Be Free For Me Blog

Eating at food trucks at lunchtime has become quite the craze over the past few years. The gourmet foods that are prepared in these roaming food trailers can be unbelievable… gourmet specialties served by some of the hippest chefs in the city.

If you want the taste and flavors of these food trucks right in your very own home or office, check out evol foods new Street Tacos. Found in the freezer section of your local grocer (I found mine at Target) the Street Tacos can be whipped up in minutes flat… and rival any fancy-dancy food truck out there.

I love the ease of preparing the tacos and the flavorful sauce pouches that come with each package. They are also packed with protein (8-15 grams per serving) and contain healthy all-natural ingredients. They have three (certified) gluten-free varieties: Uncured Bacon, Potato & Poblano Peppers with a pouch of Chipotle Crema; Shredded Chicken & Caramelized Onions with a pouch of Ancho Crema, and my favorite, Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Goat Cheese with a pouch of Salsa Verde.

Being able to enjoy fast & tasty food…. Every day and any time (not just when the food truck decides to show up!) are the reasons why this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com is awarded to evol foods. Congratulations!

It’s the start of the New Year and many folks are looking for new and exciting budget-friendly dinner ideas. One of my favorite ways to make a delicious dinner-on-a-budget is by using gluten-free pastas made by SamMills.

SamMill’s Pastas are made from corn. They are available in most grocery stores and come in tons of different pasta shapes… some of my favorite include Penne Rigate, Tubetti, Lasagna Corte, and Bucatini.

The SamMills Pastas are also made of 100% Natural Ingredients, are free of dairy, eggs and gluten, and are low-glycemic, GMO Free and Kosher Pave. I also love that most of pastas cook-up in about 10 minutes, so dinner can be served in a jiff.

And if you are looking for some inspiring gluten-free pasta dishes to start off this New Year check out some of our favorite pasta recipes on BeFreeForMe.com:

Gluten-Free Pasta with Brussels Sprouts, Pancetta and Olives

Gluten-Free Rotini with Red Bell Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella & Arugula

Blackened Red Pepper and Chicken Pasta Salad

Spaghetti with Toasted Pine Nuts, Olives and Parmesan

All of the delicious pasta recipes that await being made are the reason I am so excited that this week’s Win-It-Wednesday prize is SamMills! A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a 4-pack prize of one of my favorite SamMills Pastas… the Bucatini… and for those of you that haven’t tried Bucatini yet… you must give it a try! It’s a thick spaghetti-like pasta with a hole running through the center… perfect for pestos, tomato based sauces and casseroles!

One (1) winners will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, January 7 and Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us which SamMills Pasta product looks the best to you! (Is it the traditional Spaghetti, Ziti or Penne? Or maybe the more adventurous Quadrati or Lasagna Corti?) =)

Good luck, here’s to a healthy, happy and delicious New Year… and as always,

Be Free!

Eeeekks! Christmas is almost here… and if you’re like me you’re still looking for those “little something” gifts that you bring to holiday parties and have on hand for last minute gifting.

My Crunchy Chex Snack Mix is the perfect hand-made gift. By giving just the key ingredients and having the recipient make the snack mix themselves by adding melted butter, the shelf-life is longer than giving a prepared mix. However, you can also prepare the mix in entirety and give the snack mix “ready-to-eat” if you want too!

This single-serve snack idea has a cute-as-a-button presentation. It’s great for anyone on a gluten-free diet  since it’s simple to prepare and enjoy in an office, dorm room, or even right at home.

The only extra two things your gift recipient will need to make this salty snack is 1 ½ tablespoons of butter (or margarine, or butter substitute). So it is quick, easy and convenient. To make things easier for the recipient for when they make the mix, you can even include the parchment paper which is needed to cool the snack mix after its been microwaved – just roll the parchment and tie it with the twine on the outside of the mason jar. Anyone you give this gift to will appreciate your crafty thoughtfulness the next time a snack attack creeps up. Enjoy and happy gluten-free gifting!

Gluten-Free Crunchy Snack Mix

Supplies Needed:

Four (4) pint sized mason jars (I painted the tops for a more finished & festive look… but not necessary)

Four (4) snack sized ziplock bags, or small zip-top bags found in a craft store

Optional: Four (4) 20” lengths of Parchment paper (I used unbleached – I like the color better!)

Twine

Four (4) shipping tags for writing directions for preparation on the back… and a cute note on the front … I like “For Gluten-Free Snack Attacks” =)

Ingredients Needed:

1 ½ cup Corn Chex

1 ½ cup Rice Chex

1 cup mini gluten-free pretzels

½ cup corn nuts (Check label for allergens)

¼ cup salted peanuts (omit if concerned with a nut allergy)

½ teaspoon (heaping) garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon (heaping) chili powder

1/4 teaspoon (heaping) black pepper

1/4 teaspoon (heaping) of Mrs. Dash Lemon-Pepper Seasoning

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon (heaping) of paprika

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl combine the first five (5) ingredients. Toss gently to mix and distribute evenly in the four (4) mason jars, being careful to include the peanuts and corn nuts (which may fall to the bottom of the mixing bowl) into each jar. Leave about ½” on the top of each jar.

In a small mixing bowl combine the last seven (7) ingredients. Blend well. Evenly distribute into the 4 small plastic bags. Remove air from each spice bag, and seal well. Roll up and place on top of the each jar. Fill in extra room with additional Chex mix, peanuts, pretzels or corn nuts, if desired. Place cover on tightly.

If desired, fold the parchment paper in ½ lengthwise and roll into a tube. Tie each with a bit of twine.

With additional twine add the preparation directions that are written on shipping tags. (See preparation directions below).

Preparation Directions: (Include these with the gift)

Gluten-Free Snack Mix

Ingredients Needed:

Contents of this Snack Jar

1 ½ tablespoon of butter, margarine or substitute

In a small microwave bowl, place 1 ½ tablespoons of butter (or margarine or butter substitute) and microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until melted. Add the spice packet to the melted butter and mix well.

In a large microwave safe bowl place about ½ of the snack mix and add in about ½ of the melted butter-spice blend. Toss gently until the snack mix is well coated. Add in the rest of the snack mix and butter-spice blend, and repeat. Microwave for about 3 minutes, mixing 1/2 way through cooking time.

Place the Snack Mix on the parchment paper (or cookie sheet or tin foil) and let cool. Store in Ziplock bag or airtight container.

I love Van’s Gluten-Free Waffles. The waffle that is the perfect quick-and-easy breakfast staple at my house. That is why I was thrilled when I found out about Van’s newest products: their Whole Grain Pasta Skillet Dishes and their soft-baked Whole Grain Granola Clusters.

And just like the quality of their flagship waffles, these new products are also made with wholesome ingredients. They also contain no artificial flavors, colors or high fructose corn syrup. And they’re convenient and easy to prepare.

Plus, all these new products are Certified Gluten-Free.

Van’s Whole Grain Pasta Skillet Dinners are perfect for lunch or dinner – as a main entrée or even a side. I love that they can be prepared on the stove top in just 10 minutes, and the (suggested) retail price is $3.99 – perfect if time and money is tight. The three varieties are Rotini & Red Sauce, which is a robust marinara sauce over whole grain rotini pasta. And if you’re looking to kick the dish up a notch – toss in some cooked chicken strips and sliced black olives and add some extra protein & flavor while you’re at it!; Creamy Herb & Garlic which is a creamy whole blend of select spices and garlic tossed with a deliciouswhole grain pasta for a gourmet type pasta dish. And if your feeling creative toss in some cooked chicken and sundried tomatoes and make this a dish that everyone will love as a main course at your dinner table; and last, the Ultimate Cheddar Penne, a classic cheesy favorite your whole family will love.

The Van’s Soft-Baked Gluten-Free Granolas come in two fabulous flavors: the Blueberry Walnut and the Cranberry Almond. Both are great for breakfast, or for snacking. Try some sprinkled over Greek Yogurt, topped with fresh fruit, or just eaten by the handful. I love that these granolas are soft-baked, packed with fruit and nuts, and contain 12-grams of nutrient dense whole grains. Just check out the close up of these little soft-baked nuggets below!

Both these new product lines are simple, and tasty, and deliver the Van Food’s quality.

I am so thrilled that Van’s has come out with these new Gluten-Free Products AND is sponsoring this WIN-It-Wednesday contest on BeFreeForMe.com!

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win a prize pack of these new Van’s gluten-free products. One (1) winners will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us which new Van’s Gluten-Free product looks the best to you! (Me? The Creamy Herb & Garlic Pasta! Yum!)

Good luck, remember to keep things simple, yet tasty… and as always,

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about news, giveaways, and going-on’s at Van’s Foods? Then follow Van’s Foods on Facebook!

I love Sweet Potato Fries. So sweet and crispy. But up until a couple of weeks ago I have not been able to find any gluten-free Sweet Potato Fries to make at home.

Needless, I was thrilled when I saw the lettering “Gluten-Free” on the front of the package of Ore Ida Sweet Potato fries. These super crispy fries (at only 160 calories per serving) add a bit of flair when substituted for regular old French Fries. They are a great side dish to any burger, grilled chicken sandwich, steak, or even just on their own as a snack during game time. In addition, Ore Ida has over 30 products that are gluten-free.

Tasty, crispy and gluten-free… three reasons why this week’s Friday Favorite is awarded to Ore Ida Sweet Potato Fries. Cheers!

Need a gift for a Yankee Swap that everyone will be trading for? Looking for that perfect gift for your gluten-free best friend who deserves nothing but the best? Searching for some healthy, yet delicious, snacks to help a college student get through finals?

Well… I found the perfect gift… the KIND Cube.

I admit, at first I thought that the KIND Cube was… ahhmmm … well, just a BOX of KIND Bars – but how wrong I was. This cube is an origami-type of contraption that pops downward when opened. The sides are packed with 20 full-sized KIND Bars (5 each of the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond, Dark Chocolate Chili Almond and the Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan).

The cube is delivered in an all-black box with the KIND logo on the side. Nestled in ever so snuggly, the cube, once removed and opened, reminds me of a Jack-in-the-Box nicely waiting to surprise and fill the recipient with KIND-ness and glee.

Plus, this is the gift that keeps giving. Inside every KIND Cube is a “Kindawesome Card” – a card that the recipient can pass along to someone that makes the world more awesome through kindness. The card can be redeemed online for a handful of KIND bars.

So, if you’re looking to spread some holiday kindness (that keeps on spreading!), check out this link on Amazon to purchase the KIND Cube (and take advantage of the FREE shipping, too!)

The holidays are here and it’s time to kick up our snacking a notch or two! One of my favorite snacks of all time is popcorn. I love to put out a big bowl when I have guests and see it disappear by the handful. And if you want to add some extra special holiday flair to this go-to snack you must check out 479°  Popcorn.

This popcorn is like no other. The flavors are fun, sassy and irresistible. 479°  Popcorn is snacking at its best.

And lucky for us 479°  Popcorn has two new must-try limited-addition (get ‘em when you can!) flavors for the Holidays: Pumpkin Pecan Praline and Dark Chocolate & Bing Cherry.

The founder of 479° Popcorn, Jean Arnold, started the company because she had nothing but fond memories of fresh, organic popcorn that was made by her Mom and enjoyed with her family during cozy moments playing cards. Her mom would make the popcorn with a “sturdy stove-top popper that she’d hand crank until the kernels turned into a delightful fluffy treat.”

And over the years, and with years of culinary training, Jean started experimenting with exotic seasonings and flavorings on the same type of organic popcorn her mom popped many years before… and 479° Popcorn was born! (By the way, the name 479° Popcorn comes from Jean’s discovery that 479° is the optimal temperature for popping popcorn! See… you DO learn something new every day!)

479° Popcorn varieties are all also certified gluten-free, Non-GMO and (drum roll please!) low calorie!

Besides the two special-edition Holiday flavors, the other flavors are: The Savory flavors… Asiago, Parmesan & Cheddar; White Cheddar & Black Truffle; Creamery Butter; Sea Salt; Farmers Market Herb and Toasted Sesame & Seaweed. And the Sweet & Salty varieties include… Toasted Coconut Caramel; Sea Salt Caramel; and Chipotle Caramel & Pumpkin Seeds.

All of these savory, sweet and salty snacking reasons are why I am so thrilled that 479° Popcorn is the sponsor of this Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com.

A total of three (yes, 3!) BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win 2 bags each of the two Holiday limited edition 479° flavors  (Pumpkin Pecan Praline and Dark Chocolate & Bing Cherry). Two (2) winners will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, December 10 and Tuesday, December 16, 2012 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what variety of 479° Popcorn looks the best to you! (Me? I love the new Holiday flavor Pumpkin Pecan Praline… yum!)

Good luck, remember to keep your Holidays popping with good snacks… and as always,

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about news, flavors, giveaways, and going-on’s at 479° Popcorn? Then follow 479° Popcorn on Facebook!

As a topping for ice-cream, a drizzle on your favorite pie, or even as a dip for fresh fruit, Mrs. Richardson’s Butterscotch Caramel topping is the perfect gluten-free pantry item to make any dessert extra special.

I love the rich, buttery sweetness of the caramel. And if you are a fan of other types of toppings, no problem! All of Mrs. Richardson’s topping are gluten-free. So take your pick and enjoy not only the Butterscotch Caramel, but also Mrs. Richardson’s Hot Fudge, Butterscotch, Strawberry, Chocolate Lovers or the Fat-Free Caramel or Fat-Free Hot Fudge on top of your favorite dessert.

For all of these yummy reasons, this week’s Friday Favorite is awarded to Mrs. Richardson’s toppings. Congratulations!

P.S. Check out my Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cake with Creamy Butterscotch Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting using Mrs. Richardson’s … delicious!

If you have a child in your life that has celiac disease there is a perfect book for gifting this Holiday season: “Mommy, What is Celiac Disease?” by Katie Chalmers.

Explaining celiac disease and the gluten-free diet to kids can be tough. That is why this book is a god-send. This one-of-a-kind book is gracefully & eloquently written by a Mom who has celiac disease. Both the author, Katie Chalmers and her daughter, Morgan, were diagnosed with celiac disease a little over 5 years ago. Since that time they have learned to embrace, and make the best, out of living gluten-free, and they share their experiences and sunny outlook in this kid-friendly book. (Looking for more inspiration? You need to check out Katie’s blog!)

Katie’s book encompasses what celiac disease is and what the gluten free diet requires in language that children can understand, all the while encouraging dialogue for additional questions. A must-have for any child with celiac disease, this book is also a must-read for any elementary school story hour that has child with celiac disease in the classroom… making it also a perfect gift for teachers that they can use year-after-year.

I love that  “Mommy, What Is Celiac Disease?” empathizes the positive, rather than the negative, attributes of a gluten-free diet. However, in no way does this book sugar-coat this disease. Instead “Mommy, What Is Celiac Disease?” puts a positive spin on a serious subject that many children may find difficult to understand and accept.

All these reasons are why I am so very excited that “Mommy, What Is Celiac Disease?” by Katie Chalmers is this WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com.

A total of two (2) BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win a copy of “Mommy, What is Celiac Disease?” One winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, November 25, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST, and another winners will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, November 26 and Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?

Easy?

Reply to this blog and let us know who you would give this book too if you won OR how you look at the sunny side of being gluten-free. (Me? I have met so, so, so many awesome people because of my celiac diagnosis, and I also find myself eating more fruits and vegetables which has resulted in discovering local farmers markets and expanding my own backyard garden).

Good luck, Keep the sunny side up… and as always,

Be Free!

P.S. Want to learn more? Follow Katie on Facebook & Twitter and check out her fabulous blog. Want to buy this book for a Holiday gift? Buy it now on Amazon.com.

Gotta love a bar with a good crunch! And top that crunch off with a burst of fruit and you have yourself a 180 Degree Trail Mix Crunch Bar.

I love that these gluten-free, kosher, 100% vegan and all natural bars have a totally different texture than any other bar I have tried. They have a really crunchy, call it actually crispy, snap that is surprisingly tasty and perfect for breakfast or snack time. 180 Degree Snacks achieves this perfect crispy crunch by oven baking the bars… delicious!

These bars come in two varieties including, Almond Cashew, and my favorite, Cranberry Pomegranate. 180 Degrees also makes other products including Clusters, Nutty Rice Bites and a Trail Mix Crunch.

Congratulations to 180 Degree Snacks for making a perfectly crispy and crunchy gluten-free bar and for being awarded this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com! Cheers!