Saturday

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 4th 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.


Monday

Review: Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties




We enjoy a lot of pasta in my home. It's a simple, quick and cost-effective meal. You can't beat the versatility of it - a comforting hot dish in the winter, and a refreshing salad in the summer. Seriously, you've got to appreciate that.


When I was offered the chance to review some gluten-free pasta sauces, I jumped at the opportunity. I'm always eager to try new products and I love sharing reviews with you guys! So what am I reviewing today?


Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties- Marinara, Tomato Basil, and Arribiata.



Trio of Uncle Steve's Italian Specialties



Who Is Uncle Steve?


Uncle Steve aka Steve Schirripa is an Actor, Host, and NYT Best Selling Author. The name sounds familiar, right? You probably know him from Sopranos fame and you can see him currently on Blue Bloods. Full disclosure - I haven't seen either of these shows.

Information About the Sauces


Made with imported Italian organic tomatoes
Gluten Free 
Non-GMO 
Kosher Certified
Dairy Free
Vegan
Paleo Approved
No Added Sugar

How did the Sauces do?


I made a separate meal for each sauce.

  • Tomato Basil Sauce: Vegetarian Penne Rigate
  • Marinara Sauce: Chicken & Rice Stuffed Tomatoes 
  • Arrabiata Sauce: Spicey Meatball Subs

 All 3 sauces smell spectacular!


The Tomato Basil Sauce is thinner than what I'm accustomed to.That being said, the sauce packs some vibrantly impressive flavour. It's nicely tart and slightly sweet, without being too sweet. Overall, I could get used to the delicateness of this sauce as it turns what could be a heavy pasta dish, into lighter fare. Really tasty!
The Arrabiata Sauce is for fans of heat. In fact, "spicy" is very clearly displayed on the label. If you're not a fan of spicy foods, I can't really recommend this particular sauce to you. If you do enjoy some fire in your life, you will appreciate the kick of spice and zest. It has a nice bite that is not at all overpowering, but it does linger on the tongue. I'd like to try this with nachos in the future.
The Marinara Sauce is conveniently versatile! While I used it to fancy up my stuffed tomatoes, the dish ideas are endless. If I had an Italian Nona, this is what she would make. The presence of fresh tomatoes is abundant in the flavour. I love how rich in flavour and hearty this sauce is! I plan on baking some cheese smothered chicken with it in the future.



Where To Find Uncle Steve's Specialties


Fellow Canadians, you can purchase Uncle Steve's products online and they can be shipped anywhere.

For my American friends, the sauces are available in stores across the US. You can find it in major supermarkets such as Whole Foods, Albertsons, Stop and Shop, Shop Rite, health food stores, and mom and pop shops. Plus, you can shop online through Uncle Steve's website through the above link as well.



Visit Uncle Steve's website to learn more. You can also keep up to date by following  along on Twitter @StevenSchirripa @UncleStevesNY 


Disclosure - Samples of the product were provided to me free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Thursday

Reporting Gluten-Free Issues In Canada

Gluten-Free Standards



In Canada, a gluten-free manufacturer is expected to ensure that no gluten containing grains are present as an ingredient and that all ingredients used in the manufacture of a gluten-free product are indeed gluten-free and have not been cross contaminated in any way. Meaning gluten-free equals gluten-free. Not maybe, or almost, but entirely gluten-free.


What Can You Report?


  • Foods containing gluten, being sold as gluten-free 
  • An adverse reaction you've had following the consumption of gluten-free food
  • Restaurants/bakeries which market gluten containing items as gluten-free
  • Food falsely advertised in print as gluten-free

How To Report Your Concerns


Please report your concerns to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). They are responsible for enforcing the labelling regulations that are set by Health Canada. Once they have your complaint, they will investigate further. 

Contact your local CFIA regional office or call the following toll-free number 1-800-442-2342.

You can also use this online form to report your food safety or labelling concern.


What Will Happen


When you make a complaint, the CFIA will open a case file and launch a food safety investigation. A representative from the agency will contact you and may visit your home. A home visit is necessary for retrieval of leftover food in question. A sample will then be sent to a lab to be analysed. They may also visit the store which you purchased the item in question at to collect more samples.

You will be asked for 



  • Brand Name Of Product 
  • Size, Universal Product Code (UPC), Best Before Date 
  • Name and Address Of The Store where product Was Purchased At 
  • Purchase Date(s) 
  • Home Address (ensures your inquiry reaches the correct CFIA regional office) 
  • Daytime Phone Number so an inspector can reach you


Please keep any remaining product as a sample may be needed for investigation

You're Making A Difference


Speaking up and voicing your concerns is priceless. I cannot stress enough how important this is. Every complaint is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

 Thanks to our help, the CFIA is able to:

- Issue Food Recalls
- Implement Label Updates
- Provide Allergen Safety Alerts
- Prevent Companies From Engaging In Misleading Advertising
- Notify Manufactures About Allergen Protocol



Did you know that you can sign up for food recall warnings via email? There's also a handy web application  which you can download free of charge, to stay up to date as well.

Friday

Review: Love with Food Subscription Box


Gluten-free snacks are my weakness. Anything that can fit into my purse or jacket pocket is on my radar. Always. It's part of Celiac survival and a necessary habit. No one wants to be in a situation where they're hungry and safe gluten-free food is simply not available. I've been there a couple of times and it's a fun thief, that's for sure. Although finding safe snacks to carry with me is fairly easy, it's a struggle to find snacks that are not always, well, junk food.


Canada is now part of the Love with Food party


I'm so very happy to share with you that Love with Food has expanded internationally and now ships to over 25 countries. That's right, Canadians can order their very own Love with Food snack subscription box! This is a great way to explore mostly American goodies and brands previously unavailable in the Canadian market. Items curated are not only gluten-free but organic or all-natural, with no artificial junk! Yay for snacking without guilt!




Canadian's can choose from 2 subscription boxes


  • The Deluxe Box, a sampling of 16-20 new surprise snacks starting at $16.50 USD/month,


  • The Gluten-Free Box, a sampling of 10-12 surprise celiac-safe and mostly dairy-free snacks starting at $19.99 USD/month.

If you purchase a subscription through my link, I will receive a small compensation and you will get your very first Love with Food by G-Free Foodie Gluten-Free Box at 25% off. Thank's for supporting Gluten-Free Doll and allowing me to share my gluten-free adventures with you!



Each box comes with a pamphlet that details the items featured for the month. Social media information for the included brands is highlighted as well. I really like this idea! Plus, you will also find a few surprise coupons! Pretty awesome, right?

 My Thoughts



  • They really pack in as many goodies as they possibly can
  • Not only is the curated food on the healthier side, it's extremely flavorful as well
  • A monthly subscription is a time-saving way to enjoy hard to find gluten-free treats without the hassle of store hopping
  • It's a great way to enjoy Celiac safe snacks minus the guilt since everything selected is on the healthier side
  • It won't break the bank. That's right, there are no hidden costs and you can cancel at any time. For me personally, that's pretty comforting because we all have different tastes and expectations
  • You get to sample an ever-changing selection of great products without a big commitment 
  • Variety - there is an array of snacks
  • Travel-friendly, great for car rides, camping and all sorts of adventures away from home


I loved everything in the box, but I certainly do have my favourites. The Luna Protein Berry Greek Yogurt Bar (soo good, guys!) and Pure Growth Organic Popcorn (totally addicting!) were a fantastic change from what I am used to snacking on. 


As someone who travels from time to time, it's important for me to bring along "just in case, safe snacks" so it's pretty convenient that the Love with Food subscription box is full of shelf-stable food. Everything I received is travel-friendly and the only item that requires even minimal effort is the Sorghum Pilaf. It's literally as simple as boiling a pot of water.


lovewithfood

Love with Food gives back


On top of curating ah-mazing gluten-free snacks, Love with Food is a company that gives back. For each box purchased Love With Food will spread goodness by donating a portion of the proceeds to Canadian food banks to help fight world hunger. How great is that?! It gets better - with every American box subscription, a donation is made to American food banks. It warms my heart to see a company giving back to those who need it most. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Love with Food's passion for helping those in need by providing them with a meal.




* Love with Food  provided me with a subscription box to review. As always, all opinions are my own.*


Recipe : Strawberry Summer Trifle

Have you ever made something on a whim, just to see how it turns out? That's what I did yesterday! I made Strawberry Trifles. The whole process felt like a science experiment as I wasn't quite sure what I was doing really. But hey, the dessert turned out splendid! I've even had requests from my family to make more.

This recipe is fantastic for a Summer dessert as zero heat is required. It's creamy, refreshing, light and just a little bit of indulgence. Plus, cleanup is also a breeze! 


Want The Recipe?

Keep scrolling :)




You Will Need


  • 1 box of Jell-O Instant Vanilla Pudding & Pie Filling
  • 2 1/2 Cup Cold Milk
  • 1 1/2 Cup Whipping Cream
  • 2 Tbsp Sugar
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Strawberries
  • 5 Cookies, Crumbled

Instructions

This recipe makes 5-6 portions

To Make Whipped Cream


Combine 1 1/2 Cup Whipping Cream,2 Tbsp Sugar & 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract in a large bowl. Stir enough to gently marry everything. That's it for now, but ensuring everything is cold is super important. Next, put the beaters from a hand mixer in the bowl and cover with saran wrap.
Place bowl, in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Once chilled, beat with hand mixer until stiff peaks form. To see what this looks like, have a look at my recipe for Easy Black Forrest Cake .


Vanilla Pudding


Now, you will need to prepare the Jell-O Instant Pudding. This is super simple. Just follow the directions on the box. It's literally combining the mix with milk and allowing it to set for a few moments.


Strawberries

Wash and slice up the strawberries any way you like. I personally prefer to cut them into quarters.

The Cookies

Store bought cookies will do just fine here. I had some homemade ones on hand so that is what I used. You don't need to smash the cookies to dust or anything like that. We're going for a chunky crumble. Place cookies in a big Ziplock bag and crush. A rolling pin or even your hands will work just fine.


Some Assembly Required


  1. Place a layer of the cookie crumble on the bottom of dish or dishes
  2. Next, add some of the pudding 
  3. Place a layer of cut strawberries on top of pudding
  4. Top with our homemade whipped cream
  5. Repeat steps 2,3 &4
  6. Finish with a final layer of pudding
  7. Spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top
  8. Place a halved strawberry on the whipped cream
  9. Let chill in fridge for one hour

What is your favourite Summer dessert?!


Sunday

The Gluten-Free Sunscreen List

Using a gluten-free sunscreen is a personal choice. Not everyone is going to want to and that's okay. I prefer to ensure gluten is nowhere to be found when it comes to skin, hair, and lip products. Call me old fashioned but, better safe than sorry is a term I happily roll with.


If It's On Your Face Or Hands, It's In Your Mouth



Think about those hot and sticky days where sweat is constant and unavoidable. That sunscreen is going to be sliding everywhere. How many times will your sunscreen coated hands wind up near your mouth without you noticing? Likely more than you think, meaning accidental ingestion is pretty darn probable. Not something that sounds appealing to me. 

This is why I prefer to stick with gluten-free protection. Some of the brands below are easily found in stores and others can be purchased online. I'm happy to see not only a decent choice in variety but, varying price points as well.






Thursday

The Gluten-Free Move

We all know that traveling takes some research and preparation when you have Celiac. Did you know that selling your home requires the very same detail? I sure didn't!

I listed my home for sale, sold it and bought a new place all in two short months. Talk about stressful! I wasn't prepared for was the amount of time I would have to be out of my home. Or the lack of safe on the fly, gluten-free options available to me. I was one hungry and grumpy lady for  a little while there.

In retrospect, there is quite a bit I could have done in advance to make things easier on myself. I've created the list below to help you avoid having a hungry meltdown.




Make a list of safe places to eat


This is super important. Otherwise, you will end up hangry and not one wants that. More than a few times, I watched as my family ate a lovely meal somewhere that could not accommodate me. You should also research what menu options are available for you. I cannot tell you how tired I am of french fries, baked potato, & hash browns. 

Prepare picnic lunches


Bento-style containers, like the ones below, make for an easy on the go meal. I suggest preparing a few days worth of meals ahead of time. You will thank yourself for this in the long run. Trust me.

Lunchbox friendly ideas include: 
bagels, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables with dip, yogurt, and muffins. Just make sure you have a cold icepack ready to go.

Have prepackaged, shelf-stable food on hand


Some great example include :
  • Justin's Hazelnut Butter & Pretzels snack packs
  • Popcorn and M&M mixture
  • Dehydrated fruit such as raisins, cranberries, and apples
  • Plain cereal, like Cinnamon Chex, makes a great snack
  • Rice Cereal treats
  • Jerky
Check out my post-Easy Eats For A Gluten Free Trip for more great snacks to have on hand.


Kitchen's are the heart of the home


We looked at several houses before we found "the one". The winning home had everything we wanted, especially a fantastic kitchen, which is bright, big and has a lot of counter space. This was a big deal for me as my current kitchen is tiny and poorly laid out. Having a larger kitchen=safety. There's room to store my gluten-free food (on its own) and a separate area in which I can prepare it.

Whether you're entertaining friends or playing board games with the kiddos, kitchens have become more than just a spot to cook and eat. They are the social heart of the home, a family space where everyone ends up. If you are looking for a new home, make sure you love the kitchen!





Monday

Interview With Gluten Free Garage's Ronnilyn Pustil & Contest

May 1st marks the beginning of Celiac Awareness Month. If you live in the greater Toronto area or are up for a drive, you need to check out Gluten Free Garage.

Although 2016 marks the event's fifth year, it will be my first time attending and I am super excited!


This event is sort of like a farmers market meets a pop-up shop. It brings together the gluten-free community for a great cause. Plus, you will have the opportunity to discover local vendors, sample goodies and listen to some amazing guest speakers.





I had the pleasure of interviewing the founder of Gluten Free Garage, RonniLyn Pustil. See below to find out how the event got its start, what you can expect to find, and more!




Interview




1. How did Gluten Free Garage get its start?

I started Gluten Free Garage in 2012, about three years after my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease. By then we had gone through a lot of trial and error with different gluten-free products. What was out there was disappointing—think sawdust crackers, crumbly muffins, cardboard pizza, mushy pasta. If the only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life, why should people with celiac have to sacrifice taste or quality? I wanted my daughter to find the joy in food, rather than feeling deprived and sad about what she couldn’t eat. So I made it my mission to find gluten-free products that tasted good and were good for you. I scoured the city and its outskirts for fresh, delicious gluten-free food. I found quite a few small local businesses making yummy and healthier gluten-free food; many were vendors at farmers’ markets or food events. Whenever I brought something new home to try—whether it was a fresh loaf of gluten-free sourdough bread or savoury falafel balls or a new granola bar—there was excitement. I wanted to share them with other people who also had to eat gluten free. At first I thought about opening a retail store. But then, one sunny fall day I was at my neighbourhood farmers’ market at Wychwood Barns and the big garage-like doors were open; it was so bustling and lively and there was such a sense of community in that room. And that’s when the idea came to me to create a farmers’ market with a gluten-free twist, and to host it at the Barns. Hence the name, Gluten Free Garage.

2.      What can a first -time visitor to the event expect to encounter?
A lively food event with an astounding array of gluten-free products—from pasta to pastry to pierogies to popsicles! A first-timer might find it hard to believe that all the food at Gluten Free Garage are indeed gluten free! But it is, and everything is safe for people with celiac and gluten intolerance. Vendors will be sampling and selling their food, many will be preparing and cooking fresh food on site. There will be beer and cider tasting in the outdoor covered courtyard. And we have 5 dynamic guest speakers who will present on a variety of topics related to gluten-free living and eating.

2.      There will be several guest speakers, sharing their knowledge. Can you tell me a little about them?
We’ve got a group of four well-known and respected local nutritionists—Joy McCarthy, Meghan Telpher and Josh Gitalis, and Marni Wasserman—who will each give their take on gluten-free living and eating. They’re all vendors at GFG as well, so if you miss their talk you’ll still have a chance to interact with them. Ashley Wittig, co-owner of vegan and gluten-free Bunner’s Bakeshop (also a GFG vendor), will take a walk on the savoury side. And celiac advocate Jordan Middlebrook, aka King Gluten Free, will tell you why celiac disease doesn’t have to be a buzzkill.

3.      What makes Gluten Free Garage unique?
All the smiling faces! Many people are so excited and grateful for the delicious gluten-free finds at Gluten Free Garage. And just to be at a food event and be able to eat everything there. It’s a marketplace with a real community feel. 

4.      Which vendors are you most excited about?
How can I choose?! Of course, all the baked goods, because we have the best gluten-free bakeries participating. This will be the first time we have pierogies (Joe’s Gluten-Free Foods) and dumplings (Steambox Dumplings) at GFG. And the beer and cider tasting, which we introduced at our last event, will be bigger this year, with three beers, three apple ciders and one pear cider. 
5.      What do you want people to know about Celiac disease?
That it’s real and the only treatment for it is a strict gluten-free diet for life. 
 6.      Celiac awareness has come a long way thanks to wonderful people like you. What do you hope to see happen in terms of education and awareness?
 I hope that as more education and awareness is out there, more people with symptoms of celiac disease will get tested. About 350,000 people in Canada have celiac disease but don’t know it. And as long as they are still eating gluten, they are causing damage to their bodies in myriad ways.          
7.      Sometimes our day to day can get a little hectic and we need a meal in a hurry. What is your favourite gluten-free recipe to prepare when you’re in a time crunch?
 Pasta with whatever vegetables and protein I have in the fridge and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. I always have a few boxes of Italpasta in the pantry. Salads are easy to whip up and are always fresh. We love a good Nicoise salad and we usually have all the ingredients on hand.

8.      Do you have any favourite gluten-free products?
Yes, we all have our own favourites from different places. Many of them will be at Gluten Free Garage. 

9.      Finally, what advice can you share for someone who is just starting out on the gluten-free diet?
Learn to cook if you don’t already. Know what to look for on ingredient labels. Ask questions. When in doubt, don’t eat it. And don’t settle for anything less than delicious. 

When

Sunday, May 1, 2016  (10 am to 4 pm)


Where

Artscape Wychwood Barns (in the Covered Street Barn)

601 Christie Street (just south of St. Clair), Toronto


Ticket info

$10 / free for kids 12 and under

Free GFG tote bags for the first 1,000 people!


Giveaway Time!!!

Enter below to score a free pair of tickets to attend Gluten Free Garage.






You can connect with Gluten Free Garage on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook




Wednesday

Product Review: Mi & Stu




I recently had the opportunity to sample some gluten-free treats from Mi & Stu. If you reside outside of Quebec, you may not be familiar with this cool little bakery. I think it's time for that to change, don't you? Mi & Stu is located in LaSalle, Quebec and run by the lovely Mimi and Stephanie. You can find their products in select grocery stores, restaurants and on major International Airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Qatar. It's comforting to know that safe gluten-free food is available when traveling by air.

Mi & Stu is more than just gluten-free. They also avoid using nuts, casein, and whey in their products. This allows those with one or more dietary restrictions to enjoy the products.

Sunday

Quick Guide To Canada's Gluten-Free Tax Credit



Did you know that in Canada, there is a slight tax break available for those who need to consume gluten-free food? The Canadian Revenue Agency allows a tax deduction for the purchase of gluten-free goods. This is really helpful as we all know how ridiculously expensive the gluten-free diet can be.




Who Qualifies

  • You must be diagnosed with Celiac disease and requiring a gluten-free diet by an authorized medical practitioner 
  • You need to have a note from your physician on his or her letterhead, confirming diagnosis 
  • Total medical expense must exceed 3% of net income


How It Works


There is a fair bit of effort involved

  • Keep receipts for gluten-free items purchased throughout the year
  • You will need to calculate the incremental difference between GF and non-GF items on an item by item basis
  • This is done by subtracting the cost of a non-GF item from a GF item


Example per Canada Revenue Agency website


1. Item: bread
2. Number of items purchased: 52
3. Average cost of non-GF product: $3.49
4. Average cost of GF product: $6.99
5. Incremental cost (line 4 minus line 3): $6.99 - $3.49 = $3.50
6. Amount to claim (line 5 multiplied by line 2): $3.50 x 52 = $182.00

 

Tips



  •  Highlight the gluten-free items on your receipts or keep gluten-free purchase separate from non-GF purchases
  • Keep your receipts organized in a folder and away from the sun
  • Use a spreadsheet to itemize and calculate
  • If you add to your spreadsheet with every gluten-free grocery shop, you will save time and avoid a headache
  • Save a copy of the spreadsheet for your records
  • Be patient



Thursday

Product Review & Contest: Inspired by Happiness Gluten Free Cakes


Cake is almost always part of an important, celebration - birthdays, weddings, graduations, holidays and the like, cake is there. Sometimes even just because. 

For someone with Celiac, this can be synonymous with being left out.That doesn't have to be the case thanks to Inspired by Happiness and their gluten-free line of cakes! These cakes are certified gluten-free by the Canadian Celiac Association's Gluten-Free Certification Program. That extra level of trust makes my heart happy.


Inspired by Happiness uses only the highest quality ingredients




Natural flavours
No artificial colours
No artificial trans fat
Kosher


I sampled the two cakes below

Cravin' for Cookies & Cream Layered Cake







This cake is for those who want to indulge in an old-time favourite. It's covered with a dark chocolate ganache and swirls of white chocolate. The layers of melt-in-your-mouth light shortcake, cookies and a silky vanilla cream mousse will leave you wanting more.


Dreamin' of Chocolate Dark & White Chocolate Layer Cake





This cake was designed with those who love chocolate in mind. Belgian white chocolate mousse is layered between dark chocolate sponge cake and topped off with a chocolate ganache. 


As someone who has indulged in her fair share of gluten-free cakes, I can happily say that Inspired by Happiness knows how to make great gluten-free cakes! You will be pleasntly impressed with how light and moist the cakes are. With just the right amount of sweetness, they avoid being overly rich. Even the gluten eaters in my family were left wanting more. 

You can connect with Inspired by Happiness on social media through 


*I received complimentary product for review purposes. All opinions are my own*


You can find Inspired by Happiness cakes at select locations below:





Want to try these cakes? Inspired by Happiness was kind enough to send me some coupons to give away!


One Winner will receive FIVE free product coupons for one package of  Inspired by Happiness gluten-free cake.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




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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