Sprinkles Cupcakes

We need to talk about Sprinkles Cupcakes

You probably know the name from Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" where Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson is a judge. Full disclosure, I love the show and watch it regularly. Who doesn't love a good cupcake competition?!

If you are not familiar with Sprinkles Cupcakes, they can be found in a handful of States. Currently, only one gluten-free cupcake is available on their menu, but it's a start, right? They also have a nifty little rewards program which is full of perks. Think of them as a thank-you gift for being a loyal customer. My favorite perk? Definitely the free cupcake on your birthday. Being in Orlando the week of my birthday allowed me to take advantage of that perk. 

As always when I try a new to me gluten-free item, I do so with little expectation. This allows for even more excitement when something is wonderful. It also makes the experience less disappointing when letdowns are going on.

Sprinkles Gets Gluten-Free Right

 Sprinkles keeps the gluten-free red velvet cupcakes behind the counter and out of the display case to avoid cross contamination. That's getting gluten-free right and taking it seriously! Be aware that they do make a non-gluten-free red velvet cupcake as well. That being said the gluten-free red velvet is easily noted by the red "G" on top of the frosting. Sprinkles is on a roll with their safety measures.

Taste Test

To say that I am a fan is simply not enough. I've had my fair share of tasty gluten-free cupcakes and the gluten-free red velvet takes the top spot. It's pretty darn dreamy. You should probably drop everything and head to your nearest location. It's. That. Good. Hopefully, we will get a Toronto location in the future. Until then a girl can dream!

The cupcake is moist, pillowy and decadent. Imagine a heavenly cupcake that is sweet, but no overly so. Topping things off is the most gorgeous frosting. As a frosting nerd and self-appointed connoisseur of the stuff, I am smitten with it. Brilliantly creamy with a zip of tang, it's a major delight. 

Keep Up With Sprinkles

Visit the Sprinkles website for more information

You can also keep up via Twitter and Instagram

5 Must Haves For Your Gluten-Free Pantry

Pasta

Italpasta Gluten Free Fusilli

Hearty comfort food at it's best, pasta is extremely versatile and widely available. In a pinch for time? Ready in about 9 minutes, pasta is quick to make. You can prepare anything from a refreshing salad to a hearty hot dish. Feeling creative? Give my dessert recipe a try. Another bonus, pasta is one of the few more affordably priced gluten-free foods. 

All Purpose flour

XO BAKING Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend

I personally prefer to use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. I've had success using Xo Baking, Presidents Choice, and Cloud 9. Find the right all purpose blend to suit your needs and you will be in baking heaven. Pre-made blends are also great as they save time - no more hunting down hard to find ingredients to prepare a homemade blend.

Cereal

Kellogg's Rice Krispies Gluten Free Cereal

Cereal can be enjoyed any time of the day. As a snack or as a meal. It's also great for traveling. Just store some cereal in an airtight container (don't forget the spoon) and you're good to go. Purchase a small carton of milk at your destination and voila! You can take things up a notch by adding fruits or different types of milk. I like a sliced banana, sprinkled with a touch of sugar in my Rice Krispies. Aside from cereal, Rice Krispies are also great for dessert treat bars - perhaps a homemade chocolate covered rice bar or a much loved Rice Krispie Treat. 

Soup

Imagine Organic Creamy Tomato

I love this soup! Oddly enough it's dairy free, despite the title. It's rich, creamy and super satisfying. A twist off lid caps the carton top, making things super simple - no can opener required! Soup is such a great pantry staple as you can either have it as a quick side dish (we love BLTs and tomato soup) or a main. It also travels extremely well. Fill a travel mug with some soup and you can really drink it anywhere!

Bread

Chebe Bread Original Cheese Bread Mix

Whether it's a lettuce wrap, bun or taco, some foods just need a serving vessel. Chebe Cheese Bread Mixes are one of my favorite gluten-free boxed mixes. It requires little effort to make and is ah-mazing. The easily made cheese bread is fantastic as a bun and delicious to dip with. A great thing about this mix is you are not just limited to cheese bread, though it is divine. I've had fun making pizza pockets, savory stuffed muffins and breadsticks. Wanna change things up a bit? Add garlic paste for a yummy twist.

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Ottawa Senators To Host Celiac Disease Awareness Night

The Canadian Celiac  Association has teamed up with the Ottawa Senators to host a Celiac Awareness night

 When I received an email from the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) advising of this event, I was thrilled! As a Celiac and a hockey fan, this is a double win. I have emailed an inquiry as to whether or not there will be any Celiac safe food at the event and will post an update once a response is received.

     When:
     Saturday, March 4^th 2017

     Where:
     The Canadian Tire Centre
     1000 Palladium Drive Ottawa, 
       Ontario K2V 1A5



       How to purchase tickets:

Please visit this page to ensure that part of your ticket price will be donated to the CCA. 

You NEED to use the promo code CELIAC when you complete checkout.
Not a hockey fan, but know someone who is? Senators tickets make a great Christmas or birthday gift! Plus you will also be helping fellow Celiac's - A portion of ticket proceeds will support important awareness, research, and restaurant training programs. All brought to you by the CCA.                  

 

For more information, kindly email cca.communications@celiac.ca with your inquiry.