Be Free For Me Blog

If you are looking for recipes for gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free breads look no further… “The Allergy-Free Cook Bakes Bread” cookbook is here!

Laurie Sadowski, a food enthusiast with celiac disease (who is also a vegan) wrote this cookbook to share her collection of  delicious and tasty bread recipes available for those with celiac disease, dairy allergies, egg allergies, and also a vegan-life style, ADHD and autism.

What I like the most about this cookbook is the variety of bread recipes that are offered. They range from the sweet (Banana-Nut Monkey Bread or Baked Peach Fritters with Lemon Glaze, anyone?), to the savory (the Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia with Shallots & Herbs will be tried the next time I make a big Italian pasta supper), and the comforting & basic (Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Cinnamon-Swirled Sweet Potato Bread and the Olive Oil Biscuits with Roasted Garlic , Rosemary & Hempseed are all delicious!).

I especially like this cookbook because the recipes do not require the use of a bread-maker… which means the recipes can be enjoyed by everyone – no special equipment required.

And for those of you looking to increase your protein and fiber intake or put a healthy spin to your gluten-free and allergen-free bread there are a variety of recipes in this cookbook that include quinoa, flaxseed, sorghum, millet and buckwheat.

This “The Allergy-Free Cook Bakes Bread” Cookbook by Laurie Sadowski is the perfect answer to those that mistakenly believe that they can no longer “eat bread” after being diagnosed with celiac disease and other food allergies.

All of the delicious recipes and tons of useful info regarding gluten-free and allergen-free bread baking (like Dairy free substitutions for milk and butter; nutritional content and calorie comparison of gluten-free flours; and tips and techniques baking gluten, egg and dairy free) are the reasons I am so excited that “The Allergy-Free Cook Bakes Bread” Cookbook is the sponsor of BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday contest for the next two weeks.

One (1) winners will be randomly selected to win a copy of the cookbook  from the entries received before Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, January 4 and Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and let us know your favorite way to enjoy gluten and allergen free bread  (Me? I have a tie! I love gluten-free focaccia dipped into a good quality herbed olive oil OR  hot Banana Bread smothered with melted butter… LOVE!)

Good luck, remember the best thing since sliced bread is gluten and allergen free bread  … and as always.
Be Free!

Note: Want to order this cookbook? Check out this link on Amazon.com: The Allergy-Free Cook Bakes Bread: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free

I love my nachos. My friends come over, any time of year, any time of day (well, almost!) and we make up our nachos. We love our smothered with all the good stuff…. melted Cheese (or a good non-dairy substitute), sliced black olives, jalapeno slices, black beans, guacamole and of course… Salsa. And our favorite salsa? Newman’s Own.

An although Newman’s Own Salsa comes in a variety of flavors – including the basic Mild, Medium and Hot, our favorites are the more off-beat salsa varieties, including Tequila Lime, Black Bean & Corn, Roasted Garlic, Mango, Peach and our all-time favorite Pineapple.

And the best part about these salsas is that they are SO GOOD paired with other foods – as a topping, a marinade and as a dip. An example is using the all-time favorite Pineapple Salsa spooned over a nice char-grilled piece of swordfish topped with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or the Peach Salsa mixed well with a teaspoon or so of apple cider vinegar and used as a marinade for boneless chicken breasts. And a must try is the Black Bean and Corn Salsa over a Western Omelet… out of this world!

These delicious salsas are also gluten-free, dairy free, egg free, peanut / tree nut free, fish / shell fish free and soy bean free. Plus, you can add MSG and sulfite free to the list as well. Check out all of the allergen info on these Newman’s Own Salsa here.

The next two week’s WIN-It-Wednesday prizes on BeFreeForMe are variety packs of three (3) Newman’s Own Salsas! There will be FOUR (Yes… 4!) winners total… 2 each week. Two (2) winners will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST, and two (2) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, December 21 and Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?
Easy!

This week we’re gong to make it easy on you (being the Holiday’s and all)…. Just reply to this blog and tell us what flavor of the Newman’s Own Salsa sounds the best to you. How easy is that!

Good luck, remember to keep the spice in your salsa of life… and as always.
Be Free!

“A man of wisdom delights in water.” ~ Confucius

This quote from Confucius is so absolutely perfect for Ayala’s Herbal Water, the sponsor of  this WIN-it-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com.

Let’s face it. We ALL need to drink more water. Just when we think we’ve drank enough, we realize that a few more ounces will do us more good. But it’s just so darn hard to get excited about plain. old. boring. water.

That’s why I was thrilled to find Ayala’s Herbal Water.

With Ayala I am able to actually delight in water (and hey… according to Confucius that makes me one pretty smart chick!). I truly look forward to deciding what fantastic and exotic flavorful blend I will reach for, which usually depends on my mood.

The water comes in two varieties: still and sparkling. The still waters come in 16-ounce bottles and include six tantalizing flavors: Lemongrass, Mint & Vanilla (my favorite!); Lavender Mint; Lemon Verbena Geranium; Clove Cardamom & Cinnamon; Cinnamon Orange Peel or Ginger Lemon Peel. And then there’s the sparkling waters –  which come in a 25-ounce frosted glass bottles and include three dazzling flavors: Sparkling Ginger Lemon Peel; Sparkling Cinnamon Orange Peel; and Sparkling Lemongrass Mint Vanilla.

These waters are perfect for my afternoon pick-me-ups, when I am winding down at night, or after or before a yoga class or workout. They also pair well with many cuisines of food and make a wonderful zero-calorie cocktail mixer… Lemongrass, Mint and Vanilla Herbal Water with a splash of Vanilla Vodka, anyone? 😉

These waters are uniquely different than other “flavored waters” out there because they are made by actually infusing USDA Organic herbs into pure water. There is nothing artificial in these waters. They also contain no sugar, calories, preservatives and gluten.  Intrigued and digging a little deeper to find out more about these waters, I discovered that they were invented in the home kitchen of founder & creator Dr. Ayala Laufer-Cahana… a pediatrician, artist, lifelong vegetarian and mom of 3.

All these wonderful herbal water flavors and attributes are why I am so excited to have Ayala’s Herbal Waters as this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe. Two lucky winners will win a gift pack of Ayala’s Herbal Waters. One winner will receive a 6-bottle gift pack of the still waters which contains a 16-ounce bottle of each of the six flavors mentioned above. This winner will be selected from all entries received before Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 12 midnight EST. The second winner, which will be chosen from all entries received between November 23, 2011 and November 29, 2011, 12:00 midnight EST, will win a gift pack containing a mixed 3-pack of the 25-ounce Sparkling Ayala’s Herbal Water which contains one each of the Sparkling varieties mentioned above.

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell me what flavor sounds the best to you (and if you want, when you’d enjoy it the most). Me? Lemon Verbena Geranium  for my afternoon pick-me-up when I need to get focused and calm – yet energized.

Make sure you enter twice to win!

Good Luck, do as Confucius say and “delight in water”… and, as always…
Be Free!

Psssst! Want a coupon for Ayala’s Waters? For a limited time, if you sign-up for the Alaya’s newsletter you get a coupon code for $5 OFF your next online purchase!

Want to know where to buy? Check out their retail store locator… and if you can’t find them at the store where you shop… ASK for them!

This WIN-It-Wednesday contest on BeFreeForMe.com is sponsored by one of my favorite cookbook authors, Robert M. Landolphi.

For years, I have been a fan of Chef Rob, his nickname with the gluten-free set. His first cookbook, Gluten Free Every Day Cookbook is a cookbook I tell everyone on a gluten-free diet to buy. It offers up some easy to make adults and kid-friendly gluten-free dishes that are sure to please.

That is why I was so excited when Chef Rob came out with his second gluten-free cookbook, Quick-Fix Gluten Free.

Just like in his first, Rob’s second cookbook offers some new fast and easy recipes that are perfect for a weekday supper with the family (Chubby Chicken Enchiladas; or Crispy Chicken Fingers with Sweet-and-Sour Sauce, anyone?), for a holiday get-together with friends where you want to spend more time with your guests than cooking (Grilled Mojo Pork Tenderloin and Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Candied Walnuts, are just two that I can’t wait to try) or recipes for your ‘sweet side’ (Chocolate-Expresso Cookies, Chocolate & Banana Bread Pudding and even a recipe for Sugar-Glazed Cinnamon Rolls … yum!). This cookbook is packed with tons of recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to please.

All these reasons are why I am SO excited that Chef Rob Landolphi is sponsoring the next two WIN-It-Wednesdays on BeFreeForMe.com. Two winners will win a copy of Robert Landolphi’s new cookbook, Quick-Fix Gluten Free.  One (1) winner will be chosen from all entries received before Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST and another winner will be chosen from all entries received between Wednesday, October 26 and Tuesday November 2, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST. So make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog (make sure you are a BeFreeForMe member if you want to win) and let us know a time saving quick-fix tip or trick that works for you… when shopping, cooking, during housework, at school or work, in the crazy mornings, or in the evenings… anything!  (Me? Lists everywhere keep me on track and on time every day!)

Good luck, remember time is precious… and… as always…
Be Free!

Note: Want to buy Robert Landolphi’s cookbooks? Check out these links on Amazon.com:

Gluten Free Everyday Cookbook

Quick-Fix, Gluten Free Cookbook

It’s Wednesday and time for yet another WIN-It-Wednesday! The sponsor of the next two week’s contest is one of my all time favorite snacks… riceworks Brown rice crisps.. and their newest addition… WILD riceworks – a combo of brown and wild rice.

I know by now many of you have had the opportunity to try riceworks® Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps, but if you haven’t tried them yet – or if you haven’t tried the new Wild riceworks…  you really need to!

The reason why I love these crisps so much is because they are a cross between a chip and a cracker. Crunchy and salty enough to replace potato chips, yet firm enough to handle any dip, hummus or piece of cheese – these crisps are rice – and they work!

They also come in six yummy flavors… Sea Salt, Sweet Chili, Salsa Fresca, Parmesan, Tangy BBQ and the new MUST TRY variety –  Wild riceworks.

The flavors have something for everyone… sweet, savory, and salty. Plus they are gluten-free, all natural, have no preservatives or artificial flavors, no trans fats, plus they are vegan and kosher friendly. They taste sinful… but aren’t!

The new Wild riceworks contain all natural whole grain wild & white rice… and has over 12 grams of whole grains per serving. This newest addition to the riceworks family is almost more flatbread-like than the other ricework varieties, so they are perfect for scooping, spreading and stacking your favorite toppings. They also have had a favorable “two-thumbs-up” review from every person I know that has tried them. I encourage you to give them a try!

And if you haven’t done so yet, check out riceworks page on Facebook. They have a great promotion going where folks can “Confess their snacking sins” and get a $1.00 off coupon for a bag of riceworks.

Another nice thing about riceworks® Brown Rice Crisps is that they work with my busy lifestyle. You can find them almost anywhere – Wal-Mart, Super Target, Costco, BJ’s Wholesale Clubs, Stop & Shop, Shaw’s and Pathmark, to name just some of the locations.

Needless, I was thrilled when the folks at riceworks® asked to sponsor the prize package for the next two week’s WIN-It-Wednesday. Six winners (three each week) will each win a gift pack containing 6 bags – one of each flavor, including the new Wild riceworks. Three (3) winners will be chosen from all entries received before Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST and another three (3) winners will be chosen from all entries received between Wednesday, October 12 and Tuesday October 18, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST. So make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog (make sure you are a BeFreeForMe member if you want to win) and let us know your snacking sins (Me? I confess my candy guiltiness… Gummy Bears and caramels!)

Good luck, remember some things (like riceworks) can be sinful but still good for you, and… as always…

Be Free!

When I saw the bold-lettered name of Joy Bauer’s New York Times Bestseller I shook my head in total agreement.

FOOD CURES.

And nobody knows better than a celiac that food is powerful. Food can make all well.

And food most definitely can cure.

I’ve always been a fan of Joy Bauer, the nutrition expert on the Today Show. Her upbeat ways and good solid layman-termed nutritional advice make her one of my early morning TV favorites. So when she came out with her new book, Food Cures, I was thrilled to check it out and dig right into more of her common sense nutritional advice…. especially the whole section devoted to celiac disease.

Joy’s easily approachable & implementable realistic advice is apparent in the first few pages of her Food Cures book. Her way of looking at eating  – whether it be eating gluten-free because you have celiac disease; eating sugar-free due to diabetes; or just eating healthier in order to feel and look your best – is simple and straightforward. Some basic tips she gives are to limit the word “diet” in your vocabulary, have faith in yourself, keep food in perspective (I agree! Is it really the end of the world that there are no gluten-free desserts on a menu?) and the best advice I think anyone can give… prepare to feel fabulous (words most celiacs understand oh so very well!)

As well as having a whole chapter just designated to celiac disease, Food Cures also has sections that I read beginning-to-end on losing weight, having beautiful skin, healthy hair and a beautiful smile.  Also, in the book are chapters regarding other ailments that can be “cured” by diet including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, migraine headaches, and more.

I also like the way each chapter is segmented with addressing a 4-Step Program to get you going and keep you on track regarding the different health concerns. The chapter on celiac disease explains in great detail the facts & basics about celiac disease, and then includes grocery lists, meal plans and recipes.

All in all Food Cures is a fantastic reference book, but also an easy read to learn more about the power of food, and fueling your body in a healthy, but realistic way.

All these reasons are why I am thrilled that the team over at JoyBauer.com is sponsoring the next two weeks WIN-It-Wednesday’s on BeFreeForMe.com.

Two LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will each win a copy of Food Cures. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winners will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, September 28 and Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog (make sure you are a BeFreeForMe member if you want to win) and let us know a common sense piece of advice when it comes to eating gluten-free, allergen-free, healthy, fat-free, etc… (Me? Plan ahead! Planning keeps the stress level down and the health level of the foods I am eating up!)

Good luck, remember food CAN cure, and… as always…

Be Free!

NOTE: Want to order your own copy of Food Cures? Click on this link to purchase on Amazon.com: Joy Bauer’s Food Cures: Eat Right to Get Healthier, Look Younger, and Add Years to Your Life

Even when I am a little bad – I try to throw in a little goodness too. Kind of like that devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other scenario that often plays out in my mind when I reach out to eat the sweet and sinful.

But as the old saying goes, “the good usually always wins-out in the end” especially rings true when munching an Angell Crisp Candy Bar.

I like the crispy Angell Candy Bars because they make decadent snacking a very, very, very good thing.

At only 170 calories per bar, these USDA organic and Fair-Trade certified,  gluten free & kosher-free crispy candy bars contain no corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. And if that isn’t good enough – 1% of gross sales support environmental charities through 1% for the Planet.

Since I discovered Angell Crisp Candy Bars at a recent tradeshow I’ve been hooked. I have missed crispy candy bars since going gluten free, so Angell Bars were heaven at first bite.

The founders of Angell bars, Christopher and Suzanne Angell are super cool people too. These entrepreneurs-at-heart started their company because they wanted to create a great tasting organic candy bar that was healthier for you and better for the planet.

Christopher and Suzanne also know that it is hard to give up old habits, especially delicious ones, so they decided that instead of giving up candy bars, they’d just create ones that had all of the deliciousness of their old favorites (maybe even a little bit extra) but none of the guilt (or gluten in the Crispy Bars!).

And take my word for it that they have met their heaven sent dream… made with real chocolate and great organic ingredients, Angell bars are naturally good and divinely delicious!

Guilty goodness is the reason why I am so very excited this week’s BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday is sponsored by Angell Bars… and JUST in time for back to school snacking!

Four (yes 4!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will each win a gift-pack of Angell Crisp Candy Bars. Two (2) winners will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST, and two (2) more winners will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog (make sure you are a BeFreeForMe member if you want to win) and let us know how you (or your kids) can be a little devil or a little angel… or both!  (Me? I’m a little devilish when I sneak healthy ingredients such as flax seed into my baked goods… I am so sneaky!)

Good luck, remember to be that angel, but keep that sassy devilish side and… as always…

Be Free!

NOTE: Want to order your own Angell Crispy Candy bars? Click on this link to purchase them on Amazon.com Angell Crisp Organic Candy Bar 12-Pack

This week’s WIN-It-Wednesday is one of my go-to, quick & healthy snacks on the run  …  Vermont Smoke and Cure RealSticks. These snacking sticks, that need no refrigeration, are made with naturally grown meats without antibiotics or added hormones, and also contain NO preservatives or nitrates.

With 50% less fat and 45% less salt than the “Slim” convenient store snack stick (and please? How ironic is it that the word “Slim” is even in the name?) you can feel good about eating RealSticks.

RealSticks have been a favorite snack of mine for awhile. But I’m not the only one raving about this healthy snack… just a couple of weeks ago RealSticks were listed on Yahoo’s “13 Healthiest Snacks”.

Slim Jim vs. RealSticks? No question about it… RealSticks has it ALL… fantastic real flavor from natural spices, naturally grown meats without antibiotics or added hormones, and also NO preservatives or nitrates. PLUS… they are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and MSG-free!

My favorite is the BBQ RealStick that offers just the right amount of sweetness with a touch of hot pepper heat. But the Cracked Pepper RealSticks are equally as good, delivering a big, peppery flavor. Both are seasoned with real spices and contain no preservatives or nitrates.

All these reasons are why I was thrilled when Vermont Smoke and Cure contacted me about being the sponsor of  the next two week’s  WIN-It-Wednesdays on BeFreeForMe.com!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what you do to keep things “real” in your world (spending time with your kids, day-trips with your sweetie, gardens, daily exercise… you name it… anything goes!)

A total of TWO (Yes… 2!)  BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win a RealStick Sampler, packed with 12 RealSticks (6 Barbeque and 6 Cracked Pepper). One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

Good luck, Keep it real… and as always,
Be Free!

Savings Alert! ORDER NOW AND SAVE! Want to order Vermont Smoke & Cure products? Then take advantage of 10% OFF ALL ORDERS until 09/30/11 by using coupon code GF11 and discover RealSticks for yourself. This offer is good for ALL products on the Vermont Smoke and Cure website… so also make sure to check out their summer sausage, smoked pepperoni (delicious!), and also the ham and bacon.

Oh how I miss my Asian foods. Dumplings, Crispy Spring Rolls, Mu-Shu Pork, Potstickers, Kung Pao Chicken and more. Since going gluten-free my take-out orders at my local Chinese restaurant have been bland. At best.

“Steamed Chicken and Veggies, please”,  I say with a forced fake smile while ordering my Chinese take-out each week… or should I say Chinese fake-out each week. Come on… really? Who am I kidding? I really, really miss good Chinese and other Asian dishes with all of the flavorful sauces and ingredients that add a burst of flavor and element of surprise.

This is why my fake smile was replaced with a real-life, honest-to-goodness,  ear-to-ear smile when I received an advanced copy of the new cookbook, “The Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen – Recipes for Noodles, Dumplings, Sauces, & More” by Laura B. Russell. Talk about good fortune!

This cookbook is a keeper. As soon as I received it I immediately started reading each and every page oohhing and aahhing over each recipe and every scrumptious photograph. By the time I was at the last recipe – I had tabbed over 2 dozen recipes to make myself.

It’s no ancient Chinese secret that Chinese food, as well as Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese can be jammed packed with gluten and dairy containing ingredients. However, Laura B. Russell does an excellent job of demystifying the most common ingredients used in Asian cooking, as well as supplying tips and tricks to navigate the grocery store; helping find replacements for gluten and dairy ingredients; and ultimately assisting celiacs and dairy-free folks the chance to enjoy Asian cuisine once again.

All these delicious reasons and recipes are why I am thrilled that this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com is sponsored by Laura B. Russell – the author of  “The Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen – Recipes for Noodles, Dumplings, Sauces, & More”.

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Asian dish (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai or Vietnamese) you miss the most since going gluten and/or dairy free. (Me? Potstickers!)

A total of FOUR (Yes… 4!)  BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win the “The Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen – Recipes for Noodles, Dumplings, Sauces, & More” Cookbook. Two (2) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST, and two (2) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, August 17 and Tuesday, August  23, 2011 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

Good luck, believe in good fortune… and as always,
Be Free!

Savings Alert! ORDER NOW AND SAVE! Pre-order your copy of “The Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen Cookbook” prior to the title being released on 08/23/11 and SAVE! Amazon.com is now offering this cookbook for only $14.50 which is 37% OFF!  Here is the link to order: The Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen: Recipes for Noodles, Dumplings, Sauces, and More

The summer is here, the gardens are giving us plenty and we are all looking for some tasty and delicious gluten-free recipes to use up the excess tomatoes, squashes, peppers and herbs that are bursting out of the garden gates.

That’s why I was so excited when I received a copy of Carol Fenster’s new cookbook, 125 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes: Quick and Delicious Mouthwatering Dishes for the Healthy Cook along with 2 extra copies to be awarded to two lucky BeFreeForMe members for this WIN-It-Wednesday.

Before I tell you about the cookbook, let me tell you about Carol Fenster, the author of this and many other gluten-free cookbooks that are a life-line in my kitchen. Carol is one of the foremost experts on gluten-free cooking and the author of several popular gluten-free cookbooks including: Gluten-Free Quick & Easy, 1000 Gluten-Free Recipes, Gluten-Free 101, and 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes. Carol also consults worldwide and speaks frequently at national conferences. Carol Fenster is one-of-a-kind. I only wish I had her talent and culinary expertise. (Note: Make sure you follow Carol on her blog CarolFensterCooks.com)

Now…let me tell you a little about this cookbook, the prize that two lucky BeFreeForMe winners will claim after this WIN-It-Wednesday contest ends. 125 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes: Quick and Delicious Mouthwatering Dishes for the Healthy Cook Cookbook will be a staple for anyone that is following a gluten-free and a vegetarian lifestyles. I personally am not a “full-time” vegetarian, but understand the importance and strive to make vegetables, fruits, gluten-free grains and tofu the “main course” of many of the meals that I make for myself and my family.

I figure if I can make more meals with vegetables without missing meat AND the meals taste delicious… why not? This cookbook has given me tons of ideas and recipes to get me on this track of healthy eating. (Smothered Bean Burrito with Green Chili Salsa or Old-Fashioned Vegetable Pot Pie with Savory Pastry Crust, anyone?)

All these delicious reasons and recipes are why I am thrilled that this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com is sponsored by Carol Fenster – the author of “125 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes”.

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what vegetable you’d like to discover more recipes for. (Me? Eggplants. I love them… but sometimes, I’m not sure what to do with them besides the basic Parmesan.)

A total of TWO BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win the “125 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes” Cookbook. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 27, 2011 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

Good luck, remember to eat your veggies… and as always,
Be Free!