Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels

                    Recently my mom asked me what my favorite bagel is.  My answer was it depends on what spread is available.  Some work better with peanut butter while others I prefer with cream cheese.  Even the flavor of cream cheese can make a difference.  Our conversation got me thinking, have I ever seen a gluten free bagel?  I thought I had, but I was not 100% sure.

                On a recent trip to Woodman’s I found Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels in the refrigerated section.  Then I remembered I had seen the bagels at Whole Foods as well.  I even called to double check.

                          Udi’s has five different kinds of bagels: Whole Grain, Cinnamon Raisin, Plain, Mighty, and Everything Inside. To figure out which one you would like to try, visit udisglutenfree.com. 

Bisquick Gluten Free

             Bisquick is a pantry staple in many households. Whether you use it for pancakes or biscuits, now you have a gluten free option. I originally found it at Woodman’s, but it can also be purchased at A Gluten Free Frenzy and (believe it or not) it can be ordered from Amazon. Is there anything you can’t get on Amazon?

Pasta at Bartolotta’s Pizzeria Piccola

               Recently my mom and I went away for a quilt retreat.  While there we met a woman who was gluten free.  As we spoke to her it came up that one of the things she missed was Italian food.  I have heard this from other people before.  Pizza and pasta are such staples in our diets that it can be difficult when they are no longer options.

                 

              This is where restaurants like Bartolotta’s Pizzeria Piccola come in.  I have written before about their pizza, but now I am here to write about their pasta dishes.  Any of their pasta dishes can be made with gluten free pasta instead of the traditional.  The gluten free pasta is listed as a regular menu item and is clearly labeled.  Just specify which type of pasta you would like in your dish, and not to long later you will have an enjoyable pasta meal.

                  Check out your pasta options at pizzeriapiccola.com.

Udi’s Gluten Free Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

                I experienced Udi’s Gluten Free Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies in a gluten free lunch.  They were delicious.  You wouldn’t know they were gluten free.  These cookies can be found at Whole Foods in the refrigerated section.

Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels

           One of my favorite things to make is Pretzel Bark.  Made up of pretzels, caramel, chocolate, and nuts, the bark always seems to be a hit no matter where it goes.  My pretzel of choice is Snyder’s of Hanover.  When I saw Snyder’s was making a gluten free pretzel, I was very happy because I could still use my favorite pretzel while making a treat everyone in my family could enjoy.         

                Usually we purchase the gluten free pretzels at either Outpost Natural Foods or Whole Foods.  Recently I was at Woodman’s and found them there as well. Not only did I find the two different shapes, pretzel and sticks, at Woodman’s, but I also discovered flavors. Snyder’s has now released two flavors of gluten free pretzel sticks: Hot Buffalo Wing and Honey Mustard & Onion. The way I see it is the regular pretzels can be used as part of a sweet treat and the flavors can be for the savory side of life. This is great for the upcoming holiday season or any time of year.

Beanitos: The Original Bean Chip

              While I was shopping in my local grocery store I saw a new brand of tortilla chips. I’m always looking for new tastes of my favorite foods. I found Beanitos, a tortilla chip made of beans which made them gluten free. They have six kinds: Chipotle BBQ, Nacho Cheese, Restaurant Style, Simply Pinto Bean, Better Cheddar, and Original Black Bean. I have found these chips at Sendik’s Food Market, Whole Foods, and Woodman’s.

Let’s Eat Out with Celiac/Coeliac & Food Allergies!: A Timeless Reference for Special Diets by Kim Koeller & Robert La France

               As someone with a food allergy, I understand how hard it is to go out and eat.  With so many things to consider, what is supposed to be an enjoyable time can become very stressful.  Traveling can be even more difficult.  At home I have learned which places to trust.  Out on the road everything becomes suspicious as the ingredients and preparations are all different.

                A couple weeks ago I was reading the travel section from the Chicago Tribune and I saw a book I knew I had to get.  Let’s Eat Out with Celiac/Coeliac & Food Allergies! sounded like just the thing so many people need in their lives.  I checked my library system and found out my local library did have a copy.  Not many days later I picked it up and began to look through.             

                The book is broken down into sections with the first few about personal stories and general information.  This is followed by sections concentrating on different types of restaurants.  These were the sections I found most interesting.  Each type of cuisine uses its own ingredients and preparations.  All create concern for someone who is gluten free or has a food allergy.  The book informs the reader as to what to look out for and which questions to ask.  Reading through everything I was surprised at how many things I would have never thought to ask about.

                After the cuisines there are a few more sections which concentrate on snacks, travel advice, and additional resources. There is so much information that it would take a long time to read it all. But I feel the time would be worth it. This book will really help those who are gluten free or have a food allergy not only in their travel but in their everyday life as well.