Minute Rice

It's a bummer that although rice is naturally gluten free, so many of the box mixes contain gluten.  Hopefully they will eventually come around and remove it so we can enjoy the Rice-a-roni I knew and loved as a kid.  In the meantime, I've been wanting to try out this rice.  I wasn't completely impressed, but again, Brittany seemed to like it fine.  It certainly was convenient to just pop it in the microwave for a minute.

I am always thrilled to find a Gluten Free label on the packaging!

Hogson Mill

I found this cookie mix on the grocery store shelf (Smith's), and was suprised to see the price below 3 dollars.  The box showed different options for making chocolate chip or peanut butter.  My gluten-eating kids didn't enjoy them, but Brittany sure did. 

McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo

This is one of my favorite quick fix dinners.  I use 2 packets for my family of 6 and a box of gluten free noodles.  I like to add chicken (bbq leftovers work great in this), and broccoli.  The Carbonara recipe on the back includes crumbled bacon.  I will try that version next time.  Anyway, it is a quick fix meal idea that you can toss together in one pot at the end. 

Hormel Pepperoni Stix

We just came back from a fun trip to Disneyland.  To save a buck or two we packed lunches and snacks in a backpack so we didn't have to buy food at the park.  Although, we know from previous trips to the "Happiest Place on Earth", that they are very gluten free friendly.  They even offer gluten free buns for hamburgers and hot dogs and those delicious turkey legs are gluten free.  (Tip: Stop by city hall the morning of your visit for a current gluten free list of food available in each land.) 

But this time, we brought most of our food and snacks in.  So I was pleased to find these pepperoni stix that are individually wrapped (like a cheese stick).  They have 5 grams of protein, 140 calories and 0 carbs.  And the package says gluten free right on the label.  It's a diabetic/celiac's dream snack.  And it is delicious too!

A Bakers Dream

It's a little known fact

 that Pamela's makes the best gluten free brownie mix!

But this brownie pan is a dream come true for a diabetic-celiac.  Let me tell you why.  First of all, gluten free recipes can often be crumbly and hard to cut evenly.  This makes it hard to accurately divide brownies into perfectly cut portions to calculate the carbohydrates to ensure a correct insulin dosage.  This pan solved both problems!  I found the 9 X 9 size pan at Bed Bath and Beyond.  It cost 20 bucks minus the 20% off coupon. 

I simply poured the batter into the pan, then placed the divider on top.  The brownies came out perfectly proportioned and slid right off the pan.

We all scream for...icecream!

We got a Cuisinart Ice cream maker for Christmas this year.  

There are several recipes for slushies, yogurts and icecream.  We chose to make mint chocolate chip icecream.  The recipe called for super simple ingredients:

1 cup whole milk (I used skim because that's what we drink)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (added the last 5 min)

several drops green food coloring

The kids loved watching the liquid turn into icecream in about 30 minutes.  It melted fast in their cups when we dished it up, but we just couldn't wait to let it set up in the freezer for any longer.  It tasted fantastic and so fresh.  This was a fun treat to make and enjoy together!

Cheese Bread Mania

I saw a story in the paper about this company and had to try it for myself.  They make Brazilian Cheese Bread dough that is gluten free.  I found this at my local Harmon's grocery store.  HERE is a link to their site if you are interested in ordering or finding it at a store near you.  They were a little pricey at 10 dollars for a box of 24.  I would love to try the other flavors they offer. 

PAO DE QUEIJO (Brazilian Cheese Bread)...

Delightfully crispy on the outside, moist and chewy on the inside, kind of like a cheesy cross between a popover and a dinner roll, pão de queijo can be found daily in almost any bakery, bar, café, or luncheonette in Brazil. It is gluten-free, and offers a bit of a playground for experimentation with different kinds of flavors. Great for breakfast, delicious for mini-sandwiches and fantastic for munching with drinks.