Be Free For Me Blog

I’ve been told by many that cooking gluten and allergen free is boring and bland. For those of you in this vanilla-frame-of-mind, I invite you to give Didi Davis Foods Blended Finishing Salts a shake. 

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

I love using natural sea salt on my foods, because of it’s 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. 

Didi Davis’ finishing salts can work wonders on any dish. One small sprinkle can craft even the most novice cook into a gourmet chef.  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, which is great on oven poached salmon; 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; Aleppo Chile Salt, to flavor for chili and tacos, and Smoked Spicy Paprika Salt, great over smoked beef and charcoal grilled burgers.

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

Two (Yes 2!) 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 Green Bean Almondine, or the Aleppo Chile Salt in Bloody Marys!). All entries must be received by Tuesday, April 13th at 12:00 midnight EST.  

Good Luck, remember to add lots of spice into your lives (and cooking!), and, as always…

Be Free!

Let’s get down to the basics. Peanut butter is good, and it’s good for you – but it has way too many calories and fat for a gal like me to eat every day.

That’s why I am more than thrilled to have found a new and improved alternative… Better N’ Peanut Butter.

Better N’ Peanut Butter is gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no cholesterol or trans or saturated fats.

Better yet … it has 85% less fat and 40% less calories than regular peanut butter.

The three varieties that Better N’ Peanut Butter comes in is: Original (with less than 3 grams of fat per serving vs. regular peanut butter that has 16 grams of fat), Low-Sodium (with 95 mg of sodium per serving), and Chocolate (a unique rich & creamy blend of chocolate & peanut butter that, believe it or not,  still has 85% less fat and 40% fewer calories than regular peanut butter! Yummy!)

Better N’ Peanut Butter is just what a gluten-free gal like me needs, especially when bathing suit season is just a few short months away.

Any way you spread it, Better N’ Peanut Butter is just plain better.

That is why I am happy to report that Better N’ Peanut Butter is this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe. Two (yes 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will win a variety pack of Better N’ Peanut Butters (one of each flavor).

How can you win?

Easy?

Reply to this blog and tell us how you stick to staying in shape (I am really looking forward to seeing these answers!) and/or your favorite way to enjoy peanut butter. (Me? I try to hit the treadmill every day while I watch Dr. Oz to pick-up a few pointers on staying well, and I love my peanut butter on gluten-free toast).

All entries must be received by Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 12 midnight EST.

Good Luck, Learn from peanut butter and stick with it… and, as always…

Be Free!

When I was younger my Mom served applesauce all the time. We would have it for breakfast on top of oatmeal, at lunch for a side with our sandwiches, and of course served with pork chops … which had me and my sisters imitating Peter Brady, a la Humphrey Bogart, by repeating “porkchopppps and apple sauuuuuce” continuously throughout the dinner hour.

Oh the memories…. (and the patience my Mom and Dad must have had!)

I hadn’t thought much about apple sauce until I was recently introduced to Pastor Chuck’s Organic Apple Specialties. They makes delicious products made from Maine-grown, organic apples. All of their products have no preservatives or pesticides. Plus they are gluten and allergen free.

Pastor Chuck’s products are not just perfect for kids, but also for all of us adults that are looking for healthy and organic choices.

That is why I was thrilled when Pastor Chuck’s Organic Maine Apple Specialties decided to be the sponsor of BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday this week. Two (Yes 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will win a gift pack of Pastor Chuck products!

The first gift packs includes three jars of the Apple Butters, which are fantastic non-dairy alternatives to spread over gluten-free bagels, instead of butter or jam. The second gift pack includes a jar of the apple butter, a jar of the applesauce, and a jar of the Apple Salsa (Yes Salsa!) which is so versatile. I love to use the apple salsa over grilled meats, with baked brie, and as a dip for gluten-free crackers and fruits.  It is uniquely delicious!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us your favorite TV show when you were a kid and your favorite character in that show (Me? I loved the Brady Bunch, and my favorites were Peter and Jan… since they were both middle children like me!)

Good Luck, Pork Chops and Apple Sauce forever… and as always,

Be Free!

Remember Stuffed Shells, Cheese Tortellini, Pirogues and Raviolis? If these are the type of cravings you are dreaming about on your gluten-free diet than check out Conte’s Pasta… this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com.

Conte’s Pasta Company is a family run business that makes phenomenal Italian specialties the old fashioned traditional way. Since 2007 they have offered a selection of gluten-free choices to their product line, including gluten-free raviolis, stuffed shells, lasagna, spaghetti & meatballs and gnocchi. I have tried them all and they are remarkable!

Conte’s makes traditional Italian meals like I remember.

I am so thrilled that Conte’s Pasta Company is this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor!
Two (Yes 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will win a goodie box full of an assortment of Conte’s gluten-free pasta.

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what family traditions you had/have. (Me? Dad’s Flourless Chocolate Cake for birthdays; fish & chips from Bessie’s Seafood; summer clam bakes on Cape Cod; and long walks with the extended family after big holiday dinners).

All entries must be received by Tuesday, 03/23/10 at 12 midnight EST. 

Good Luck, Keep those traditions going…. And as always,

Be Free!

Sometimes I crave a salty snack that is reminiscent of the days before I went gluten free. The type of snack that reminds me of when I was a kid, and I would sit around with my sisters and share a big bag of snacks until all that was left was a bunch of crumbs.

That is why I was excited when Michael Season’s sent me a big box full of snacks that were not only gluten-free, but also a healthier version of the treats from yesteryear.

Michael Season’s has developed what I call “The Cheese Curl for the Big Girl”… a delicious gluten-free cheese curl with at least 50% less fat than the leading brand-name. They have even developed “adult” flavors for their cheese curls, including Hot Chili Pepper Curls and Jalapeno Puffs, along with the traditional childhood favorites, Cheddar Cheese Curls or Puffs. There are also no artificial colors in any of the Michael Season’s products so you can eats these curls and puffs san the construction-zone cone orange fingers. Definitely a plus.

Other favorite Michael Season’s products are the Thin Potato Crisps, which are also casein-free, as well as gluten-free. Sporting 70% less fat than regular potato chips, these chips add just the perfect crunch to any lunch. Guilt-free.

Michael Season’s products are all natural, and contain no preservatives, artificial flavors or MSG.   They use the highest quality ingredients and seasonings; and has gluten-free testing done on their products. Feel good snacking at its best!

All these reasons are why I am so excited that Michael Season’s is this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor. Two (Yes, 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will win a Michael Season’s reusable shopping bag packed with the Michael Season’s products of your choice.

How can you WIN?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what childhood memories you have that make you feel good. (Me? Blueberry picking with my Mom & sisters, along with my summers on Cape Cod). All entries must be received by Tuesday, March 16th at 12:00 Midnight EST.

Good Luck, Hold close your childhood memories… and as always,

Be Free!

After having numerous BeFreeForMe.com members send us email raving about Moondance Gluten-free Desserts, I just had to give them a try myself. I just wish all these members had also told me that these desserts are very difficult to stop eating after just one slice!

Made in a gluten-free facility by Shelley Ritchie, who was diagnosed with a wheat and gluten allergy several years ago, this gal knows how to bake! After not being able to find a truly decadent gluten-free dessert and with her frustrations building, Shelley decided to perfect her own recipes into a magical gluten-free line of products.

Moondance products will bring you to the moon and back again.

Some of the products offered in the Moondance line are Chewy Fudge, Walnut or Buttery Brownies; or the Moondance Cheesecakes, some of the flavors include the Classic Cheesecake, Raspberry Ribbon Cheesecake or my favorite the Butter Toffee Cheesecake (made with handmade butter toffee crumbles – YUM!). All of the cheesecakes are made with a shortbread pecan crust.

Watch out Cheesecake Factory!

Prepare yourself by unbuckling your belt and re-adjust it a few notches, and enter to win this week’s BeFreeForMe’s Win-It-Wednesday sponsored by the amazingly decadent Moondance Heavenly Desserts. Two (Yes 2!) Lucky BeFreeForMe members will win a dozen chewy, fudgy brownies (6 of the fudge & 6 of the walnut).

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what is so heavenly in your life that it brings you to the moon… and back again! (Me? Finding new gluten/allergen free products that are yummy and star gazing with the guy I love on clear crisp evenings).

All entries must be received by Tuesday, March 9th at 12 midnight EST.

Good Luck, Take note of the magical things in your life… and as always,

Be Free!

These cookies are to die for. Soft & sweet just like a cookie should be. 

For Jackie Home Baked Cookies are packed with chocolate and coconut. The reason why I love these cookies so much is that they are a cross between two of my all time favorite cookies: Chocolate Chip and Macaroons. Appropriately named “More than a Macaroon” they are the perfect combination of nutty coconut and sweet chocolate. Perfection!

These cookies are also extra special because they are made by a Mom & Dad on a quest to make the best cookie possible for their daughter, Jackie, who was diagnosed with celiac disease several years ago. These parents started baking up all of their favorite recipes gluten-free to adapt to their daughters new lifestyle, when they stumbled upon what they describe as “… the creation of a caramelized, coconut confection that tasted like nothing we had ever had. It took macaroons to new heights and was a true decadent experience.” 

And decadent these cookies are. Just one and you will be hooked – so beware. Don’t say that I didn’t caution you. Also, I am warning you that gluten-eaters will love these too. So determine your hiding place for these cookies before you bring them into your home.

These decadent clusters of sheer joy are this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor. Two (yes 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will win a double-pack of For Jackie Cookies.

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 why you, your family or even your life in general can be a little nutty, or a little sweet… or both!  (Me? I’m a little nutty because I actually like taking walks in the rain, and I can be sweet when I take my incredible boxer, Sadie, for 2 walks a day… instead of just one).

All entries must be received by Tuesday, March 2, 2010 by 12 midnight EST.

Good luck, Be slightly nutty, Constantly sweet, and as always…

Be Free!

HappyBaby makes premium organic meals (many of which are gluten and allergen-free) for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and young kids.  Their mission is to provide babies and young children the healthiest start in life with whole organic foods.

And what parent wouldn’t be happy by giving their kids tasty, convenient and healthy meals?

HappyBaby makes tons of products that are gluten, dairy, egg, nut, fish and soy free for those of us worried about gluten and food allergens. Some of the products they offer are Stage 1, 2 and 3 meals & Brown Rice cereal for babies; snacks for babies and toddlers, and healthy kids meals.

I met the team from HappyBaby this past fall at a tradeshow here in Boston. Their upbeat attitude, love for their products and passion for everything their company stands for and represents shined in each and every one of them.

Plus the HappyBaby products are not only good for your family’s health, but they are also socially responsible too. With every package you purchase, HealthyBaby donates to Project Peanut Butter whose mission is to help feed hungry children and create sustainable local production of foods for these children.

The HappyBaby website also has some fantastic information regarding nutritional and exercise advice, what to expect when the baby arrives and more, for all of you HappyMamas.

All of these reasons make me so happy that HappyBaby is BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor this week!

One lucky BeFreeForMe winner will win a huge prize pack full of tasty and fun HappyBaby products and giveaways… Including:

– 1 case of product (winner’s choice!)
– The book  “The Organic Guide to Baby’s First 24 months” by Robert W. Sears, MD and Amy Marlow, MPH, RD & CDN
– Eric Carle Growth Chart (compliments of HappyBaby’s marketing partner YoBaby)
– FAQ Booklet on Probiotics & DHA
– Infant and toddler Nutrition Guide
– HAPPYFAMILY packet of Recipes

How can you win?

Easy!

Just reply to this blog and tell us why your family (or family-to-be if you’re expecting) makes you happy! (Me? My family is notorious for randomly dancing & happily singing around the house for no reason at all!)

All entries must be received by Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 12 Midnight EST.

Good luck, be happy, dance & sing for no reason at all… and as always…

Be Free!

I am so very glad to announce that this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor is Gift of Nature Certified Gluten-Free Oatmeal and baking mixes!

Gift of Nature’s goal is to provide the best certified gluten-free oats, flours and baking mixes available. Gift of Nature keeps things real healthy too by using nutritious whole grain brown rice and bean flours in their mixes – not the typical white rice flour and starch which offer little nutritional value. Gift of Nature’s products also contain unrefined sweeteners, and all natural ingredients. And if you want to try something new, check out their mixes using Montina Pure Flour, which is high in Fiber, Protein, and Iron.

Gift of Nature is offering two (Yes 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members a “Gift (of Nature) pack” containing the following items:

Old Fashioned Oats* (44-ounce package): Great for a hot cereal in the morning or for baking! Oatmeal Cookies anyone?

Buttermilk Biscuit Mix: Think Bisquick for the gluten-free set! Use this versatile multipurpose baking mix to make fluffy biscuits, coffee cake, dumplings, and anything you use to make with Bisquick! Yahoooo!

French Bread and Pizza Mix: Enough to make a crusty loaf of French bread or 2 large pizza crusts. Gluten free yeast packet included.

Cranberry Orange Muffin Mix: Made with gluten-free grains, including Montina. Great for breakfast or mid-afternoon snack.

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what gift(s) nature gives to you. (Me? New England winter days that are getting longer as they pass… a promise that springtime is coming soon!)

All entries must be received by Tuesday, February 16 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Good luck, Be thankful of nature’s gifts… and as always,

Be Free!

* Please note that those on a gluten-free diet should check with their doctors before consuming even moderate amounts of certfied gluten-free oats.

This week’s WIN-It-Wednesday’s sponsor is Little Bay Baking Company, a company that was started with one simple idea – to produce a gluten-free & casein-free line of products that provide celiacs and others with a gluten or wheat intolerance with foods that “taste like you remember”.

Plus, all of the Little Bay Baking items are also lactose, peanut and nut free too.

The Founder of Little Bay Baking, Helen Sanders, is on a gluten-free diet herself, and understands the challenges of living with food allergies and intolerances. Over the past 30 years Helen has reinvented her family’s favorite baking recipes into gluten and casein free versions so that her whole family, as well as celiacs everywhere can enjoy them.

Some of my favorite baking mixes from Little Bay Baking are the awesome corn bread mix that goes perfect with my homemade chili, and the donut-hole mix that is as good as your local donut-shops when sprinkled with cinnamon & sugar!

The Little Bay Baking Mixes have also been awarded the Celiac Sprue Association Seal of Recognition. The mixes are now available in over 100 stores including Whole Foods and on line at www.littlebaybaking.com. They offer monthly specials (this month the special is 15% off the Yellow Cake Mix) and free shipping on all orders over $30. 

And for those of you that like to cook from scratch, Little Bay also is an authorized distributor of Expandex modified tapioca starch.

For this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday, Little Bay Baking is offering TWO (Yes… 2!) lucky BeFreeForMe members a “Get Acquainted Package” of baking mixes. This sampler includes 1 bag each of Pumpkin Bread, Waffle/Donut, Corn Bread, Yellow Cake, Cookie Bar and All Purpose Breakfast Mixes.

How can you win?!

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what your favorite gluten-free, nut-free, casein-free, etc. family recipe/meals/treats are… (Mine? Pesto… on anything… chicken, pasta, you name it!)

Entries must be received by Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 12:00 Midnight – EST.

Good luck, Here’s to the favorites… and as always,

Be Free!