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Are You One to Buck Tradition?
While I`m all for turkey and mashed potatoes, this gluten free Butternut Squash Lasagna may be one of the most amazing creations I`ve ever made.
Hear me out - ground turkey seasoned with sage and thyme, with sauteed onion and celery -layered with creamy ricotta cheese, and velvety smooth butternut squash.
Added bonus? This is made in a loaf pan. Small batch, so you don`t have to share with anyone if you don`t want to. Perfect for bringing your own meal when family dinners may not be Celiac safe.
Find the whole recipe, made with Taste Republic fresh gluten free lasagna, on my website.
Comment LASAGNA and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-butternut-squash-lasagna/
@taste_republic #GlutenFree #NationalPastaDay #WhatCeliacsEat
New Blog Post!
Labor Day Weekend my husband and I visited Alcona Brew Haus in Harrisville, MI. It`s located on US-23, along Lake Huron. You`ll find this amazing restaurant almost halfway between Tawas and Alpena. It`s the perfect place to stop if you`re on a color tour along US-23. @alconabrew
Not only do they have a large gluten free menu, their entire kitchen is also free from peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish and sesame.
My husband and I definitely ate our fill. We started with whitefish dip with gluten free Wasa crackers, I had a burger and my husband enjoyed the gluten free Queso Mac and Cheese with beef brisket.
Although they have a gluten free dessert menu, we didn`t have room for more.
Fun fact - This restaurant participates in the Harvest Hosts program, and you can park your RV there! (For a fee.) @HarvestHosts
Learn more about this unique restaurant in my article, linked below.
Comment ALCONA and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/alcona-brew-haus/
#MichiganColorTour #HarrisvilleMichigan #GlutenFreeDining #GlutenFreeMichigan
Michigan Gluten Free Event
Rumi`s Passion Gluten Free Bakery in Plymouth, MI is hosting a Fall Festival on Saturday October 26th from 9 am to 3 pm. They`ll have donuts, pizza, hot pretzels and more. Plus additional vendors such as Milford Spice Company, Carlo`s Grain-Free Granola, and Full Flavor Foods - Gluten Free Sauce Mixes will also be there.
Never been to Rumi`s Passion? Read more about this dedicated gluten free in my blog post, including their address and normal business hours.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/rumis-passion/
@rumispassion @milfordspice @carlosgrainfree @fullflavorfoods #GlutenFreeMichigan
You’ll want to tell all your friends that Kroger sells the most amazing gluten free cupcakes* from Antonina’s Bakery. They’re easily located in the freezer section of the bakery.
Not only are they certigied gluten free, they’re also peanut and tree nut free. These moist, spongy cupcakes are topped with real butter cream frosting.
My (non-gf) friend bought these for her daughter’s birthday party, to make sure guests with Celiac Disease had a safe treat.
"The young girl said she hadn`t had a REAL cupcake like that in YEARS. She said it was wonderful and I sent her home with the rest of the package. I`m so thankful that you told me about this product!"
Antonina’s Bakery is offering my followers a chance to try these for yourself. 5 people will receive a free product coupon, and 10 will receive a $1 off coupon.
To enter
- Like this post
- Follow @miglutenfreegal & @antoninasgf_bakery
- Tag a friend you`d be willing to share your treats with
Giveaway ends Thursday October 17th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be contacted via DM from @miglutenfreegal on Oct 18th. This giveaway is in no way sponsored by Instagram and is open to US residents only. Must be 18+ to enter. No purchase necessary.
Don’t have a Kroger near you? In a few weeks Antonina’s will be launching an online store so you can buy directly from them! In addition to cakes and cupcakes, they also sell 6 flavors of muffins, cinnamon coffee cake (available at Fresh Thyme), plus round chocolate and vanilla cakes.
Use their store locator to find their products in other stores near you.
*Please note that these cupcakes are not yet available at ALL Kroger locations. Use their store locator to find them in your area. If they’re not available at yours, ask the bakery counter to start carrying them!
Let`s Not Rush the Seasons
Friends, I saw egg nog at the store on Saturday. I am not ready for anything "Christmas" let alone Thanksgiving. I am still in my apple era.
If you are too, you`ll want to try these mini apple cheesecakes. They`re made in a muffin tin, and are absolutely scrumptious. They`re made with Chebe Bread grain free cinnamon roll mix. If you can`t find that, you could use gluten free pie dough.
The cheesecakes are topped with a super simple cooked apple recipe, full of cinnamon and brown sugar, and just a touch of cloves.
Comment CHEESECAKE and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-mini-apple-cheesecakes/
#NationalDessertDay #GlutenFree #GlutenFreeRecipes #GlutenFreeDessert
The Store That Always Has GF Stuffing
I`m seeing people ask about when Aldi will have gluten free stuffing again. But did you know that most Meijer stores carry Aleia`s gluten free stuffing year round? As well as their croutons? @aleiasgf
Plus Meijer always has Maine Pie Co. gluten free pie shells, Schar ciabatta rolls, and Lance Gluten Free Crackers. (At least mine in the greater Flint area does.)
@mainepieco @scharglutenfree @lancesnacks
Never been to a Meijer? Or having trouble finding gluten free items since they disbanded their gluten free section? Read my blog post on how to have a more successful gluten free shopping experience at Meijer.
Comment MEIJER and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/shopping-gluten-free-at-meijer/
@meijerstores #GlutenFree
It`s Friday, Which Means It`s Time for Pizza
We usually have pizza at our house on Fridays. Mainly because our brains are spent and I don`t want to have to think about what to make for dinner.
I`ve compiled a list of gluten free restaurants where I feel safe ordering pizza, as well a recipes for pizza dough and even desserts!
Find them all at this link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-pizza-restaurants-recipes/
Such a sweet delivery (gift)
I’ve known Ali from Sweet Ali’s in Hinsdale, IL for many years. Her dedicated gluten free bakery near Chicago creates some amazing gluten free treats.
Her bakery graciously sent me some of their new cake jars to try. They come in 6 flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, pumpkin spice, lemon, confetti and cookies and cream. They’re all dairy free and oat free. (They contain egg, and corn and some contain soy.)
To learn more about this Illinois bakery that ships nationwide, comment SWEET ALI and I’ll DM you the link to my blog post. To order from them directly, make sure to click on “shipping” under the ORDER tab on their website.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/sweet-alis-gluten-free-bakery/
@sweetalisgfbakery #GlutenFreeChicago @certifiedglutenfree #GlutenFreeCakeJar
Join @breadless in Rochester Hills for a Celebration!
One year ago Breadless opened their second location in Rochester Hills, on Livernois Rd. On Saturday they`ll be celebrating at that location with complimentary food for the first 100 people, free agua frescas, plus music and entertainment.
Read my review of their 100% gluten free restaurant in the link below.*
https://miglutenfreegal.com/breadless-gluten-free-detroit/
Comment BREADLESS and I`ll DM you the link to my article
*Their GF baked desserts are made in a shared facility and they recommend that people with Celiac Disease do not eat them.
#GlutenFreeRestaurant #GlutenFreeDetroit #GrainFree #RochesterHills
Good For What Ails You
I think my husband and I both have the fall "crud." He`s home sick from work today. And I`ve been dealing with a sore throat and ear pain for the past few days.
On days like today, all I want is something hot, soft, and easy to make.
This gluten free congee is made with just 2 ingredients- water and rice.
(4 if you include salt and pepper)
You can also top congee with other foods. It`s a great way to repurpose leftovers.
Comment CONGEE and I`ll DM you the link to the recipe.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/congee-chinese-savory-rice-porridge/
Who Else Here is on Team Candy Corn?
I know that this candy has a Love/Hate relationship. You either really enjoy it, or you really don`t.
Jelly Belly Candy Corn bears a gluten free label. I recently saw them at Kohl`s.
Last year I remade my White Chocolate Chip Candy Corn Cookies. Previously I added the candy corn to the batter, but then they just melted every where. Now I press them into the top of the cookie, right when they come out of the oven.
Comment CANDY CORN and I`ll DM you the recipe
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-white-chocolate-candy-corn-cookies/
Don`t Like Candy Corn? My post has other ideas for yellow, orange and white candies to add to your cookies. (I suggest Reese`s Pieces)
#EveryDayEyeCandy #SomethingOrange
The Info You Need for A Gluten Free Halloween
Comment HALLOWEEN and I`ll DM you the link
Only 24 days until October 31st. However, there are lots of Halloween themed activities that are already taking place, giving you and your kids a chance to use that costume more than once.
If your family needs to maintain a gluten free diet, we have to be a bit more prepared in what treats we allow our kids (and ourselves to have.) My blog post aims to educate you on all the things you (and your well meaning friends and family) need to know.
What you`ll find in this post
- Info about the Teal Pumpkin Project
- Ideas for non-food items to pass out
- Treats that are free from the top 9 allergens
- More candies that are gluten free
- Candies to AVOID
And finally a reminder about fun size candies. They are NOT required to display a full list of ingredients. Not this picture of a fun size Milky Way. As you see on a full size bar, it lists "barley malt extract." It is NOT listed in the fun size.
Why? Because barley malt is not one of the top 9 allergens that are required to be labeled under FALCPA. More about how you can speak up to get that changed, in a later post.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-halloween-tips/
#GlutenFree #GlutenFreeHallowen #CeliacDisease #TealPumpkinProject
6/31 BREAKFAST (For dinner)
Sunday nights are for cereal
Most Sunday afternoons I`m cooking for 3. An hour from home. And since we`ve turned my MIL stove and oven off for safety reasons (dementia), it usually takes a bit of pre-planning.
Today was pot roast cooked in my Insant Pot. Fairly simple, But i bring my own salt, pepper, and extra jars and containers for leftovers. And often my own cooking utensils
But after all the mental load, my brain is spent when it comes to dinner. So cereal it is. (Hubby is eating popcorn.)
I like to use Strawberry Kefir on my cereal, for an added dose of probiotics.
QUESTION- What`s your favorite cereal? (Mine is Chex)
#EveryDayPhotoADay #GlutenFree #GlutenFreeCereal @lashawnwiltz
My Favorite One Pot Meal
If (and when) we move back to Lansing some day, I will have a few requirements. Two bathrooms. A larger kitchen with lots of natural light. And a dishwasher.
Seriously, I don`t know how in a household of only 2 people we manage to have so many dirty dishes.
Luckily, this gluten free ziti recipe can be made in only one pot. And you don`t even need to boil the pasta first! See the whole recipe in the link below.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-no-boil-baked-ziti/
It`s Michigan`s Buy Nearby Weekend!
This weekend is an effort to remind Michiganders of the benefits of supporting local businesses.
And nothing is more "local" than your area Farmers Market. The market season is almost over, so make sure to purchase local gluten free goodies while you still can.
Check out my list of dedicated gluten free bakers that you`ll find around Michigan. My list is organized by county.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-farmers-market-gluten-free/
#GlutenFree #GlutenFreeMichigan @mibuynearby
COZY THINGS
It is definitely fall here in Michigan. The high today is 68, there`s a brisk wind, and it`s a great day to curl up with a hot bowl of chili and a blanket. And apparently Cinnamon Rolls.
Now, I usually eat cornbread with my chili, but apparently it`s a very midwestern thing to eat cinnamon rolls (or peanut butter sandwiches) with a hot bowl of chili.
How about you? What do you eat with chili?
Link to my chili recipe- https://miglutenfreegal.com/cozy-comfort-chili/
Link to my gluten free cinnamon roll recipe - https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-cinnamon-rolls/
#EveryDayPhotoADay #CinnamonBunDay #GlutenFree #GlutenFreeRecipes
HEED THIS HALLOWEEN REMINDER!
If a candy contains "crisped rice," ALWAYS check for malt.
In the United States, that includes Milky Way*, Nestle Crunch, Krackel, Whatchamacallit and 100 Grand Bars, Mars Bar, Whoppers, Crispy M&M`s, and Kellogg`s Rice Krispie Treats.
FALCPA Reminder - In the United States, barley malt is NOT one of the top 9 allergens covered under the Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act. (Neither is Rye). Just because something says "wheat free" doesn`t always mean that it`s gluten free.
ALWAYS CHECK LABELS FOR MALT!
(*Milky Way Bars Midnight Bars do not contain malt.)
This Book Inspires My Gluten Free Advocacy
I usually stick to fiction books. I need escapism from the real world.
But A.J. Jacobs @ajjacobsinc has a fantastic way of researching and writing about deep issues with a sense of levity that allows us to learn and laugh at ourselves at the same time.
In his book, he talks about the right to petition the government. To bring concerns to his legislators and try to get them addressed. Not just adding our names to an online petition on Change.org, which usually stays online and rarely is given to legislators to enact change.
There are some awesome people doing amazing advocacy in the Celiac Disease community. @CeliacJourney has a Citizens Petition that’s asking people with Celiac Disease to petition the government to require gluten to be labeled on foods in the US. (87 other countries already do this.)
@The_Adina_Act_Effort is trying to persuade Congress to pass a law to require gluten and food allergens to be labeled on prescription and over the counter medication
@elijahsecho is working to pass laws in each state to require every day care and early childhood centers to be trained in how to respond to an allergic reaction. Isn’t it concerning that this is required in grades K-12, but not for younger kids who often can’t advocate for themselves?
So, exactly what do I hope to accomplish? More than just being a “blogger?” I’m having conversations with U of M and the National Celiac Association to increase access to gluten-free food in food pantries. Stay tuned for how you can help with this initiative.
I’m writing to my legislators asking them to support the three pieces of legislation I mentioned above. I want to meet with my state legislators to increase their awareness of celiac disease and food allergies and discuss what legislation might help Michigan residents living with Celiac Disease.
Maybe these are lofty ideas. But then again, so was the creation of the Constitution and the United States of America.
May we all find a way to get involved to improve the quality of life for those of us who are often marginalized.
#EverydayPhotoADay
Hello October!
My name is Margaret, and I`m the owner and author of the website MI Gluten Free Gal.
I`m attempting to take part in @lashawnwiltz October Photo a Day challenge. Today, she shared a few things about herself, so I`m going to share 4 things about myself.
1. I love kids. My degree is in elementary education. While i was never able to have kids of my own, i try to love each kid as if they were. I used to run a gluten-free kids camp that has since moved to @ymcacampcopneconic
2. I am a 3rd generation Celiac. My paternal grandmother and my father both lived wIth Celiac Disease. PLEASE know that if you have a first degree family member who lives with Celiac Disease (parent, sibling, or child), you are more likely to have it. Upwards of 25% of family members also get diagnosed with celiac disease.
3. I love ice cream. In fact, I used to work at Baskin - Robbins when I was in high school and college. Also, if you look close in this photo, I have terrible nails. I chalk that up to malnutrition from undiagnosed Celiac when I was a kid. It`s also a sign of Hashimoto`s Thyroiditis, which I also have
4. I have the most amazing husband. He`s an 8th grade teacher, and his support allows me to do my advocacy. Also, I rarely show my teeth when I smile because I have discolored teeth. DYK Celiac Disease can cause tooth dentation and discoloration?
As LaShawn would say, that`s not all, but all the time i have for now.
Your turn. Tell me something about yourself!
#EveryDayPhotoADay
Grain Free Apple Pie
Have you ever tried Chebe Bread mixes? Their all purpose mix makes a wonderful grain free pie crust.
Their mix is made from only five ingredients. - Manioc (tapioca) flour, modified manioc starch (100% manioc), cream of tartar, iodine-free sea salt, sodium bicarbonate.
Their mixes are free from corn*, dairy*, egg**, gluten, iodine, peanuts, potato*, rice*, tree nuts*, soy*, sugar, yeast. (*-made on shared equipment with strict cleaning protocols)
Learn more about Chebe and how to make this delicious GF pie in my post.
Comment APPLE PIE and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/apple-pie-with-chebe-crust-revisited/