Contest

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




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




Wednesday

Cinnamon-Sugar Lasagne Crisps {Catelli® Reinvent Gluten Free Lasagne Challenge}




Who says you can't have lasagne for dessert? I created the recipe Cinnamon-Sugar Lasagne Crisps as part of a Catelli Blogger Challenge. The challenge is to create an original recipe which reinvents lasagne and celebrate the launch of Catelli Gluten Free Lasagne.


I had a ton of fun developing this recipe and I am thrilled with how it turned out. It's clear my family must be too- because they devoured the Cinnamon Sugar Lasagne Crisps! Served warm, these are a delightful and cozy little snack. I can't wait to make more!



About Catelli Gluten Free Pasta

  • Produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility
  • Certified by the Canadian Celiac Association's Gluten-Free Certification Program
  • GMO Free
  • Cholesterol and preservative free
  • Low in sodium
  • Oven ready (no need to boil noodles)


Catelli Gluten Free Lasagne is the sixth cut of pasta to be featured in the Catelli Gluten Free Pasta line. The line also includes Penne, Fusilli, Macaroni, Spaghetti and recently introduced Linguine


You know I love sharing giveaways with you guys right? 


Catelli is giving away one case (12 boxes) of their gluten free lasagne to a lucky Gluten Free Doll reader! 




a Rafflecopter giveaway



Keep scrolling for the Cinnamon-Sugar Lasagne Crisps recipe




Cinnamon Sugar Lasagne Crisps 


Ingredients  
1 box Catelli Gluten-Free Lasagne
1 pinch of salt 
vegetable oil  
1 cup cinnamon sugar  

Instructions 
1. Fill large pot with water and a pinch of salt. Place on med/high heat and bring to boil 
2. Break lasagne noodles into halves  
3. Place noodles in water once it has reached a roaring boil 
4. Boil for about 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally 
5. Remove noodles from water and place on parchment paper 
6. Let noodles dry for about 30 minutes 
7. Once noodles are no longer soaking wet,  add about 2 inches of oil to a large pot and set to med/high heat 
8. Oil is ready for frying when a small cube of gluten-free bread browns in 60 seconds
9. Place noodles in oil, a few at a time to prevent crowding 
10. Fry until noodles are golden brown then remove from oil and place on parchment paper 
11. Dust  noodles with liberal coating cinnamon sugar 
12. Serve warm with frosting  

Frosting Ingredients  
2 cups icing sugar 
2 tablespoons milk 
¼ cup cream cheese 
1 tablespoon butter 
½ teaspoon vanilla  

Instructions 
1. Place 2 cups of icing sugar in mixing bowl
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add to icing sugar, along with 2 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. 
3. Melt ¼ cup of cream cheese and add to mixture 
4. Whisk ingredients until they develop a smooth and creamy consistency 






Saturday

Minute Rice Event and Giveaway!




Minute Rice held an event at the George Brown College Chef School recently. I was able to attend via webcam (how cool is that?) as I could not make it down to the school that evening. Minute Rice sent me a couple of boxes of their 100% Natural Instant Rice to cook with at home. Rice is a staple in my pantry and I love it, so I have been happily exploring new recipes.


The event was hosted by Chef John Higgins. You may recognize that name! Not only is Chef Higgins a Judge on Chopped Canada, he has also cooked for the Queen at Buckingham Palace, heads of state in Washington and various celebrities. He's a pretty big deal!


According to  Norma D’Onofrio, Senior Brand Manager, Minute Rice, instant rice is as nutritious as long cook rice. Instant rice is long grain rice that is simply pre-cooked, and then dried, in order to significantly cut down on the cooking time required by consumers. Did you know that both varieties of Minute Rice are GMO-free?! 

“Veggie Rice Lasagna Loaf" was the first recipe demonstrated by Chef Higgins. It's very easy to make and only takes 10 minutes to prepare for the oven. The prep for this dish can be done the day before, leaving you with just the rice to cook the day of. To assemble the dish, you can use either a terrine mold or a loaf pan. I love recipes where you can prep in advance and enjoy a quick meal when needed, minus the hassle of course.



This was followed by "Pear and Cranberry Rice Pudding with Chocolate Crunchies". Watching this recipe being prepared really captivated me. Who knew that you could be so creative with rice?! Chef Higgins mentioned that some people enjoy their Rice Pudding wet, while others prefer it dry. It's really up to you.


Chef Higgins said that food is meant to be enjoyed by family and friends. I couldn't agree more! So hurry and grab yourself a $1.00 off coupon for Minute Rice, while supplies last.

Attending the event via webcam allowed me to really focus on what Chef Higgins was doing, as well as take some helpful notes. Check out some helpful tips for cooking rice below.



Top 10 Rice Cooking Tips from Chef John Higgins, Director, George Brown Chef School
Boil in broth: When boiling rice, substitute water for broth to add flavour to the rice itself and your dish. Chicken broth, beef broth or vegetable stock are excellent choices. Low sodium broths add a punch of flavour without the added salt.
Try coconut: Cook rice in coconut milk for a mildly sweet flavoured rice which pairs well with curry dishes and other spicy recipes. Coconut flavoured rice with fresh slices of mango or your kids’ favourite fruit can make a fun, healthy dessert option.
Think flavour: Add spices to the rice’s cooking liquid for an aromatic and flavourful base to your dish. Star Anise, cilantro and turmeric are good choices, with bold, robust flavours.
Season early on: Don’t leave your seasoning until the end. Introduce the flavours of your dish early on. For maximum flavour, add the herbs or spices your recipe calls for into the rice’s cooking water.
Add veggies: Enhance your rice dish by adding frozen vegetables. Rather than cooking the vegetables separately, though, condense your cooking time by adding them to boiling water before you begin cooking the rice. Using pre-cut, frozen vegetables is more convenient than cutting fresh vegetables (while still being nutritious), especially when you are pressed for time.
Sweeten with fruit: Add dried fruit – such as craisins, raisins, dried blueberries and currents – to your cooking water to draw out the sweet fruit flavours which will infuse your rice with a savoury taste the whole family will enjoy.
Try rice for breakfast: Instant rice in particular is quick and easy, making it a convenient and nutritious family option. Add almond or soy milk, or your kids’ favourite flavoured milk, as well as dried fruits or nuts for a complete, oatmeal-like breakfast dish which can be served hot or cold. Prepare the rice the night before to save time in the morning.
Steep your rice: Infuse the rice with your favourite flavour of tea for a fragrant, subtle gourmet taste. Steep a pot of tea and use the liquid to cook your rice instead of using plain water. For those less adventurous, start with a more simple flavour such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast or Chamomile tea. For an economical option, use the tea bag left over from your morning cup of tea.
Add zing with zest: For a zesty citrus spin on your rice dish, grate lemon, lime or orange zest into the rice’s cooking water as it’s boiling. Be sure to thoroughly wash your fruit with warm, soapy water before grating the zest into the water. For a more gourmet taste sensation, try a combination of citrus fruits in one rice dish.
Cut cooking time: Risotto is a wonderful meal or side dish option enjoyed by all ages, but it takes time to make.  Using instant rice in a risotto dish can cut in half the time it takes to make traditional risotto.
Visit here to discover amazing recipes on the Minute Rice website.



Enter below for an opportunity to win a case of 12 boxes of Minute Rice® 100% Natural Instant Rice ($60 value)











Tuesday

Catelli Gluten Free Pastabilities Challenge

Celiac Awareness month takes place in May. The great folks at Catelli asked me if I would like to participate in their Gluten Free Pastabilities Challenge to help celebrate. The task - to create an original gluten free pasta recipe, using any cut of Catelli Gluten Free pasta. I chose to work with Penne, which Catelli then graciously supplied me with.


Catelli Gluten Free Pasta is made from a unique four-grain blend of white rice, brown rice, corn & quinoa. It is is produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility. Certified by the Canadian Celiac Association’s Gluten-Free Certification Program, it is available in Spaghetti, Fusilli, Penne, and Macaroni. The pasta is made with ingredients that are declared GMO-free as well as Cholesterol and preservative free. You can find Catelli Gluten Free Pasta at all major retailers across Canada


After playing around with some ideas, I came up with a recipe which I have dubbed "Maple Brunch Penne". I'm a big fan of comfort food and for me, this really hit the spot. I hope you will enjoy this as it has quickly become a family favourite in my home of picky eaters.


" Maple Brunch Penne "

Serves 4


Core Ingredients


1     box Catelli Gluten Free Penne     
4     eggs
5     strips of bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
2     tablespoons maple syrup
      shaved parmesan cheese and pepper to taste 




Marinara Sauce Ingredients

3      tablespoons olive oil

1/2   cup finely diced onion
4      cloves garlic, minced
1      jalapeno pepper, finely diced
1      teaspoon brown sugar
1      tablespoon white sugar
1      teaspoon salt
3      tablespoons tomato paste
1      796ml can crushed tomato
    



Directions


1) Heat olive oil in large saucepan or wok, on medium-low heat
2) Add onion, garlic and jalapeno pepper. Cook until soft, but not brown. Stir frequently
3) Mix in brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and  tomato paste. Continue to stir frequently
4) Separate juices from crushed tomato and set the juice aside
5) Add crushed tomato and stir. Bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce reduces. About 15-20 minutes. Occasionally stir mixture
6) While sauce is simmering, bring pot of water to boil and cook Catelli Gluten Free Penne per directions on box
7) While pasta is cooking, fry bacon until slightly crisp and drain. Place bacon in a bowl and drizzle with maple syrup. Add the maple syrup coated bacon to sauce
8) Add the reserved juices from crushed tomatoes to sauce and stir
9) Fry eggs sunnyside up in bacon grease
10) While eggs cook, drain pasta (do not rinse!!!) and add to sauce
11) Place finished pasta mixture in 4 bowls and top each with fried egg. Add shaved parmesan and pepper to your liking. Serve and enjoy!


You can use an egg ring like I did, to produce a nice rounded shape.



Like what I have created here? Feeling up for a challenge? 

Visit Websaver.ca and grab a coupon for $1.00 off of any one Catelli Gluten Free 340g product. Then, create your own Catelli Gluten Free pasta recipe and share it here on Catelli's Facebook page. The recipe can be for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert! The choice is yours. Catelli's Gluten Free Pastabilities Challenge will be held for the public from May 4-31, 2015, and Catelli is offering major prizes for delicious, out-of-the-box gluten free pasta ideas. The three people whose recipes get selected and have the highest number of likes on Catelli’s Facebook page will receive a year’s supply of gluten free pasta, courtesy of Catelli! How cool is that?!



**Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of  product for this post

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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