This time of year we see the image of pumpkins everywhere, on most doorsteps, and as the main ingredient to many fall and holiday recipes.

Pie or sugar pumpkins are smaller than the common jack-o-lantern carving pumpkin and the best type to use when baking and cooking. With Halloween behind us, these small pumpkins will be more difficult to find, so buy them now so you can enjoy using fresh pumpkin in your holiday dishes. Canned pumpkin will always do the trick and is quite tasty, but nothing beats the flavor of fresh pumpkin! Read More »

We all know how “gluten-free” is a buzz word now. It seems it is easier than ever to find “gluten-free” labeled packaging at the local grocery store chain. Restaurants are labeling more food “gf” to try and attract more customers. But is this helping us? Or is it making more people just roll their eyes?

I get so excited when I see places near me offering “gluten-free” donuts, or “gluten-free” fries, or “gluten-free” pizza, and when anything on their menu is specifically labeled gluten-free. It gets me giddy with excitement, even if I wouldn’t normally eat a donut, or fries. I like to know if I want them, I can have them. But then when it comes down to it, and I am at the restaurant and I ask if their menu items are really gluten-free, and fried in a dedicated fryer, I get a response that is more and more common lately: Read More »

Sweet noodle kugel Credits: www.glutenfreesmusings.com

As I was reminiscing about living in NYC, and getting kugel from the local kosher deli. And I thought why not…I could do this. If my grandparents could see me now they would be so proud, and very shocked! I remember once when I was younger visiting my grandma in the Bronx and eating at a kosher deli, I asked for an egg-cream with my pastrami sandwich…..oooh, the looks of daggers I received. I might know a fraction more than I did then, like meat and dairy don’t go together, but that is about it sadly. Along with kugel, I do love me a nice big bowl of matzo ball soup and a knish…now my goal is to make those in GF fashion.

This week started with kugel, and it came out great. I really think the key was the noodle. And since traditional kugel calls for egg noodles, us GF-ers are kind of out of luck, or so I thought. But one of my new favorite gluten-free products, a corn pasta from Hungary, Cornito fit the bill! Corn pasta from Hungary, who would have thought? But it is delicious and not only tastes just like traditional egg noodles, it is pretty cheap.   Read More »

Peaches – Cut into half inch slices

One of my passions in life is baking, but once I learned I had to go gluten-free, I felt I had lost this ability.  Not only was I horribly mistaken, but gluten-free baking can actually taste better than baking with wheat flour, yes, even better!

My favorite magazine for the last 15 years has been Food & Wine. Every month when I receive it in the mail, I cannot wait to open it to the index to see what recipes await.  The dessert section is the first category I explore, and try.  I was so disappointed when I thought I would no longer be able to create the wonderful baked goods published in this bible of mine.  Then I saw this recipe, by New York’s Bobby Flay, and decided I have to give it a try. Read More »

It is always a good time for soup.  And a fresh carrot soup is no exception. This gluten-free carrot soup is simple and tasty dinner treat for anytime of year.

Buckwheat biscuits make a delicious accompaniment, with their earthy and slightly sweet flavor.

Soup*

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into Read More »

I am always on the lookout for delicious ways to combine fresh summer vegetables, from the garden, into a tasty meal.  This recipe is taken from Rachael Ray’s Everyday magazine, with changes made to make it gluten-free.  It is quick, easy and delicious and takes about the time it takes to boil the water and cook the pasta. Read More »

Saturday, May 14th was an evening of fabulous food and fundraising for the University of Chicago’s Celiac Disease Center at the 10th Annual Spring Flours Benefit which was held at the Swissôtel in downtown Chicago. The center is completely funded by donations and this event it vital in keeping the center at the forefront of celiac research, education and advocacy.

The event began with a presentation of the celiac Iceberg Award to the founder of the Center, Stefano Guandalini, MD., with the help of Amy Lukas, one of the very first celiac patients in the clinic. This was followed by silent and live auction events and unlimited dinning possibilities. Read More »

General Mills will be debuting gluten-free Bisquick and 3 flavors of gluten-free Hamburger Helper at this year’s Celiac Disease Foundation Annual Education Conference & Food Faire, which will be held in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 15th.

Once again General Mills steps up and provides the gluten-free community with a mainstream product that is gluten-free and readily available. Read More »

With less than a week to go, don’t miss the Chicago-area gluten-free event of the year. The event is going to take place this coming weekend, April 17-18 at the Wyndham Hotel in Lisle. Tickets to Saturday’s classes are already sold out, but there are still a few tickets left for Sunday’s classes.

Everyone is welcome to attend the vendor fair each day, tickets for the vendor fair are available at the door.

For more information, visit here and here.

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Author Information: Anne Steib, Chicago, IL
Anne Steib
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