THIS GIVEAWAY CLOSED MIDNIGHT, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2013. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED AND CONGRATS TO KIM W., OUR LUCKY WINNER OF THE TASTE GURU BOX OF GLUTEN FREE GOODIES!!!
Welcome to Friday, Honey Bunch!
Here we are, already wrapping up our first full week of February. In less than one week, we will celebrate love.
Because I truly value and love each of you, my Gluten Free Gigi Family, I have a very special giveaway for Valentine’s Day!
Thanks to my awesome friends at Taste Guru, one lucky winner will receive a bountiful “February Box of the Month” filled with hand-picked gluten free foods like:
- Chebe Focaccia Bread Mix
- Canyon Bakehouse Cranberry Crunch Muffins
- Enstrom Chocolate Toffee
- Popcorn Indiana Chocolate Peanut Butter Kettle Corn
- Taste of Thai Spicy Peanut Bake
- Mezzetta Roasted Bell Pepper & Chipotle Mix
- Lesley Stowe Raincoast Oat Crisps
If you missed my review of this fabulous company and their novel approach to helping us sample the best gluten free products available, be sure to read “Meet Your Taste Guru” to learn more!
To enter the giveaway, simply leave a single comment below telling me what your “go-to” gluten free product is.
If you’re interested in following Taste Guru in the social media world, be sure to “Like” them on Facebook or follow along on Pinterest or Twitter.
Remember, I receive no compensation for sharing this information or giveaway with you. I’m simply helping a gluten free company get some well-deserved attention and making you aware of what I believe may be a useful service to many of you.
The giveaway begins today, February 8 and ends Midnight, Tuesday, February 12, 2013. One winner will be selected at random from all entries and announced Wednesday, February 13 in the “Daily Gluten Free Fix”.
Good luck!
Before we get to my mailbox, I want to remind you of another useful service…my print-only ad-free magazine, “Food Solutions”.
You’ll notice, I no longer refer to it as a “newsletter”.
Too many of you have emailed me asking that I give “Food Solutions” its just due and call it what it really is, a magazine for the gluten free community. Thank you for your positive comments about my work. Your support means everything to me!
Take a look what subscribers are saying about “Food Solutions”…
Julie writes, “Gigi, I’m not going to lie to you. I was skeptical! How could I invest $6.99/month in something sight unseen?? But my husband subscribed for me without my knowing as a birthday gift…I am hooked, Gigi!! Thank you so much for the insight into every aspect of gluten free living! My only complaint is you do not promote Food Solutions for what it really is, an in-depth gluten free MAGAZINE on health, nutrition, weight loss, along with a mini-cookbook each month! I’m in love!”
Thank you, Julie. I think we just let everyone know! ;)
Barb says, “Gigi, this may sound strong, but you have saved my life. I have struggled for years with my health, various issues, and stumbled upon your site. I had reached the end of my rope and finding you has been life-changing! You helped me learn what doctors could not. I subscribed to Food Solutions and I’ll never look back! I didn’t think you could produce more than you’re already sharing on your website, but I was wrong! I took the Jan. magazine to my husband’s cardiologist to enlighten him about the connection between Celiac disease and cardiac disease. I thought it may help someone who is undiagnosed find their answers. He was so taken aback at the depth of information, he asked to keep that issue! I think you have a new subscriber…a cardiologist! Great work, and thank you for turning my health around! Love, Barb”
Barb, I’m flattered! Thank you for sharing “Food Solutions” and for helping me spread the word about Celiac disease and gluten free living. You are truly a Gluten Free Gigi Ambassador.
So, now you know why I’ve gone from calling “Food Solutions” a “newsletter” to referring to it as a “magazine”.
I encourage you to subscribe to what is the most unique, comprehensive publication on the market when it comes to gluten free living, health and nutrition.
The February issue is already out and March is right around the corner! Our March issue will focus on spring with in-season nutrition information, all-new gluten free recipes, exciting products you’ll love and more weight loss myths debunked! Don’t miss it!
Subscribe now to find out what Julie, Barb and so many others are raving about!
Now, let’s open the mail and get answers to subscriber questions!
Replacing Fat in Gluten Free Baked Goods
Cornelia wants to know if the whopping 2/3 cup of butter called for in a gluten free cake mix can be replaced by applesauce.
Great question, Cornelia! In short, yes, you should be able to do this. Because I am unsure of which gluten free mix you are using, my recommendation is to first substitute 1/2 the fat with unsweetened applesauce. Use butter (if you’re not dairy-free) or a plant-based butter replacement for the other half of the fat called for.
In this example, that would be 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1/3 cup butter (or butter replacement) of your choice.
Just an FYI, this is just the type topic I cover in depth in “Food Solutions”…in fact, in last year’s September issue, I provided many tips and fat alternatives to use in our gluten free baking! Just another reason to subscribe to “Food Solutions” right now and always have valuable information like this right at your fingertips!
You may be interested in “Reducing Fat in Gluten Free Baked Goods” where I discuss four full-of-fat gluten free foods and offer smart alternatives to help us reduce our overall fat intake.
Living with Multiple Food Allergies
Ginny wrote to me about feeling overwhelmed by her multiple food allergies to corn, wheat and dairy.
Ginny, thank you for being so forthcoming with me. Many readers feel the exact same as you. I certainly understand what living with multiple food allergies means. In addition to being on a medically necessary gluten free diet, I am allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, soy and must avoid all dairy products.
It certainly can be overwhelming!
That’s why I created an intensive webinar on this very topic, where I go into detail about how to navigate multiple food allergies, give specific substitutions for the Big 8 Food Allergens and provide options and ideas for what to eat. (You can find that webinar recording and accompanying materials here.)
This is such an in-depth topic and I believe I cover the wheat-free aspect regularly in my gluten free tips; however, when it comes to corn and dairy these ideas may be useful:
- When recipes call for cornstarch, substitute an equal amount of another gluten free starch like tapioca flour or potato starch, or a combination of the two (in equal amounts).
A great example of this would be my Gluten Free Grain Free “Pot” Brownies. I originally developed the recipe with cornstarch, but because many readers cannot eat corn products (or choose not to due to fear of GMOs), I simply altered my original recipe using tapioca and potato starches.
- When replacing dairy, try alternative plant-based milks, yogurts and cheeses made from rice, almonds, gluten free certified oats, hemp, flax or coconut.
I enjoy using unsweetened coconut milk in my recipes and also make my own gluten free certified oat and rice milks. You can learn how to make these milks at home and save a bundle on your grocery bill in my Favorite Five Dairy Free Recipes eCookBook.
You may also find my Big 8 Food Allergens Resource Page a useful tool in navigating multiple food allergies. There, I list key words that indicate of of these allergens. It really is helpful when reading labels!
And remember, all the recipes I create for you are free from gluten/wheat, dairy/casein, soy, tree nuts and peanuts. Many are also egg and corn free, so there’s plenty to choose from! Visit the Recipe Index to check them out!
Now, Honey Bunch, let’s get our weekend started by completing our “To Do” list:
1. Enter Gigi’s Taste Guru Gluten Free Giveaway by leaving a sweet comment below today’s post on the website.
2. Subscribe to “Food Solutions” ad-free magazine!
3. Visit the helpful resources at GlutenFreeGigi.com and take charge of our health and enjoy gluten free living!
Enjoy the weekend; I’ll see you Monday!
Email me if you need anything at all…reach me at mailbox@glutenfreegigi.com.
xo,
Gigi ;)
Vann’s gluten free waffles is my comfort food
My gluten free go-to products are energy/protein bars. I am always on the go either at work or at home and I love to be able to pick up a gluten free snack that is healthy and gives me the energy I need. My favorite is the Rise energy bars because they are free of GMOs, preservatives, dairy, soy, peanuts, and GLUTEN Free!!
Schar table crackers, most like soda crackers, when your feeling sick you can snack on them and they are nice and simple
Thanks for such an informative site, Gigi. My go to for gluten free is Udi’s here in Denver. Their stuff is awesome.
My go to g free snack is a Lara bar. It helps that I can eat nuts unlike my g free daughter
my “go to” food is Ancient Grains quinoa pasta. love the taste!
Oooo yummy, this box sounds like it is filled with goodies! Hmmmm my “gotta have it” gluten free stand by are Larabars. They are easy to carry with me and have in case I run into a food emergency and don’t have good gluten free alternatives… and my whole family likes them (oh I guess that isn’t always a good thing if they eat them all…). I have tried many of the different flavors and love most of them… my favorite flavor is Key Lime Pie!!
Thanks so much for your research, and all the information! My husband and I are fairly new to the GF diet, but have already felt the benefits of it.
I am learning a lot about GF products and foods. We are both on sodium restriction as well, and find that some of the GF mixes are extremely high in sodium, so I am experimenting with my own flour mixes, etc. Thanks for your help.
My favorite go-to sweet snack so far is Glutino’s Fudge or Yogurt Covered Pretzels. Just a little bite of something sweet is a real treat!
I’d love to be entered in the giveaway sweepstakes — Thanks!
Would love to win! I like Lundberg Rice Heat & Eat bowl’s – comes in handy when I’m short of time.
Udi’s Raisin Bread – I just discovered it & love it toasted with butter. They have other breads that I can’t wait to try.
One of my favorite “go-to” products is Almond flour. If I’m out of one that a recipe calls for, this flour makes a great substitute almost every time.
I never let myself run out of Blue Diamond Pepper Jack crackers.. I’m addicted.
Our “go-to” gluten free treat so far has been Bob’s Red Mill chocolate Brownie mix! Even our non gluten free friends and family like it! :)
Hi Gigi! My favorite gluten free go to item is Lara bars. They save me when I’m on the go and am not near gluten free options. Thank you for this awesome giveaway! I love your site :)
Hey, Gigi! Just sitting down with my February “Food Solutions” and so glad you address sugar in it. I’m still working on that one but making progress in changing my habits. What a fantastic giveaway. I’d love to see what Taste Guru can do for my family. As to my “go-to” g-f product, well, it seems it’s always changing, because new things are available all the time–which is Awesome! I always figure that if a product can please my once-picky daughter, it’s going to please a crowd. Her latest “Oh, my goodness!”-inspiring product–and, so, my newest “go-to” one–is Three Bakers whole grain hoagie rolls. They are g-f, soy-free, and dairy-free, made with brown rice (not white rice) flour, and sweetened with honey, plus they’re made in a dedicated g-f facility. All that plus great taste earns them a lot of stars from my family. I like making my own baked goods when I’ve got the time, but these delicious rolls don’t make me feel like I’m skimping AT ALL when I take a break from the kitchen.
Annie’s mac ‘n cheese is our go-to with an always-hungry 11 year old. So grateful we were able to transition from regular mac ‘n cheese to a great (even better in our opinion) GF option! :-)
I am new to being Gluten Free (just two weeks). I still don’t know what my go-to food is. :)
Beth Ann
My go to gluten free food is sorghum flour for my all purpose baking blend. It’s more nutrient dense then rice flours and the taste and texture in baked goods is excellent.
My go to is Quest protein Bars
My go to GF food is multi grain chips by food should taste so good…..my favorite plain or for dipping.
This is a wonderful offer. My Favorite gluten free items are Honeyville Farms Almond flour and Bob’s Red Mills Gluten free oats. I’m also a big nut fan, almonds and walnuts especially. Thank you for the offer. I would love to try those muffins and the toffee sounds delicious!
We are just going gluten free…so this is all new…but first and foremost we had to find Chocolate! Enjoy Life Chocolate chips have saved our sanity!
these are so Good!!
Hi, Kim…
YOU’RE the WINNER of this GIVEAWAY!!!!
Congrats…I’ll email you later today and you’ll also see this announced in our Daily GF Fix in just a bit!
xoxo
Hi Gigi,
Thanks for this amazing giveaway. And for your always insightful and thoughtful articles and tips. Your site is really wonderful.
Almonds and unsweetened coconut chips together.
At the moment, I bake a lot with garbanzo bean flour! It’s high in protein (I try to limit animal protein intake) and absolutely delicious!
Hey Gigi thanks so much for all the amazing info and to anyone who doesn’t subscribe to food solutions trust me, it’s worth it!!! Anyway one of my favourite products is gluten free oatmeal! So healthy and can be used in so many different things!
My 14 yr old daughter has celiac newly diagnosed so anything that teen friendly to feel like one of the teens .. her go to is flavored POPCORN and smoreables for campfire nights with friends she would love this ;)
Newly diagnosed with cd…so right now my treat is a half an udis cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter….yum!!! I really enjoy your site and youtube videos.
Hmmm, mine probably changes from time to time, but right now it’s Enjoy Life Mountain Mambo mix.
I really Love La Tortilla gluten free made with tuff wraps. They are great for wraps and burritos.
Aww, Gluten-Free Gigi, we love you! Thank you for doing this amazing giveaway! Everyone, be sure to come say hello on our Facebook, Twitter, or Magazine!
Love you guys, too!! :)
My readers and I appreciate your sponsoring this awesome giveaway…truly my favorite ever!
I’m still enjoying my January box of goodies.
xo
My go to products are The Good Bean bars, Rice Chex cereal and Enjoy Life plentils!! All make a great afternoon snack !
I can’t wait for Food Solutions to arrive. My go to food is Nutella which goes on anything from breads, baked goods, crackers, fruit, nuts, and a plain spoon:).
I have a 12 year old, an 8 year old, and a husband, all with celiac, so my go-to product is Pamela’s pancake and baking mix. I can make pancakes, waffles, cookies, muffins, etc. with it, just about anything my kids (and husband) like!
My favorite go to GFree food is Schars Cheese bites or Pure Fit Granola Crunch bars. I am also pretty fond of Snyders GF pretzels sticks, they are so much lower in fat than the Glutino and they are super crunchy….I keep all three items on automatic order from Amazon! Thanks for the giveaway
I liked Taste Guru on Facebook thanks for making me aware of it!
My Go-To Gluten Free product is Pirate Booty Rice & Corn Puffs – the Veggie kind since I cannot eat dairy. Its my favorite snack treat! I also love Enjoy Life’s Flax Puffs. Yum! Oh, and I recently discovered that Udi’s makes a delicious variety of breads that you can make stuffing with or toast for a very enjoyable “normal” feeling moment :)
My go to gluten free food is almond butter spread on gluten free brown rice tortillas! Thanks for all your information and help for those of us who struggle with various food intolerances!
I have recently just been turned to gluten free items, mostly home made items. But I recently had Dr. McDougalls Pad Thai Noodles. Can’t wait to explore more.
My gluten free go to item is SO Delicious Coconut Milk & Almond Mini’s Non Dairy frozen dessert bars! They are just like eating ice cream! I really miss regular ice cream. They are just the right size for an ice cream fix every now and then.
My go to on the go gluten free item is any flavor KIND Bar! They are fantastic!!! Plus most of them have added benefits, like protein or vitamin D
Pamela’s baking mix
I cannot find many gluten free products at my grocers. But the ones I do find have been a great help to my digestive system and other problems. While I am not totally free of problems please believe me it is great to be 90% free of the problems that once existed. I told my doctor about using the products and he was agreeable although he never brought the subject up.
Thanks so much for the help.
hodge mills gluten free chocolate brownies awesome
I have used more GF flour substitutes than I care to think about. My pantry is full of flours. The easiest and best baking mix I have tried is Arrowhead Mills’ GF All Purpose Baking Mix.
My “go to” special treat is “French Meadow GF chocolet chip cookie dough” I keep this in my freezer and any time I use my oven i make a small cookie sheet with foil and put 1 or 2 cookie dough in the oven while its hot close to the end of cooking time. Numm hot choc. Chip. Cookies for dessert. 8 have learned so much from your daily letter. Thanks
Arline LaCenter, WA
One of my favorites is Red Mill’s Corn bread…but I cheat and add some extra sugar!
My go to favorite is Glutino pretzel twists.
My hubby loves Spaghetti I couldn’t survive with out Ancient Grains quinoa pasta!
bobs red mill GF Flour
definitely either Annie’s GF Mac and Cheese or homade Peanut butter cookies. both are so comforting and I’ve always gone for Mac and Cheese any time I’ve been feeling ill or down. just the ultimate comfort food! <3 thanks for everything Gigi! you are sooo amazing and incredibly helpful! don't know what mom and I would do without all your help!
Hi,Kaitlyn.
Thanks so much. You and “Mom” mean a lot to me…I appreciate your dedication and support to my work.
It is folks like you that keep me doing what I do each day.:)
xoxo
Living in Edmonton, AB, Kinnickinnik is our go to place…Our special. family treat is their yummy jelly roll but for home Bob’s Red Mill all purpose flour blend is my emergency go to for baking. My grandson is CD and his Mom (my dtr) is gluten intolerant. Plus 3 other family members. Thanks for all the great info!!!!!!
I’ve been GF for approximately a year and explored many options. My favorite GF bread is Canyon Bakehouse’s Cinnamon Raisin or 7-Grain. Unlike many other GF brands they hold together and taste wonderful!
So glad that Lay’s potato chips are gluten free. I can safely have them in the house if my daughter gets a case of the “munchies”. Love your magazine…look forward to it each month.
Thank you.
Hi, Mairead.
Thanks so much! I value your support!!
And yes, I agree, whatever our “munchie” go-to food is, it sure is nice to have something gluten free to turn to.
I have a brand new snack treat to share in the March issue of “Food Solutions” that you/your daughter will love!! can’t wait to share it!
xo
Hello everyone, my favorite gluten free item is Ginger tea. I absoultely love it. If you haven’t tried it, you must.
Hi, Phyllis.
I’m with you!!! I love my ginger tea, too. :)
In fact, I had a cup this morning to begin my day – a superb all-natural anti-inflammatory!
xoxo
I love Betty Crockers brownie and cake mixes, They are so delicious.
Bob’s Red Mill Cinnamon Raisin Bread mix. I was happy with it as it was, but now I add craisins and walnuts (thank God I can eat nuts) and it’s extra good. I have it for toast almost every morning.
I’m new to GF. So far, itt’s recipes eith almond meal / flour. It’s amazing.
KIND bars are my saving grace!! Can’t say I favor 1 specific flavor as they are all scrumptious!
Awesome giveaway!! I would love to win this. Thanks a ton.
Lay’s Potato Chips – so surprised to find they are GF
Right now i love puffins and almond milk with berries
I have always loved to bake bread for my family, with diverse grains. When I had to forsake gluten, I was dismayed at the g-f breads in stores. I went on line for a good bread mix, and ultimately found Gluten Free Naturals’ whole grain bread mix. It was the best I’d had! WIth a little tweaking, it is better than some of the gluten-”infested” breads I’ve eaten — or made! I have it on auto-ship from Amazon now.There’s nothing I like more than an oven-warm slab of excellent bread drenched with manuka honey! Nirvana!