We B Gluten Free

Finally, WHERE'S THE BEEF? I heard it rumbling in the background. Got all the "supporting" elements, even have dessert, but no protein to be found. Not forgotten, but saved the best for last?! Anyway, this is a relatively easy category if you keep a few basic things in mind. Deli and Dogs:  Many sandwich meats, hot dogs, bacon, sausages and the likes have fillers. These can include wheat or malt, occasionally barley. Whether it is to give it flavor, texture or enhanced appearance, it is there hidden in the ingredient list. My favorite line of sandwich meats and cheeses is Boar's Head. The product line boasts it's always been gluten free including hot dogs. And there is a tremendous variety of lean healthy choices. If you do not have Boar's Head, be sure to ask to see ingredient labels prior to slicing or purchasing. That is one bad tummy ache that will sneak up on you! Boar's Head Brand There are other products you will find as well. I love Hebrew N...

Okay, it is time to think about "the juice". What liquids can we put on, in, around or over our food? This is a bit more complex than it sounds, and yet is not difficult to solve at all. After all, you add liquid to nearly a 100% of things you create. So lets begin. Sauces and Gravies: Red sauces and White sauces are often gluten free. Without that "stamp" on the label you have to look. Where danger enters is the HIDDEN or MISSED gluten in things such as Soy Sauce or Teriyaki Sauce. It is even in licorice ... but that is not a sauce is it:-) Label reading or declaration are critical here. Caution here is to pay attention to the additives for flavor. On the other hand, gravies are "thickened" with flour. Occasionally you will find a blend of cornstarch and flour. If you make from scratch you could use just cornstarch, but may find flavor ....personal opinion ..... yucky:-(   BUT there are many things you can add to enhance flavor and several g...

Well you are on your way to a treat! This has become one of my favorite categories! I have found that not only are there many great options, but there are many more great recipes and mixes that open the door to my creative juices. I love to bake, even more then cooking. But a great Julia Child's cookbook can certainly inspire me. But I digress. As we continue our assessment of foods that are eligible for gnashing, we find not only are there great options, but we might discover that some of our current favorites are already gluten free. This is probably one of the most valuable lessons.....financially and anxiety wise. And one I wish I would have learned pre-trashing my cupboards. See post one if you are "in the dark". Anyway, you will find it well worth your time to visit some websites here and learn what is already on the shelves in the local grocer. As I have encouraged in the previous posts, go to the website of companies whose products you currently consume and se...

As you begin exploring markets and shelves you never glanced at before, it will help to know exactly what you need to buy. You will need to replace certain items on your current menu, clearly, BUT the good news is that some of the foods you like may already be gluten free. YEAH! That list you have been making from your daily menu will help guide you along the aisles. You have been making your list, right? So lets talk "gotta go" foods. What is that list again? This is a test. Okay I will help.....Wheat, rye, barley, malt, triticale and spelt. Oats too unless they are from a dedicated farm. Good job:-) And a critical note, WHEAT FREE does not mean GLUTEN FREE. Be sure you look for GLUTEN FREE or label read to assure it is a safe food. Bread: There are a few options for replacement. There are three places you will find these in stores, most will be in the freezer or in a mix you can bake at home. There are a few considerations when selecting ...