Thursday

Merry Christmas





Saturday

JK Gourmet - Review

Recently, I received a package of items to review from JK Gourmet which is  a Canadian company that was started in 2001. They are devoted to making all natural foods which taste as good as they are healthy. Visit their website to view the impressive variety of products available.

Fig & Apricot Granola





I love that this granola is completely grain free! That's right, no oats either. Just nuts, seeds, dried fruit and honey. It offers the perfect amount of crunch and is sweet without being too sweet. I found the granola to be really hearty and a fantastic way to liven up a salad. It's also quite filling on its own. I can see this granola being a great addition to a variety of recipes.



Fig & Apricot Granola


GG Bites




These are pretty great. Again, JK Gourmet does an excellent job of providing a sweet product without going overboard. I really enjoy how crunchy these are. As I am a snacker, GG Bites are great as they are quite filling. They remind me of something you would eat to refuel while hiking or camping.



GG Bites


Almond & Cherry Chocolate




As a self-proclaimed lover of chocolate, this really hit the mark. There is something really special about dark chocolate and fruit. This particular chocolate is sweetened with honey and has almonds and cherries in it. It looks quite pretty right out of the package. I nibbled a wee bit right away (couldn't help myself) then did as the directions suggested - I cut it into chunks and placed in the fridge. The result was even better. This is the only item which I did not offer to share with anyone. Can you really blame me though?  It's that good, I promise you.


Almond & Cherry Chocolate


Overall, I think that JK Gourmet is really on to something. All three items were great. They filled the need for sweet, without being excessive. That is a total plus in my opinion. Anything that can be indulgent and healthy is golden!

You can find these items in both the USA and Canada. If you live near or will be visiting Toronto, you can also place a pick up order here.


Sunday

Celiac Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas


Looking for gift ideas for the gluten-free foodie on your list? Create the ultimate Celiac friendly gift basket using the widely available options below. If you live in an area where gluten-free items are not very prominent, explore online shopping with my post Online Gluten-Free Groceries Canada.



Gluten Free Baking Mixes



Gluten-free baking mixes go a long way. They are an asset to any foodie and are time savers, especially during the holidays. 


Gluten Free Cook Book


The How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen is a great choice. I own this and I love how much insight it provides about the science technical differences behind gluten free. It's widely available in the US and Canada. You can view detailed information on the book here.







Something Fun



Personalized aprons are adorable and useful. Check out the CafePress website to see the one above and more.




New tools and gadgets can inspire some kitchen fun. It's the little things, like whisks, muffin cups, spatulas and bowls that go a long way.




     Gluten Free Magazine



    There are many magazines which center around gluten-free living. Most of them can be found in local grocery and book stores. Another option is to purchase a gift subscription for that special person on your list.


    Awareness Items


    Pretty Little Celiac sells some really cute headbands, bracelets, and shirts. These items are cute, and they promote awareness of Celiac Disease as well. I personally own 2 of the headbands, a rubber bracelet, and a stretch bracelet.




    Zazzle offers up a variety of unique gluten free and Celiac awareness items.You can check out the options here.




    Top off the gift basket with a set of  Gluten Free Labels. They are super handy have a wide variety of uses. I have a set and love them!










    Stuffed Tomato Boats With A Kick








    The cold weather is here to stay, bringing with it the longing for comfort food. I have created the recipe below, as part of the Hidden Valley Gluten Free Challenge. These Stuffed Tomato Boats With A Kick, are a great addition to any meal. They are also a perfect little snack, which will warm you right up.




    Ingredients


    • 1 boneless chicken breast
    • 4 Roma tomatoes, halved
    • 1/3 Cup Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch Dressing
    • 1 Tbsp gluten free apple butter BBQ sauce
    • 1/4 Cup crumbled, already cooked bacon
    • 1/4 Cup diced green onion
    • 1 Tsp Olive Oil
    • 1/2 Cup sour cream
    • 1/3 Cup grated, Marble cheese
    • Shredded lettuce to garnish

    * Always read labels to ensure ingredients are gluten free



    Directions


    1. Preheat oven to 350F.
    2. Heat 1 Tsp of Olive Oil in a pan, over medium heat. Add chicken to pan and cook each side for approximately 10 minutes. Chicken should no longer be pink. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken has safely cooked to an internal temperature of 165F-170F.
    3. Let chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
    4. Place chicken in a bowl. Hold chicken steady with one fork and use another to pull or tear the chicken apart.
    5. Add Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch, gluten free apple butter BBQ sauce, crumbled bacon and green onion to the shredded chicken. Stir ingredients together until well incorporated. Set aside.
    6. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and juices of tomatoes. Fill tomatoes with chicken mixture and place on baking sheet.
    7. Add cheese to top of the now filled tomatoes
    8. Bake for 15 minutes. Tomato skins will be blistering slightly when done.
    9. When tomatoes are finished baking, top each with a spoonful of sour cream. Place shredded lettuce (as little or as much as you like) on top to complete dish and serve.



    Hidden Valley Ranch Products and other promotional consideration were received in exchange for providing the above recipe as part of a submission in a contest sponsored by Hidden Valley Ranch.



    Promise Gluten Free Double Chocolate Muffins - Review

    Promise Gluten Free sent me a Free Product Coupon so I could review one of their products. I chose the Double Chocolate muffins. Because, let's face it - CHOCOLATE.






    I was super impressed with how moist and flavourful these muffins are! Promise Gluten Free provides chocolaty goodness without the dense grittiness, that is all too often part of Gluten Free baked goods. Muffin number two remained in the package for a mere 24 hours before I devoured that as well. Safe to say I am a fan!







    I think it would be a wonderful advantage to see single packages of these muffins available for purchase at Tim Hortons locations across Canada. How cool and convenient would that be?! If Dunkin Donuts can sell pre-packaged gluten free donuts and muffins in America, I'll bet there is nothing stopping Timmie's from doing the same, here. Especially so when there is a fantastic product, like this to team up with.



    The Double Chocolate muffins are sold two to a pack, for $3.99  and can be found at Metro stores. Not sure if your store carries the Promise Gluten Free line? Check out their store locator.



    For more information on all things Promise Gluten Free, visit their Facebook page here and give them a follow on Twitter: @PromiseGF




    I am looking forward to exploring the rest of the product line. Have YOU tried Promise Gluten Free? If you have, feel free to comment with your thoughts.





    Tuesday

    Circulon Griddle - Review



    I have a new favourite item in my kitchen. It's the Circulon Griddle! 

    This innovative piece of equipment is part of the Prime Collection and replaces the clunky, and heavy griddle that I have dreaded using for years. It's amazing how something so sleek can provide a fair amount of cooking space! Think outside the box with with me - griddles are not just for breakfast. So far, I have enjoyed preparing grilled cheese, chicken and even homemade tortillas on the griddle. The meal options are endless.





    Features:

    The griddle is 9.8x17.7 inches
    3-Layer Total Non-Stick System
    Metal Utensil Safe
    Removable Temperature Probe (ranges from 200F-440F)
    PFOA, Lead and Cadmium Free
    Hard Anodized Construction






    What I Love:

    The griddle has a non stick surface, so there is no need for oils and fats

    It's extremely lightweight and takes up very little space 

    Clean up is a breeze. Simply remove the power cord and the griddle can be immersed in water

    There is a pour spout in a corner of the griddle, which provides an easy way to dispose of grease

    The griddle heats quickly and evenly

    Easily stored in cupboard



    What I Don't Love:

    The handles. Although stylish and functional, they become hot as the griddle heats up. I would suggest that the Circulon team add a silicon gripping to correct this issue.




    Interested in getting a Circulon griddle of your own? It's available 
     exclusively at Canadian Tire for $69.99

    You can follow Circulon via Twitter @CirculonCanada and Facebook here




    *** I received a complimentary Circulon griddle in exchange for review. Opinions are my own.








    Monday

    The Art Of Ignorance

    I'm sure you have heard about the Jennifer Lawrence debacle by now. If you haven't, well, she pretty much summed up gluten free as a new form of anorexia. Not cool and really ignorant.

    Why is it that famous people feel the need to continually talk publicly about things which they are definitely not educated about?



    I will tell you why.

    The media does a fantastic job of glorifying gluten free as a trend. Rarely does anyone talk about Celiac. When they do, its nothing more than a fluff piece that overlooks the ugly side of this autoimmune disease. Those with the opportunity to educate the masses spend their time sensationalizing silliness and feeding people incorrect information. Many Doctors don't even really understand Celiac and many go about diagnosing it incorrectly.

    As a result, the general public is pretty misguided about an already complex and misunderstood disease. This is why I don't entirely lay blame on J-Law and others like her. I'm sure she has received a fare share of backlash from our community. As a result, I hope she has become a little more educated on the matter at hand. 

    If you are planning on reaching out to her via social media, remember to keep it respectful and insightful. 




    Friday

    Thornhill Farms - Review


    I'm a snacker. Everyone knows it. Having to bring a "just in case there are no safe options" snack with me when I'm out, most likely plays a roll in it.

    So when Thornhill Farms sent me some of their products for review, I was up for the challenge.


    Rice Bites flavors 
    Sea Salt
                                                  Black Pepper
    Sea Salt & Vinegar
    Applewood Smokey BBQ Flavor




     Snack Cracker Thins flavors 
    Sea Salt
    Cheddar Cheese
    Sour Cream & Onion
    Lime & Black Pepper Flavour





    I appreciate that both the Rice Bites and Cracker Thins are baked instead of fried. They are also certified Gluten Free, which lets face it, is AWESOME!

    Thornhill Farms gets the flavours right, without overdoing it. I don't feel like I'm overindulging with these products. They are very light to eat and don't leave you feeling weighed down like other snacks do.

    Overall these are great snacks. Bonus points for being able to munch on them in the car sans mess. If you have been on a long car ride with munchkins, you know exactly what I mean.

    My personal favourite is the Apple Smokey BBQ Flavour Rice Bites! I could honestly down a whole bag myself. But I didn't. I shared with my lovely family who really enjoyed our little snack! This flavour in particular, would be great with a BBQ meal or picnic.


    You can find Thornhill Farms Rice Bites and Snack Cracker Thins across Canada. They retail for a reasonable $3.49  and can be found at the locations below.

    Quebec :  Tao
    Maritimes : Sobeys
    Ontario :  Bulk Barn and natural food stores
    Western Canada: London Drugs and natural food stores


    You can also order by the case, through Thornhill Farms directly (Canadian orders) or Better Batter (US orders)  here .


    Happy Snacking!

    Saturday

    10 Tips For A Magical Quick Service Experience

    Walt Disney World handles special dietary needs such as gluten-free, allergens and kosher, etc. with extreme care. Navigating meal times can be overwhelming so it is important to have a plan of action before you head to the world.

    Check out the tips below, to ensure that you have a magical quick service experience.




    Magic Kingdom


    10 Tips For A Magical Quick Service Experience



    1) Be Prepared 



    • Contact Disney's Special Diets team to get a reference list of what gluten-free and other dietary items are available and where to find them in the world. 
    • Plan your meals in advance.
    • Visit Disney's dining page to become familiar with dining options such as price point, theme and cuisine type.






    2) Time It Wisely


    • Dining at non-traditional times will help you avoid the mealtime rush. Try having lunch before 11:30 am and dinner somewhere around 4:00 pm or 7:00 pm.
    • Special dietary meals can take an extra 10-15 minutes to prepare, so order these first.



    3) Try Something New


    • Epcot is a great place to be adventurous. With eleven different countries providing Quick Service fare, you can pretty much eat your way around the World here.
    • Want a French-inspired meal, with a Table Service feel? Try Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom. This Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant offers Quick Service dining at lunchtime. It also commands long lines, so try to get a Fast Pass, if you can.









    4) Variety, The Key To Happiness


    • Look for locations which offer a wide range of food choices. My personal favourites include Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (Magic Kingdom) and Landscape of Flavors (Art of Animation).
    • Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe has various order "bays", with each offering varying food selection. Be sure to check out the menu board so you know which bay to order from. This place is huge! With lot's of seating, both indoors and out finding a table should be easy peasy. 
    • Landscape of Flavors has several stations which provide both international and American style food. I love how fresh everything is here! You actually get to see your meal being made, fresh. Another plus to this Quick Service location, is the personal customization available for many dishes.








    5) Sit Back And Relax


    • Take time to slow down. Enjoy your meal, along with the beautiful Disney atmosphere. Not only will you feel refreshed, you will have a new found appreciation for the detail which surrounds you. Your feet will thank you for the extra downtime as well.

    Landscape of Flavors



    6) Know Before You Go



    • Familiarize yourself with the open and close times Quick Service locations. Operating times vary throughout the parks and resorts.This is especially important during the offseason.
    • Pepper Market in the Coronado Springs hotel automatically adds a 10% gratuity, even though it is a Quick Service location. You can avoid this extra charge by ordering your meal to go.



    7) Save Money


    • Quick Service items can be ordered a la carte. If you don't want something that is part of a combo, skip it and save the difference in cost. 
    • Ghirardelli in Down Town Disney to enjoy some offers free chocolate samples.
    • Club Cool in Epcot provides a free sampling of 8 different soft drinks from around the world.
    • Not sure about a certain menu item? Ask for a sample. Many Quick Service locations will happily provide a tasting size sample, free of charge.
    • All Quick Service locations can provide you with a free cup of ice water


    8) Snack Wisely


    • If you opt for the dining plan, avoid using snack credits for drinks. Instead, use your refillable mug at the resort. No dining plan? Consider purchasing a Rapid Fill Refillable Mug.
    • Having a muffin or a bowl of fruit for breakfast will allow you to save money and time in the morning.
    • Some snacks are even big enough to share...if you want to, that is.


    Babycakes Gluten Free Brownies



    9) Enjoy A Meal Off The Beaten Path

    • Consider a ride on the monorail, to one of resort hotels for lunch or dinner. It's a great opportunity to get away from the parks, during peak hours. These Quick Service locations are also much quieter, which is a bonus.
    • If you are renting a car, head over to BoardWalk or Downtown Disney for a meal. Both destinations offer outside seating, with beautiful views of the water.



    Boardwalk Bakery


    10) Thanks For The Magic


    • Disney is light years ahead of the curve when it comes to accommodating dietary restrictions. Make a cast member’s day magical by saying thanks! 

    • Stop by Guest Relations at the parks and let them know how thankful you are for all of their hard work. Be sure to bring up anyone who has given your vacation an extra sprinkling of pixie dust!

    • You can also email wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com  to voice your appreciation.


    Special Notes To Remember

    • Bring Disney's dietary reference list with you to the parks
    • Gluten Free meals are made to order so allow an extra 10-15 minute wait
    • When in doubt, ask questions
    • Consider sharing a meal. Disney portions are quite big



    If you will be in the Orlando area in November, drop by the Food Allergy and Celiac Convention at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. This is a ticketed event and takes place on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014.

    You can stay up to date with this celebration of awareness by connecting with the event on social media.


    Disclosure

    This policy is valid from 23 February 2013

    This is a personal blog written and edited by me. All opinions are that of my own. I am not a healthcare professional or an expert. All information presented in this blog is purely that of my own experience and or opinion. Please consult a medical professional before making any changes to your diet.

    I write this blog as a hobby that I am passionate about. From time to time, I may receive monetary compensation for a sponsored post. I only work with brands that I trust and would use in my own home.

    This blog accepts complimentary products for review. The opinions I have of a product will never be swayed by a company sending me an item(s) for free. I take into consideration the opinion of family members who are gluten-free due to Celiac Disease and I also value the opinions of non-gluten free family members. Taste is a matter of personal opinion so please use your own discretion and don't take my opinion as a gold standard.

    Any ingredient or gluten-free claims should be verified with the restaurant/manufacturer as things can and do change.

    For questions about this blog, please contact: sandra@glutenfreedoll.com

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