...these are even BETTER! As my husband just said, "I want to smear them on my face!"

Sharky's Mexican Grill In Hollywood

Did you know there's a small Mexican joint in Hollywood (and possibly other places too, I haven't checked yet) that serves all organic food at a reasonable price and has great gluten free choices?!?

Seriously, I had two tasty steak tacos with rice, beans, and tortilla chips for $8! All organic! Yum yum yum!!!!

My colleagues' nachos and tostados (for those "normal" peeps) also looked good!

They served pizza as well, again for the "normal" people, but the shrimp one that I saw looked a little fishy! ;-)

CPK Has Arrived!

CPK, aka California Pizza Kitchen, is fabulous! Ok, maybe not fabulous, but definitely quite good.

I haven't even attempted to eat at CPK for a few years just assuming I would suffer profusely as I watched other patrons stuff their faces with the delectable Thai pizza while I "enjoyed" water with a side of lettuce, plain of course! Sadly, I still have to watch others delight their taste buds with the Thai pizza (it is, of course, one of two pizzas that are not gluten free!), BUT I can now indulge in something better than ice! :-)

While at this PLC conference (teacher stuff) in Hollywood, I have learned and enjoyed a few gluten free options at CPK. The first night here I had the BBQ Chicken Salad, complete with dressing and everything! It was so nice to enjoy eating out and getting a new flavor.

It's easy to get sick of a cheeseburger with no bun! Not that I don't thoroughly enjoy my In-N-Out on a regular basis, I just appreciate new flavors every once in awhile. Yesterday my colleagues ate at a place that seemed very limited on gluten free options and knowledge. Rather than put my health to chance I ran back down to CPK and grabbed a pizza to go.

My choice this time was the garlic chicken pizza. It was so delicious, or I was just so hungry after a breakfast of hard boiled eggs and fruit, that I ate the entire pizza! My husband will be so proud!! :-)

All in all, two tasty and filling meals in two days! Yay for me and my belly!!

Pink Berry - Gluten Free Yogurt

Pink Berry is delicious!

I'm in Hollywood at a teacher conference, and this was dessert last night.

Pink berry's original yogurt topped with coconut, chopped nuts, pineapple and strawberries. Mmm...tasty, tasty!

All yogurt flavors at Pink Berry are gluten free, so come indulge!

On their website they have gluten free cookie crumbles, but those weren't at the location I visited.

If you find them, please tell me where!!! :-)

Gluten Free Pizza Orlando, Florida

Alright, so I figured it was time to finally write again about eating gluten free food when you don't have Celiac. Now for most people, the sound of gluten free immediately brings the mind to think phrases like: "nasty, healthy, what the heck is gluten?..."

I know my first thought is always, "Ahhh, this is going to taste funky..."

So while traveling to the Bahamas for our 1 year anniversary, Rachel and I were looking online for restaurants that catered to my princess... Errr I mean, to Rachel's condition...


We found a pizza joint in Orlando called Unos. Now I know this place is a national restaurant, but this was our first time ever eating there.

We looked online before going in and saw that the restaurant had a take out deal.

The price for two small, thin crust, gluten free pizzas was $13.95. The only downfall was that it was for take-out only. But being the adorable couple that we are, we asked our server if she would be able to give us the take-out price. She spoke with her manager and she was able to give the discount to us.

The restaurant had a great understanding of Celiac and the kitchen manager came out and spoke with us about how they prepare everything in the kitchen. He told us that they have special plates, wraps, knifes and bowls that were all colored blue. He said that everyone in the back knows that if it's "blue," it's gluten free.

So for someone with Celiac, you know you're going to be taken care of at this place!

Now this pizza was amazing. I don't know if it was because we hadn't eaten for like 12 hours, but it tasted like homemade pizza. I opted for the super healthy pepperoni pizza and Rachel got some weird vegetable mix thing.

Alright, so I know that I'm a macho man and that vegetables are something that should never touch my mouth, but her pizza was actually AMAZING... well, I don't know if that's because I loaded it up with ranch, but who knows, maybe it's something I can try again in the very distant future.

Rachel really enjoyed her pizza as well, the only thing she wished she had done was ordered her pizza with less cheese. She had a stomach ache that lasted for a couple hours.

Now for those of us who have stomach's made of steel, the cheese factor was BRILLIANT!

So overall, the place was great! Great food and service with a knowledgeable staff.

Planet Hollywood Orlando - Gluten Free

Planet Hollywood in Orlando has to be one of the coolest restaurants we have been to. It's a giant dome building with crazy, loud music and stuff everywhere.

Their gluten free selection is phenomenal. They don't have a gluten free menu, but the chefs are very knowledgeable. The chef came out and met us at our table to discuss my options. It's easiest to pick what you want and then he'll tell you if you can eat it or not! :) I chose a burger and fries (they have gluten free bread!).

The chef said that while I couldn't have the fries he would cut up a potato and make me steak fries! So awesome to find a place so accommodating.

They even had dessert options, including gluten free cheesecake, but we were stuffed!

Side note, if you're looking for a romantic dinner, this is not it! The atmosphere is very loud, but fun. If you're a movie buff or enjoy Hollywood memorabilia in a loud, club environment then this place is perfect. :)

Make Kento's Gluten Free

Kento's, a terriyaki mandarin bowl place, is a fast and easy place to grab a decent lunch.

We've gone there many a times on a Saturday when we're working around the house and not in the mood to cook.

The great thing about Kento's is there's very little room for cross contamination. The items that contain gluten are fried, so they steer clear of the grill and the chicken or beef bowls can be ordered without sauce. :-)

Here I ordered a teriyaki chicken bowl with no sauce. As you can see in the pic, I have my own Organic Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce from San-J.

Together with the bowl I have a tasty lunch!

Great Gluten Free Appetizer

Chips and guacamole!

Such an amazing way to satisfy your taste buds while you wait for dinner! This combo is naturally gluten free and can be found at the lovey TJ's.

Here's a list of Trader Joe's Gluten Free Items.

Thank you Trader Joes for providing this quick and easy appetizer.

Dinner At A Non-Celiac's House

Dinner with family and friends...such a wonderful thing that we don't do nearly enough. It's hard with how busy everyone can be, but it's such a blessing when we can make it happen.

The particular dinner featured here was at my father-in-laws house.

He and his wife are "normal" and didn't know much of anything about Celiac until they met me. This is quite typical of people as I've heard things like, "I'll get you a vegetarian meal!" Makes me giggle, but it's not that people are purposefully being insensitive, they're just unaware. Then again, I was eating gluten free for a few months when I was first diagnosed not knowing I was "poisoning" myself with garlic salt every time I cooked!! Side note, garlic powder and salt, separately, are fine but when bought as a combo (sorry I don't remember the brand) contain gluten.

My advice for all those unaware is WORK WITH THEM! As with a restaurant it pays to be apologetic and it pays to talk ahead of time. Talk with your friends and family. Discuss what their cooking plans are and work together to find a meal that fits.

This was the case with my wonderful in-laws. We were over for a fourth of July feast, complete with a bunch of fireworks we brought too!! Man, it was fun to light fireworks! I even lit some myself!!! A first for me and a brave move (thanks hubby!)!!! So, back to the food. My hubby's dad has a new Traeger grill, which we were excited to learn came with spices that are gluten free.

The menu:

• New York steaks (seasoned with worchester sauce, salt, and pepper)
• Corn on the cob
• Grilled veggies-red & green bell pepper, yellow squash & zucchini (seasoned with tregger's veggie shake)

• Dessert-we bought an amazing, but super sweet (small slices people!), chocolate torte from Costco and covered it with strawberries and whipped cream.

The overall experience was delicious! It was wonderful to have a completely gluten free meal that everyone could eat and enjoy!

We even had junior mint homemade ice cream from their neighbor for a second dessert!!! So so good!

Anyone want to give us an ice cream maker?!?! :-)

Gluten Free Iced Coffee - At Home!

Goodbye Starbucks and hello homemade goodness!

I love a nice cup of iced coffee on a warm summer day, but who wants to pay the price for Starbucks, much less brave this exhaustive heat to go pick it up (Bakersfield is currently over 100)!

I found the perfect solution with Coffee Mate's new product! Their new line of Natural Bliss creamers is delicious! Hmm, I've found I use that word a lot on here...guess I just keep writing about products I love! I'll have to think about foods I've tried that I didn't like and add those reviews to our blog.

Anyway, as I was saying, Coffee Mate's Natural Bliss is awesome! I chose the vanilla flavor and love it. What makes it so great is it's made with just nonfat milk, heavy cream, sugar and natural flavor. That's it! And it's gluten free! Also, for all you calorie counters, it's only 35 calories a serving.


Here's How To Make It
What I did was fill my glass with ice, add 1/2 a glass of coffee (my choice, Trader Joes Organic Shade Grown Ethiopian Medium Dark Roast), 1-2 T creamer, and about 1/4 cup milk (just enough to fill the glass).

Let me tell you, this combination is about as close to that yummy Starbucks flavor as they come. Whether you like a hint of sugar, like me, or want to pile on the sweetness (you could always use all creamer and no added milk) this is sure to be a tasty way to enjoy that morning cup of Joe!

Coffee Mate also has caramel and sweet cream flavors.

Try it out, tell us what you think! Share your best iced coffee or tea ideas!

Juice On The Go

Check out this tasty Odwalla superfruit smoothie at your nearest Lassen's, Fresh and Easy, or local grocery store.

This is an awesome choice to try next time you're out and about and of course, thirsty! :)
Delicious!

Breakfast!!!

Breakfast. I love breakfast!!!

This morning, a simple and tasty bowl of cereal. Simple, but delicious. When paired with a glass of orange juice mixed with sparkling water (Pellegrino to be specific) this meal has become scrumptious. I'm not sure what it is, but something about the comfort of breakfast just makes me happy. Cereal of choice today is, once again, Envirokids...what can I say, in the summer I'm an easy eater!

Breakfasts are so diverse. They can be easy, like my cereal, or granola, yogurt, smoothies, etc. They can also be more labor intensive, say for instance eggs, bacon, toast, hashbrowns, and muffins. Any way you pick it, whatever you desire, breakfast is always tasty! Well, at least in my (and my husband's) humble opinion.

Did I mention the joy of breakfast for dinner?!?! Our choice menu item for that is waffles! Use any waffle recipe and swap out the flour with Bob's Red Mill all purpose flour or a mix of sourgum flour and white rice flour (with a pinch of xantham gum) and you've got a delicious gluten free meal! Don't forget the strawberries and whipped cream! Mmm...I think I need to make that again soon! Oh and don't forget to use buttermilk, it changes the flavor for the better. Although, side note, I have also used rice milk and almond milk when trying to avoid dairy (still tasty).

Ahh...breakfast never disappoints!!

Minus, of course, the staple breakfast side of vitamins with their funky aftertaste. What is it about vitamins anyways? Why do they have to taste so weird? Anywho, tasty tasty meal!

Udi's Gluten Free Foods Rides Trend, Secret Recipe

Udi's Gluten Free Foods, Associated Press

Alright folks, so this whole gluten free thing is really starting to take off.

According to company lore, Udi's Gluten Free Foods' master baker Chadwick White has gotten at least two marriage proposals based on his recipes that have helped launch the rapidly-growing business.


If trends from the first half of the year continue, the company is poised to have $70 million in sales this year, up from $5.5 million in 2009, CEO Devin Anderson said this week. The private company doesn't disclose earnings, but Anderson said the company is profitable.


To read the rest of the article, click here.


Anyone wanna go in on a business together?! Please :)

My Gluten Free Apple

So I know that all apples are gluten free, but I just wanted to contribute to my wife's, okay, rather, our blog.

I never really understood or knew what gluten was until meeting and eventually marrying Rachel. I always thought it was just a way to really bug people at restaurants and act all "princess-e" because you were on some freaky "diet."

I've been sick the past few days and eating was not something I wanted or could do. So the wife dragged me down to Lassens, a natural food and vitamin store, (at least that's what the website says) to get some gluten free hotdog and hamburger buns for our 4th of July BBQ we're having at my dad's house.

Nothing really sounded appetizing, but for some reason an apple did. I found a bag of Fuji apples that were organic and freakin' expensive.

Now the taste made the price doable; these things ARE AMAZING!!! So maybe I can get into this whole gluten free thing... and I do stress the word, maybe.

Oh wait, while at the store, we ran into some sisters buying gluten free donuts. Those poor things; both of them had Celiac. But they said they were going to splurge on the two boxes they bought. Hahaha, ahh too funny.

Anywho, a box of gluten free donuts costs around $6.50 for six little donuts. I mean, seriously, almost $7 for a box of six donuts.

You can get a dozen of yummy gluten filled donuts for like $5 at any NORMAL store.

Alright, my schpeel is over, but the wife loves these gluten free things, well cause that's all she can eat.

If you're looking for a good box of really expensive, but worth its weight in gold breakfast items, look no further than these donuts. The company kinnikinnick makes them.

I think Rachel let me try a piece one time. She told me that's all I could have because they were so good and as she says, "I can eat them."

At least the name makes me giggle.

Need Dinner Fast?

We were planning on going to the movies and needed something quick to eat. I grabbed this out of the freezer and figured I'd give it a try.

I bought this at Whole Foods in Valencia. The brand, Evol, has "regular" things along with gluten free. I've bought my husband a few things from them, but I've never bought any gluten free for myself. After heating it up in the trusty ol' microwave, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! You never know what you're going to get with a gluten free prepared meal and this was pretty good! It even tasted like an enchilada! :-) Now, it's not homemade status or anything, but it was definitely pleasant to eat.

Did I mention it came with a free sticker?  That's what the red "evol" to the top left of the bowl is! Wow, neat! :-)

I think it's safe to say I'll try more frozen meals from this brand.
Anyone have other gluten free frozen meals they've tried and enjoyed?!? Let me know and I'll try them out myself.

Homemade Fruit Smoothie

For a quick and easy gluten free breakfast, how about a fruit smoothie?
Smoothies are something I've been striving to perfect for awhile. While it's easy to make a smoothie, you're not always guaranteed a tasty treat. We've bought our fair share of protein powders that when added to the smoothie destroy all possibilities of wanting to finish your glass. Today, however, we enjoyed a great breakfast!
The protein powder used is Tera's Whey organic bourbon vanilla. It is made with stevia rather than sugar, which is important to my doctor who very eloquently says, "Sugar is the enemy!" :-) Seriously, he does! Anyway, when mixed into a smoothie this protein powder is delicious.
The smoothie: (all ingredients are organic)
1 scoop protein powder
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup frozen raspberries
3/4-1 cup milk
Splash of orange juice
Simply place everything in a blender and blend for about a minute.

Enjoy!!

Gluten Free Fourth of July option

Celebrate Independence day in style with a wonderful BBQ hamburger, bun and all (thanks again Udi's).
Well, in my case this is leftovers heated up in the toaster oven. Nonetheless, delicious!

I started with some organic ground beef that can be found pretty much anywhere. Then moved on to some organic mayo, mustard, ketchup and sweet pickle relish. I've found that though a bit more expensive, the organic tastes 100 times better than the processed stuff.

But no meal would be complete without some oily and greasy potato chips.

These buns are whole grain hamburger buns and are so tasty you won't miss the original. Did I mention my husband even said they taste normal...not that he's giving up his "normal" food, but he did taste them, which is saying a lot!!

Fire up those grills and enjoy! Also, where I live these buns are found at Lassen's but I do believe Whole Foods carries all things Udi's! :-)

Gluten Free Granola!

Nothing better than breakfast at 10am...thank you summer vacation!

On today's menu: Udi's gluten free granola and organic black cherry yogurt. Udi's is one of my favorite brands. Granted, not because of the price, but the flavor is delicious! This brand has done such an excellent job of making flavorful gluten free options. Of what I've found so far their bread beats out all other options out there. They also have muffins, bagels, and hamburger buns. And now, granola, which helps greatly with quick breakfast/snack options. Due to the price, it's best to find a sale (thank you Lassens) and stock up!

Thank you Udi's for never letting my gluten free tastebuds down!