Monthly Archives: June 2011

Why Oats Should Be Excluded from the Gluten-Free Diet

oats glutenThe suitability of oats as part of the gluten-free diet has been a source of controversy, with some groups pointing to research suggesting oats are safe and others pointing to other research demonstrating oats are dangerous to those with celiac disease. Close inspection of available medical research clearly shows that oats, even “gluten-free” oats, should not be included in the gluten-free diet at this time.

Until the early 1990’s, oats were excluded from the gluten-free diet, along with wheat, barley and rye. Then, a few pilot studies suggested oats may not cause the harm previously thought. The idea was proposed that people with celiac disease would find their diet more palatable, and would benefit nutritionally, if they were allowed to eat oats.

Heavy contamination of many oat products with wheat, rye, and particularly barley, was a concern. Companies began to produce so-called “gluten-free oats.” These oats were tested for the presence of wheat, barley and rye. They are vigorously marketed as “safe” for celiacs. However, studies show that even “uncontaminated oats” (oats not containing wheat, barley or rye) are toxic to an unknown number of people with celiac disease.

Early studies proclaimed oats to be safe, but they have since been judged faulty with poor validity. Nevertheless, they opened the floodgates to Read More »

Gluten Free Almond Butter Alternative to Peanut Butter

Gluten Free Works Author Kimberly Bouldin

gluten-free almond butterJune 29th is National Almond Butter Crunch Day. Almond butter is a great way to get that good, healthy fat.  There are many varieties of almond butter on the market and most of them are gluten-free.  

 

All of the above listed almond butters are very good, but if I had to choose my favorite, I would have to go with Read More »

Dietz & Watson and Acme Partner in First Ever Dedicated Gluten-Free Deli

John Libonati Gluten Free Works

Dietz & Watson Gluten FreePHILADELPHIA (June 14, 2011) – Dietz & Watson Premium Deli Meats & Artisan Cheeses and ACME Markets, part of the nationwide SUPERVALU® family of grocery stores, will debut the first-ever dedicated Dietz & Watson gluten-free deli in the Philadelphia suburb of Paoli. Dietz & Watson offers more than 400 gluten-free choices, and more than 20 of them will be available at this one-of-a-kind deli case starting Wednesday, June 15.

Dietz & Watson and ACME are taking every step possible to prevent gluten from touching any product in the special deli case by adhering to strict guidelines to maintain the gluten-free integrity of the products. Shoppers will see items in a special eight-foot segregated section of the deli. The gluten-free products will have dedicated slicers separate from the other deli slicers, and deli associates will wear special blue gloves when handling gluten-free products. Shoppers can still purchase items at the regular deli cases with a full array of all traditional offerings available. Read More »

Gluten Free Sausage, Pesto and Veggie Pizza Recipe

Jen Cafferty Gluten Free Works Author

Gluten free pesto pizzaThis is the other pizza that my husband made for our dinner tonight.  This is my personal favorite.  There is something very comforting about the italian sausage and roasted veggies.  The other pizza he made was a Spinach, Pancetta and Goat Cheese Pizza.  We use Udi’s frozen GF pizza crust, but any GF crust will work.

Ingredients:

3 mild Italian sausage links,  casing removed
1 1/2 cups fire roasted peppers and onions (I use the frozen Trader Joe’s version)* Read More »

Pizza Is a Human Right, in My House Anyway

Theresa Gluten Free Works

Gluten Free Pizza Crust Monstrosity

Any idea what this monstrosity is?

Nope?

This one should be easier:

Gluten Free Pizza Crust Venerdis

That’s right. They’re both pizza bases.

Gluten Free Pizza Base

It tastes great, really...if only I could get it off the paper!

I know what you’re thinking. “How on earth did she manage to make such horrible looking pizza bases?” Read More »

Gluten Free Shrimp and Tofu Pad Thai Recipe

Amy Fothergill Gluten Free Works

Gluten Free Pad Thai Amy Fothergill

Gluten Free Pad Thai Photo: Amy Fothergill

Eating pad thai in a restaurant might be hard if cross contamination is a concern.

Most pad thai sauces contain soy sauce and more likely than not, that soy sauce contains gluten.

If you live in the bay area, access to rice Read More »

Gluten Free Whole Grain Apple Waffle Recipe

 

Nothing beats a good, homemade breakfast.

apple waffle recipe gluten free

Mmm apple waffles! Photo: Whole Foods Inc.

Fresh ingredients, a nice steaming cup of coffee, and a hearty appetite are all that you need.  When you are tired of the traditional scrambled eggs, whip up this Apple Waffle recipe for a delicous, nutritious, gluten-free breakfast!

Don’t have a waffle iron?  Borrow one, or make this recipe at a friend or family members house for a delicious brunch. Once again, this recipe is thanks to the wonderful people at Whole Foods.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup Amaranth flour
1/2 cup brown rice flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda Read More »

Udi’s Bread: What’s UP with All the Holes??

I asked a few celiac friends if they had noticed a change in Udi’s bread. They all answered with the same statement; “Yes, it’s full of holes!”  I emailed Udi’s a few times, but never heard back from them. So I did what all good little bloggers do and posted a picture on my blog.

Udi's Gluten Free BreadI have no idea how many people have complained to Udi’s about their hollow bread, or if they are taking measures to correct it. They certainly have not asked for my two cents (imagine that!). But as a celiac with a nutrition and food science background I know that if you add too much yeast or baking powder in relationship to the flour; or you Read More »

No More Gluten-free Hamburger Helper

Gluten Free Works Jennifer Harris

 

hamburger helper gluten-free

Hamburger Helper is No Longer Gluten-free!!

It has been a little over a year since General Mills launched gluten-free Hamburger Helper and already it has been changed.

Hamburger Helper will no longer be gluten free because it is going to be processed in a different manufacturing facility that cannot be guaranteed to be free from cross contamination.  The newly processed Hamburger Helper will not have the ‘gluten free’ label, but will be labeled “may contain wheat”.

I never tried any of the varieties of gluten-free Hamburger Helper because the flavor options weren’t all that interesting to me, they were loaded with salt and it is frankly Read More »