Jul 14
Best GF Cake at the Best Price
This @antoninasgf_bakery chocolate cake was on clearance at my local Kroger, and I quickly snapped it up.
As we spend more time cooking for and eating with my MIL who has Alzheimers, the more she asks if there`s something for dessert.
People with Alzheimers often have decreased taste buds function.
Sweetness is often the last taste to be affected, making sweet foods more appealing and desirable.
So after I made Chicken Teriyaki for dinner last night, I cut us small slivers of this rich and delicious gluten free chocolate cake.
Cutting it into 8 slices satisfies that sweet tooth, without overdoing it.
Who else has dealt with feeding a family member with Alzheimers. What are your tips for navigating this period in their life?
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Jul 12
Did you know SPAM is labeled gluten free?
When i was a kid, my dad would mix cooked SPAM in Mac and cheese, with canned vegetables.
Probably sounds weird to some, but now that my dad has been gone for 5 years, it`s these oddball dishes that somehow feel like home.
QUESTION- What`s something you (and your family) eat that may sound weird to others, but it`s something you really enjoy?
@hormelfoods @spambrand @spammuseum
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Jul 11
A Reminder on National French Fry Day
In the United States, McDonald`s French Fries contain WHEAT.
In the ingredients. Not just because they`re in a shared fryer.
In addition, a Gluten Free Watchdog 2021 study reported that 60% of fries cooked in a shared fryer contained quantifiable gluten content.
If you have Celiac Disease, please don`t eat fries from McDonald`s in the United States, and please make sure your French Fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer.
My go to places for fries here in Flint are Red Robin, Five Guys, and Chick Fil A.
QUESTION - What is your favorite place that has a DEDICATED fryer for French Fries?
Link to US McD`s French Fry ingredients - https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/small-french-fries.html#accordion-c921f9207b-item-283bee7dbd
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Jul 11
Today is World Population Day.
It is estimated that there are 8 Billion people living in the world.
That`s 8,000,000,000, a number so big my mind can`t comprehend it.
And 1%, which is 80 million people, live with Celiac Disease.
30% of which are diagnosed, which is 24 million people.
24 million people are doing the same thing I do every day -
Reading labels, taking steps to prevent cross contact. Asking questions at restaurants. Hoping for a cure.
In a world that seems so divided, I remember that there are people I`ve never even met that are dealing with the same struggles that I am.
May we remember our shared humanity, instead of what separates us.
And with an estimated 56 million people in the world who are undiagnosed, and likely having symptoms that no once can seem to treat, may we continue to work together on their behalf for better testing regardless of race of socioeconomic status.
Because if we deserve to feel better (and we do), so do others.
Statistics on world population-
https://www.un.org/en/dayof8billion
How many people have Coeliac Disease?
https://www.aoecs.org/news/study-reveals-75-underdiagnosis-of-coeliac-disease/
Celiac Disease Ethnic Disparities
https://www.beyondceliac.org/research-news/black-people-with-celiac-disease-have-an-increased-risk-of-not-being-diagnosed/
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Jul 10
Are Aldi and Trader Joe`s The Same Company?
You`ll find the answer to this and many more FAQ about Trader Joe`s gluten free products in my blog post.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/trader-joes-gluten-free-finds/
What is your favorite gluten free product at Trader Joe`s?
Muffins? Waffles? Pizza?
Comment TRADER JOE`S and I`ll send you the link
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"Ya Done Messed Up, A-A-ron"
I think it`s happened to most of us at least once. We go to a restaurant, order something that is supposed to be gluten free, and there`s a mistake.
The wrong bun. Croutons on the salad. Non gluten free bread on an entree plate.
So now what?????/
The way we respond can make a world of difference. I share 5 tips on how to handle a gluten free mix-up in my blog post. (#2. Refrain from immediately using social media.)
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-reaction-restaurant-mixups/
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Highlighted MI Gluten Free Baker of the Week
Happy 1 Year Anniversary Off The Wheaten Path in Midland
Everything at this this bakery is gluten free and delicious.
I highly recommend the pumpkin roll!
If you`re planning a trip to the Great Lakes Bay area, make sure to add this business to your itinerary. Open 10 am daily, Tuesday thru Saturday. They close most days at 2 pm, but are open until 3 pm on Saturdays.
Learn more about this business in my blog post, including their contact information, which is at the BOTTOM of the blog post.
Comment PATH and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/off-the-wheaten-path-gluten-free-michigan/
@otwp.bakery @cityofmidlandmi @gogreatlakesbay
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Feeding Others is an Act of Love
I am in awe of the organizations and companies who have stepped up to care for those who have been impacted by the floods in Texas. It seems like such a huge task, but when we all work together, we can achieve mighty things.
I noticed that Snap Kitchen, based in Austin/ Houston mentioned on their social media that they were willing to feed those in need. If you`re unfamiliar with them, they`re a meal prep business, with a 100% gluten free menu.
Which led me to update my list of gluten free meal delivery services, and include some smaller family owned businesses here in Michigan.
As I care for my aging mother and mother-in-law, it makes me wonder what will happen to the aging gluten free community. These gluten free meal prep companies may truly be the lifeline people with Celiac Disease need when we can no longer cook for ourselves.
Comment DELIVERY and I`ll DM you the link to my list.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-meal-delivery-services/
*Note - There are a few companies on this list that are not 100% gluten free. However, they shared about the precautions they take, so I wanted to include them. I specifically chose to include Mom`s Meals, as some health insurance plans may cover part of the cost of the meals.
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"For I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me."
It`s summer here in Michigan, and I`ve recently noticed posts in Facebook groups looking for homes for foreign exchange students with Celiac Disease.
We hosted a student from Finland many years ago. It was eye opening and life changing for me and my husband. I still talk to our former student`s mom, even though it`s been 10+ years since we hosted Daniel.
If you`re considering hosting a foreign exchange student, I`ve interviewed two different foreign exchange coordinators to ask some of the most frequently asked questions about hosting.
Comment EXCHANGE and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-foreign-exchange/
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Everyone Loves These S`mores Bars
I made these for a church potluck and they were quickly devoured.
And no one even knew they were gluten free.
You can make this with homemade graham crackers or store bought.
Comment RECIPE and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-smores-bars/
*I manually DM you the link, and don`t have use an automated program. I promise to get you the recipe link by the end of the day.
#GrahamCrackers #Smores #GrahamCrackerDay
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The Desire to Be Free From the Complications of a Gluten Related Disorder is Universal
Sometimes I see people engaged in arguments about whether it should be spelled "coeliac" or "celiac." I`ve even had people leave me nasty comments about it on my social media pages.
Friends, we are missing the point.
Regardless of where we live, we should be fighting together for better food labeling, better testing, and investment in a treatment and/or cure.
We should be working together to end Celiac Disease related health disparities based on race and socioeconomic groups.
Links to Resources Used for these Slides
Celiac Disease Policies Around the World
https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/global-associations-and-policies/policies-around-the-world/
@celiacdiseasefoundation
Association of European Coeliac Societies -
https://www.aoecs.org/
@glutenfreealliance
Nebraska Food Allergy Research & Resource Program-
https://farrp.unl.edu/IRChart/
Equal Eats Dining Cards - @equal_eats
https://equaleats.com/collections/popular-plastic-cards/products/gluten-free-card
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With Liberty and Justice for ALL
Independence Day means the U.S. became independent from England.
It doesn`t mean that we are independent from one another.
We succeed together or fail together.
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These 100% Gluten Free Food Trucks Are Like a Wolverine
Real, but rare. And need to be supported to endure.
I`ve compiled a list of 6 Michigan Food Trucks with a totally gluten free menu.
7 if you count the one truck where everything they cook is gluten free, but they offer wheat buns. (in addition to gluten free buns)
Plus two more that have gluten free options.
Did I mention two of these food trucks also offer vegan options?!
Read my list and let me know if there are other food truck owners I need to get in touch with!
Comment TRUCK and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-gluten-free-food-trucks/
@puremichigan
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Just Like Grandma Used to Make
Fun fact- I share a first name with my husband`s grandmother. While we are both named Margaret, she went by Peg all of her life.
This simple Gluten Free Upside Down Cake is based on her "quick cake" recipe. She made it so many times, that she was able to make it all using one measuring cup. "Heaping cup of flour, scant cup of sugar, one egg in a measuring cup and then fill the rest with oil and milk.)
Given that I`m a person who prefers things to be a bit more exact, I recreated her classic recipe with more specific measurements. And the verdict on my gluten free version?
My husband says, "That`s exactly what an Upside Down Cake should taste like."
Comment CAKE and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-upside-down-cake
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NEW POST! Featured Michigan GF Baker of the Week
Cathy Bragg owns Bragg Family Farm. As a mom to 10 kids, she knows how to bake for a crowd. After one of her own children was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, she learned how to bake gluten free to keep her kids nourished and safe.
You can find her each week at the The Pavilion Market in Gaylord and the Boyne City Farmer`s Market on both Wednesday AND Saturday. They take orders for gluten free baked goods year round, and offer shipping.
In addition to baked goods, they also make their own granola, jam and maple syrup, which you can purchase in what she calls the "Maple Mini Mall" on her home property. If you stop by on a Tuesday or Friday, which are her baking days, you may just find some gluten free goodies inside as well.
Comment BRAGG and I`ll DM you the link to my interview.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/bragg-family-farm-gluten-free-gaylord-mi/
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Jun 30
How Do You Top a Hot Dog?
DYK Americans eat an estimated 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July?
While most people add ketchup, mustard, or some combo of the two, this weekend is a great time to enjoy a coney dog.
This Flint style coney dog sauce takes your standard hot dog to spectacular.
Comment RECIPE and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/flint-coney-dogs-gluten-free/
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Jun 29
I`ve lost count how many waffle makers I own.
There`s the Belgian waffle maker, the Dash mini waffle maker and my Cuisinart Classic Waffle Maker which is perfect for making waffle "sandwiches."
If you miss the idea of crispy chicken and waffles, you have to try my recipe. You can even cook the breaded gluten free chicken IN the waffle maker!
Grab the link to the recipe, below
https://miglutenfreegal.com/waffled-chicken-and-waffle-sandwich/
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Jun 29
Missing Ice Cream Sandwiches?
You can easily make your own with my graham cracker recipe.
Cut them into squares, circles, or even stars if you want.
BTW, did you know Hudsonville Ice Cream labels which of their ice creams are gluten free? I`ve personally toured their facility to learn about their food allergen protocols, and almost exclusively buy Hudsonville Ice Cream because of it.
While their American Fireworks Special Edition ice cream is no longer available, you could use any of their gluten free flavors to make an epic gluten free ice cream sandwich.
Find my gluten free graham cracker recipe in the link below.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-graham-crackers/
Comment GRAHAM and I`ll DM you the link.
@hudsonville_ic @puremichigan
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Jun 27
You May Be Braver Than Me
Raise your hand if you plan to go to the Traverse City Cherry Festival over the course of the next week. ✋
Bravo if you are, because it`s way too "peopley" for me.
But I do love a good trip to Traverse City, which should always include a stop to Third Coast Bakery, Taproot Cider and Middle Coast Brewing.
For a list of my favorite places near this Northern Michigan town, click the link below.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-in-traverse-city-michigan/
Comment TRAVERSE and I`ll DM you the link.
P.S. Just a reminder, that over 500,000 people attend the Cherry Festival. It`s going to be busy at every restaurant and store you go to. I`ve seen so many businesses post after this week about how rude customers have been and how they have belittled their staff.
Don`t be that person.
@traversecitytourism
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Jun 27
T/F- You`re Never Too Old for Pudding
It`s way too hot to bake, so making this incredibly easy pudding recipe is perfect for a summer time dessert.
If you avoid dairy, you can make this pudding with canned coconut milk.
I`ve used this recipe to make vanilla and chocolate pudding, and even peanut butter pudding by subbing powdered peanut butter for cocoa powder.
Take it up a notch and turn them into parfaits using whip cream and some of your favorite crushed up candies.
Also, see my tips in the comments section about using this as a pudding pie filing.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/dairy-free-gluten-free-chocolate-pudding/
Comment PUDDING and I`ll DM you the link.
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