Are you interested in learning about the upcoming gluten free events?  Look at the Gluten Free Calendar.  There is a wealth of information available to you!  Upcoming events, blogs, shopping, etc.  For additional information visit: http://www.glutenfreecalendar.com/shop/gfc-2014-annual-calendar/

XOXOX

Dawn

I met Kyra Bussanich 4x Cupcake Wars Champion at the NYC Celebrate Celiac Community Party and Celiac Awareness Day with the Yankees on Saturday.  Kyra is the first gluten-free winner of Cupcake Wars!  Check out Kyra’s book Sweet Cravings.  It has 50 gluten free dessert recipes.  XOXOX Dawn

Now that information about Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance is readily available there are numerous products on the market to purchase.  For the average consumer it is difficult to determine the difference between products and their claims.  This post is going to discuss what it means to be certified gluten free.

Products that display the Certified Gluten Free logo have been inspected and verification has determined that the quality, purity and integrity of the products are incompliance with the strict requirements of the gluten free standard. There are three organizations that certify products as being gluten free: Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), the Celiac Sprue Association (CSA), and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA). Although each of these organizations has the same goal, obligating manufacturers to disclose the amount of trace glutens in their products, their methods of testing varies. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness’ testing standard requires food to contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. While the Celiac Sprue Association requires foods to have less than 5ppm and also requires foods to be free of oats (even gluten-free oats). Testing also includes product reviews and random onsite testing of processing facilities.  The manufacturer also incurs a financial cost that is associated with the auditing process.

 What does this mean for the average consumer?  These organizations relieve the average consumer of burden of researching and locating data on the manufacturing process of products.  It is unlikely that a manufacturer will undergo this lengthy and expensive process to obtain the GF certification and later violate the guidelines.  Also, purchasing Certified Gluten Free products helps to eliminate the opportunity of being exposed to glutens.

 For additional information, please visit the following:

http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/glutenfreefoodshoppin1/a/Certified-Gluten-Free-Products.htm

 http://www.gfco.org/

http://www.csaceliacs.org/

http://www.celiaccentral.org/

 XOXOXX

Dawn

I baked this gluten free cake for my nephew's birthday on July 4th.  It has alternating layers of raspberry and chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache filling.  The outside is covered with a butter cream frosting with chocolate ganache running down the top.  I added the butter cream roses and piping at the bottom of the cake for decoration.

I also baked two other cakes. Pictures are in the photo gallery along with Darren's birthday cake!  I made almond cakes covered and decorated with fondant.  I made all of the flowers and geometric shapes.

OXOXOX
Dawn

At the request of my mother, I am sharing this picture of my coconut pineapple cupcakes made with a vegan frosting.  Yes, a vegan frosting!  Before launching my site store, I am going to develop products that are both gluten free and vegan. 

Happy mother's day mom!

XOXOX
Dawn

May is national Celiac awareness month.  One of the greatest accomplishments for the Celiac and Gluten/Wheat free community was the passing of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) in 2006. This act required manufacturers of packaged products to disclose the content of top allergens in their products.  These allergens include wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy and shell fish. The FDA is expanding this act.  Beginning August 2014 manufacturers that print “gluten free,” “no gluten,” “free of gluten” or without gluten” must contain less than 20ppm of gluten.  This is quite an accomplishment in our goal to having full disclosure about the products we consume!

XOXOX
Dawn



Source: Living Without’s Gluten Free Baking Magazine Special Spring 2014 Issue

My oldest son loves to grow things.  He enjoys planting different types of fruits and vegetables. We are very fortunate to have lots of windows with natural sunlight.  Yes, all of his gardening is done in doors. My son purchased a young strawberry plant last year.  Now that young plant is growing fruit.  You are probably thinking that the strawberries are extremely small.  They are actually the correct size for a young strawberry plant that is grown without GMOs and chemicals that enhance fruit production.  Unfortunately we have become a society that is accustomed to fruits and vegetables that are chemically enhanced. This has made it difficult to recognize fruits and vegetables in their “natural” or “organic” form.  Enjoy the pictures and please email or post comments. 

  XOXOX

Dawn

Please read the ingredients in your allergy medication carefully.  Call the manufacturer and/or check online to see if the product contains glutens.  This applies to over the counter and prescription allergy medicine.