Is It Really Gluten Free?

Someone asked me a few weeks ago, "So how can you tell if something is really gluten free?" Of course, label reading is the first step. If the label says gluten free, it probably is. But I have noticed how some products claim to be gluten free, but also say that they are manufactured on equipment or in the same facility as things containing wheat. This is typically not gluten free. The chance of cross-contamination is so high that it stands the chance that you will get sick if you are gluten intolerant. Of course, not always is this the case, but most of the time it is. If you haven't been sick for a while, and are feeling brave enough to try a product like this...you are taking a big chance. Remember the symptoms may not appear immediately, but the damage will still be present!

It is always best to be careful. There are so many products out there to choose from, you don't need to risk it.

I found personally that even some that say they are gluten free can still make me sick. For instance, some products claim to be certified gluten free because they have less than 20 ppm of gluten present in the product. Hey, people, there is still gluten, just not very much. Eat this in large quantities, or a little bit everyday, and it will add up! (I learned this one the hard way, you know stomach cramps, fatigue, weight loss, etc.)

If you are unsure, you can always call the manufacturer! You know they hear stuff like this all the time, and actually may have a gluten statement already ready for you on their website!

Remember, we are following this diet to improve our health. We don't have to, we choose to. We want to improve the quality of our life so we can be there for our families and friends when they need us. When you focus on why you are doing it, it helps make the 'what to eat' decisions a lot easier.

Have a Healthy, Happy, Gluten Free Day!

~EM KENNEDY~

Could It Be Gluten?

I am so excited to finally be able to share my journey from chronic pain and poor health to a whole new life living gluten free. In my journey I learned about food allergies and intolerance, and how they affect your body adversely. It has been many years since my journey began, and I am very happy to share it with you now! Read it for yourself! #glutenfree #cornfree #annattofree #carrageenanfree
Could It Be Gluten? by EM KENNEDY is now available for sale on amazon!



Do you have questions about the gluten free diet?
Get your questions answered! Contact me through the contact form on this blog, read about my journey by following the link above, or message me through my Google + . I'm looking forward to answering any questions regarding all things, allergy and gluten free!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!
~EM KENNEDY~

Vans Gluten Free Foods

Vans is a brand that contributes tremendously to the deliciousness of the gluten free diet! I'm a fan of Vans because they offer a wide variety of products that are not only gluten free, but also corn free!!!!!!! Wooohooo!!!! Ok, forgive my childish expression, but I love eating cereal, crackers, and granola bars. Especially when they taste yummy, and have very little sugar in them. They also offer granola. These pictures were taken at Walmart who seems to be embracing the fact that people want gluten free products. 

 Vans cereal selection...

 A few granola bars....

Crackers anyone???

Want to know more about Vans delicious products?  Check it out here:www.vansfoods.com

Christmas Food Traditions

When it comes to Christmas Traditions, there's nothing like Christmas cookies! For me it was sugar cookies, pumpkin cookies, and oatmeal cookies. Every year the kitchen would be smelling sweet with Christmas treats as they came steaming hot out of the oven. Apple pie, and pumpkin pie were also part of the celebration, but not as big of an impact as the cookies.
What is your favorite Christmas Tradition food??? (Hint: I am gathering ideas for the next Gluten Free Em recipe!!!!)
Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie recipe that you want converted into a gluten free, corn free, xanthan gum free gem? Leave your comments!!!

Cream of Broccoli Pot Pie

1/2 a medium onion
2-3 large carrots cut in 1/4 inch chuncks
Frozen brocolli florets (about 2 cups)
1 medium clove garlic
1/3 stick of butter
Salt
3/4 cup brown rice flour
Several cups of milk
Simmer in pan till gravy thickens.
Pour into deep baking dish; this will be your filling.
2 cups brown rice flour
2-3 tablespoons ground flax
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 of a stick of butter cut into flour mixture
1- 1 1/2 cups yogurt to form a wet dough
Drop by the tablespoons on top of filling.
Back at 400 degrees till top is browned and dough is cooked through, about 20-30 minutes.

Gluten Free Em's French Toast (Fall Favorites)

Are you aching for a little fall flavor? Try this recipe for a delicious breakfast, snack, or anytime of the day!

French Toast
serves 4
1/2 a loaf of My Best Gluten Free White Bread cut in 1/2 to 3/4 inch slices
2 eggs beaten well
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla flavor
1/2 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon or ginger (your preference)

Preheat a griddle or skillet to 375 degrees. Combine eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and spices together mixing well. Dip slices of bread in egg mixture just before placing on a lightly buttered griddle or skillet. Cook both sides till golden brown. Serve with 100% pure maple syrup, or your favorite jam. Enjoy!

Sugar sensitive??? Me too, just simply leave the sugar out, and enjoy with a pad of Kerrygold butter instead of maple syrup!

Green Apple and Ginger Bread

I have a juicer. Not one of those expensive ones, just one I got from Walmart for about $50. I recently mixed up a juice that my little ones loved! (Which for me is a great accomplishment.) They usually take one sip and set the glass down, but not this time. Anytime they ask for more, I know I made a hit! (One happy mom here!)

Here is the juice recipe so you can share it with your family!

8 medium organic granny smith apples

2 medium organic gala apples

2 organic carrots
10-15 large green grapes

1 1/2 inch fresh organic ginger root peeled

About 8 oz of fresh organic raw baby spinach leaves

Once I juiced it, I diluted with water to a 40:60 ratio with 40% being water and 60% being juice.

There is one thing about those cheap juicers though that really eats me up: they leave behind a tremendous amount of pulp. Wasted veggies and fruits, is how I see it. I am always looking for new ways to use the pulp so it doesn't go to waste.

Here's my newest recipe for you to try at home!

Green Apple and Ginger Bread 

(A fall flavor! I just love fall!)

You will need:

The pulp from the previous juice recipe.

1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cup plain organic yogurt (I use Strauss Family Creamery brand)

Blend until smooth and no chunks of greens are left.

Then mix together in a separate bowl:

1 1/2 cups freshly milled organic brown rice flour (I mill mine out of Lunberg Rice)

3/4 teaspoon baking soda (I use Arm n Hammer)

3/4 teaspoon salt (I use David's Kosher Salt)

Add dry ingredients to yogurt/pulp mixture, mixing well.

Add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (I use California Olive Ranch)

3/4 - 1 cup organic raisins (I use Sun-maid Organic)
1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (optional)

1/4-1/2 cup Sugar in the Raw (Regular sugar will work if that is all you have, brown sugar is better, but raw sugar is preferred for the specific flavor.)

Bake in a 8-9 inch square glass Pyrex pan that has been generously oiled with extra virgin olive oil at 350 degrees until bottom and top are moderately browned. Toothpick inserted into the center should also come out fairly clean.

Let sit for 10- 15 minutes for the flavors to mellow, then serve warm! Enjoy this fall favorite with your family this season!

Happy Baking!

~Gluten Free Em~