Thought Provoking Articles

Last week the Chicago Tribune ran two articles dealing food allergens that were exceptionally interesting and extremely unsettling. If you haven't yet read the articles, do.

November 23, 2008
A Recipe for Disaster: Whole Foods' handling of chocolate bar shows how warnings fail.
Sam Roe
Tribune Staff Report

November 21, 2008
Children at Risk in Food Roulette: Mislabeling, lax oversight threaten people with allergies
Sam Roe
Tribune Staff Reporter

Funky Monkey Snacks

Funky Monkey Snacks has graciously agreed to provide Gluten-Free Wikaduke with a sampling of their freeze-dried fruit snacks at our meeting on Saturday!

The flavors include Bannanamon, Jivealime, Purple Funk and Carnival Mix. The first 3 are organic, but all are gluten free.

The snacks can be purchased locally at Whole Foods or at a few online sources including amazon.com.

Thanks Bob's Red Mill!

Thanks to Bob's Red Mill who provided the participants of Gluten-Free Wikaduke with a generous donation of their delicious gluten-free mixes. The donation included cornbread, pizza crust and brownie mix. Bob's Red Mill products can be ordered directly from Bob's Red Mill or purchased at local grocery and health food stores.

While you're buying Bob's Red Mill products, do be sure to try their chocolate cake mix so you can make the chocolate cupcakes for your favorite GF students. The recipe using the chocolate cake mix as a base will soon be posted!

Thanks again to Bob's Red Mill for hooking us up!

Ice Scream, You Scream...

...for Good Karma's dairy free, gluten free, vegan, organic rice cream.

Good Karma offers carrot cake, vanilla, mudd pie, mint chocolate swirl, chocolate peanut butter fudge, banana fudge and coconut mango rice cream.

Good Karma is sold in pint size containers at local grocery stores.

Organic Valley Coupons

Jane forwarded us an online coupon for a variety of Organic Valley coupons including Organic Valley Lactose Free Milk. To redeem visit their site.

Proof's in the Testing!

Edited: Please note changes to the following post have been made and are in bold print.

Many months ago, your fearless leaders sat down to 'plan' several months worth of meetings. At that 'planning session,' Tracy said she wanted to use Elisa tests to determine the gluten status of some popular mainstream products.

As if Elisa Technologies, Inc. was reading our minds, they developed a new test, a user friendly test, to determine if a food product is gluten free or not. The test is called EZ Gluten and it will determine if a food product contains as little as 10PPM gluten.

Ten tests cost $110 plus shipping which is most likely too expensive for daily home use, but thanks to the success of our raffles, it's in Gluten-Free Wikaduke's price range. Below you'll find a list of foods we're planning on testing. If any of you have other suggestions, please post them in the comments section.

Food to Test:
1. Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats*
2. Fruity Pebbles*
3. McDonald's French Fries
4. Amy's Frozen Macaroni and Cheese
5. Trader Joe's Savory Crackers
6. Tostito Scoops
7. Van's Waffles
8.
9.
10.

Also, if anyone would be willing to tape our experiments we would be most appreciative. Because we don't know what the results will show it would be nice to have a table as proof.

*If any of you keep either the cereal or the oatmeal in your home, we would appreciate a donation of 1/2 teaspoon of each from a box that has not been opened until the time of the testing at the meeting. We'll combine all that we recieve, smash it up and then test a portion of the combined crumbs.

Gluten-Free Eating Made Easy!

EDITED TO ADD: Do-It-Yourself Dinners now has prepared gluten-free meals available throughout the month. Once a gluten-free order has been received, the owner of Do-It-Yourself dinners will prepare the meal in a safe area.

The following entrees will be available throughout the Winter and into the Spring at the Do-It-Yourself Dinners location at 7142 West 183rd Street, Tinley Park. For more information call 708-444-8450.

Apple Glazed Pork Chops
Attention all sweet and spicy fans...this one is for you. Not too spicy center cut pork chops with a sweet apple and scallion marinade. Yum

Barbecue Chicken Pizza
10-inch Gluten free crust topped with diced chicken and vegetables with a tangy BBQ sauce make this a very exciting pizza.

Baked Sausage and GF Rigatoni
Delicious baked pasta with sausage, marinara and parmesan cheese.

Beef or Chicken Fajitas
Beef or chicken strips with peppers and onions in a southwest seasoning. A fast dinner for nights when families are busy.

Beef Stew Gaston
Tender stew meat slow cooked with vegetables in a rich sauce.

Chicken Cacciatore
Braised chicken with tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms and spices.

Chicken Cheddar Casserole
Number one seller! Boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with cheese, mushrooms in honey mustard sauce.

Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast
Tender chicken rolled with a mozzarella and sundried tomato filling. Top with a tangy
tomato cream and this will be sure to please.

London Broil
Teriyaki marinated beef sirloin tastes great off the grill. You'll love it!

Open Sesame Salmon
This is a fresh salmon fillet topped with just the right combination of sesame, hoisin sauce and ginger.

Orange Teriyaki Pork Loin
Put a new twist to your regular Sunday dinner. Tender pork marinated with a blend of orange, in a traditional teriyaki sauce.

Popeye's Pork Chops
Individual pork chop version of our hit stuffing! That is a blend of spinach, bacon and onions topped with a tangy BBQ sauce.

Popeye's Pork Roast
Tender pork roast stuffed with a blend of spinach, bacon and onions topped with a tangy BBQ sauce.

Santa Fe Meatloaf
A little different than your everday meatloaf. A perfect blend of southwestern spices
topped with salsa.

Shepherd's Pie
Total comfort food. Seasoned ground chuck, cheese, corn and topped with mashed potatoes.

Sweet Pepper Steak
Sirloin steak in a sweet and tangy pepper and tomato sauce.

Tasty Tortellini Soup
Jimmy makes terrific soups and this one is no exception! A great blend of Italian sausage, GF cheese tortellini, beans and special spices.

Cecelia's Market Place

To receive the free gluten-free product of the day emails that Trina mentioned, go to Cecelia's Market Place website, scroll halfway down the page and click on 'Join Our Free Daily Emails.'

Need Vitality?

As mentioned on Saturday, the health food store in Orland...

New Vitality
Health Foods, Inc.
9177 W. 151st Street
Orland Park, IL 60462

708.403.0120
newvitalityhealth.com

Do-It-Yourself Dinner Time!

Do-It-Yourself Dinners is again offering a gluten-free meal prep day this week on Thursday, November 29th from 11AM until 8PM. Unfortunately, the menu is not yet posted online. As soon as a copy is available it will be added to this posting.

It seems that some have really liked the meals and some haven't. It might be helpful to those who haven't tried them if those who have would post what you've liked, didn't like, reasons why, etc. Your comments might still be helpful even though everyone's tastes are different. Feel free to post your comments anonymously. ;)

Garrett's is Gluten Free!

CARAMELCRISP® POPCORN Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Popcorn, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Baking Soda (leavening). ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Contains Milk. Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

CHEESECORN™ POPCORN Ingredients: Popcorn, Coconut Oil (refined coconut oil, beta-carotene [color], artificial flavor), Dehydrated Cheddar Cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Salt, Cream, Sodium Phosphate, Yellow 5, Lactic Acid, Soy Lecithin (an emulsifier), Yellow 6. ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Contains Milk, Coconut & Soy. Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

CARAMELCRISP® & CHEESECORNTM POPCORN MIX Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Popcorn, Coconut Oil (refined coconut oil, beta-carotene [color], artificial flavor), Unsalted Butter, Dehydrated Cheddar Cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), Soybean Oil, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Cream, Sodium Phosphate, Yellow 5, Lactic Acid, Baking Soda (leavening), Soy Lecithin (an emulsifier), Yellow 6. ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Contains Milk, Coconut & Soy. Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

CASHEW CARAMELCRISP® POPCORN Ingredients: Roasted Cashews (cashews, peanut oil, salt), Brown Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Popcorn, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Baking Soda (leavening). ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Contains Cashews, Peanuts & Milk. Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

PECAN CARAMELCRISP® POPCORN Ingredients: Pecans (pecans, salt), Brown Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Popcorn, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Baking Soda (leavening). ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Contains Pecans & Milk. Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

MACADAMIA CARAMELCRISP® POPCORN Ingredients: Roasted Macadamia Nuts (macadamia nuts, peanut oil, salt), Brown Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Popcorn, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Baking Soda (leavening). ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Contains Macadamia Nuts, Peanuts & Milk. Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

BUTTERY POPCORN Ingredients: Popcorn, Coconut Oil (refined coconut oil, beta-carotene [color], artificial flavor), Salt. ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Contains Coconut. Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

PLAIN POPCORN - NATURAL AIR-POPPED

Ingredients: Popcorn
ALLERGEN INFORMATION: Produced in a kitchen that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and soy. None of our products are made with ingredients that contain gluten.

Freebie Info!

Below you will find the list of companies that generously provided samples of gluten-free products for our anniversary meeting. Some of the items were sampled, some placed in the goody bags and a few of the items were put in the raffles. If given the opportunity, please thank them for their contributions.

Gluten-Free Pantry and Glutino
Pretzels
Strawberry Wafers

Mrs. Leepers
Creamy Tuna Noodles
Beef Stroganoff
Spaghetti Rice Pasta
Rotelli Corn Pasta

Bio-Naturae Pasta
4-ounce packages of penne pasta (boil 8-10 minutes)
$ .50 off coupons

Celiac Specialties
Donut Holes
Angel Food Cake
Pumpkin Muffins
Brownies

Gluten-Free and Fabulous
Macaroni and Cheese
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Karen's Crisps

Want Expandex!

It seems there are another three pounds of Expandex available at $4 per pound. First come, first served!

If any of you would like your pound before the next meeting or Thanksgiving please email me, perhaps we can arrange a centrally located meet-up point.

Also, my personal Expandex runner will be making another trip to Denver in December...

Baked Good Recipes Tried at the Anniversary Meeting

11/11/7 UPDATED!

Pumpkin Cheesecake - Trina
Saving Dinner for the Holidays, Leanne Ely www.savingdinner.com
1 1/4 cups GF gingersnap cookie crumbs (crush about 20 cookies in a
plastic bag)
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
4 eggs
3/4 cup chilled whipping cream (need to whip it with 2 teaspoons sugar
and teaspoon of vanilla) or use whipped cream out of a can

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cookie crumbs and butter. Press evenly on the bottom of a 9" springform pan. Bake 10 minutes, then let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.

In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon and ginger on medium speed until smooth. Add pumpkin. Now add in the eggs, one at a time on low speed. Pour into the cookie crumb pie shell. Bake your cheesecake until center is firm, about 1 1/4 hours. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

To loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan, unbuckle the side and carefully remove. Serve with a dollop of whip cream on the cheesecake. This recipe is to die for!

Abby's Pecan [or Walnut] Pie - Tracy
1 9-inch pie crust
1 cup light corn syrup (or equal parts light and dark)
1 cup dark brown sugar (I used light)
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 whole eggs, slightly beaten
1 heaping cup shelled pecans or walnuts

Prebake the crust for 5 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Mix syrup, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla. Add slightly beaten eggs. If you're using whole nuts decoratively arrange the pecans in the bottom of the shell. Then, gingerly pour over the liquid and the pecans will very slowly rise to the surface.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes or until set.

Apple Cake - Lynne D.
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups Pamela's Baking/Pancake mix
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups peeled and chopped apples
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350, grease a 13 x 9 pan. Beat sugar, eggs and oil together with a mixer until well blended. Mix in flour; baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in apples and walnuts, mix well. Pour into baking dish. Bake 50-55 minutes. Let cool before icing.

Cream Cheese Icing
1/2 cup butter softened
1 one pound box powdered sugar
1 8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix butter, sugar, cream cheese and vanilla. Spread on cooled cake. Serves 20.

Caramel Filling with Apple Slices - Jane
Pour one can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk into the top of a double boiler. Simmer over hot water for 2 hours--set time to ring at 20 minute intervals to check water level to be sure the bottom of the boiler doesn't boil dry. Do not lift the lid off the boiler during the entire cooking process. At the end of 2 hours place caramel filling in an air tight container-- I use a clean peanut butter jar because of the wide month.
OR
Boil sealed can of condensed milk for 2 hours, being sure can stays covered with water completely. Then cool completely sitting on counter before opening.

Chocolate Fudge Cake - Christine
Annalise Roberts, Gluten Free Baking Classics
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1-3/4 cups brown rice flour mix (2 cups brown rice flour, 2/3 cup potato starch, 1/3 cup tapioca starch)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/2 cup canola oil
1-1/2 cups milk
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups frosting
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Position rack in the center of oven. Line two 9-inch round layer cake pans with parchment or waxed paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
2. Melt chocolate in small, heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool until lukewarm.
3. Put flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum in medium bowl and whisks until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
4. Place canola oil and milk in a liquid measuring cup and whisk until thoroughly combined. Remove two tablespoons of liquid and discard. Set aside.
5. Beat sugar and eggs in large bowl of electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add dry and wet ingredients in two additions at low speed, then mix at medium speed for 1 more minute.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans. Place in center of oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a layer comes out clean. (Bake 35-40 minutes for 8-inch rounds; 18-20 minutes for cupcakes).
7. Cool cake layers in the pans on a rack for 5 minutes. Use a small knife to cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Invert cake layers onto a rack, peel off paper and cool completely.
8. Place one cake layer on a platter. Spread 1 cup of frosting over top and sides. Place second layer on top. Spread remaining frosting over entire cake.

Chocolate Lover's Frosting - Nestle
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup butter, softened
5 to 6 tablespoons milk, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat 1 cup powdered sugar, cocoa, butter, 2 T. milk and vanilla extract in a small mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in remaining sugar and milk until smooth. Makes 2 cups.

Pumpkin Bread - Tracy
1 1/2 cups (186 grams) Four Flour Bean Mix*
1/4 cup (40 grams) brown rice flour
1 tablespoon Expandex (if available)
3/4 teapoon xanthan gum
1 1/4 cup (260 grams) granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon**
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg**
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger**
1/4 teaspoon ground clove**
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup oil
1 heaping teaspoon molasses
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons water (may need a little more or a little less
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

*Flour Bean Mix: 2 cups gabanzo and fava bean (AKA garfava) flour, 1 cup sorghum, 3 cups cornstarch, 3 cups tapioca starch
**Pumpkin Pie Spice might be a good sub for the various spices.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a loaf pan. This can be easily mixed by hand or with a mixer. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add oil, molasses, eggs and mix until incorporated. Add pumpkin puree and stir until well combined. Add the water as needed. On dry days it might all be needed; on humid days none or just a bit may be needed. Stir in nuts.

Pour mixture into the pan and bake for 60-75 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

Savory Recipes Served at the Anniversary Meeting

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts - Mary Bor__
1 pound Oscar Mayer Bacon cut into 3rds
2 to 3 cans whole water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
La Choy Soy Sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup Heinz Ketchup
Toothpicks

Soak the water chestnuts in the soy sauce, only for a few hours.

Wrap the bacon around the water chestnut, secure with a toothpick. Bake them in the oven at 350 degrees until bacon is crispy. Remove from grease filled pan.

Mix brown sugar and ketchup in a sauce pan over low heat. Heat thoroughly. Fold in water chestnuts/bacon.

Breakfast Casserole - Tracy
8 eggs
1 pound ham, cubed
4 cups southern style has browns
2 1/4 cups cheese, shredded
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup GF corn flakes, crushed or bread crumbs (optional)

Beat eggs. Add all ingredients but corn flakes. Pout into greased 10-inch quiche pan. Sprinkle with corn flakes. Refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake for 50 minutes at 325 degrees F or until mostly set in the middle. To cook straight from the refrigerator and place in a cold oven cook for 1 hour and 10-20 minutes.

Chinese Chicken Wings - Mary Be__
12 chicken wings
4 whole green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce [La Choy or San-J]
1/2 cup Sherry [Holland House Sherry Cooking Wine]
1/2 cup water

In a heavy skillet, mix soy sauce, Sherry, water, brown sugar and onion. Cook to boiling. Cut off wing tips (you can use them later for chicken stock). Disjoint the wings and add to the sauce. Simmer wings for about 40 minutes or until tender.

Creamy Deviled Eggs - Pat
12 hard boiled eggs
1/3 cup Annie's Naturals Cowgirls Ranch Dressing
Almost 4 ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread
About 1/2 teaspoon Onion (Penzey's Granulated White)
Dill Weed (Mc Cormick) - About a few dashes to taste

Slice eggs in half and remove yolks. Place yolks in flat dish and mash with salad fork. In a large measuring cup mix salad dressing with softened cream cheese and dry spices. Mix in mashed egg yolks until smooth. Adjust to taste. Fill the hollowed egg whites with the egg yolk mixture. Sprinkle the top with: Mc Cormick Sea Salt and Mc Cormick Paprika

Porcupine Balls - Mary Bor___
1 pound ground beef (I usually use 1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin, ground turkey is good too)

1/2 cup uncooked regular rice

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup chopped onion (I don't like onion, so I skip this)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

1 can (15 ounce) tomato sauce

1 cup water

2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins is GF)

Mix hamburger, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salt, celery salt, garlic powder and pepper. Shape mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls into 12 balls.

Mix remaining ingredients; pour over meatballs. Cover and cook in 350 degree oven 45 minutes. Uncover and cook 15 minutes longer.

Thanksgiving Recipes Needed!

The Thanksgiving recipe handout is in need of being updated. If you have any great GF recipes that should be included please send them to us so they can be included. Any tips surviving Thanksgiving or for creating a delicious, gluten-free Thanksgiving would also be appreciated! Everyone will receive a copy of the updated handout at the November meeting.

Please email the information to us or leave a post in the comments. Thanks!

Whole Foods and Namaste

As many of you are probably aware, Whole Foods has recently discontinued carrying Namaste mixes in the Midwest region. In fact, as of last weekend Namaste mixes were no longer available at Whole Foods on 63rd Street in Willowbrook.

When I spoke to Judy Butler, the owner of Namaste, last week she seemed extremely concerned about the implications. When I asked how we could help she asked that we fill out a comment card requesting that Whole Foods carry the Namaste brand once again. In addition, she emailed me a letter that could be left at Whole Foods. A copy of the letter will be distributed at the meeting on November 3rd along with some samples that Judy sent.

GF Candy List

Trina asked me to share with each of you a list of gluten-free Halloween candy she found at the Glutenfreeda site. Please remember that lists are outdated as soon as they are created, so it's always wise to contact the manufacturer for the latest information.

For what it's worth, I have a neighbor who always appreciates it when people pass out plain Hershey bars because they are tree nut and peanut free thus safe for her son.

Information on Products from Aldi

I recently inquired whether or not an Aldi product was gluten free. Unfortunately, I learned that Aldi does not keep a list of gluten-free products. The representative with whom I spoke said the only way to get the gluten status of a product is to send a letter requesting the information. The representative said the more detailed the information we provide, the more likely they are to get the accurate answers from the various manufacturers. She suggested including the exact name, flavor or variety, size, UPC code, price, date of purchase, etc.

All product inquiries should be mailed to:
Aldi Consumer Relations
1200 North Kirk Road
Batavia, Illinois 60510

Do-It-Yourself Dinner Reminder

If you haven't already, please remember to call in your order to Do-It-Yourslef Dinners today. The number is 708-444-8450.

DIY opens at 12Noon so if the evening hours don't work for you it's still possible to get meals. I believe some people from Gluten-Free Wikaduke will gather there at 6PM. Others, like myself, will have to go earlier in the day.

Do-It-Yourself Dinners is located at 7142 W. 183rd Street and Harlem in Tinley Park.

Happy Cooking!