Ok, so I saw this headline that wheat paste is used in some wine barrels?  WHAT!?!?  NO!  Haha...I probably sound like a real wine-o, yet in reality I am more of a sipper.  I enjoy the taste of wine, but that's it, just the taste.

A good wine, like gewurztraminer (thank you google for the spelling) or moscato is just so yummy!  But seriously, you should see the wine glasses I bought us...my parents laughed because they were tiny glasses for hard liquor! Ha!

Anywho, back to this whole wine and wheat fiasco.  I did some further investigation of the article and this is what I found.  Gluten in Wine? article

I'm very curious about the findings here and the "maybe...possibly" presence of gluten.  I've never considered much about the idea of gluten being in my wine.  I always look the the bottle for any ingredients listed (as has become second nature when shopping), but I've never researched much beyond that.  I think it's definitely time I start.  Luckily, it will likely be a month before I sip another glass of wine, BUT I'd like to be sure I'm not poisoning myself as I do so.

So, a question for you...

Anyone have other findings on this issue?

Food restrictions?  Wait...you can't have WHAT!?!?!  Spell that for me please?

If you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, please be careful. Cooking fires are more likely to happen on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Here are a few tips and reminders:
• Keep materials that can easily catch on fire away from your stovetop.
• Never wear loose clothing while cooking.
• Remind children to never go near a stove or cooking appliance.
• Use the back burner whenever possible.
• Test smoke alarms throughout the house, but especially around the kitchen.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen at all times.
• Never use a turkey fryer inside.

For many eating gluten free, or those facing other food allergies, a problem with dairy soon arises.  For me, the problem was short lived.  After being officially diagnosed Celiac, it was recommended to me by my gastroenterologist (tummy doc) that I avoid dairy for a few months and then gradually introduce the food back into my diet.  Luckily, that was all it took and my issues with dairy subsided.  I still have to be cognizant of my intake, but I don't have to avoid the food all together.

Many others are not so lucky.  For them, dairy is as big, if not sometimes bigger, a culprit as gluten.  And that means even more substitutions to insure a happy eating experience.  What I've found for those in this category (or those who are choosing to eliminate or decrease their amount of dairy) is this extremely comprehensive guide of dairy alternatives.  I hope this list leads you all to a happier dairy free baking/cooking experience.

Guide to Dairy Substitutes

I'm sitting here in Starbucks, drinking a delicious Vanilla Rooibos tea and contemplating the growling that is my stomach.  My lovely hubby is outside brainstorming with some friends about the best way to promote Christian concerts in town.  Needless to say, while he thinks away I need to do something about my tummy.

I thought I had this covered when I made us a couple of delicious quesadillas for dinner, but that was clearly not enough food for this girl!

Let me digress for a moment and tell you about those quesadillas.

• Brown rice tortillas
• Butter (softened)
• Shredded cheese (we prefer the light mexican blend from Trader Joe's)
• Sliced turkey meat (cut into small pieces)

Simply lather the outside of the tortillas in butter (mmm...organic is best!), turn them over, fill half with cheese and meat and fold in half to cook.  Warm a skillet on the stove, slap these babies on and cook away!  Delish!


However, clearly not enough when eaten while running out the door to get to a meeting (my hubby...outside).  So, now that brings me back to my current state.  Hungry and facing the options of Baja Fresh.  I hopped online and found this!  I'm happy to report there are quite a few options for food, but I was totally bummed to learn that the chips are cooked in the same fryer as gluten filled food! :(  Such a bummer as I was having a fattening chip craving!

Oh well, I'm thinking some beans and rice will do...