Be Free For Me Blog

Fiber, Fiber, Fiber. Everyone needs their fiber! But many people, especially those with celiac disease, on a gluten free diet, or those with other various food allergies, understand that getting the minerals, vitamins, protein and fiber your body needs can be real tough.

That is why I am pleased to announce the Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe this week is Hodgson Mill’s Milled Flax Seed.

Flax seeds are a fantastic and versatile way to get a daily dose of fiber. Plus they are gluten and allergen free, all natural, and contain no sugar, cholesterol, trans fat or salt.

I like to stir a couple of tablespoon into my yogurt or blend some into a fruity smoothie, for a filling and satisfying breakfast or mid-day snack.

And according to the folks at Hodgson Mills, flax seeds can also be used as a fat substitute in most recipes. Generally, 3 tablespoons of milled flax seed can replace 1 tablespoon of fat or oil. Also, 1 tablespoon of milled flax seeds, mixed with 3 tablespoons of water can replace 1 egg.

Nutritious, fiber-filled and so very versatile are the reasons why Hodgson Mill’s Milled Flax Seeds get this week’s Friday Favorite honors.

Fiber up!

Happy Friday… Happy Memorial Day…  And Happy Summer everyone!

Summer is officially here and it is time to slow-down on the baking and dig into some nice cool refreshing desserts!

One of my new favorite finds is Ciao Bella Gelatos & Sorbets. For those of you who don’t know what a gelato is, it is an Italian style ice-cream that contains less butterfat and less air by volume. Most of the Ciao Bella Flavors are gluten-free; and their sorbets are dairy-free and fat-free too. 

The knock your socks off flavors that Ciao Bella has come up with makes it so very difficult to select just one while standing at your grocer’s freezer. My solution? Buy two!

Some of the flavors they offer are: Triple Espresso, Chocolate Jalapeno, Roasted Hazelnut, Pistachio and Honey Toasted Pecan. My favorite? Believe it or not… the Tahitian Vanilla. I am usually not a “vanilla” type of gal, but I love the deep intense authentic vanilla essence of this gelato, combined with the specs of real vanilla beans in every cool spoonful.

Ciao Bella also offers sorbets for those looking for a dairy/lactose and gluten free dessert. Some of the distinctive flavors of the sorbets are: Lemon Zest Sorbet, Sicilian Blood Orange (which was featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things show!) and Prickly Pear.

I haven’t tried all of the Ciao Bella flavors yet, but plan on making this a goal to accomplish this summer! Note: No need to wish me luck.

Fantastic flavors, tastes that tantalize and ingredients that intrigue are all the fabulous reasons why Ciao Bella Gelatos and Sorbets take this weeks honors of BeFreeForMe’s Friday Favorite!

Sometimes it’s the little things that bring the most joy to your life… and to me finding Gluten-free red licorice was one of those “life is good” moments.

One of the things I missed the most after going gluten-free was red licorice. The sad day I discovered that my beloved red licorice twists contained gluten I remember thinking, “who in the world would have EVER thought that red licorice contained gluten?”

That is why I was so very excited when the folks over at Candy Tree heard about my licorice demise and straight-away sent to the BeFreeForMe offices a big package jam-packed with Candy Tree Gluten Free Red Licorice twists and ropes!

Gluten-free joy for me!

Plus, the Candy Tree products are 100% organic and contain no added sugar. At zero-grams of fat per serving, and only 143 calories for about 7 twists – this is a gluten-free candy treat that I don’t feel guilty about enjoying! The ingredients are simple too: Organic corn syrup, organic rice flour, organic rice starch, organic concentrated fruit juices and organic fruit flavors. Nothing artificial and nothing I can’t pronounce. I like that.

Thanks Candy Tree for making red licorice gluten-free for me! Life is indeed good!

Note: Many BeFreeForMe Members have contacted us on how to buy the products featured on the website and blog. Starting today we will offer links to “buy” these products on Amazon.com, if available. Be sure to check out the Super-Saver Shipping offered on orders of $25 and more!

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It’s no trick… Glutino Chocolate Covered Wafer Cookies are a fantastic replacement for all of us Twix candy bar lovers that are now on a gluten free diet!

I have a couple of favorite candy bars and Twix is one of them. But they are loaded with gluten. That’s why I was so excited to have found these gluten-free cookies (aka: Twix substitute) from Glutino.

They come in two varieties: Milk Chocolate covered chocolate or vanilla wafers. I personally like the vanilla covered wafers the best, but for all the chocolate lovers out there, you may want to reach for the double chocolate variety.

And these cookies are also great in recipes. Looking for a chocolate pie crust? Then check out this recipe made with the Chocolate Wafer cookies. 

Because they are fantastic replacement for one of my favorite candy bars; taste so good that non-gluten-free folks love’em too, and because they make the best Chocolate Crumb Crust, are the reasons why Glutino Chocolate Covered Wafer Cookies receive the honors of this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe!

No Twix! Just Treats!

Eating gluten & allergen free can sometimes make lunchtime at home ho-hum. That’s why I turn to condiments to help make my sandwiches as good as any sub shop!

Kraft Sandwich Shop Reduced-Fat Chipotle Mayonnaise is one of my new must-haves, and this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com. What’s my favorite way to enjoy this new gluten-free find? I love to spread this on my brown rice wraps and then pile on the roast beef, and low-fat Cabot Creamery cheddar.

Watch out Subway!

And with only half the fat and calories of regular mayonnaise I can spread the chipotle-love every day of the week.

It adds a kick that I love and a taste that reminds me of a typical sub shop sandwich spread, like the Chipotle Southwest topping at Subway, but with far less fat & calories. Plus making lunch at home saves tons of money!

I wonder if Jared has tried it yet?!

Note: This item is so new it’s not even listed on the Kraft website. However, if you want to find out more information about the Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo Reduced-Fat Chipotle Mayonnaise, call Kraft at: 1-800-323-0768 to find out where to buy or to answer any other questions about the product.

Note: To see the gluten-free labeling statement from Kraft Foods, click here.

This week’s Friday Favorite goes to an item that can be eaten at breakfast, or as a quick and easy snack. It is also an item that can be found in any supermarket – Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy yogurt.

At only 100 calories, this super-rich and super-creamy yogurt must be tried. Plus it is fat free, packed with Vitamin D … and marked right on the label as gluten-free too.

My favorite flavor is Cinnamon Bun. O-kay, o-kay… I know that the name is what first drew me in, but after one taste I was in love. The flavor is spicy, and sweet, and this yogurt is just delicious when mixed in gluten-free granola.

Convenience, taste and only 100 calories give Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy yogurt a thumbs up and recognition of this week’s BeFreeForMe’s Friday Favorite.

P.S. Check out the Yoplait website for coupons too!

This week’s Friday Favorite goes to Gillian’s Foods – the makers of some mighty fine bread crumbs!

Quick, easy and convenient these breadcrumbs are a “go-to” on those days that I just don’t have the time (or enough gluten-free bread heels!) to make my own.

I use Gillian’s Plain Bread Crumbs on chicken and baked fish. I also use these crumbs in my meatloaf, and as a crispy topping on baked macaroni and cheese. The plain bread crumbs are great because you can spice them up any which way you fancy (sage and thyme enhance the crumbs for my chicken, when dill and a touch of parsley work wonders on my baked haddock). There are also some great recipes on the Gillian’s website too.

Gillian Foods also has some other fabulous items, including brownies (these are deliciously dangerous!), pasta, garlic bread and hamburger rolls that taste like the real deal. Plus, all of Gillian’s Foods are gluten AND dairy free.

Making my dinner time prep speedy and easy is why this week’s Friday Favorite is awarded to Gillian’s Foods!

When I’m “good” and have a tossed salad for lunch, I sometimes need a little extra “something” on the side.

And I found a new product that fits the bill perfectly… Garden Lites Frozen Souffles. Gluten, lactose and nut free these soufflés are  pockets of scrumptious veggies puffed to perfection.

Packed with tons of vegetables, egg whites and just the right amount of spices, these soufflés have only all natural ingredients and microwave in just minutes. They come in 6 flavors (Broccoli, Roasted Vegetable, Zucchini, Spinach, Cauliflower and Butternut Squash).

Best yet… most of the Garden Lites soufflés are only 140 calories and 15 grams of fat (the Butternut Squash soufflé is the only one that has 180 calories and 0 grams of fat).

My favorite is the gluten-free Roasted Vegetable Souffle; and complemented with a tossed salad the combo is like a garden party right on my lunch table.

And with only 2 Weight Watchers point per serving, my new motto is “A soufflé a day, and the weight won’t stay”!

All these healthy, delicious, low-calorie and low-fat reasons are why this week’s Friday Favorite goes to Garden Lites Souffles. Enjoy!

Easter time is candy time… and thankfully two all-time favorite Easter candies are also gluten free (as well as free of other allergens too).

Peeps, the best selling non-chocolate Easter candy for the last decade; and Jelly Bellies, the jelly bean with intense and authentic flavors made for the sophisticated palate, share the honor of this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com.

Peeps, which come in 6 fun colors, are gluten-free. They also clearly mark on their labels any of the eight major allergens that may be in the candy (read more here). The peep website is fun and interactive. It has a page of fun peep facts, and more… it is a great website for the kids.

Missing Strawberry Cheesecake, Pina Coladas or Caramel Corn? Or just want a small taste of something sweet without breaking you diet? Than give Jelly Bellies a try! These gluten, peanut and dairy free jelly beans come in over 50 flavors. But beware they are additive!

Enjoy and have a sweet Easter!

Good Gravy!

I couldn’t believe it when I was told by the Customer Service Rep at Butterball that the gravy packet included in my Boneless Breast of Turkey Roast was gluten free! What a treat for me! (I called Butterball at 1-800-BUTTERBALL or 800-288-8372).

Besides the bonus gluten-free gravy pack (which is included in a separate pouch) the boneless turkey breast is also delicious…. Moist, flavorful and juicy…. without the hassle of preparing, prepping and cooking a whole turkey.

In fact, the Butterball Boneless Turkey Breast was a snap to prepare. Just pop it in the oven and it is done. No mess. No fuss.

This turkey breast is a welcoming change to weeknight dinners, and will make a fantastic addition to my Easter buffet.

The convenience, taste, and of course that awesome, out of-this world gluten-free gravy packet makes Butterball’s Boneless Breast of Turkey Roast this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe!

Gobble Gobble!