Orlando Road Trip: Animal Kingdom

Gluten. Free. Churros.

They are as delicious as they sound. Paired with vanilla and strawberry dipping sauces, they're heavenly.

This one dessert could have easily made our visits to the Animal Kingdom, this month, a celiac-friendly success. We found them at Nomad Lounge, near the entrance to the new Pandora land.

Gluten Free churros served with vanilla and strawberry dipping sauces.

Sitting on the comfortable patio, we ordered off the small plates menu, and boy were they small. In addition to churros, which were five half-sticks with the sauces for $9, my party had the charcuterie board (meats and cheeses) and the new brisket poutine, as well as drinks.

Orlando Road Trip: Mickey's Very Special Christmas Party

It was Jersey Week in the Orlando area this month, and we were there.

We went down to Florida mid-week and stayed for about 10 days, mostly visiting Walt Disney World. If you haven't already experienced WDW, you should. The Disney company is VERY accommodating to gluten-free diets, as well as food allergies.

On the final night of our trip, we visited the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This extra-ticket event offers smaller crowds, rare characters meetings, special shows and free treats from stations throughout the park. It's that last part that celiacs might be wary about, since many of the treats are baked goodies.

I had been tipped off ahead of time that gluten-free treats would be available if you just ask for them, and that proved to be exactly the case.

GFGS Community Calendar: November 2017

The holiday season can be especially tough for celiacs, as well as others who are intolerant to gluten or wheat. Luckily, the gluten-free community has resources to assist with holiday dishes, and social events that can feel more inclusive than many traditional parties to celebrate the season.

Saturday, Nov. 18: Gluten-Free with Dr. Anne Lee, Nutritionist, 1-3 pm, at Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley (250 Old Hook Rd.) in Westwood. The event is hosted by Generation GF Northern New Jersey, a Gluten Intolerance Group program for children and their families, and features Dr. Lee, a nutritionist at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.  Additional details TBA.

Saturday, Dec. 2: Kids’ Gluten Free Cooking Class, 1-3 pm,  at The Rachel Way in Plymouth Meeting Mall (500 W. Germantown Pike), Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Children will create gluten-free gingerbread houses in celebration of the holiday season. The Rachel Way is a non-profit gluten-free and dairy-free food pantry.

Sunday, Dec. 3: SouthJersey Celiacs, Chapter 9 of the National Celiac Association, Meeting, 2 pm, at Virtua Memorial Health Center (401 Young Ave.) in Moorestown. The support group meets monthly in Conference rooms 155A and 155B, and welcomes new members. During December’s meeting, the group will host its annual Cookie Swap. Participants should bring recipes or store-bought packaging with their contributions. 

As a service to regular readers and the Celiac community at large, Gluten Free Garden State offers an ongoing list of upcoming events of interest. We feature local happenings, as well as regional events open to the public. The updated calendar appears on the second Saturday of each month. Links are posted to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #GFSked and #celiacsavethedate. Submit event listings to gfgardenstate@gmail.com

Public events to help with Thanksgiving prep

The holiday season can be especially tough for celiacs, as well as others who are intolerant to gluten or wheat. Luckily, with Thanksgiving fast approaching, there are events being held this weekend that can help ease the anxiety over what to bring to the table.

While there are decent holiday stuffing recipes and products on the market, other ideas may be found nearby, in Pennsylvania, at a Gluten Free Cooking Class for children and the Central PA Gluten Free Expo. If you missed the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo in Secaucus last month, you want to make to the drive to this one coming up.

On Saturday, the Kids’ Gluten Free Cooking Class runs 1-3 pm  at The Rachel Way gluten-free and dairy free food pantry in Plymouth Meeting Mall (500 W. Germantown Pike), Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Kids will make gluten free pumpkin cream cheese bites and gluten free tee-pees, and participate in fall craft and more Thanksgiving fun. Best of all? It's FREE to attend. Reserve a spot by registering in advance. 

On Sunday, the Central PA Gluten Free Expo runs 12:30-5:30 pm, at The Penn Stater Conference Center (215 Innovation Blvd.), State College, Pa. More than 50 gluten-free food vendors will be in attendance. The expo also offers seminars, door prizes and samples, as well as a Wegmans cooking demonstration. VIP ticket holders gain access at 11:45 am. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

NJ fertility company studies effects of gluten

BASKING RIDGE – A new study is disproving a widely-believed theory that maintaining a gluten-free diet can help improve outcomes of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. 

The medical research was conducted by the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ), which presented its findings this week at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2017 Scientific Congress & Expo in San Antonio, Texas. The conference addresses a variety of topics in the field of reproductive medicine, including recent studies that examine embryology, genetic screening, embryo biopsy and patient psychology.

While healthy eating, including a low-carb diet, is part of a holistic, evidence-based approach to treating patients with infertility at RMANJ, adhering to a gluten-free diet has been shown to have no impact on increasing fertility for those trying to conceive. The study is one of several conducted by RMANJ that investigates IVF outcomes in gluten-free patients and the frequency of celiac disease in infertile patients.

Philanthropy in the form of pasta

Photo/ExploreCuisine.com

 

 

 

A local maker of gluten-free pasta is assisting people affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Explore Cuisine, the Red Bank-based brand formerly known as Explore Asian, has partnered with Southeast Texas Food Bank to provide warm, healthy meals for thousands of people impacted by the natural disaster. 

Known for its organic, plant-based noodles and other pasta products, Explore Cuisine donated more than 3,500 gluten-free instant meals to the food bank. The effort ensures that people with food allergies and intolerances can enjoy a hot meal, along with others.

In a public statement, Explore Cuisine’s founder Joe Spronz said his company is committed to helping people in Texas through their time of need.

“We pride ourselves on being a company that gives back through our Food to Thrive Foundation, but are always looking for additional ways to help people where we can. We are proud to donate nutritious meals to ensure that the victims of Hurricane Harvey are being well fed,” he said.

Free to taste

The Gluten Free Festival at ShopRite of Medford, gave shoppers an opportunity to sample some of the celiac-friendly food products available in the store. The event was free to attend.

During Saturday's festival, shoppers were presented with vendor tables placed throughout the store. Tastings, take-home samples, manufacturer coupons and informational pamphlets were accessible to anyone interested in gluten-free foods.

Photo credit: Gluten Free Garden State

I spoke with the representative from Cabot creamery, among others, and found our talk to be helpful in choosing dairy products. Cabot also offered easy recipes to take home, which are always useful.

On the downside, there was at least one vendor (and possibly two) offering samples of food that was NOT gluten-free. And it would be so easy for someone tasting to not realize the bread, offered with a sample of olive oil, was off limits. To his credit, the vendor representative did tell me before I put the bread in my mouth that it wasn't gluten-free, but there was no sign or other indication otherwise.

GFGS Community Calendar: Tastes of fall 2017

Autumn offers great opportunities for New Jersey’s gluten-free community to sample and socialize with multiple food expositions happening in the region. Education and information are provided, along with the introductions of new food products. Mark your calendars!

Saturday, Sept. 9: Empowering Our Gluten Free Kids: Managing the Social Challenges of Growing Up gluten-Free, 10 am-12 pm, at Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley (250 Old Hook Rd.) in Westwood. Hosted by Generation GF NorthernNew Jersey, a Gluten Intolerance Group program for children and their families, the event offers fun activities for kids, as well as opportunities for children to discuss their feelings about the gluten-free lifestyle. A licensed clinical social worker will lead the discussion, and food samples will be available. Email GenerationGF.NorthernNJ@gluten.org to register.

Sunday, Sept. 10: SouthJersey Celiacs, Chapter 9 of the National Celiac Association, Meeting, 2 pm, at Virtua Memorial Health Center (401 Young Ave.) in Moorestown. The support group meets monthly in Conference rooms 155A and 155B, and welcomes new members. This month kicks of a new year for the chapter and officers will collect annual dues.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Gluten Free Festival, 11 am-3 pm, at ShopRite of Medford (208 Route 70 East) in Medford. In honor of Celiac Awareness Day, ShopRite offers a free tasting event that showcases various gluten-free items available in the store. Retail dieticians on staff will be available for consultation.

More for the gluten-free community to enjoy

The Gluten Free Garden State blog is back!

And we're getting ready to return to the annual Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo in Secaucus, Oct. 14-15. This will be our fifth year in attendance and third as an official blogger for the expo.
As a self-imposed rule, we only promote products, restaurants and events that we believe in. This expo is certainly at the top of our list of events for tasting gluten-free and allergy friendly foods and learning more about the companies that make them.

At the Meadowlands Exposition Center, the Expo features gluten-free food vendors. Typically, many offer samples of their products, while others provide coupons, discounts, and giveaways. Many items can be purchased on site too. For people just starting out on a gluten-free diet, its a great introduction to what's available in stores. Veteran celiacs and food allergy sufferers enjoy the Expo simply for its ability to provide a room full of safe foods, which is a unique experience.

Tickets should be purchased in advance through this link. Until Sept. 13, you can receive a 30% discount on Expo tickets with the promo code EARLYBIRD. Through Oct. 13, a 20% discount on tickets is available with the promo code ADVANCE.

A chance to receive a free ticket also is available through this blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GFGS Community Calendar: October 2015

As a service to our regular readers and the Celiac community at large, Gluten Free Garden State has started an ongoing list of upcoming events of interest. We will feature local happenings, as well as national events open to the public. The calendar will appear on the second Saturday of each month. Links will be posted to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtages #GFSked and #celiacsavethedate.

In the coming month, there's a grocery store festival in Evesham, a tasting party in Westfield, and support groups in Long Branch and Voorhees, among many other events in New Jersey and surrounding areas. 


Around the Garden State

Saturday, Oct. 17: Gluten Free Festival at ShopRite of Marlton, 10 am-2pm, 307 West Route 70 in Evesham. The free, in-store festival features registered dietitians to answer questions, educational information, shopping tips and meal ideas.

Saturday, Oct. 24: Savor the Flavor Gluten-Free Tasting Party at Patricia & Paul: Artisans of Fine Oils and Balsamics (20 Elm St.) in Westfield, 7:30-9:30 pm; Meet-Up with the Celiacs of Central NJ group. The store will be closed to the public for this private event. Cost is $25. Join and/or register for the party online through the group's Meet-Up page.

A One-Stop Gluten-Free Tour of the Garden State

Photo/GFGardenState

The Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo in Secaucus is done for 2015, and we're already looking forward to next year.

(BTW, it'll be held Oct. 15-16, 2016. Mark your calendars NOW.)

We've attended enough gluten-free expositions to know what to expect, in general. There are many vendors offering on-the-spot tastings of their wares and some provide take-home samples to try later. There are beauty products, travel companies and medical professionals, all looking to serve the gluten-free community. And it works.

GFGS Community Calendar: September 2015

As a service to our regular readers and the Celiac community at large, Gluten Free Garden State has started an ongoing list of upcoming events of interest. We will feature local happenings, as well as national events open to the public. The calendar will appear on the second Saturday of each month. Links will be posted to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtages #GFSked and #celiacsavethedate.

Enjoy!

Around the Garden State

TODAY, Sept. 12: Gluten Free Festival at ShopRite of Medford, 11 am-3 pm; Held throughout the grocery store (208 Route 70 East), the second annual event will feature samples of more than 60 gluten-free foods. No cost to attend.

Sunday, Sept. 13: Celiac Sprue Association, Southern New Jersey Chapter meeting, 2-4:30 pm, Hope Church (500 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees); This month's meeting was pushed back one week, due to the Labor Day holiday. It will be held in the church's Meeting Place building. New members welcome.   

Local Gluten Free Festival is back

Photo/GFGardenState

ShopRite of Medford is hosting its second annual Gluten Free Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Held throughout the store, from 11 am to 3 pm, the event will featurs samples of more than 60 gluten-free foods. There is no cost to attend.

This family attended last year's festival, not knowing what to expect, and left viewing it as a small expo. Many familiar players were represented, including Schar, GardenLites and Enjoy Life foods, and everything offered for tasting was available for purchase (of course).

New products, old favorites coming to NJ expo

It's that time of year again. To some, the most wonderful time of year.

I'm talking, of course, about the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo.

This year's event will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 am to 4 pm both days, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. Its a whirlwind of vendors, offering samples of their wares, selling products and sending visitors off with swag. Whether your on a gluten-free diet or a diet free of the eight most common allergens, including peanuts, there's a cornucopia of options for you.
I've been to more than a few of these types of events over the past five years or so, and every one is exciting. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease in 1998, the gluten-free/allergen-free industries have come a very long way. Those who are newly diagnosed and dealing with daily frustrations will be thrilled to find an entire exposition hall full of foods they can eat. That was me at my first expo. It's still me.

According to organizers, there are many returning vendors, including Schar, Udi's, Enjoy Life, Garden Lites and Luce's Gluten Free Artisan Breads, and some newcomers, like Cheerios, WHOs Gluten Free and the Minute rice company.

My recap of last year's roster of new products can be read here. 

The two-day event also features seminars and information sessions relating to gluten-free or allergen-free diets, as well as celiac disease. (And during last year's event, there was even a marriage proposal!)

To buy tickets or learn more about the expo, visit the organizers website: www.gfafexpo.com

Through Sept. 2, the expo is offering 30% off tickets. But first, try for a free ticket by entering the Gluten Free Garden State raffle:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Schooled at the Alumni Grill

The Alumni Grill is my new go-to place for quick, summer eats in Wildwood.

Located on Pacific Avenue, just a couple of blocks from Mariner's Landing on the boardwalk, the Alumni offers a decent gluten-free menu in a fun, school-themed atmosphere. For gluten-free foods, it relies on a dedicated fryer from April 1 to Sept. 28. (It has only limited hours during the off-season, during which the dedicated fryer is not used.)

GFGS Community Calendar: August 2015

As a service to our regular readers and the Celiac community at large, Gluten Free Garden State has started an ongoing list of upcoming events of interest. We will feature local happenings, as well as national events open to the public. The calendar will appear on the second Saturday of each month. Links will be posted to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtages #GFSked and #celiacsavethedate.

Enjoy!

Around the Garden State

Saturday, Sept. 12: Gluten Free Festival at ShopRite of Medford, 11 am-3 pm; Held throughout the grocery store (208 Route 70 East), the second annual event will feature samples of more than 60 gluten-free foods. No cost to attend. 

Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 3-4: Gluten & Allergen Free Expo in Secaucus. with educational presentations, and products for sampling and purchase. Go to gfafexpo.com to purchase tickets and obtain additional information.

Restaurant reminder

Gluten-free restaurant menus and special diet accommodations have come a long way since I was first diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1998. A really looooong way.

I try to keep that in mind whenever I'm eating out or on the road, anywhere outside my usual dining comfort zone. I was reminded again last night that gluten-free foods are not an entitled to us as customers. I'm not resentful when I'm not accommodated, but thankful when they're a safe meal is available. 

Last night, I went with a big group of family to a pizza-pasta restaurant. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision for me, so I did not research it in advance. Unfortunately, the kitchen had nothing gluten-free to offer with the exception of side salads.

GFGS Community Calendar: May 2015

As a service to our regular readers and the Celiac community at large, Gluten Free Garden State has started an ongoing list of upcoming events of interest. We will feature local happenings, as well as national events open to the public. The calendar will appear on the second Saturday of each month. Links will be posted to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtages #GFSked and #celiacsavethedate.

Enjoy!

In the Garden State

Sunday, June 7: CSA (Celiac Sprue Association) Southern New Jersey Chapter #9 meeting with an indoor picnic, 2 p.m. at Hope Church, 700 Cooper Rd., Voorhees. New members welcome. Visit the group's website for more information.

Garden Lites giveaway

Our loyal readers know that we, the folks behind Gluten Free Garden State, are avid fans of Garden Lites products.

Read our first review here and our kids panel review here.

In honor of Garden Lites' ongoing contest (more on that in a sec), we are giving away coupons that can be redeemed for free products at your local grocery stores. Two winners will each receive one coupon apiece. Trust me, these muffins and souffles are worth trying, especially if you're faced with a child who doesn't like to eat her or his veggies.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Once you've entered our raffle, check out the Garden Lites "Surprisingly Delicious" Contest. The company is encouraging fans to submit photos of their friends and family that capture the moment people learn that the products' first ingredient is a vegetable. Fifty finalists will be chosen to receive free packages of Garden Lites products and coupons. Two Grand Prize winners will receive a $500 gift card, plus one year's worth of products.

The deadline May 15 for the Gluten Free Garden State giveaway and the Garden Lites contest. Good luck!

GFGS Community Calendar: April 2015

As a service to our regular readers and the Celiac community at large, Gluten Free Garden State has started an ongoing list of upcoming events of interest. We will feature local happenings, as well as national events open to the public. The calendar will appear on the second Saturday of each month. Links will be posted to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtages #GFSked and #celiacsavethedate.

Enjoy!

Featured Event

Sunday, April 12: Philly Farm & Food Fest, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.This event highlights locally sourced foods. Vendors include at least five businesses showcasing gluten-free baked goods and celiac-friendly foods. Other vendors also will offer samples and sales of naturally gluten-free foods.

In the Garden State

Sunday, May 3: CSA (Celiac Sprue Association) Southern New Jersey Chapter #9 meeting, 2 p.m. at Hope Church, 700 Cooper Rd., Voorhees. New members welcome. Visit the group's website for more information.