There is something about Katz Gluten Free

Over the last few months, the products from Katz Gluten Free have moved up high on my list of baked goods.  The fact that I can get their Challah bread (which we like A LOT for sandwiches) at Ingles Supermarket nearby my Milledgeville home is a plus, too.


But it's not just the product that inspires me.  Oh, it does.  Don't get me wrong. It's GF, dedicated, and Kosher.  It is Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten Intolerance Group® (www.gluten.net).


It's the heart and soul of this company that makes me want to patronize it more and more.  The story is really cool, about Mrs. Katz and her two sons who were gluten intolerant, and how she made these products gluten, nut and dairy free.  But there's a lot of character in this product -- the kind I admire. 


How did I find them? Here's a story:  A while back last summer perhaps, my friend Gluten Free Steve (who, if you didn't know, has ended his blog BUT it still is one of the best up there and out there) had a contest on his site to win from Katz.  I tried to enter.  It wouldn't let me.  So I politely emailed the company.  The next day, a very nice guy named Shmully a.k.a. The Katz Man who sent me a box full of goodies.  I was so impressed. I immediately loved their Rugelach, for which I'd not found a good replacement.  And their bars. 

After the Atlanta Meetup Group's Christmas Swap, I tried their Challah.  Loved it.  And soon after, I got samples from Faigy Gold, of the Chocolate Frosted Cupcakes with Sprinkles.  I wish more stores would stock these, as they're a PERFECT purchase for a party when you have a GF guest among the gluten eaters.

Well, I just love them -- and all their stuff.


A few weeks ago, I got another surprise: two loaves of bread for a birthday present.  Wow.  


Why I like them:  Besides taste, I like that they have a great shelf life both in and out of the chill chest, and I also like that they are not terribly sweet.  I like that I can bring their Chocolate Chip Cookies to a morning meeting and feed my gluten-eating colleagues a delicious snack.  Yes, as someone just pointed out, they are high in the glycemic index. Well, I eat them with moderation, as I do ALL gluten-free products these days. 


I am trying hard to spread the word (with no payment, mind you -- only product samples which I appreciate and share lovingly with others). Those of you who know me know that for me to get this excited, the product and the company has to be good.


It is.  Two yums up and more.


Thanks and much love Faigy, Shmully and Mrs. Katz.


Ging 

BREAKING NEWS: Safeway nationwide now selling Gluten Free Panko Breaded Shrimp and Cod

Yes, I said BREAKING news!

I am honored to be able to announce here on "Gluten Free in Georgia...Finally" that Safeway stores across the United States are now selling three new Gluten Free Panko Breaded GF seafood products in their Waterfront Bistro line of frozen products.

And yes, after years of begging from the gluten-free community, two of these fabulous products are SHRIMP.  Not battered.  Not soggy.  But two of the highest quality, BEST Panko Breaded Shrimp Products I've EVER tasted. Seriously.  Gluten or Gluten Free

Here they are:

I have taste-tested all three, and they're easily baked in an oven or a toasted oven. (I tried it both ways.)  It is best if you let them rest for ONE MINUTE after you take them out of the oven -- it makes the panko crisp up. I cooked one of the shrimp on the convection cycle and it was perfect.  

You are about 15 minutes away from the best gluten-free breaded seafood you've had in years.  Light. Crunchy. Clean and fresh tasting. Gluten free. Also, made in a trustworthy dedicated gluten-free facility.

I (reluctantly, they were so good) shared them with my gluten-eating husband, and I swear, we were close to a fist-fight over the last shrimp.  

The portion size is generous -- several pieces of cod sell for $7.99 and a dozen shrimp sell for $8.99. I have to admit that I now crave the Honey Spice flavor, but alas, there is no Safeway store anyway near me in Georgia. Sigh. But you can find your store here!

Here's the dipping sauce recipe I made for them, though -- it was perfect for all of them:

1/2 cup mayo (I use Duke's, but you can use your choice) and 1/2 cup sour cream

(you can use light brand of both. I use Daisy light)

2 T. Sweet Pickle Relish (I use sugar free, but you can use regular or half dill and sweet)

1 t. chopped onion (I use freeze dried shallots because Randy hates onion)

1 heaping t. horseradish

1 shot hot sauce

Mix and let sit while the cod and shrimp cook. 

I bet they'd made a great dish for a Super Bowl Party, but if I were you, I'd buy them, hide them away from the others in your house, and plan yourself a gluten-free seafood feast.

Yeah. As a matter of fact, I am that selfish :-)

**Addendum: They are also available I'm told at Von’s  Randall’s, Tom Thumb, Dominics, all part of the Safeway Chain.

Much love, and THANK YOU everyone involved in bringing this fabulous product to the market.

You know who you are...xoxo

Ging

A love letter to Popcorn, Indiana on National Popcorn Day

Dear Popcorn, Indiana.  I love you.  I wished I lived down the street from you.

Did you know today is National Popcorn Day?  It is.  It is!  And I am so happy, because, old white-haired men aside, I have discovered THE BEST gluten-free popcorn product on the market.

Popcorn, Indiana is the place from whence this magnificent product comes.  And I love, love, love it.
(and frankly, sadly, this is a much overdue post.  But as most of you my readers know, I'm fighting the good fight against a chronic illness now, so I don't get around much any more).

First things first.  I was provided a lovely sample box of their products (white cheddar, kettle corn, movie butter, etc.) before the holidays, and we slowly ate our way through the stash.  As we are both on Weight Watchers, we were VERY (ok tried to be) careful to keep those portions within our Points Plus values.  Well, they fit right in, but the popcorn was so darned good, we kinda had to kick in some extra points.

Two cups of that golden beautiful Movie Theatre Popcorn is 5 points.  That's a LOT of popcorn, too. (Seriously, I could eat more and count the points in the plus section, you know?)

For those of you who shy away from prepackaged popcorn, don't shy away from this!  It is so fresh!  Crunchy! Delicious! And I love the buttery Movie Theater Brand.

My favorite, which I've been using as a snack between back-to-back classes this semester, is the mini bags of Kettle Corn.  Now, as a diabetic, I don't normally indulge in Kettle Corn.  But THIS mini bag is 92 calories, has no HFCS at all and has 4 grams of sugar.  The bag is a mere 2 Points Plus points on Weight Watchers, and it has no nasty fats.

I love it.  I took a picture of the bag I'm planning to eat as my mid-morning snack.  Before I devour it, that is :-).  (Last week in my Ad Copywriting Class, I spent 10 minutes before class waxing poetically about this awesome kettle corn.  I am hopeful  I have converted the whole class into Popcorn, Indiana fans.

(picture by me)

The surprising part is the availability.  While I'd not heard of the brand until I met them on Twitter, I found them the next day at my local WalMart for a super-reasonable price. They're also at Sam's, at WalGreens, and at CVS.  That makes it easy to pick them up for an easy snack. They also are on Facebook and YouTube.  (kudos on the presence, by the way!)

This product is perfect for the #gf and #celiac and WEIGHT WATCHERS person -- but it does have some dairy in some products.  The label is easy to read and clearly discloses gluten. In fact it is marked Gluten Free.  Yay!  And there are gourmet Reserve flavors (must.find.wasabi) and new Chip'Ins, which sound great, too!

Thank you, Popcorn, Indiana. You're a part of our family snack pack now. And hey, in honor of National Popcorn Day there's a sale today -- check it out if you order online. 

And Happy National Popcorn Day! (photo from Popcorn, Indiana site).

Much love, and try it!
Ging

The things I meant to write about...a Mea Culpa to my GF Friends and Vendors

Tonight, 2010 will be over.  I say it every year -- I hope next year will be an improvement.


These last few years have proved the opposite.  And this year, well, to quote Jerry Seinfeld -- it has SUCKED. And the sad thing is, next year is already shaping up pretty dreadful because of my continued battle with this autoimmune disorder called Giant Cell Arteritis. I am on Prednisone and a Chemo Drug called Methotrexate, and I expect to continue to be on both most of next year (and the year after).


But enough about me. 


This is my sincere, honest attempt this year at closure (including a health update).  You see, I've gotten some amazing products and books from vendors this year, and in spite of my best intentions, I never got that last post up on this blog. To be honest, I didn't get posts up on my PR Blog either.


Blogging became a chore to me this year. As much as I love it, I never dreamed that would be the case.  But I couldn't see the computer, didn't have time during my day because of my exhausting teaching schedule, and when I got home at night -- all I wanted was migraine drugs and ice packs. I have been told I've disappointed a lot of people this year. But I can't apologize to anyone who would feel this way about someone who could barely get out of bed every morning to go to work. Mea Culpa. Mea Maxima Culpa.


I am determined to do better, as always.  And I am not going to give up on this blog.  I know the prizes from MyBlogSpark are one good reason to keep it alive. I see my blog as part of my volunteer ministry to the GF community, trying to give back to those who have given so much to me. And I need the catharsis. But this fall I gave up my work with the Middle Georgia GIG , which broke my heart.


**Friends -- on Facebook, Twitter, in life -- ask me what they can do.  Pray and trust that I'll tell you news when there is some.  Try to understand how painful it is to talk about, that I can't rehash this mess for everyone at their leisure. Life exhausts me.  There WILL be a Facebook note next week (year) as soon as I hear from Mayo Doc.  And my doc found another complication yesterday.  Wednesday should bring you the update.


DRUMROLL....


So first, I'd like to thank those vendors who continued to send me stuff, even though they knew how sick I was and that I might now get a post done for them.  Undying devotion to American Gra-Frutti , Amy's Kitchen (and Fortune Public Relations ), Glow Gluten Free cookies, Kettle Cuisine , Moondance Heavenly Desserts , Starfish Battered Fish , and Udi's Gluten Free , who  were the most faithful friends and supporters. They prayed for me in in my lowest hours and lifted me up when I couldn't move.


Bless your hearts.


I'd also like to thank the Gluten-free Gurlz and guys I'm closest to -- you know who you are, don't you? I hope so.  And extra special thanks to my Human eye people, Lori and Janet.  Greater love hath no one...


But there are some things I wanted to discuss before this year ends.


SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADO or APOLOGIES.....


COOKBOOKS


•Cookbooks were big this year in the GF community.  What little reading (beside my college requirements needed to teach) I did was of these glorious books!


The most beautiful and groundbreaking because of its impact on both the GF Community and the world  was "Gluten-free Girl and the Chef."  I found it lifted my spirits when I read it -- I could FEEL their love for each other and for healthy delicious GF food. ** I have said here many times that reading Shauna's blog inspired me to be the GF Paula Deen of the South in 2007.  I don't think anyone has ousted me from that role. But her attitude, her passion, Danny's passion, the laughter and joy in their beautiful daughter Lucy -- they INSPIRE me and make me proud to me a member of the GF World. And this book is so damned luscious in every way. You should buy it if you didn't have it already. (And I still dream of the day I get to meet Shauna....)


**That has been most important since August because I've lost most of my taste and appetite for food -- the chemo treatments for my GCA have destroyed my taste buds and my appetite.  OK, most of the time.  But I find myself no longer drooling over food. That's a good thing, though frightening for a foodie like me. YES, I still eat strictly GF food.  But I've also lost around 20 pounds since Oct. 1, too.


•I had the honor of meeting Jules E. Dowler Shepard at the Atlanta Gluten-Free Vendor Fair. You know Jules Gluten Free ? She wrote the magnificent "Free for all Cooking," which I think is the perfect book for a new GF and Celiac person. 

You can feel her love for baking and cooking in this book, and her flour is outstanding.  My friend Judith loves Jules, and it made my DAY when I got to introduce the two at the Vendor Fair.  But I'm keeping my book....if I ever start to bake or cook much again soon, there are so many recipes in here I want to try.  I want to make her Eggless Cake for my vegan friend Patricia....the fruit bars. So much.  But Jules -- She's SUCH a lovely person, and while I was so pleased to get a copy of her cookbook a few weeks ago, I'm most glad that I've got her as a friend. And she has the baking gene I so often talk of here on this blog.  I don't. I wish I could have spent more time with her and attended her class, but (as usual) I was exhausted and had to go rest. But that's what a new year is about.


 •I was given a copy of the wonderful The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by the brilliant Elana Amsterdam.  I was charged with a giveaway, so I did that via my Twitter Account.  Lori Pocock won it, and she has baked so many delicious things from it, I wish I had my own copy now!  I am hopelessly addicted to the Almond Sesame Seed Crackers....in all flavors, in all ways. I rarely bake any more, so Lori has brought me these crackers, and I ration them.  Delicious.  And a great book. 


•Last week I got two cookbooks I've been anticipating for a while now -- Anne Bryn's "The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten Free" and Roben Ryberg's "The Ultimate Gluten-Free Cookie Book." I brushed shoulders with Anne several times while I was a journalist and PR Professional in Atlanta in the 1980s, and Roben, well, she's become a friend through Delphi Celiac Forum and Facebook.  I tested one of the cookie recipes for her, too -- Snickerdoodles, Jeffrey's favorite. They were fabulous and I cried because they reminded me of my dear mother, who always baked for Jeffrey.


I have all of Roben's books (mostly bought them myself, but appreciate the recent copy) because they have such incredible accuracy and integrity in baking.  I mean, lack the gene, remember? I can make almost anything gluten free I want, and if I can't make it, I can find a source.  But baking ...well, some books miss the mark.  None of Roben's books do that.  They're also so reasonably priced, they'd make a great investment for someone newly diagnosed GF or with Celiac.


And the chance that I can use all those Betty Crocker Cake mixes in my pantry -- Thank you, Anne Byrn.  I can't wait.


I just got both books and haven't tested or read very far, but I can't wait to.  Anne will be speaking at an upcoming Atlanta Metro Celiacs meeting on Feb. 26. I hope I get to go!  


PRODUCTS


I discovered and highly recommend the following products from testing this year.  They are all delicious, high quality, gluten-free, and worth every penny you spend on them.  I am not going to wax poetic on them.  One taste and you will know how great they are.


•The GF Kosher baked items from Katz Gluten Free -- GF love to all including Mrs. Katz, Shmmuley, and Faigy.  This is one of the friendliest companies.  I want to do more with them in 2011.  I want to find them in more stores. They're so delicious and not too sweet.


•Sahale Snacks are now offering gf nut snacks in Seattle's Best Coffee Shops.  I love the Valdosta Blend so much -- Sing Buri is also GF. I have been eating it since I was GF.  The fact that it's named for a Georgia City....I find them at Harry and David, Target, and at WalMart.  


Two products I tried this fall were great for my new life as a member of Weight Watchers (a little over 20 pounds.  Thanks for asking.  No one can imagine I'm losing weight on Prednisone.  But the fact that Methotrexate kills my appetitie....)


•The wonderful folks from Popcorn Indiana have great popcorn snacks that are gluten free and also available on the shelves at my local WalMart. (Also at Costco and Sams, and other stores, I'm sure).  I have enjoyed the kettle corn, the popcorn balls, the cheddar corn. So many tasty GF flavors.  We'll be snacking on this tonight during the marathon of football I antipate through Monday (help me!) Nice people, great representation.  Wonderful product. 

•Cabot Farms has new light cheese snacks.  I tried the sharp cheddar. It was awesome.  The habenero was way too hot for me, but some would like it.

It has about 3 points on Weight Watchers, though, so I've enjoyed its perfect size and snack ability a lot.

•I found Savory Creations at my local Kroger long before my friend Gluten Free Dee (xoxo) send me a sample.  This is hands down the best GF stock out there. It comes in a stick, can be used a cup at a time, and is so rich and delicious.  I used it throughout the holidays to enhance turkey gravy, beef stew, and tonight it will become some au jus.  At under $3 a pack, it's a deal.  Awesome. It has achieved Staple Status.


•Perhaps the best for last is the one that has impressed me not because of the product (which I already loved) but the way that product used an intern to communicate with bloggers.  I don't know Christine Shawah, the intern from Bakery on Main , 
but I admire her communication savvy. Her college professor should be proud -- I now want to know how to 
get one of my students an internship there.


Bakery on  Main has had a great year of growth and continues to be one of my two favorite gluten free granolas.
I love the new granola bars, which are very GF and WW friendsly. But I've loved them since I was first gluten free.






Well, that about clears the stack.  


Thank you all for your support of Gluten Free in Georgia, Finally,


This has been an awful year.  How could next year not get better?


Peace, love and prosperity to you in 2011.  I'll be back soon.


Much love, and see you next year! (no pun intended, I hope...)


Ging

TWO CHANCES TO WIN! Great Prizes from My Blog Spark

I don't usually double up on the wonderful gifts from My Blog Spark, but both of these would be so AWESOME to have during the holiday season, I wanted to give you a chance to get them as soon as possible.

Here's the deal:  Comment on the blog by Next Tuesday, Nov. 30.  I will pick two winners randomly and each one will get a prize.

Prize no. 1:  LiveGlutenFreely is an online community created by General Mills that offers gluten-free product news, articles and real-life stories from people just like you. The site also provides great-tasting recipes ranging from breakfast treats like Blueberry-Corn Muffins to delicious dishes like Favorite Chicken Nuggets to indulgent desserts like Brownie Ganache Torte with Raspberries and Carrot Cake.

General Mills is proud to offer more than 300 affordable gluten-free products, available in grocery stores nationwide. Keep up with new additions to the gluten-free list by subscribing to the LiveGlutenFreely Newsletter. Every month, you'll receive great “goodies” like yummy gluten-free recipes, tips, coupons for gluten-free items, new product information and more delivered directly to your inbox. Click here to sign up today! 

The package includes a sample of Chex, cake baking mix, frosting, potatoes, and more.  And a cute spoon!  YUM! I am making my Thanksgiving potatoes with this package!

Also, be sure to visit Live Gluten Freely on Facebook atFacebook.com/glutenfreely. “Like” the page and check out recipe ideas, product news and tips about living without gluten…freely!

Prize no. 2:  There are so many great tasting Chex Party Mix recipes that you can make in the microwave in only 15 minutes! Try The Original Chex® Party Mix or Chex® Ginger-Honey Crunch for sure crowd pleasers. Now that there are several certified GF Chex Products. it's easy once again to make Chex Mix and Muddy Buddies and White Trash....just add GF pretzels (hint: I use Mary's Gone Crackers Onion Crackers broken up in Chex Mix...)

Looking for an easy gift idea for friends, family or co-workers? Try wrapping your favorite Chex Party Mix in a colorful tin or bag and personalize it with your own recipe card.

To make things even sweeter, Kroger Family of Stores will have Chex cereal on sale so you can impress your guests without stressing your wallet. For 3 weeks, from December 2nd – December 25th, Kroger will offer Chex cereal at their lowest prices of the year! 

The winner will receive a Kroger “Chex Holiday Recipes” gift pack that includes two samples of Chex cereal and a $25 gift card valid at the Kroger Family of Stores. *NOTE:  I DO NOT KNOW IF THESE WILL BE GF CHEX SAMPLES, but you can buy all the GF Chex Products you want with the gift card, on sale!

Don’t forget to visit Kroger and Chex on Facebook to“Like” their pages and keep up with recipes, news and their latest and greatest products.

I am a;ways delighted to offer these items from My Blog Spark and their sponsors.  And thank you to General Mills and Kroger for their generosity.

Much love! and let the holiday munching begin!

Ging

Moderation Nation....from Hershey's and MyBlogSpark

Moderation is not something that I've ever been good at.  Like the lovely Molly on the hit TV Show "Mike and Molly,"  when I find something I like, I want ALL of it.  Not a slice of cake -- the WHOLE cake.  Etc.


Since April, I've been on steroids that have given me an unpredictable, ravenous appetite.  A few weeks ago (in September) I realized that I had to take control of my food consumption -- as it's the one thing I can control in this goat rodeo that is my medical condition. I joined Weight Watchers and found myself smack dab in the middle of the entire concept of Moderation Nation.


And this has helped, let me tell you. 


The chance to participate in Hershey's Moderation Nation program through MyBlogSpark came at the perfect time.  I read the materials, and they're great and inspiring. 


So I'm suggesting you consider moderation.  And try to win this prize to help you! You will win:

a Moderation Nation t-shirt, Hershey’s chocolate and a nutrition journal to track your food and activities.

The shirt is a large -- for me, not a chance.  And I'm not ready for chocolate in any form of moderation.  (If it weren't for the fact that the chemo drug makes me not want to eat, I'd be stuffing my face still.) But the journal and information are nice! And many Hershey's items are GF -- the kisses are.

Here are the details:


With Moderation Nation, a new national program created by the Hershey Center for Health & Nutrition, (HCHN) in collaboration with the American Dietetic Association, you can now have access to a variety of tools that will help you achieve moderation – and you don’t even need to give up your favorite foods!

For on-the-go needs, the new Moderation Nation iPhone app, free and available on iTunes or via www.themoderationnation.com, will reward you for the activity you’re already doing, while encouraging you to do even more in a way that suits your busy lifestyle. With an easy-to-read tracker and a comprehensive list of activities to choose from, you can earn badges for your progress and go from a Starting Gun to a Healthy Hero!

The Moderation Nation Web site (www.themoderationnation.com) provides a host of new tools for you and your readers, including:

• Recipes and Expert Tips. Here you’ll find advice from Cheryl Forberg, registered dietitian (RD) for NBC's The Biggest Loser, award-winning chef and New York Times best-selling cookbook author
• Additional recipes and tips from Regina Ragone, Food Director at Family Circle magazine; Keri Glassman, author of the O2 diet; and Liz Ward, author of Expect the Best Pregnancy.
• Moderation Menus. Seven-day meal plans – with snack ideas – that will help you plan out your week. Each menu is based on an individual lifestyle, such as Single, Adults with Kids and Adults with No Kids.
• Balance the Meal. This cool balancer tool allows you to input your main dish and its preparation method; in return, you’ll receive ideas for complementary side dishes that round out the meal smartly.
• Useful Facts. Here you’ll find everything from a “portion distortion” guide - providing cues on what actual portion sizes should look like – to a grocery shopping fact sheet – to a guide on how to start and maintain a food journal.

Want it?  Winner will be decided by Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.  Leave your comment here and I'll get back to you.  

Much love, 

Ging

P.S.  13.2 pounds as of Nov. 2.  Thanks for asking.

And the Bisquick Winner is....

Christi!

I just sent you and email, so please follow up.  You have til Friday.

Much love, Ging.

COMING UP ON GFINGF!

Sahale Nut Giveaway
Hershey's Kisses BlogSpark Giveaway
Almond Flour Cookbook giveaway

Your holiday list of cookbooks to ask for from Santa!  I've for a couple of new faves!

A review of some great 3-point Weight Watchers GF Snacks Featuring
•Popcorn Indiana
•Cabot Light Cheese Snacks
•Bakery on Main....everything!