Susie Cakes... great cakes for everyone!

On Saturday, November 5, I walked into a new bakery that I thought was only going to be for those who can eat gluten. Happily, I was mistaken.

This bakery is a wonderful place that makes cakes, cupcakes, and cookies in flavors that offer something for everyone with readily available gluten free goodies.

WELCOME TO WEST PLANO, SUSIE CAKES!

Here is their website: http://susiecakes.com/  Check it all for all their locations and treats! They are eager to take, bake, and make your special orders.

I tried their naturally gluten free 'Flourless Chocolate Cupcake'... decadent, dense, moist dark chocolate cake is topped by luscious buttercream with tasty (high-quality) sprinkles.  It's the best gluten free cupcake I've eaten in North Texas to date. And, you can serve it to your whole family or bring a half-dozen as an amazing hostess gift.

There is so much more to tell... but here are a few pictures (and I'll save the thousand words.)

Halloween candy checklist for gluten free treats

It's the start of candy eating (and giving... and baking...) season! 

Here's a terrific list for reference to check out some fancy gluten free candies - and even better - mainstream, supermarket chocolate and non-chocolate candies that are AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN GLUTEN FREE :) !

Happy Halloween! Happy Fall!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/310329-what-candy-bars-are-gluten-free/

Pizza... gluten free and "skinny" is coming to Addison Texas!

Everyone who must eat gluten free knows that it is of the utmost importance to keep every bite full of good nutrition (because it's to easy to get caught up in a cloud of empty calories and sugars with mainstream gf products).

Enter Skinny Pizza!  Ok, not yet - but soon! 

"CultureMap reports that the brand new concept will open its doors at 4970 Addison Circle Dr. in a space that formerly housed Patrizio’s. The new concept will bring quick-fired thin crust pies that can be made with gluten-free or whole wheat crusts for those who are really trying to keep things healthy.

Also on offer are “egg- and cholesterol-free, low in sodium, and high in fiber” pastas that can be served with a variety of Italian sauces and jazzed up with a massive selection of veggies. Organic salads and “100% natural drinks” will round out the menu," as reported by Amy McCarthy of Eater Dallas.

I can't wait to patronize this establishment with my entire family - #FoodForEveryone!

The business of gluten free products

Far be it from me to tell people how to spend their money.  And yes, it is true that many gf products are much more expensive than 'regular' products of the same kind.  

But here's the good news for those of us that have to eat gf... it has never been easier to do so in restaurants and shopping in stores.  Keep in mind that one of the best shopping experiences for variety and value prices is: https://www.walmart.com/browse/food/gluten-free-foods/976759_1228023

Here's what Bloomberg News Agency has to say about the business-side of gluten free living for those who do not have to eat gf for their health: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-14/you-can-eat-gluten-again-america?bcomANews=true

Sad to say, Bloomberg fails to point out how good it is for those of us that do.

What's not on a label can hurt you.

Here's a link to a great article that gives insight to a very typical problem for people who must eat gluten free: not all products without a gluten ingredient are 'gluten free'.

In other words - DON'T ASSUME a product is gluten free unless the label says so.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/09/30/labels-dont-always-guarantee-foods-are-free-gluten.html

It's Trader Joe's pumpkin mania time (and it's gluten free, too!)

If you cook gluten free food, you know there is no higher compliment than, "Wow, this doesn't taste gluten free."  Here are just a few of the easiest and best ways to get your fall feast on gluten free.

1) Get a jar (or 12) of Trader Joe's pumpkin butter. Sure, you can spread it on toast.  And you can also spread it on their gluten free Maple-Blueberry muffins.
> slice a muffin in half.
> slather each half with pumpkin butter
> then top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Everyone's going to want what is on your plate.

2) Buy a box (or 24, like I did) of TJ's gluten free Pumpkin pancake mix. Using the whole box and the recipe on the side of it:
> substitute 1/2 almond milk and 1/2 plain yogurt in place of all the water
> use butter or Earth Balance not oil
> add in 1 more egg.
This will yield 12 jumbo muffins or 24 small ones. Using cooking spray on your muffin pans (baking cups are even better). Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes.  Test with a toothpick until it comes out clean. Cool 'til warm, then stuff your face.

3) Buy a bag of TJ's honey roasted peanuts. Buy a box of TJ's Pumpkin O's (they're gluten free). Empty both into a large bowl and mix.  Portion out in 1/2 cup scoops into plastic, ziplock snack-size baggies.  Delicious munchies for everyone.

Happy Fall!

Do you or don't you have celiac?

It's simple.  Get a blood test.  Yes, there is an easy way to find out if you need to be eating gluten free for your health because you cannot digest gluten in foods.

There is also a genetic test that can be done - however, it may not be as exact in the results.

Take a look at the Celiac Disease Foundation's website for all the correct answers and insights.

https://celiac.org/celiac-disease/understanding-celiac-disease-2/diagnosing-celiac-disease/screening/

Another celebrity makes a bad dietary choice... going gluten-free for no reason

It's the pseudo-celebrities and their less-than-intelligent trends that shatter the validity of real need in some of us who must eat gluten free.

Who, you ask?  The pulp-fringe of Hollywood gossip - a member of the "K" family and her three kids are now eating "gluten and diary free."

Why, you ask? Because (get this) "... we had muscle testing done, which showed we all have sensitivities to corn, gluten and dairy."  ( http://site.people.com/food/kourtney-kardashian-gluten-and-dairy-free/ )

Wake up and smell the wheat bread baking, Ms. K - THERE IS NO SUCH TEST - medical, that is. There may be soothsayers or shamans with leeches out there doing something new.

Please, please do not think that those of us who have celiac disease or are gluten sensitive/allergic would not love to bite into a big, doughy pizza crust - we can't, but you can. Ms. K is denying her three children the extra protein and fiber that is found in wheat products (excellent nutrition the gluten free among us cannot enjoy).

Don't let the uninformed and trendy-but-stupid influence you.

If you want to understand people who are gluten free, read this

The National Institutes of Health released a terrific article in May, 2016 that explains why some people must eat a gluten free diet.

With all the recent 'kerfuffle' about an ignorant restaurant owner's remark ("demanding a doctor's note if you order gluten free food here...") readers here can get a serious look at the science and nutrition for those who cannot eat wheat.

Enjoy the read... 'Necessary for some, optional for others'
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/may2016/feature2

Does Dallas need another restaurant chain? Yes!

          When you have to eat gluten free, it can often be a challenge to find a restaurant where everyone can enjoy a great meal. Too often, gluten free diners have choices limited to eggs or a salad (usually with oil-and-vinegar because so many dressing use gluten-based thickeners). It gets boring real fast.

         Coming in a few weeks is a new chain, Grabbagreen. The first location will be located on the edge in Deep Ellum (at edge of the Baylor Hospital-Dallas campus).  Here's a link to find out more about their healthy fast food choices for all diners.

        Food + Juice = http://grabbagreen.com/

Unsure if you should to be gluten free? Read this!

University of California - Davis' Integrated Medicine program does some great work in explaining the different types of issues that can arise with eating wheat... and in this article, all readers are provided common sense nutritional information.

Have a good read - and pass it on, too!

http://ucdintegrativemedicine.com/2016/08/need-know-gluten/#gs.zfOJlQ4

It's hot... Eat real Italian water ice and deliciously cool off!

What is fat free, gluten free, and Kosher... Rita's Water Ice and Custard in West Plano at Legacy and 7000 Independence Drive.  Check out their website here: http://www.ritaswestplano.com/

Enjoy your frosty snacks inside at cozy tables or outside at a table for two... and consider having your next celebration cake made here with their creamy East Coast-style custard. (FYI - you will never eat fro-yo again.)

Owner/manager, Troy and his staff are efficient and extend warm hospitality as each guest enters the store.  Young and old will enjoy the variety of flavors and mixtures made fresh everyday at Rita's.

And coming soon... a mobile truck to bring Rita's treats to your home or office party!

Happy Friday... especially if your going to New Orleans!

Take a weekend and go enjoy gluten free food in a Foodie's town - New Orleans!

Check out this link:  http://nola.eater.com/maps/best-gluten-free-restaurants-new-orleans

News from Columbia University Medical Center

Biological explanation for wheat sensitivity found: Weakened intestinal barrier, systemic immune activation may explain symptoms in people without celiac disease

That's the headline from Columbia University Medical School on July 26, 2016.

If you're wheat-sensitive - or even think you might be, click on this link to read about it.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160726123632.htm

An allergy to wheat gluten is as real as an allergy to nuts or pollen