Totally baked

My Christmas baking marathon is complete, and I think I need at least a week to recover. I've prepared enough goodies (both gluten-free and not) for the army of relatives and friends I'll be seeing over the next week. Throw in a couple of store-bought treats, and we celiacs can't ask for anything more.

Here's a sampling of what's on our holiday dessert table:

Candy Cane Cremes: Made by Mi-Del, they are a limited edition version of the company's Oreo-type cookies. The box says they're "perfect for those with gluten sensitivity." I say they're perfect with a tall glass of milk or dunked in hot cocoa.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, try mashing up these cremes (or the traditional version), mix with cream cheese and roll into balls. Dip them in chocolate and refrigerate. Mmmmmm .....

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for much this year, including my health & all of the great gluten-free products on the market today. There were very few when I was first diagnosed.

This year's Thanksgiving table will feature Gillian's stuffing mix, which will be prepared with Wegmans chicken broth; Imagine turkey gravy, Mi-Del chocolate pie crust that will be filled with chocolate pudding, Tinkyada pasta, and lots of homemade dishes made with fresh veggies, sweet potatoes and, of course, turkey.

Cheers to this Omission

Omission Beer announced today it has received the Seal of Approval from the Celiac Sprue Association, regarding its products made with traditional beer ingredients.

Omission brews are crafted with malted barley and the like, but the company removes the gluten during the process. Although some celiacs have been wary to try these beers, the approval of the CSA means Omission products have passed the non-profit organization's rigorous testing standards.

Awareness Tour leaves us empty

I was prepping to attend the Gluten Free Awareness Tour scheduled for this weekend in Mount Laurel, when I discovered it was no longer listed on the tour company's website. I now have it on good authority that the event has been cancelled.

(Insert chorus of boos here)

Despite its website continuing to list an upcoming Chicago tour stop, I've been told that the business has folded. This information comes from a former spokesperson of the Celiac Awareness Tour company, which reflects the event's previous name. I was able to reach her on a personal cell phone when it became apparent that something was off.

Attention Gluten-Free shoppers

Photo/GlutenFreeGardenState

ShopRite of Marlton is hosting its Gluten Free Festival tomorrow, 10 a.m . to 2 p.m., with lots of food samples, health information and grocery assistance. 

According to a ShopRite spokeswoman, the event features in-store dietician Ashley Cully and pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Ritu Verma. The latter is director of the Center for Celiac Disease at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and I had the pleasure of meeting at the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo last month.

Partying for a good cause: NYC

The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center is bringing its party to New York City.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the Friends of the Center: NYC Launch Party is being held 6-9 p.m. at the EVR Lounge (54 W. 39th St.). The public is invited.

As expected, there will be gluten-free foods, including Margherita pizzas from Don Antonio by Starita and a variety of appetizers. (Some of the city's gluten-free bakeries are among those represented.) A one-hour open bar (6-7 p.m.) will be hosted by Devotion Vodka.

Tri-State answers gluten-free call

Gluten-Free Chicken Enchilada Soup

The Tri-State Food Expo wasn't supposed to be a research opportunity for this blog. It just turned out that way. 

Held last week at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, the event was intended to highlight emerging trends, the latest innovations and new products within the food industry. I was happy (but not so surprised) to learn that "gluten-free" is one of the biggest trends in the grocery and food service industries.