Blog

SPONSORED: Pillsbury Gluten Free Muffins, what you’ve been looking for!

Try Uncle Wally’s delicious No-Bake Cake Pops

Serving: Makes 8-12 Servings

Ingredients

8 Pillsbury™ Gluten Free Ready to Eat Muffins, Chocolate Chip (2 boxes)
¼ cup chilled gluten-free frosting (vanilla or chocolate)
1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips, 12 oz.
1 T canola oil
Sprinkles, any type
Cake pop or cookie pop sticks
1 round piece of Styrofoam base

NOTE: Always read product labels to make sure every ingredient is gluten-free. Products and ingredient sources can change.

Directions

In a large bowl, open the muffins and crush them with clean hands.
Add chilled frosting to the crumbled muffins and mix by hand until well blended; roll into 1-½ inch balls.
Melt ¼ cup of chocolate chips in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well. (If not melted, microwave at additional 10-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth).
Dip ½ inch of one end of each cake pop stick into melted chocolate and insert coated end of stick halfway into each ball. Lay pops sideways on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet and freeze for 10-15 minutes until chocolate is set.
Melt 1-¼ cups of chocolate chips and 1 tbsp. canola oil in a 2-cup glass bowl in the microwave. Start by microwaving for 1 minute and stir. (If chocolate is not melted, microwave at additional 10-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth).
Dip pops, one at a time, in the melted chocolate. Rotate the pop for full coverage. Tap stick gently against side of bowl, letting excess chocolate drip off.
Immediately apply sprinkles over a clean tray or plate, rotating the pop as you shake on the sprinkles. Or you can roll the pop in a bowl of sprinkles.
After completing each pop, stand upright in Styrofoam base to dry.

To find more tasty recipes like this, visit www.unclewallys.com and click on the Product Recipe page

This Week in Gluten-Free News

How to use gluten-free flour blends in your everyday baking

Washington Post: I realize that not every recipe is for every person. Interest, diet, skill, equipment: They’re all variables that make it impossible to please everyone all the time. One of the most common questions I get on my baking recipes is something like this: Can I make this with gluten-free flour? Click here for the full story.

The Best Frozen Gluten-Free Pizzas You Can Order Online

Chowhound.com: Can frozen, ready-to-bake gluten-free pizza that doesn’t taste “like cardboard,” really be possible? The answer is yes—it’s 2020, people, and the internet and a barrage of wheat-free flours has made living gluten-free mean you no longer have to suffer the next time you have a hankering for pizza at 2 a.m. Click here for the full story.

Pepperidge Farm Offers First-Ever Gluten-Free Cookie

Celiac.com: Cookie lovers looking for easy-to-find gluten-free cookies from a trusted brand may rejoice in the news that Pepperidge Farm is rolling out gluten-free cookies for the first time in their 80-plus-year history. Click here for the full story.

Meet Fonio, the Gluten-Free African Super Grain

Celiac.com: What’s fonio and why is it set to take the gluten-free world by storm? In West Africa, fonio is well-known for its great taste and dish nutritional profile. In addition to being a nutritious and great tasting, fonio is a versatile and highly sustainable crop. Fonio does well in dry areas, has low water needs, and grows well without pesticides. Click here for the full story.

Going To Singapore? These Restaurants Have the Best Gluten-Free Food

Singapore’s culinary scene is a melting pot of Asian influences that results in unique flavors and interesting dishes sure to satisfy even the most jaded of palates. And while most tourists may think that going gluten-free in the country may be a challenge, it’s refreshing to see that interest in having a gluten-free lifestyle has increased by a whopping 900 percent in the last decade. Moreover, a growing number of Singapore dining establishments have begun offering gluten-free options and are proving that healthy food can taste so good. If you’re going on a vacation in Singapore, check out these restaurants for the best gluten-free food that will keep you coming back for more.

The Butcher’s Wife – 19 Yong Siak Street

Restaurants in Singapore are known for their diversity and ever-expanding range. This is why it’s common to see hot pot places alongside Italian or Korean restaurants, and it’s perfectly acceptable to have a street food market or hawker stands in front of swanky food joints. The variety of food choices means that every craving is satisfied, and if what you’re craving for is comfort food, then head to The Butcher’s Wife on Yong Siak Street.

This cozy bistro serves up comfort food influenced by Asian and Italian cuisine, and everything on their menu is gluten-free. For starters, try their goat cheese with honey and walnut bread, then for your main course, get The Husband’s Favorite Beef Burger which is served with bacon jam, provolone cheese, and sriracha mayo. End your meal with a sweet treat and order the Lemongrass Pannacotta or the Warm Chocolate Cake, which is served with a rich caramel-miso ice cream and sprinkled with pili nuts.

Kitchen – 28 Stanley Street

This cafe advocates clean eating and it caters to vegans, vegetarians, and those with food intolerances. Kitchen has menus for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, as well as an organic wine list for those who want to indulge a little while feasting on their offerings. Try going on a Saturday morning for their weekend brunch and enjoy their gluten-free options, such as the Rendang Egg Benedict and Bolognese Sweet Potato Fries.

For lunch, there’s Beef Bolognese made with zucchini noodles, Sustainable Barramundi with Asian Sesame Greens, and the Rebel Pie, which is Aussie Beef Bolognese topped with a sweet potato mash. Pair your food with a glass or two of organic or biodynamic wines, and you can take your pick from a white, red, or a gorgeous rose from their selection.

Summer Palace – Regent Singapore, Cuscaden Road

Finding a Cantonese restaurant that serves gluten-free food can be a challenge, as most authentic Cantonese dishes contain soy sauce, which is made from soy and wheat. But those who are gluten intolerant will be happy to know that Summer Palace, a restaurant situated inside the Regent Singapore, has a special gluten-free menu. Try the Garlic Fried Chicken with Plum Sauce, or their Fried Beef Cubes with Lily Bulbs and Asparagus. Another must-try is their Brown Fried Rice with Wolfberries and Pine Nuts, and this dish pairs well with their meat or fish dishes.

Singapore is a country that promotes an inclusive eating experience. Check out these restaurants on your next trip and enjoy feasting on delicious, gluten-free meals in the Lion City.

Stonyfield Organic Introduces New Probiotic, Gluten-Free Yogurt

Gluten free and looking for a probiotic fix? Stonyfield Organic now has you covered.

On Jan. 15, the organic yogurt maker announced the launch of Daily Probiotics, a probiotic yogurt drink designed to support both immune and digestive health. Available in two flavors, Blueberry Pomegranate and Strawberry Acai, the new Daily Probiotics include real fruit and organic low-fat milk.

According to Stonyfield, the move follows increasing interest in preventive daily healthcare, which is fueling demand for convenient products made with probiotics. The global probiotics market is predicted to reach nearly 80 billion dollars by 2025.

“Beyond the standard cultures that are required, you may be surprised to learn that many yogurts actually do not contain the probiotic cultures that help support your immune system health,” said Maya Feller, RD. “Studies have shown that eating yogurt rich in probiotics can help foster the beneficial gut bacteria that support an improved immune system by possibly increasing white blood cell counts, so it’s important to look for yogurts that include these specific strains.”

Daily Probiotics shots are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and gluten-free. Daily Probiotics shots are available in the yogurt aisle of retailers nationwide in a 3.1oz. 6-pack format for a suggested retail price of $4.49. For more information visit stonyfield.com.

It’s Not Gluten-Free Land Over Here: Kardashian Kids Party Sparks ‘Food Fight’

If you haven’t been keeping up with the Kardashians lately, the reality-TV superstars got into some gluten-free drama Gluten-Free Living readers may find relatable. For those who actively avoid the celebrity family, it’s best to stop reading now. If you’re curious to see what the drama was and how it unfolded, we’ve got a brief recap.

It all started over a children’s birthday party.

The theme? Candy Land. The problem? Kourtney Kardashian insisting that there would be “too much candy” and not enough healthful options for kids. The party, thrown by Kim and Kourtney for their daughters North and Penelope, sparked a debate those living the gluten-free lifestyle may find all too familiar.

In the episode, Kourtney, who has tried several different diets through the years, including keto, intermittent fasting, and gluten free, was appalled there wouldn’t be some healthful choices at the party.

“Everyone’s gonna come to this party and everything is gonna be disgusting chemicals? We need to have some healthy options,” she told her younger sister.

The suggestion was not taken well.

“It’s a Candy Land themed party! Yes! That’s, like, what the party is about: Candy Land. It’s not gluten-free land over here,” Kim said.

Ouch. How many of you have heard some variation of: “It’s not gluten-free land over here”?

The drama unfolded further on Twitter where Kourtney clarified what she was trying to get across.

“I never said NO candy. I said not all junk food, let’s have some salads etc, and @KimKardashian said she wanted the ice cream truck and I suggested organic ice cream with some non dairy options. Moderation.”

If you’re wondering – yes, there was plenty of candy at the party.

Is the Keto Diet Gluten Free?

Within the past five years or so, the gluten free and ketogenic, or “keto,” diets have made the jump from medical necessities to mainstream menus as many, many people all over the world have reduced or eliminated grains.

Both diets have been trendy for some time now. Whether that’s a good thing is up for debate, but both have been around much longer than many might realize. The keto diet was first discovered in the 1920s by a doctor who found that the diet was an effective treatment for children with epilepsy. In the 1940s, it was proved that eliminating gluten from the diets of those with celiac also eliminated symptoms associated with the disease.

At first glance, the diets appear similar. Going gluten free requires ditching all forms of gluten and the keto diet calls for a dramatic reduction of carbohydrates while increasing the amount of dietary fat one eats.

Essentially, the keto diet is not strictly gluten free. Generally, those following the diet limit carb intake to 50g per day. Those carbs could come from grains, however, many following the diet opt for fresh fruits and vegetables to reach that limit. Whether or not someone should go keto while living the gluten-free lifestyle is a decision that should be made carefully.

When followed properly, the keto diet drastically limits the number of carbs a person eats each day. The keto diet calls for making fat 75% of a diet, protein 20% and carbs 5%. Following the diet sends the body into a state of ketosis, which forces it to burn fats instead of carbohydrates for fuel. Several studies show that the diet does help people lose weight, keep it off, and lower risk factors for disease.

It’s important to do some research before adopting the keto diet, though. And since the diet causes a drastic physiological change it’s critical to consult a doctor before adopting the diet, especially if you remain gluten free.

“Keto flu” often appears soon after the diet is started. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue, brain fog, and hunger. These symptoms are temporary and should disappear once the body starts burning fat instead of carbohydrates. Minor side effects may also include bad breath, leg cramps, and an elevated heart rate.

For some people, the keto diet is not appropriate. Patients who have the following conditions in their medical history should discuss the keto diet with their doctor before starting: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, impaired liver function, gastric bypass, kidney failure and more. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also consult with a doctor.

All that said, the diet’s restriction on all grains makes it an easy transition for those already eating gluten free. So, if you have celiac disease the keto diet may be a smart option for weight loss. But it’s critical to do some research before taking the plunge.

Where to Get Your Gluten-Free Fix on National Glazed Donut Day

With National Glazed Donut Day on January 12, many of our gluten-sensitive friends may be feeling left out.

Fortunately, there is a new way to get in on the fun in an authentic way!

Just outside of Boston, Freedom Bakery is producing a gluten-free donut that is a REAL donut (as opposed to a gluten-free cake with a hole punched through it).

Created by a trio of families – all of whom were dealing with Celiac and all of whom had more than three decades of experience in food service (particularly baking) – and a registered dietician who was eager to expand options for her clients and friends dealing with this challenging dietary restriction, Freedom has already begun to distribute their donuts (which also come in apple cider and Devil’s food varieties) nationwide and to give other donut shops a run for their coffee money!

In addition to being free from gluten, Freedom’s donuts are also free from dairy, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, and cholesterol, and are even kosher, in order to appeal to the widest possible audience. Even if your diet is not so restricted, however, you too will surely love the freedom of Freedom Bakery.

Gluten-Free Living recently spoke with Molly Winsten, Freedom Bakery’s director of operations, about its unique approach to gluten-free donuts.

Q. What prompted you to enter the world of gluten-free foods?

A. Freedom Bakery came about as a result of many years of refining our recipe for an authentic great tasting GF donut. There are many gluten-free bakery items available in the freezer section of specialty stores, but there are very few great-tasting products sold in the bakery. We are proud to introduce our real GF mini doughnuts that have the taste and texture of a freshly made doughnut. Freedom Bakery GF products are sold on the shelf and not in the freezer!

Our products are not just good for gluten free – they are good PERIOD. Our goal was to create a donut that tasted so good you would never know it is gluten, dairy, nut, and soy free.

Q. What do you see as the main differences between GF foods and their gluten-ed counterparts?

A. Many gluten-free foods are trying to mimic products that already exist, and therefore they end being “good for gluten free” at best. They are trying to recreate something that already has a successful formula, and therefore the recreated product ends up being “ok for gluten free”. Our goal was never to do that – we just wanted to create a great product that happened to be GF, versus mimic something that already exists.

Q. What is the biggest misconception about GF foods? How do you hope to change the view of GF foods among the general public?

A. There is a misconception that gluten free bakery products will never taste as good as items that are made with gluten. There are however many ingredients that are gluten free naturally. We intend to show that our products made without gluten can be just as good, if not better, than their gluten-ed counterparts.

Q. What is your favorite GF recipe?

A. We have worked very hard here at Freedom Bakery to come up with a winning formula for our donuts. We want our products to be enjoyed by everyone, not just those with dietary restrictions. Our Old Fashioned Minis and Devil’s Food Minis are the base flavors and will be offering seasonal flavors in the future. We will also be producing a line of full-sized donuts for food service that are individually wrapped and labeled.

Q. What makes Freedom Donuts different?

Gluten-Free Living Taste Test: Ian’s Fish Sticks, Cappello’s Pizza, and More!

Every two weeks or so, we sample new – and new-to-you – gluten-free snacks, meals, and sometimes drinks on Gluten-Free Living‘s live taste test. On Jan. 9, our panel of tasters shared their first impressions on offerings from Ian’s Gluten-Free Fish Sticks, Cappello’s Grain Free Pasta, Just the Cheese and more! See below for the video and more info on all of the products featured.

Ian’s Gluten-Free Fish Sticks

These fish sticks are cut from whole fillets of certified sustainable Alaska pollock, then lightly breaded with crunchy corn breading. Also, there’s no wheat, milk, casein, eggs, nuts, or soy.

Retail: $9.79

Pepperidge Farm Announces its First Ever Gluten-Free Cookie

Later this month, those living the gluten-free lifestyle will be able to enjoy the latest offering from Pepperidge Farm.

On Wednesday, USA Today reported that the company, founded in 1937, is releasing its first-ever gluten-free product. Pepperidge Farm’s gluten-free Farmhouse Thin & Crispy Milk Chocolate Chip and Butter Crisp cookies will be available in Target, Albertsons, Publix and select grocery stores across the United States.

Look for the cookies in the same aisle where Pepperidge Farm products are sold. The suggested retail price is $3.89, USA Today reports.

Last year, the Girl Scouts of America also jumped into the gluten-free market, releasing its first gluten-free cookie. Read more about that here.

7 Crowd-Pleasing Gluten-Free Game Day Recipes

Whether you’re a football fanatic or not, delightful dips, hot wings and cold drinks will make any game day memorable. In fact, the Big Game, set for Sunday, Feb. 13, is the second biggest day for food consumption in the United States. What’s the first? That would be Thanksgiving. No matter who you’re rooting for, these crowd-pleasing recipes will keep any group of fans satisfied – gluten-free or not.

If junk food is more your style, check out our Top 10 Gluten-Free Junk Foods for some indulgent options.

7. Gluten-Free Spicy Cauliflower Wings

If you have yet to try cauliflower wings, this recipe is a must. These “wings” are covered with a gluten-free flour batter to give a delicious crunch with that perfect kick of spice. While others are enjoying deep-fried chicken wings (in fact, more than 1.3 billion wings are expected to be eaten during the championship), you can get the same crunch and flavor without the guilt. Get the recipe.