Let's Host A Gluten Free Super Bowl Party!

The Super Bowl is going to be coming up soon - Sunday, February 6th - and perhaps, you are hosting a party or maybe you're just going to one?  Either way, it is traditionally a game watched while consuming tons of food.

You may have decided that you'll just make food that you cannot eat for your guests or if you're going somewhere, plan to eat beforehand.

Well, this year you don't have to do that.

I will tell you some easy steps on how to host your own exclusively Gluten Free Super Bowl party that even those on a regular diet will enjoy!  Or if you are attending someone else's party, you can just bring with you one or more of these items.

CHIPS -

• Ruffles Original Potato Chips
• Tostitos Restaurant Style with a Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips
• Pirate's Booty
• Snyder's of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzels
• Arico Foods Cassava Chips
• Popcorn Indiana's Chip'ins

DIPS -

• Tostitos All Natural Chunky Salsa (serve with tortilla chips)
• Tribe Hummus (serve with fresh veggies)

PIZZA -

• Joan's GF Great Bakes NY Pizza
• Foods by George Gluten Free Cheese Pizza

CHEESE and CRACKERS -

• Glutino Gluten Free Original Crackers
• Blue Diamond Barbeque Almond Nut Thins
• An assortment of cheese from Applegate Farms

MEATS -

• Applegate Farms Natural Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets w/ Heinz Ketchup

DRINKS -

• Coca-cola
• Pepsi-cola
• Sprite
• 7-Up
• Mug Root Beer
• Canada Dry Ginger Ale
• Anheuser-Busch Gluten Free Redbridge Beer

Now, for those of you that are more adventurous and want to make some delicious snacks, here are some great gluten free recipes from an assortment of excellent gluten free bloggers that you should check out:

• Gluten-Free Goddess's Guacamole
• Gluten-Free Goddess's Nachos
• Adventure's of a Gluten Free Mom's Pigs in a Blanket
• The Sensitive Pantry's Buffalo Chicken Wings

The above gluten free items can be found at most major supermarket chains along with select health food stores.  You may also want to check out Ms. Celiac's Market's Super Bowl section for additional items.

Spanish Lessons!

One of the great things about being on a gluten free diet is that it encourages you to explore new foods that you otherwise may have never tried.

The other day I made 3 delicious gluten free Spanish-themed recipes.  This included the classic Gambas al Ajillo, Guacamole, and Plantains in Thyme and Garlic.

Each item turned out more delicious than the next and everything was very easy to make!


Guacamole (serves 4) -

Ingredients:

• 2 Haas avocados
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Sea salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine avocados and lime juice.
2. Mash until you reach desired consistency.
3. Add sea salt to taste.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Plantains in Thyme and Garlic (Serves 4) -

Ingredients:

• 2 large green plantains
• 2 cups water
• 4 teaspoons Spanish olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp thyme

Directions:

1. Cut the tips off each end of the plantains and remove the skin.
2. Chop in thin slices.
3. In a large skillet, bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
4. Add plantains to the skillet and cover until tender (approximately 15 minutes)
5. With a slotted spoon, remove plantains from skillet and onto paper towels to dry.
6. Dry skillet.
7. In a large bowl, combine the thyme, paprika, and salt.  Add the plantains and toss.
8. Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat.  Add the plantain slices.  Cook until they are golden on the bottom (approximately 3 minutes).  Flip sides. Scatter garlic over the plantains.  Cook another 3 minutes.
9. Serve!

Gambas al Ajillo (serves 4) -

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp Spanish Olive Oil
• 2 1/2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• a dash of Red Chili Pepper flakes
• approximately 20 medium-large shrimp
• sea salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil, garlic and chili flakes over low-medium heat.
2. When oil starts to bubble, add in the shrimp.  Sprinkle with sea salt.
3. Cook for 1 minute and then turn over and cook for another minute.
4. Remove the shrimp from the pan and wipe pan dry with paper towels.
5. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the pan and turn to high heat.  
6. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for about a minute on each side until just browned.
7. Serve!

Katz Gluten Free - Still One of My Favorite Brands!

In case you haven't noticed, Katz Gluten Free is one of our sites newest advertisers!  I am thrilled to have them advertise on my site, as they have been one of my favorite gluten free brands for quite a long time.

I have wrote several features on their delicious assortment of gluten free products.  You can check those articles out below:

Keep It Kosher

Delicious New Bread By Katz

Katz Gluten Free - New Products

In addition to being gluten free, their products are also dairy free and nut free.  Many of their products are also corn free!  Some of their items that I recommend you check out are:

• Chocolate Frosted Cupcakes with Colored Sprinkles
• Honey Loaf
• Whole Grain Bread
• Chocolate Strip
• Cinnamon Rugelech
• Raspberry Hamantaschen

For more information and to purchase these products, please click on their ad above!

Martha Stewart's Gluten Free Special -

Tomorrow, January 27th, the Martha Stewart Show will go gluten free!  According to TvGuide.com,

Gluten-Free recipes with "View" cohost Elisabeth Hasselbeck; allergen-friendly kettle corn with entrepreneurs Angie and Dan Bastian.

Check your local listings for the exact time this will be airing near you!

Bakery on Main Releases Fiber Power!

Gluten free food, in general, lacks fiber.  That is why Bakery on Main took it upon themselves to create a gluten free product that was not only high in fiber but delicious too!

Fiber Power is their new line of high fiber gluten free granola.  It contains 9 grams of fiber per serving!  The product gets its' fiber from two sources - whole grain certified gluten free oats and prebiotic Inulin fiber from Jerusalem artichokes.  In addition to being gluten free, this product is also dairy free, casein free, trans fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, low in saturated fat, all natural, and certified Kosher Parve (OU).  It is currently available in Cinnamon Raisin and Triple Berry varieties.

Bakery on Main also produces an assortment of other delicious gluten free granola products.  This includes:

Gluten Free Granola -

• Apple Raisin Walnut
• Rainforest
• Extreme Fruit & Nut
• Nutty Cranberry Maple
• Cranberry Orange Cashew

Gluten Free Granola Snack Bars -

• Extreme Trail Mix
• Peanut Butter Chocolate
• Cranberry Maple Nut

Soft & Chewy Gluten Free Granola Bars -

• Peanut Butter & Jelly
• Chocolate Almond
• Apple Cinnamon

All of Bakery on Main's products are made using only the best whole nuts and unsulfured dried fruits.  They are manufactured in a plant that is certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization.  Their products are also free of trans fats, cholesterol, dairy, and casein and are certified Kosher Parve (OU).

Please visit their website, www.bakeryonmain.com, where you can join their "Eat Better Live Better" club.  Upon joining, you will receive a $1.50 coupon and will also be sent the latest recipes, coupons and special offers.

Bakery on Main products are available at select health food stores and major supermarket chains.  You may purchase the Gluten Free Granola and the Gluten Free Granola Snack Bars at Ms. Celiac's Market.  

For more information, please visit them at Bakery on Main.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck's nogii bars are delicious!

I was lucky enough to be sent samples of Elisabeth Hasselbeck's gluten free nogii bars plus her soon-to-be-released men's nogii bar!

Over the years, I have tried out practically every gluten free nutrition bar on the market from Larabar's to thinkThin bars and everything in-between.  Although, I did enjoy some of these bars, I always felt like each bar was lacking in some way - whether there was barely any protein in the bar, it was made of mostly artificial ingredients, or it just didn't provide the nutrients I needed.

So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I heard about the nogii bar.  It is high in protein (20 grams), I recognize every ingredient on the label, and it is nutrient dense - containing 10% Iron and 10% Calcium!

However, the best part is that the nogii bar is delicious and filling!  It has a strong "peanutty" taste, a chocolate-coated bottom with chocolate drizzled over the top!  It is sweet, but not too sweet and tasted more like a dessert than a healthy nutrition bar.  And unlike many of the gluten free bars on the market that leave you starving soon after eating, this kept me satisfied for several hours afterward.

Living on a gluten free diet, we have all been in situations where we need to be out the entire day and know that there will be no place to buy gluten free food and we can't exactly be carrying around a cooler containing our gluten free meals or taking the time to prepare a gluten free meal.

In the past, I have carried around other gluten free bars that have left me with a headache and feeling faint by the end of the day - not to mention absolutely starving as if I had been fasting all day!  Now, I will be sure to carry around the nogii bar, so that I have the energy to complete a busy day!

I was also able to sample the Men's nogii bar.  This bar contains 30 grams of protein and 15% Calcium and Iron.  It was also delicious!

Currently, the only bar available is the Peanut Butter & Chocolate All-Natural High Protein nogii Bar.  You can purchase it at Ms. Celiac's Amazon Marketplace or at Smoothie King locations.

Coming soon you will also be able to purchase the Men's Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Crisp All-Natural Super Protein nogii Bar and the nut-free nogii Kids Bar.

To stay up-to-date on the latest nogii products, please visit www.nogiidiet.com and subscribe to the email newsletter!

Chip'ins!

Popcorn Indiana has introduced a brand new snack to the marketplace!  

Chip'ins are a combination of popcorn and chips!  The delicious taste of popcorn with the crunch of a chip is the end result!

Chip'ins are a gluten free, all natural, whole grain snack!  They contain zero trans fats and have no cholesterol, artificial flavors and/or preservatives.  

Currently, they are available in 4 flavors:

• White Cheddar
• Buffalo Wing
• Sea Salt
• Jalapeno Ranch

You can purchase Popcorn Indiana's Chip'ins at Costco, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens or by visiting their website at www.popcornindiana.com.

Start off the New Year Right!

The gluten free diet does not always provide the healthiest options.  In fact, you have to be careful that you are getting all the nutrients that you need and not loading up on too many gluten free breads/cookies/cakes/pastas that have very little nutritional value and many calories.

Below are two delicious and healthy gluten free recipes that I tried out recently!  They were both also very easy to make.  So, give them a try and let me know how they turn out for you!

Gluten Free Turkey Cutlets in an Oregano-Lemon Sauce -

Ingredients: (serves 4)

• Turkey Cutlets (approximately 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons gluten free all purpose flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)
• 3/4 teaspoon oregano
• a dash of salt
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup gluten free chicken broth (I used Pacific Natural Foods)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

1. On a large plate, combine the gluten free flour, 1/2 tsp of the oregano, and salt.  
2. After cleaning off the turkey, place the cutlets in the flour mixture, dusting both sides.
3. In a large skillet, heat the EVOO over medium-high heat.  Add the cutlets and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side.  Once they are fully cooked, transfer to a plate.
4. Now, add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant (about 15 seconds). 
5. Add the gluten free chicken broth, lemon juice, and remaining oregano to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.
6. Pour the sauce over the turkey and serve!

Gluten Free Artichokes Gratin -

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 packages (9 ounces each) frozen artichoke hearts
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons plain gluten free bread crumbs (I used Gillian's)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• a pinch of rosemary
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Lightly grease a 9-inch glass pie plate.
3. Place the artichokes in a colander and rinse under cold water to separate, then dry with paper towels.
4. Place artichokes in pie plate and toss with the lemon juice.
5. In a small bowl, combine the gluten free bread crumbs, cheese, herbs, garlic, and oil.  Mix well.
6. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the artichokes.
7. Bake until the top is golden, approximately 20 minutes.
8. Serve.

Enjoy!

Elisabeth Hasselbeck releases NO GLUTEN nogii bars!

Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of the View, an ABC News Contributor and author of the New York Times bestselling book, The G-Free Diet, has created a series of nutritious gluten free bars!

The first of which is the nogii High Protein Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bar!  In addition to being gluten free, this all natural bar contains 20 grams of protein and is a healthy combination of protein, fats, and carbs.  It contains absolutely no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils, and no high fructose corn syrup.

If you are looking for a quick and convenient nutrient-dense meal, this seems like a great option!

As Elisabeth Hasselbeck says,

"The day is busy; the demands are high. Whether I am training for a 5K race, pushing through a long day of work, or getting the kids from school to practice and back--I rely on nogii bars to keep me fueled, energized, and ready to tackle it all! I created the nogii bar as a solution to my search for a lower-calorie, NO-GLUTEN, NO-GUILT, HIGH-PROTEIN (20G), ALL-NATURAL meal on the go with quality carbs for sustained energy. It goes wherever I go."

Coming soon, she will also be releasing a Super Protein Bar (30 grams) specifically formulated for men and a nogii Kids gluten free bar!

You can currently purchase the nogii High Protein Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bar in a 12-count package at Ms. Celiac's Amazon Marketplace!

For more information on nogii bars, please visit nogiibar.com!

Simply Peeled!

Are you looking to start out the new year in a healthy way?

Well, if you live in NYC you should visit Simply Peeled!


Simply Peeled makes a gluten free product called Fruizo!

Fruizo consists of only 3 ingredients including: real fruit, filtered water, and a touch of organic cane sugar!  It is a 100% natural snack that is free of dairy, gluten, fat, sodium, cholesterol, and all 8 major allergens.  Even better, a small cup contains less than 90 calories!

To top off your Fruizo, choose from many toppings all of which are free of nitrates, coloring, additives, preservatives and, often, are organic!

The current flavors of Fruizo include:

• Banana
• Mango
• Strawberry
• Apple
• Cranberry (newest flavor)

Simply Peeled is located in NYC at:

1371 Third Avenue (at 78th street)

They also deliver within NYC!  For more information, visit their website at www.peelednyc.com!

Say Cheese!

I recently came across a delicious brand of gluten free cheese crackers called Wellaby's!  They reminded me of the Cheez-Its I used to consume as a child.  I did some research on this company and found out that, in addition to their gluten free crackers (mini and regular), they also make a product known as "Cheese-Ups."

Cheese-Ups are available in 3 varieties including classic cheese, parmesan, and smoked cheese.  In fact, this is the only product in the world made from 43% real cheese!  Both their mini crackers and regular crackers contain 24% real cheese and are still very cheesy!

Their mini crackers are available in 3 varieties including original cheese, red cheddar, and grated parmesan, while their regular crackers are available in 4 varieties including classic cheese, feta, oregano & olive oil, parmesan & sun-dried tomato, and rosemary & onion.

In addition to being gluten free, all of their products are baked and not fried and contain no MSG.  They are also a good source of calcium and are made in a dedicated gluten free facility!

Wellaby's products are made in Greece and available throughout the world and at Ms. Celiac's Market!

For more information on these products and on where to purchase them, please visit their website at: www.wellabys.com.