Check out this interesting information!

We all remember the buzz a few weeks ago surrounding Domino's new gluten free pizza. Some were excited, but many were up in arms about the potential cross-contamination.  I was curious, but too afraid to try the pizza myself (the thought of "possibly" getting sick was just too much for me). 

Well, our friends over at CeliAct, decided to put their curiousity into action.  Find out what they did below:


"...we decided to use the nationally acclaimed laboratory that we use to test CeliAct for gluten. This time, we would test Domino’s gluten-free pizza.
Well, the results just came in and they are very, very interesting…

The Domino’s Gluten-Free Lab Test

Since we sell supplements specifically for people with celiac disease, making sure that our supplements are gluten-free is the most important step we take in producing CeliAct. For that reason, we use a lab that tests down to a sensitivity of 3 parts per million (ppm). To put that into context, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) tests down to a sensitivity of 10 ppm. World leading celiac experts, including Dr. Fasano, have suggested that the FDA use a threshold of 20 ppm to conclude that a food is gluten-free or not.

We decided that one pizza was not enough. To get more representative results, we tested Domino’s gluten-free pizzas from 3 different cities across the United States. Pizzas from New Orleans, Boston and Washington, DC were used for the test.

Once at the lab, each pizza was homogenized (think high-grade food processor) to ensure that the whole pizza was tested, and not just any small piece."


To find out THE RESULTS, on CeliAct's site, click here!

Now for the BIG QUESTION....

Would YOU eat Domino's gluten free pizza after learning this new bit of information?

Check out the newest gluten free buzz surrounding Frito-Lay!  It looks like they're in the process of testing their products to see which are worthy of their new "gluten free" label.



**Label in lower right corner!! From NY Daily News article

Our lovely friends at Red Apple Lipstick shared the following information on their blog.

With all the talk about national food brands offering gluten-free options and the controversy whether or not they are truly gluten-free (see Domino’s), it’s refreshing to see a company make a real effort to show their products are safe for everyone to eat.

Frito-Lay has announced that they are going [to] certify that their potato chips test in a lab gluten-free before they are labeled as such. They are not changing the way they manufacture and prepare their chips; they really don’t have to. The main ingredients of Frito-Lay are potatoes, which are naturally gluten-free anyway.

Frito-Lay could put gluten-free on their packaging, but instead they decided to take the extra step and developed a gluten-free validation process for testing their ingredients before they go into the food and they test the finished product.

Read the rest of this article here!


*So, are you excited for this new development?
*What other products would you like to see clearly labeled?
Leave us a comment and let us know! :)


For more on this topic, here's two other articles:
From ABC News
From NY Daily News

If you live in, or anywhere near, Bakersfield, CA, you have to check out these great ice cream places (if you don't...at least scroll down to check out the delectable pics).  This town has really stepped it up with their gfree selections this last year or two, but OH man...their ice cream is where it's at! Bakersfield has gluten free ice cream that will make your mouth water!


Here's our top choices:

1. Moo Creamery
2. Dewars
3. Yogurtland

Moo Creamery's GLUTEN FREE Mint Chocolate Chip

First up, Moo Creamery.  If you have not eaten here, you are missing out.  It might as well be called Gluten Free Moo Creamery because there are SO many awesome options for meals and desserts here.  They are a local franchise and their stuff is to die for!  We come here very often.  Just ask our friends, they always laugh at how many of the employees know us! :) But for today, I'll just be highlighting their awesome ice cream. 

The yummy goodness you see above is their mint chocolate chip ice cream.  They use fresh mint in this treat and it rocks!  Crosby and I often finish off our dinner with their ice cream (thus the two spoons!).  *One SUPER important note: We always tell them I'm allergic to gluten and ask them to reclean the scoop with soap and water.  We also ask them to scoop from a new place in the ice cream tub (sometimes they even pull out a fresh tub for us!).  I've gotten sick here once...when I wasn't diligent about asking the above questions.  It's so important people to ASK for what you need and as always, be super polite about it!!

Dewars GLUTEN FREE Red & White Shake and Peppermint Ice Cream with Marshmallow Topping

Second is another local gem, Dewars. They've been around for decades and their stuff rocks as well!  We went in a few months ago, very hopeful, but not knowing if there were any gluten free options.  Turns out, the manager knew exactly what I could order!  Crosby chose the red and white shake which has tons of strawberry & vanilla goodness, while I got their delicious peppermint ice cream.  Needless to say, these were not "his and hers," but quickly became communal!  I still can't decide which one I liked more.  If you have not been to Dewars, you should go!

Yogurtland Yumminess

Lastly is a national favorite, Yogurtland.  We go here quite often, just ask my hubby! :)  Almost every Saturday for the last month I've asked if he wanted to go!  Luckily (especially for my waistline), we haven't gone THAT often.  However, it's next to a beautiful park, complete with a lake, benches, walking paths, etc. We love getting our yogurt then going to the lake and sitting on the grass to eat our yogurt. 

Now, the goodness above is: strawberry, vanilla, dutch chocolate and red velvet cake.  The toppings: strawberries, butterfinger, almonds, chocolate chips and m&ms.  What I just love about this place is you can choose what you want and how much of it you want.  Obviously I went for it on this one, but I've gone before and spent less than $2!

Added bonus to Yogurtland:
The nutrional facts (including GLUTEN FREE!) are clearly labeled next to the yogurt!  Now, as far as toppings, I choose what is NOT near any gluten or has cookie crumbles spilled in it.  I've even asked for fresh toppings from the back if there's something I want that either has been contaminated or is in front of a contaminant (ie cookie dough balls).  The employees are always super accomodating.  Just remember, be nice and polite and it usually helps! :)


Have you been to any of these establishments?  Also, what's your favorite place to get ice cream/frozen yogurt?  I'm kinda addicted to this cold treat and I'd love to try a new place.

*As always, PLEASE make sure you specify that you are gluten free and ask to speak to a manager so that you can insure your food is safe! 

I've realized something about myself today.  I am a woman on a mission!  This mission, to find as many gluten free cosmetic options as I can!  Whether make-up, lotion, deodorant or toothpaste, I want to know that my "non-food" products are gluten free. 


For this Food Free Friday post, I'm looking into Cover FX Makeup.  I recently came across this new makeup line (at least new to me) on Sephora's website and saw that it was paraben free!  I love that, so I emailed them to inquire about whether or not their makeup is gluten free.

Here was their reply:

"We do not use any gluten ingredients in our products but the maufacturing facilities which produce our products are not certified as a gluten free facility.  We are confirming if they intend on becoming a certified gluten free facility."

Your preferences on what products to use are your choice.  Please use your own discretion before purchasing any products.  For me, knowing I have the option of certified gluten free cosmetics & skin care, I lean towards choosing those, but that's my preference. 

Our friends over at Red Apple Lipstick (yep, the ones featured in this weeks giveaway!) wrote up an awesome post about why we should stear clear of cosmetics that contain gluten.  They were even so kind as to feature a write up from ME as to why I know gluten free is the way to go for everything!!

Here's an excerpt for this SUPER informative post:

Why Gluten Free Cosmetics?

• We know you’re always on the lookout for new gluten-free foods made with nutritious ingredients that also taste great, so we also wanted to offer you the chance to try out and review the newest addition to our gluten-free family, Tortillas! The Tortillas come in three tasty flavors (Plain, Spinach and Fiesta) and all contain 5 grams of fiber per serving so they’re sure to add a little zing to spring wraps or a summer taco party. Would you be interested in receiving samples to taste and review?
• Do you have a favorite organization that supports celiac awareness? If so, perhaps you’d like to write a post encouraging your readers to help give back and support the amazing work they’re doing by encouraging them to select that organization on our Spread the Bread page?
• A quick post on Facebook or a Tweet can help your favorite celiac organization get some important funding this May. If you’re not able to help us give some dough in the ways mentioned above in May, might you be able to post a link on Facebook or Twitter?

Here's the latest buzz in gluten free news.

As you've likely heard, Domino's Pizza announced their new gluten free crust last week (read more here).




Well, it looks like GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group) is responding in a big way. Cynthia Kupper, the Executive Director of GIG, wrote the following open letter and has a call to action for anyone interested in signing their petition. Please take some time to read this letter and choose for yourself if you'd like to sign the petition asking NFCA to remove their "amber" rating.

Open Letter to Alice Bast, Exec Director, NFCA May 12, 2012
Alice,
NFCA needs to remove the Amber designation from the Dominos "gluten-free" pizza. It is not safe for anyone requiring a GF diet for medical reasons. NFCA's reputation as a respected organization is suffering by giving a useless Amber designation to Domino's GF pizza. I implore you to consider the community we all support and want to help. Make the GREAT Kitchen's Amber designation disappear for good.
There is inherent liability in the GREAT Kitchens Amber designation that will have serious ramifications to the food industry and those of us who are working to make a difference for all persons living gluten free.
1. Dividing the gluten free community is wrong. All persons living a gluten-free life style should have the same safe options in foods. Nearly the entire world accepts a definition for what gluten-free means. Stricter is better, but less than the standard is unacceptable. It goes against everything science tells us.
2. The GREAT Kitchens Amber sign is a useless designation for restaurants that causes confusion and consequently mistrust of the restaurant industry and the organizations who are working so hard to help them. The Amber designation sets us back years on all the strides we have made to get the food industry to embrace safe gluten-free foods.
-Read the rest of the letter.

Safe eating everyone!

And please share, what do you think about this petition? Are you signing??

• Don't forget to like us on facebook and follow our twitter.

Gluten Free Works has an AMAZING deal for the month of May!

Have you read Delight Gluten Free magazine yet?  If not, you're missing out!  This magazine is AWESOME!!!  It's more like a "regular" magazine than most other gluten free options (which is kinda cool).  It's been quoted as, "the 'Vogue' of gluten free magazines!"

website logo

I also had the privilege of meeting Vanessa Maltin Weisbrod, the executive editor, during the GFAF Expo last month in Chicago (more to come about that event soon!).  She has done a great job with this magazine and I don't think you'll be disappointed should you choose to buy a subscription.

Now...that information brings me back to Gluten Free Works current deal.

In honor of Celiac Awareness Month, for the month of May, you can snag a year-long subscription to Delight for half off!  That's one year for only $9! 

Here's some more information, from Gluten Free Works, about Delight magazine:
About Delight Gluten-free Magazine:Delight Gluten-Free Magazine is a quarterly international food and lifestyle publication for people living with food allergies and sensitivities. Filled with enlightening in-depth articles, glossy photographs and gourmet recipes that are delicious as well as adhering to dietary restrictions, Delight Gluten-Free is on par with other popular mainstream food magazines on newsstands today!


*One note to make is that this deal is only for new customers (I know...I was bummed too.  But hey, even if I can't snag the deal, at least I can share it with you!).

{UPDATE} G-Free Foodie posted the following quote from Dr. Alessio Fasano (gastro-neurologist and gluten expert), "Neither Celiacs or individuals with gluten sensitivity can safely eat this pizza option."  Just wanted to give you this perspective as you use your own judgment before biting into this pizza. 

{Original Post}
That's right...Domino's Pizza came out with its own gluten free crust!  There's a bit of controversy surrounding the new gluten free addition to the chain's menu and I want to know what YOU think about it.

Here's a little bit about this new development:

"Now, instead of whipping up a gluten-free pizza at home or going to a gluten-free restaurant, those with a gluten sensitivity can enjoy a slice of Domino’s pizza that they had once removed from their diet.

The company’s new gluten-free crust is made from rice flour, potato starch, rice starch and olive oil. Domino’s worked with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness to bring their standards to the company’s employees and kitchens."

Read the rest of the article here!

Here's where the controversy lies.  There's a note made by the company stating that only those with a "mild gluten allergy" should partake of this pizza because they can't guarantee against cross contamination.

As stated on Domino's home page, "Domino's pizza made with a Gluten Free Crust is prepared in a common kitchen with the risk of gluten exposure. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness supports the availability of Domino's Gluten Free Crust, but CANNOT recommend the pizza for customers with celiac disease. Customers with gluten sensitivities should exercise judgment in consuming this pizza."





So, what do you think? Would you be willing to eat this pizza?  Do you even think it should be getting all this buzz as the "first national pizza delivery chain to offer gluten free pizza?"

To read more about the new pizza offering, check out this article.
Also, here's their gluten free crusts FAQs.

And PLEASE, please tell us what you think.  We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks to the lovely GlutenFree Jen, I found out that today is the day to vote for CLEAR gluten-free labeling on medicine.  There's a bill that needs our signature to go forward. 

You can read a little more about it here on Jen's site. 

And you can vote here NOW!
They need bipartisan cosponsers by May 8th to move the bill ahead.

I don't know about you, but I believe this is something that should be clearly labeled for everything, especially medicine.  Just two weeks ago I had some pretty bad congestion, went to the store, and then had to call the company for the medicine I was looking at.  They were very kind, but could not answer my questions.  They took my information, but it was almost a week later before I got a call back (congestion now gone!).  Luckily I wasn't THAT sick, but had I been the experience would have been miserable. 

I would love a clear label on everything.  It would be a wonderful confidence boost and save a lot of time, and living with a snotty nose! :)

*Note: I now know that Target's form of Mucinex is gluten-free (as of May 1, 2012). :)

This first Food Free Friday post of  National Celiac Awareness Month is dedicated to knowledge.  Food blogger knowledge to be precise. 

Friends from Nourished-Melanie, me, Lauren-Lucille, & Jasmine

Last month, I had the privilege of attending Nourished, a Food Blogger Conference.  I can sum it up in one word, wow.  It was just so wonderful to get to meet so many passionate people, each with a different "niche" in this gluten-free (or allergen free) food blogging world.  The conference was advertized as, "the only food blogger conference tailored to the needs of those on special diets, writing about special diets, and niche bloggers."  Once I came across the site for this conference I knew I just HAD to attend. 

What I learned:

1. Have confidence in myself when cooking & creating recipes!  ~From Karen Morgan at Blackbird Bakery Recipe development isn't necessarily "my thing," but I do tweak and create things from time to time.  If this is "your thing" though, take this to heart.  Try new things.  Know your limitations.  Most of all...purchase a recipe journal to chart your successes and failures. 
2. I am my brand!  ~From Mary Fran Wiley at Franny Cakes  
• Stop and think about who I am (who you are) and what my focus is.  This was great advice because in every area of life I can easily think I need to do everything.  BUT...I don't and I can't.  From this I realized that I want this blog to be something that makes YOUR life easier.  My husband, Crosby, and I lead a very busy life.  We have a lot going on and we love every part about it.  But, that means we need things that are quick, easy, and healthy.  So, our job (our brand) is to bring you just that.  We love you (our readers) and we know how difficult and overwhelming this gluten free journey is.  Hopefully we are/will make this journey easierAnd as we continue on this journey, that's my goal.  *One thing I have to note, I am a teacher so I apologize if I come across that way.  :) 
3. Be respectful, classy & real!  ~From Lauren-Lucille Vasser at The Celiac Diva & Anne Roland Lee at Schar USA 
• This is just good advice for life, but it was a cool reminder in thinking about what brands/companies we choose to work with.  Love it!
4. Take risks & follow my gut!  ~From Silvana Nardone at Silvana's Kitchen & Cybele Pascal at The Allergy Friendly Cook 
• This is also good life advice, but I think in the world of blogging, we can get wimpy.  I'm still new to this blogging world (not yet a year), but it seems that it'd be easy to get complacent which is just the opposite of what I want.  I'm excited to take risks and see how far we can take this thing!  I hope you'll continue with us for this journey! :)

I learned SO much from all the great presenters, but I just wanted to give you a little taste of this wonderful conference.  If you are a food blogger, I would highly recommend that you attend next year.  It should be just as fabulous! 

Now, I want to leave you with a taste of the AMAZING food we enjoyed at lunch.  I cannot tell you how stinkin' awesome and fun it was to walk into a banquet room full of food and be able to eat EVERYTHING! 

Had to put a giant pic of the cupcakes!!!  Soup & sandwiches on top!  MMM!!!

Thanks again Nourished!

NFCA (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) has some awesome events planned for Celiac Awareness Month, starting today.

Logo from NFCA site

Today they're hosting a State of the Union: A LIVE Chat with Experts on Gluten-Related Disorders.  This is an hour long broadcast, streamed online, that will be featuring some of the top experts in Celiac Disease (I hope I don't miss it!).  It takes place at 2pm ET/11am PT and you can register by clicking on the link above!

For the rest of the month they have two ongoing events:

• First, a gluten-free pantry raid.  You can enter this event by donating $20 to their organization during May 1-31, 2012.  The grand prize is worth $2,500 and includes a gluten-free shopping spree!!!
• Second, they have a blogger campaign going on all month featuring 16 top bloggers in the gluten-free world.  Prepare to glean some wisdom and great insight from these posts.

I'm so excited to enjoy all that "our" month has to offer!

In honor of Celiac Awareness Month Nogii is discouting their bars by 20%!

From the site http://nogii.com/

For those of you that are unfamiliar with this product, Nogii bars were created by Elisabeth Hasselbeck (pictured above), a co-host of The View and author of The G-Free Diet: A Gluten Free Survival Guide.  Quick side note, this book was a great resource for me when first going gluten-free.  I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of textbooks, so being able to glean some information about my newfound "condition" while enjoying the read was awesome!  Granted, I still had a ton more Celiac research to do (and am still constantly research more info.), but it was a great place to start.

Back to the bars.

I was able to sample these at the GFAF Expo in Chicago last month and was quite impressed. I especially liked the Paleo bars (they're soy free and I try not to have too much soy in my diet).

All bars have:

• No gluten
• No high fructose corn syrup
• No trans fat
• No hydrogenated oil

They have high protein, super protein, paleo bars & kids bars. 

I found out about the above promo from their email blasts and figured, why not pass along the information.  Yay for deals during Celiac Awareness Month!!

Two questions before I go:
What protein/granola bars do you like the best?  Maybe you love something that I need to try! :)
If you've tried Nogii bars, what did you think?  I haven't tried all of them and would love to know your thoughts. :)

It's Celiac Awareness Month, which means it's time to beef up our understanding of Celiac Disease.

Woot woot...aren't you excited?!?!  Hehe...can't you tell I'm starting to feel better? :)

My goal this month is to publish more than just the normal 2-3 posts a week. I mean, come on, it's OUR month!  Why not celebrate?!?!

We're happy...we're celebrating!  Are you?!?! :)

For today, I wanted to highlight some hidden sources of gluten.  I found this great list from Everyday Health that explains some places where gluten may be that you may not have thought about.  No, I don't mean hidden like under your bed, I mean places like cosmetics, healthcare products and weird things that you'd just never thought about.

Two things to really take note of on the above list are medications and vitamin supplements.  PLEASE make sure you read what they have to say about these two (as well as the rest of this list) to insure that you are not, as I like to say, "secretly poinsoning" yourself. 

As always, I'd love for you to share comments about hidden sources of gluten you've found.  The more we educate each other, the better off we all are. 

For me, it was garlic salt.  I used it for at least the first 6 months of going gluten free and could never figure out while I often felt kinda sick.  So lame!  But hey, I always make sure to mention it to others (I have not checked this product since that experience 3 years ago...but I've just decided to use more pure ingredients, meaning garlic+salt=garlic salt). :)