GF Onion Soup Mix Sightings

For those missing the common brand of onion soup mix, you have two replacement options right now!

Jewel on Caton Farm Road in Plainfield is offering the Kosher for Passover Goodman's Onion Soup Mix for 4 for $5. The two pouch box is located on an end cap near the meat market, not in the Kosher section. This brand has fewer pieces of dried onion that the national brand, but it works just as well for dip or in potatoes.

The Aldi stores have their Beefy Onion Soup Special Buy right now. However it started a week or so ago. This brand offers lots of dried onion bits much like the national brand. A two pouch box costs $.99.

The stores will only carry these for a short while. Get them while you can!

Brown Rice Flour Deal

Nothing makes a cold January day feel all toasty warm like an oven baking a loaf of bread or some chocolate chip cookies!

To aid you in your flour budget, Amazon.com is having a sale on the normally expensive Bob's Red Mill Brown Rice Flour. It's currently priced at $10.44 for four 24-ounce packages. If you choose to 'subscribe and save' you'll save 15% which brings the price $8.87. Plus, it qualifies for free shipping and there is no tax.

You can make a lot of chocolate chip cookies for $8.87!

Amazon Sale on GF Products

It appears that many of us have gotten Amazon's email sales announcement on gluten-free products. Among many other items, the sale includes 6 boxes of Barbara's Bakery Organic Brown Rice Crisp Cereal for $16.87 and 6 packages of Montana's Chocolate Chip Cookies for $16.66.

Thanks Wendy for the reminder to post the sale on the blog!

Market Day Gluten-Free List

For those of you with access to Market Day, you might be interested to know that the Market Day website has a gluten-free section of products which will make your shopping significantly easier.

Many thanks to Jasenia for sharing this information!

Betty Crocker Sale at Amazon

All varieties of Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Mixes are currently 15% off at Amazon.com. A six package case regularly costs $23.84, but is now available for $20.26. To get the discounted price, enter the code BETTYCGF in the 'promotions' field upon checking out. Those of you who use Subscribe and Save are eligible to receive an additional 15% savings.

The sale ends February 28.

Great Gluten-Free Bread Roundup

Tracy had the opportunity to participate in the Great Gluten-Free Bread Roundup last week organized by Free From Market in Orland Park. Like others, she was very critical when scoring the breads and considered four factors when giving a score. They included: taste, texture, cost and whether or not she would prefer to eat no sandwich than a sandwich using this bread. The majority of the breads she tried earned the lowest possible scores, but she did give the highest score to one loaf, Udi's Whole Grain Bread, which turned out to be the favorite by the majority of the tasters.

Here's an excerpt from Free From Market's Newsletter:

And the Best Bread Is ...

Many thanks go to our generous bakers and the many refined tasters who participated in the Great Midwestern Gluten Free Bread Roundup. Tasters ranked Gluten Free breads from dedicated GF and allergen friendly facilities throughout the country. Breads were identified only with icons (dog, cat, bird, etc.) and ingredients. Tasters ranked those breads they tasted on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the best). Afterwards they were given a key that identified the bakers. Out of over 300 ballots, here are the top three:

1. Udi's Bakery (aka "Bumble Bee") 1.736 / 5.000

2. Andrea's GF Fine Foods (aka "Fish Bowl") 2.238 / 5.000

3. Sinfully Gluten Free (aka "Panda") 2.321 / 5.000

Tasters were very critical, so it was difficult to score in the 2.0 range and only one bread at all scored in the 1.0 range. The top complement received by "Bumble Bee" and "Fish Bowl" was that they could be served un-toasted. If your bread did not score in our top three, remember, you have the key and can if you wish purchase directly from the bakers. 'Bumble Bee" is already a regular addition to Free From Market and 'Fish Bowl" will be arriving late next week as a regular addition. We still have several loaves of "Panda" in the freezer, and if there are enough requests, it too will be a regular addition. Thanks to everyone for participating. It was a lot of fun!

Jewel has GF Mixes on Sale

Jewel has the Betty Crocker gluten-free mixes on sale for $3.99. The sale ends this Wednesday, August 12th..so go get it now!

The Ultimate List...

...of safe and not safe ingredients can be found here.

Deerfield's Bakery - Mmmm!

For those of you unable to attend today's meeting, I hate to say it, but you missed out--big time! Deerfield's Bakery, gluten-free baker Lisa, sent us a very generous sampling of their mouthwatering gluten-free line of baked goods. For your pleasure, I've posted a few of their photos here. Check out the Deerfield's site to see the rest of their GF offerings.

Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Chocolate Dreams AKA Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Chocolate Chips

In addition to the products shown above we also sampled a Cheesecake and Triple Chocolate Brownie Bites, Triple Chips, Wally Mon, Chips'n Wally, Day Dreams, Sugar Buttons, and Cherry Chips Cookies.

Lisa Albertson, the gluten-free baker at Deerfield's is looking for feedback on their gluten-free offerings so feel free to post a comment either her or at her blog, Gluten-Free Baker.

Thanks Deerfield's!

A Day of GF Eating....Out!

Have a day with nothing to do? If so, start early and eat your way through the following bakeries, cafes and markets on the North Shore of Chicago. You won't be disappointed!


The Balanced Kitchen [G-Free-V]
6263 North McCormick Boulevard, Chicago
(773) 463-1085

Rose's Wheat Free Bakery
2901 Central Street, Evanston
(847) 859-2723

Deerfield's Bakery
813 North Waukegan Road, Deerfield
25 South Roselle Road, Shaumburg
201 North Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove
(847) 520-0068

Gluten Free Store
807 Waukegan Road, Northbrook
(847) 513-6515

Sunset Foods
1127 Church Street, Northbrook
(847) 272-7700

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.

There's a New GF Grocer in Town

Gluten-Free Grocery will open later this month at 1922 S. Mannheim Road in Westchester.

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

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

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!

Do-It-Yourself (GF) Dinner Night

If your mouth isn't watering after reading the menu of GF entrees available on September 28th something must be wrong!

Just a reminder:
1. Each dinner cost $25 and serves 4 to 6 people. It does not include side dishes.
2. Everyone MUST sign up and pre-order their dishes BY September 26.
3. Do-It-Yourself Dinners will provide single serving tin pans for those who want to divide the entrees into smaller portions. Feel free to bring plastic containers if you want to be able to re-heat the entrees in the microwave.
4. Adult libations are more than welcome.
5. You might want to bring a cooler to transport your food home.

If you are planning on attending, please leave post a note in the comments.