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

Eat Healthy the Panini way

I really enjoy (and miss) a hot sandwich with melted cheese and onions. Prior to being diagnosed with celiac disease, cheesesteaks were a regular, but not-too-often part of my diet.

Photo/EatHealthyDeli.com

The panini sandwiches freshly made by the Eat Healthy Deli of Fairfield easily satisfy my craving. The roast beef with onions and cheese I sampled at the recent Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo were To. Die. For.

Specifically, it was full of flavor, none overwhelming, and the texture was crispy or chewy in all the right places.

#GFAFExpo in Photos

Photo/Gluten Free Garden State

Photo/Gluten Free Garden State

We have lots of product reviews and details about the 2014 Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo coming. In the meantime, enjoy some of the images taken by Gluten Free Garden State photographers, who were on site both days.

Lots to love at the GFAF Expo

Photo/Gluten Free Garden State

Day One of the Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo is in the books, and there isn't much, if anything, not to love.

Tastings, take-home samples, coupons, product information, medical resources, photo booth, kids' area, interesting classes, friendly vendors, fantastic organization, fellow bloggers ... whew, the list of things to love goes on and on.

And then there was romance.

Many attendees were privileged to witness a marriage proposal at the end of Amy Fothergill's presentation that offered tips for gluten-free baking and cooking. She helped facilitate the proposal's execution by leading the unsuspecting young woman's boyfriend to the microphone.

Yes, the young man did get down on one knee to present his ring. The proposal also involved a gluten-free cupcake. And she said .... Well, you're just going to have to watch the video. 

EXPOsing New Jersey to a gluten free world

That little shriek of excitement you heard was me hearing about a big celiac-friendly event coming to the Garden State next month.

The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo is scheduled to run Sept. 7-8 at the Meadowlands Expo Center. According to its organizers, it will feature more than 150 vendors offering free samples and/or products for sale, as well as classes and swag.

Did I mention there are samples?