Holidays

Like many of you, this Examiner grew up having Honeybaked ham for the holidays.  It is such an easy meal and one that is a real crowd pleaser, so it was disturbing to learn that even thought the ham and the turkey are gluten free the glaze used on each contained gluten making it unsafe for those on the gluten-free diet.

Back in 2008, Honeybaked reformulated their glaze and removed gluten and soy making the hams/turkeys safe for those on a gluten-free diet, but Read More »

It's fun to make pancakes into the shape of pumpkins! Photo: A. Fothergill

If you live in the Bay area, you know pumpkins are in great abundance in the fall. Even if you don’t roast them yourself, pumpkin-themed recipes are as ubitquous to the bay area as clam chowder is to New England. To figuratively put the frosting on the cake, if you are eating gluten-free, don’t worry, this recipe is easy and delicious. Get out the cinnamon and the cloves…it’s time to make pancakes!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes

Mix dry ingredients first. Use any spices you like. Photo: A. Fothergill

1 ¾ cups milk (you can substitute soy or rice)

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 egg

3 tablespoons natural cane sugar or sucanat Read More »

The holidays are the busiest time of year regardless of which holiday you celebrate. The hustle & bustle in the stores is enough to drive even the sanest person running to the closest mental institution.  There just never seems to be enough time to get everything done.  

Now, thanks to Arrowhead Mills, things may get just a little easier.  Enter All Natural Pour n’ Bake Pumpkin Pie Filling. Read More »

It’s been awhile since there has been a gluten-free item of the week but the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter is just too good to go unnoticed.
 
October and November are known for many delicious pumpkin treats: pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin cookies which all normally contain wheat gluten.  But thanks to Trader Joe’s, you can get into the festive spirit by spreading a little pumpkin butter on your favorite gluten-free items – from gluten-free Read More »

In the fall, it’s easy to get fresh, local carrots in the San Franciso area from the grocery store and farmer’s markets. There seems to be something very comforting about muffins and breads flavored with cinnamon. But on a gluten free diet, one is often denied these flavors.

GF Carrot Muffins, by A. Fothergill

Try this recipe which gives you the full flavor and texture of a traditional carrot muffin. Once cooled, top it with a little cream cheese frosting. As a muffin or dessert, this little wonder is sure to please. Read More »

Halloween is quickly approaching and it is important to take the time to determine which candies are gluten free.  We tend to give out gluten-free candies at our house as there are so many great ones from which to choose.  My favorite gluten-free candy has always been Reese peanut butter cups, so we always offer those to our trick-or-treaters.  We couldn’t have been happier to learn that Nature’s Path created a treat-sized version of their Lemur Peanut Choco Drizzle bars and we will be purchasing some to mix in with the more recognizable candies.  Read More »

The Fourth of July is almost here and it is time for festive desserts.  When this Examiner saw that the recipe for Summer Berry Trifle on FamilyFun.com was easily converted to gluten free, it just had to be shared.  Schar makes a great gluten-free ladyfinger that can be purchased locally at Return to Eden.

Summer Berry Triffle. Courtesy: Familyfun.com

If you would rather eat cake, then Jen Cafferty has a great recipe for a gluten-free flag cake.  New Harvest Naturals makes mini pound cakes that can easily be decorated with whipped cream and fresh berries to create individual flag cakes.  You can purchase New Harvest Naturals products locally at Return to Eden.

Regardless of what you choose to make, get creative and really wow your family and friends.  It doesn’t take much effort to produce a scrumptious gluten-free dessert that is a real crowd pleaser. Read More »

Fourth of July is just around the corner and red, white and blue desserts will be in all the stores.  However, if you are on a gluten free diet, you will most likely need to make your own gluten free Fourth of July dessert.

American Flag Cake. Courtesy:dreamstime.com

One of the easiest desserts to make is an American Flag Cake.  Using a gluten free cake white or yellow cake mix (see brands below), prepare a 9″x13″ cake in a pan.  Allow the cake to cool.

Frost the cake with white gluten free frosting.   Read More »

Think you can’t stay gluten-free during the holidays?  Truth be told, 4th of July can be particularly challenging, considering some of America’s favorite dishes are full of gluten: pasta salad, hot dogs, bread, cakes and cookies.   But the goods news is, there are a ton of recipes available for those of us who eat allergen-free — both foods that are inherently gluten-free, as well as quick and easy grain substitutions.  Just keep in mind that eating whole foods that are naturally free of gluten are easiest to prepare, usually most affordable, and also healthier than pre-packaged and processed GF foods.  Read More »

For many people the highlight of Valentine’s Day is eating chocolate. Making chocolate Valentine’s Day candy at home is both fun, easy and can be gluten-free. This is a great activity for both adults and children and a wonderful gift giving idea.

Read More »