Be Free For Me Blog

I love being cheesy. I love my life to be as cheesy as I can get it. The more cheesy my life is – all the better for me.

And although I secretly liked The New Kids on the Block and The Brady Bunch, I don’t mean cheesy in a sappy 1980’s boy band or a sugary-sweet sitcom type-of-way. But what I do mean is cheesy as in a gooey and warm Baked Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese, or cheese generously sprinkled on my nachos type-of-way.

And my favorite way to get the most cheesiness in my life… Cabot Creamery.

Cabot Cheddar Cheese is all natural, crafted and aged by the farm-family owners of 90-year-old Cabot Creamery Cooperative without any additives or preservatives. It’s lactose free, gluten free, calcium-rich and delicious, the winner of national and international competitions as “the world’s best cheddar.”

In my book, Cabot is the “Big Cheese” of the world!

Cabot Cheddar Cheese comes in the traditional Sharp, Mild and Extra Sharp varieties (as well as their signature Private Stock Cheddar) and so many yummy flavors like Habanero, Chipotle, Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil, Horseradish, Chili-Lime and Tuscan. The flavored cheeses are just screaming to be used in your favorite recipes, and are a great springboard to create your own signature dishes, or use in the tried-and-true recipes featured on Cabot’s website. (Make sure you check out the gluten-free recipes on the Cabot website including the Chicken & Sweet Potato Pie or the Cauliflower Macaroni & Cheese (Fun Note: They even have recipes for your pets on the website… Hey, pooches, including Sadie the Incredible Boxer, love cheese too!)

I never met a Cabot Cheese I didn’t love, but my favorite Cabot Cheese is the 50% Reduced Fat Jalapeno Cheddar. It has all the full-fat flavor, but made with 1.5% milk. I also love that Cabot is a cooperative and owned by 1200 dairy farmers and their families in New England and New York – purchasing Cabot is a great way to support local farms! To find out more about how to support local farms check out this informative website KeepLocalFarms.org. It is such a great cause, so be sure to check it out.

I am excited to announce that Cabot is this week’s sponsor of BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday. Being naturally gluten-free and lactose-free make it the perfect cheese for many of BeFreeForMe members – plus the flavors and varieties are fantastic for snacking or cooking.

Cabot Cheese is offering THREE (Yes… 3!) Lucky BeFreeForMe members a 2-pound Gift Box packed with an assortment of Cabot Cheddar Cheeses shipped direct to your home.What a great gift!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and let us know the flavor of Cabot Cheese that sounds the tastiest to you. Also, feel free to share your favorite cheesiest thing, whether it related to food (Me? Gluten-Free Baked Macaroni & Cheese) or non-food (Me? My beloved classic Partridge Family Fan Club booklet… yes, I still have it!)

All entries must be received by Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 12:00 Midnight EST.
Good Luck, Cheesiness Rules… and as always,
Be Free!

It’s that time of year again when routines are back in place, alarms are going off every morning, and breakfasts are a must to start each day off on the right foot.

But sometimes finding tasty breakfast ideas that are gluten, dairy and casein free can be a struggle. But with Bakery on Main Granola you can not only find several varieties of granola (and granola bars!) that are not only good tasting, but good for you too.

Made with whole grain gluten-free oats, Bakery On Main’s  granola is free of cholesterol, trans fat, refined sugars, gluten, dairy & casein. It is a crunchy, sweet and flavor-packed granola that is great for breakfast, a mix-in with yogurt, or even eating by the handful.

Bakery On Main also makes granola bars that are great for mid-morning or afternoon snacks. Convenient and crunchy these bars are perfect for lunch boxes, backpacks or brief cases.

My favorite Bakery on Main product is the Fiber Power Granola. I love that this granola has 9 grams of fiber and is still low in fat. It is perfect stirred up in my favorite fat-free Greek yogurt or eaten by the handful for a breakfast or snack on the run. It comes in two flavors Triple Berry and Cinnamon Raisin.

In the past, Bakery on Main invited BeFreeForMe members to sign-up for their monthly savings newsletter to get the most updated coupons & specials, as well as a FREE downloadable $1.50 OFF Coupon. If you haven’t done so yet, make sure you sign up to get this coupon soon… availability may be limited!

And lucky us… Bakery on Main has once again graciously offered to sponsor this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com!

Three (yes 3!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will receive a Bakery on Main Gift Set. This gift set consists of a tote bag made from 100% recycled materials, filled with 1.5 ounce gluten free granola snack packs in the Apple Raisin Walnut, Nutty Cranberry Maple and Extreme Fruit & Nut flavors; 2 ounce Fiber Power gluten free granola snack packs in both the Triple Berry and Cinnamon Raisin flavors; and 1.2 ounce gluten free granola bars in the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Maple Nut and Extreme Trail Mix. What a prize this is! Perfect for back to school because it includes bars and snack packs which can be a great on-the-go breakfast, easy to pack in a lunchbox, or great for an after school snack.

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us how you start your day off on a positive note. (Me? I take Sadie the Boxer for a long walk in the mornings… a perfect way to get some exercise in, clear my head for the day, and spend time with my perfect pooch!)

All entries must be received by Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12:00 Midnight EST.

Good Luck, Keep positive… and as always,

Be Free!

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for celiac disease that will advance research, education and screening amongst medical professionals, children, and adults on a gluten free diet.

Over the course of the past three years, I have had the pleasure of meeting Alice Bast, the Executive Director of the NFCA, and her team at seminars, trade shows and events.

Whenever I run into Alice and her team at these industry functions, I can’t help but notice the enthusiasm they share with me on wanting to educate everybody (and anybody!) about celiac disease and making sure celiacs everywhere have the tools to live a happy and healthy life… gluten-free.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, or you haven’t visited in some time, visit the NFCA website. It’s easy to use and full of information for those just starting out on a gluten-free diet, as well as the seasoned gluten-free’er.

My favorite sections of the NFCA website? The Resource section which has support for patients and their families, food & recipes, and more. My favorite go-to sections of this resource page are the printable guides, that you can download and are great for sharing with family, friends and teachers (plus these guides are free to download too!) and the page that lists all the upcoming webinars hosted by the NFCA – a great way to stay “in the know”, without even leaving your home. And last, while you’re at it, check out the Events section of the NFCA website to see if there are any support meetings or fundraisers in your area that may be of interest to you – after all sharing with each other is crucial in learning more about the celiac lifestyle and supporting each other. A great event worth mentioning is the NFCA Annual Appetite for Awareness taking place on on October 24 in Philadelphia, an event that not only spreads awareness of celiac disease, but also offers a spread of gluten-free foods any celiac would love to explore & devour! Make sure to check out the details on this event.

For the next two week’s WIN-It-Wednesdays, the NFCA has graciously offered a total of six (YES 6!) Goodie Bags full of fun NFCA goodies. The goodie bag are packed with fun items that will let you show your celiac pride! Items in the goodie bag will include logoed NFCA baseball caps, celiac awareness magnets (I have one on the back of my car showing I am a supporter of celiac disease awareness!) and sticky notes – plus some other things like aprons, chip clips and cookie cutters (for gluten-free cookies – of course!). Also included with the fun goodie bag items will be a book, either a gluten-free cookbook OR an educational resource book on celiac disease, the winners can pick which type of book they would like.

How can you win?

EASY!

Reply to this blog and ask one questions about celiac disease / the gluten free diet that you need to know OR share one pointer/tip you would give someone who just got diagnosed with celiac disease today. (Mine? Try to “embrace” the gluten-free lifestyle… really wrap your arms around it and learn as much as you can, and make sure you have fantastic fun trying new foods you never knew existed!)

Six randomly picked winners will be chosen as winners. Three winners will be selected from all entries posted before Tuesday, 08/31/10, and three winners will be selected from the entries posted between Wednesday, 09/01/10 and Tuesday, 09/07/10.
Enter EACH WEEK to increase your chances of WINNING!

Good luck, remember to always seek answers, yet help with solutions… and as always…
Be Free!

For those of you that are looking to shake up some of your recipes with tons of flavor and spice… look no further! Didi Davis Food Blended Finishing Salts are a must have in gluten and allergen free kitchens. Getting tired of ho-hum grilled chicken breast? Dash on some Sagemary Salt, to add a spicy, fresh-from-the-garden herb flavor; is your salmon getting bored and poached to pieces? Splash some Fennel Thyme Salt on top and enjoy a clean, crisp calorie-free and allergy-free addition, and if your green beans need a little fancying-up for company, toss in some sliced almonds and a dusting of the Vanilla Salt.

Created from Flor de Sal (a moist Portuguese sea salt) and fresh herbs, DiDi Davis Salt Blends add flare, crunch and piazza to any fresh and cooked gluten and allergen free dishes.

Natural sea salt is the way to go when salting your foods. I love the briny, strong and earthy taste compared to regular white table salt. Plus, because of the fuller flavor in sea salt, I use way less salt in my dishes as well.

For recipe and usage ideas you can also check out Didi Davis Food blog, appropriately named, The Salty Dog blog.

Some of the blends that these finishing salts come in are: Fennel Thyme Salt, featured in this recipe, Oven-Poached Salmon with Fennel Thyme Salt; Porcini Salt, wonderful used in gluten-free broths and gravies; Sagemary Salt, a blend of sage & rosemary and my personal favorite; Caraway Salt, perfect accompanied over sweet Italian sausage tossed with olive oil over Penne pasta; Vanilla Salt, a sweet addition when speckled over in-season buttered corn-on-the-cob; Sumac Pepper Salt, ideal as a topping for fresh seasonal steamed vegetables like in this Asparagus with Sumac Pepper Salt recipe; Aleppo Chile Salt, to flavor for chili & tacos and last the Smoked Spicy Paprika Salt, which is great over smoked beef, charcoal grilled burgers or used in this recipe Roasted Potatoes with Smoked Paprika Salt.

All these fabulous salt blend creations are why I am so very excited that DiDi Davis Food is this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor.

Three (Yes 3!) Lucky BeFreeForMe members will win a Didi Davis Food Salt Blend Collection, which consists of a sampler pack of the eight salt blends listed above.

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us which of the salt blends listed above sound the best to you… as well as how you would use it. (Me? I would love to try the Vanilla salt over a Spinach & Strawberry Salad, or the Aleppo Chile Salt in Bloody Marys!). All entries must be received by Tuesday, August 24 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Good Luck, Remember to break out of your routine and shake things up once in awhile, and, as always…
Be Free!

I love ice cream, but since going gluten-free my ice cream lovin’ life just hasn’t been the same.

There’s something about having to eat an ice cream in a cup that just seems too proper. I decided it’s the cone that makes ice cream rip-roaring fun. I miss the drips. I miss the mess. I miss the bottom falling out of the cone. I miss licking as fast I can.

I miss my ice cream cones.

That is why I was so very excited to find Goldbaum’s Gluten-free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free and Peanut-Free Ice Cream Cones at my local supermarket.

These cones come in four flavors: The sugar cone style that comes in three flavors; Traditional Sugar Cones, Cocoa Sugar Cones and the Jumbo Cones; and also the traditional “cup” style that come in a box of 12 cones, wrapped in two separates packs with 6-cones in each. Me? I put one of the 6-packs in my car, for those swing-into Dairy Queen on a whim type of days, and the other 6-pack in my cupboard for my late night “I Can Eat An Ice Cream Cone So I Am!” type of days.

Hurray to Goldbaum’s for making all gluten-free summers more memorable and little sweeter… drips and all.

All these reasons are why I am screaming with joy that Goldbaum’s Gluten-free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free and Peanut-Free (did I mention they were made in a nut-free facility?) Ice Cream Cones are this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com.

Four  (Yes 4!) Lucky BeFreeForMe members will win a variety of the Goldbaum Ice Cream Cones.

How Can You WIN?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and share your summer pleasure(s). This is an easy one! Mine? Fresh veggies from the garden, bare feet and balmy summer evenings sitting out on my porch… enjoying an ice cream cone – of course!

All entries must be received by Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Good luck, Take the time to enjoy the little pleasures in life… and, as always…
Be Free!

Interested in buying Goldbaum’s Ice Cream Cones? For your convenience, here’s the link to buy! Goldbaums Gluten Free Ice Cream Cones 12 Pack

Seasoned and spicy potato chips can often be off-limits to those with celiac disease or food allergies. Hidden among the tasty seasonings and flavorings, gluten and other allergens can lurk and hide.

That’s why I’m a fan of Michael Season’s Snacks. Gluten-free with no preservatives, artificial colorings, flavorings or MSG, these snacks are full of flavor but not full of the stuff you don’t need.

The newest edition of the Michael Season’s line-up is the Mediterranean Thin & Crispy Potato Chips. Perfectly seasoned with black pepper, oregano, basil and rosemary these chips are not only delicious, but have 30% less fat than other chips. The other Thin & Crispy Chip (that are all reduced fat as well) varieties include: Honey Barbeque, Salt & Pepper, Unsalted and Lightly Salted (perfect for those of you watching your sodium levels). They also make a reduced fat Ripple Chip that is perfect for dipping.

Michael Season’s also makes Baked Puffs and Curls. These come in fab flavors such as Jalapeno and Hot Chili Pepper. And just two weeks ago, Rachael Ray selected the Baked Puffs as her Snack of the Day! How delish is that?

Another product line Michael Season makes is the Baked Potato Crisps. These crunchy chips that stand up to even the biggest of dippers have 70% less fat than potato crisps.  

All-natural and reduced fat snacking choices, paired up with fun and tasty flavors, are reasons why BeFreeForMe is excited to announce that Michael Season’s Mediterranean Potato Chips are featured in this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday prize package!

Two lucky BeFreeForMe members will win a prize pack that includes a re-usable tote packed with the new Mediterranean Chips,  plus Chip-Clips.

How can you win?

Easy?

These Mediterranean Chips got me thinking about the Mediterranean Islands – one of my most favorite places in the world for some rest and relaxation. Reply to this blog and tell us the place in your life that provides your sanctuary-away-from-it-all. All entries must be received by Tuesday, August 10th at 12:00 midnight EST.

Good luck, Remember a little rest and relaxation is good for the soul… and as always,

Be Free!

Fire-up those grills my friends, and let the parties begin! Sometimes barbeque-time can be a stressful time for those with food allergies since so many hot dogs and sausages are notorious for containing numerous allergens.

But worry no more!

This summer John Morrell has come out with Worry-Free Meat products. The hot dogs, smoked sausage and bologna are free of milk, nuts, soy, fish, eggs and gluten.

These products are great to have on hand during all summer barbeques, since they’re free of so many allergens. I had a small get together a few weekends back and three of the children at my house, each having three different allergies, all were able to enjoy these Worry-Free hot dogs. Cheers to John Morrell!

BeFreeForMe is so excited to have John Morrell’s worry-free meats be the sponsor of this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday… and the prizes are so awesome! With even a second BONUS Chance to WIN! Here are the prize details:

TWO Winners’ will each receive… a $10 certificate for the John Morrell Worry-Free Meats of your choice!

A THIRD Bonus Winner will receive a $25 certificate for the John Morrell’s Worry-Free Meats of your choice! But… this winner also has to also be a fan of John Morrell’s Worry-Free Meats on Facebook… PLUS leave a comment on this blog as instructed below. (Click here to become a fan of John Morrell’s Worry-Free Meats on Facebook.)

How do you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and let us know how you make your life less stressful and worry-free. (Me? I talk things through with my Mom or sisters and thing’s just don’t seem as troubling anymore!).

Also, if you want to save some money, make sure you download this $1.00 OFF Coupon for John Morrell’s Worry-Free Products. Also, become a fan on John Morrell’s Facebook page, and while your visiting stop by their Expert Tab and send a note to say hello to me!

All entries must be received by Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Good Luck, Be Worry-Free…and, as always…

Be Free!

Do you have questions about celiac disease or the gluten-free diet that you need quick and easy to understand answers? Do you wish that for once a doctor and dietitian were partners in helping you solve problems and issues concerning the gluten-free lifestyle?

Well fret no more my gluten-free friends! Dr. Daniel Leffler, MD, MS and Melinda Dennis, MS, RD and LDN have teamed up and co-authored a new book published by the (AGA). American Gastroenterological Association“Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting & Thriving Gluten Free” is packed with usable and must-know information about living and thriving on a gluten-free diet.

In their book, Dr. Leffler and Ms. Dennis, both from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, have teamed up with over 50 international experts on celiac disease that share stories of patients who have questions or problems related to celiac and gluten-related disorders.

Even though I read this book while laying on the Rhode Island beachside, the wealth of knowledge and useful information included in this book made me feel as if I were attending an international celiac conference, where each contributor on the agenda speaks about engaging and important information about celiac disease in easy-to-understand terminology.

If you want to get a sneak-peak and listen to Dr. Leffler speak about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet click on this link to hear an audio-post of the webinar featuring Dr. Leffler that was hosted by riceworks Brown Rice Crisps.

Also, to get a copy of the book “Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting & Thriving Gluten Free” click here to order your copy. It really is a great addition to any gluten-free or celiac personal library.

Good information from fantastic contributors all compiled into one fabulous book are all reasons why I am so happy to have the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and “Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting & Thriving Gluten Free” be this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com

Two (Yes, 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will receive a free copy of the book, “Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting & Thriving Gluten Free”.

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us a little pointer, piece of advice or inspirational tidbit you would pass along to someone just diagnosed with celiac disease to help them troubleshoot and thrive with their new lifestyle (or if you are just diagnosed, something you would love to learn about). My tidbit? Don’t worry… trips to the supermarket WILL get shorter as you learn your gluten-free way around supermarkets!

All entries must be received by Tuesday, July 27th at 12:00 midnight.

Good luck, Keep thrivin’… and as always,

Be Free!

After giving riceworks Brown Rice Crisps a try one year ago, I was hooked after the first chip. Made of brown rice, gluten free, high in fiber and 33% less fat than other salty snacks, I knew I had found a snack that not only tastes good – but I could feel good about eating.

Since that time I have enjoyed Sea Salt riceworks at breakfast with chopped hard-boiled eggs, love the Salsa Fresca riceworks in replacement of boring corn chips in nacho recipes; have finely ground Sweet Chili riceworks to use as a phenomenal breading on boneless chicken breasts, and my favorite secret ricework trick, using a handful of coarsely Cinnamon riceworks as a fiber-packed “mix-in” for vanilla ice cream on these hot summer days (watch out Cold Stone Creamery!).

For me riceworks better… as a snack and for many other creative recipe ideas!

It seems that other folks, some like me on a gluten-free diet as well as others that just like good eats, have found some creative places and ways to eat and use riceworks in their day-to-day snacking and cooking. That’s why riceworks has come up with two great promotions this summer! Each of the programs encourages us to share why riceworks is indeed better… while taking a chance at winning some cash and other fantastic prizes, as well as becoming a published & publicized chef! Check out this audio note to find out more about these promotions.

Following is an overview of each of these two promotions:

How riceworks Better:

Are you throwing a party or event this summer with your family, friends, church group, fund raising organization, or long-lost college buddies? Looking to invite one more person? Well…. Invite riceworks!!

riceworks would love to join you and make your event way more fun. The program is called How riceworks Better. If you tell riceworks about your summer event or gathering you could win $4000 (YES folks… $4000) plus tons of riceworks samples to make your event even more fun than you could possibly imagine.

riceworks Recipeworks:

For those of you that love to cook or have a secret recipe you prepare with riceworks Brown Rice Crisps, this promotion is for you! riceworks is creating a cookbook. They are looking for recipes submitted by 50 would-be foodies authors, like you, to create a one-of-a-kind cookbook in which all proceeds will be donated to charity.

Watch out Julia Child, Jamie Oliver and Rachael Ray! YOU may be on your way to stardom and publication! Share your ricework recipes today on the riceworks Recipeworks website and may the best recipe win!

And if these two promotions and chances to win wasn’t enough fun for one summer, I was thrilled when the folks at riceworks® asked to sponsor the prize package for this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe … and the prizes are so awesome! With even a second BONUS chance to WIN! Here are the details on the prizes:

TWO Winners’ will each receive… One (1) CASE of free riceworks® product (that’s 12 bags!) in the flavor of the winner’s choice, PLUS a $25 gift card for the supermarket of your choice!

A THIRD Winner will receive the same prize as above but this winner has to also be a fan of riceworks on Facebook… PLUS leave a comment on this blog as instructed below. (Click here to become a fan of riceworks on Facebook.)

How do you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and lets us know what flavor of riceworks you would choose if you are picked the winner. Also feel free to let us know your favorite time or way to eat riceworks. (Me? I love the Sweet Chili. I love to use them to scoop up some fresh tuna salad for lunch!)

Also, the contest ends on Tuesday, July 20^th at 12 midnight EST  – so enter now and become a fan of riceworks on Facebook too!

Good Luck, Remember to give into the goodness… and as always,

Be Free!

It’s Official! The Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of summer are officially here!

Many of us will be spending the Fourth of July Holiday outside while we enjoy barbeques, picnics, boating, swimming and hanging by the beach and poolside.

While packing our bags for these excursions, we make sure we pack enough gluten and allergen free snacks and food for the whole family. But what about your sunscreen and lip balms? Are they gluten and allergen-free too?

Since the start of the summer, I have been inundated with BeFreeForMe members asking about gluten-free lip balms, sunscreens and lipsticks. My solution? Arbonne products.

All of Arbonne skincare products are free of gluten (with the exception of the vitamins and hormone cream); free of synthetic fragrances; and free of dyes, PABA and mineral oils. They are also pH correct and are botanically based.

But what I love the absolute most about Arbonne is my rep, Krissy.

A number of years ago, Krissy was diagnosed with celiac disease too. She lives a strict gluten-free lifestyle along with her family, many of whom are also celiacs.

It’s nice to know that she “gets it” and she understands when you’re adamant about getting sunscreens, make-ups and lip balms that are free of gluten! She’s also very generous when it comes to getting free samples of products you’re interested in trying and she ships my orders direct to my door…. Whenever I need them! (No malls… no stores… no snooty make-up counter girls that have no clue about gluten and allergens!)

Krissy has generously offered to supply these fantastic Arbonne Gluten-free products for the sponsorship of BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday’s for the next two weeks.

Five (yes 5!) entries will win an Arbonne SPF 30 BefoRE Sun Lip Saver Sunscreen. Plus, one Grand-Prize Winner will win a sunscreen gift set containing an ABC Sunscreen with SPF 30 (made for baby’s sensitive skin, but great for us “Big Kids’ too!), BefoRE Sun Save Face & Body Sunscreen with SPF 15 (Blended with arnica, rosemary, linden and chamomile, this product which is suitable for all skin types is great alone or under make-up), a BefoRE Sun Damage Control Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30 (Helps prevent sunburns even after 40 minutes in the water!), along with a BefoRE Sun Lip Saver Sunscreen.

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what fun in the sun (…or the shade!) you have planned for this Holiday weekend or summer (Me? Tons of Cape Cod road trips with my friends Julie and Diane).

Please enter TWO Times (once between June 29 and July 6 and again between July 7 and July 13) to increase your chances of winning!

Good Luck, Remember to always look for the sunny side of things, and… as always…

Be Free!