Astoria Mills gluten free mixes...

Morning all. Several months back I had received all seven of Astoria Mills unique Baking Mixes from Trina Astor-Stewart the owner of the company. With all the moving around in my kitchen this past year they somehow got pushed to the back of the cupboard and sadly forgotten :(  I am so glad I decided to do some rearranging last night out of boredom, as nothing good was on the TV,  and I found them hidden in the back.

This is one company's products that I was very anxious to try as their selection of mixes can make everything from cakes, cookies, breads, pierogies and pasta, to pancakes, and everything in between. Downsizing in the home has its advantages, but not in this case. It was my family that was missing out on this treat.

Trina and her husband started the company out of need, as many companies do. Her husband was diagnosed with Celiac disease, and the need to eat gluten free became a necessity. Later Trina herself was diagnosed with the disease.

Trina was raised on good Southern cooking so it was important to her that in converting to a gluten free lifestyle, that not only did taste have to be the number #1 priority, but that it was equally important that  her mixes needed to perform well. They also had to have  good nutritional value, something many other gluten free mixes on the market are missing.

Today I will be posting a few of my favorites recipes using Astoria Mills Mix #3 which is their Fine Flour mix. I will be using a brownie recipe from my collection I have accumulated over the years, and a basic homemade recipe for pancakes I found in one of my cookbooks, both using mix #3 as the flour in these recipes. Trina has many other recipes posted on her blog, as well as video's to explain using the various mixes, but today we will focus on Mix #3 using my own personal recipes. You can also find a e-book on her site with hundreds of recipes using the Astoria mixes which she has personally tested.

The mix we will be using for these recipes is  free from gluten, wheat, milk, lactose, casein, soy, bean/pea, sesame, tree nut, peanut, and sulphites. (It is processed in a facility which also processed soy). I wasn't sure if this was the mix I was suppose to to use for my brownies, but since the package says this particular mix can be used to make Tortes, Fine cakes, Crepes, Crackers, breads, biscuits, fresh pasta, pierogies, and phyllo dough, I decided to give it a try.

I know it seems like I am always posting brownie recipes on the site, but please bear with me...Brownies are a all time favorite in this house, and it is one of the easiest desserts to make in a hurry. Pancakes are easy to make and quite filling and I needed breakfast FAST!. If you have the dry ingredients pre mixed and on hand they are also quick! They are great for those lazy weekends when most everyone is home.

So with this said, I will post both recipes for your enjoyment. I must say that these brownies are the first to actually get that thin crispy top like those of wheat laden brownies. The texture was light and moist with just a hint of fluffiness. Delish!!!

The pancakes rose to perfection and were moist and filling. Mix #3 met all my expectations and then some. I will definitely keep this mix on hand for these two particular recipes in the future. My only regret is that I didn't try this mix sooner!

Have a great day....and make it wheat free!
Sharon

 Pancake recipe:

1 cup Astoria Mills mix #3
1 T granulated sugar
3 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon Xanthan gum
1 - 1 1/4 cups milk (mix to your liking to make pourable)
2 T vegetable oil
1 large egg

Mix all dry ingredients together thoroughly. Add liquid ingredients and mix until batter is smooth. Drop by 1/4 cup measurements on a pre heated, well oiled griddle or skillet. Turn when bubbles start to form on outside edge. Cook until done.

Brownies:                                                                                                                    

3/4 C Astoria mills mix #3
3/4 teaspoon Xanthan gum
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine (I used margarine)
2 T water
1 package 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9 inch square baking dish.
In a small bowl mix together the flour, xanthan gum, and baking soda.

In a small pan combine the sugar, butter, and water. Bring just to a boil over medium heat, remove immediately.

Stir in just 1 cup of the chocolate chips and the vanilla extract, stirring until the chocolate chips are melted, and mixture is smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and cool until just barely warm. Stir the eggs into this mixture one at a time, beating well with a pastry whisk. Gradually stir in the flour mixture and blend until the mixture is smooth, and there are no lumps.

Stir remaining chocolate chips and nuts into the batter and pour into the prepared pan.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place pan on a cooling rack to  cool completely, then cut into squares.

* Note: I used a glass 9x9 pan and baked the full 35 minutes.
 

Irish Jello Salad...

Since I am part Irish and tomorrow is Saint Paddy's day, I thought I would share my favorite salad with you. It's quick, simple, and delicious. Hope you enjoy!!!

Ingredients: 2 packages lime Jello (3 oz.) 1 can crushed pineapple (small) 1 pkg. cream cheese, (8 oz.) 1/4 cup walnuts 1 c. shredded cabbage Just a pinch of salt Dissolve Jello in 2 cups of boiling water, then add 1 1/2 c. cold water. In a separate bowl mix the cream cheese and pineapple together.  Add cabbage and pinch of salt. Stir well and add nuts. Fold in jello mixture and refrigerate until set.   Make it a wheat free day! Sharon

EARTHPASTE..by Redmond Trading Brands...

Today I tried EARTHPASTE, a all natural tooth paste from Redmond Trading Brands. I had initially contacted the company with a interest in their Real Salt product, and they were kind enough to send me several of their other products to sample as well. I have used this tooth paste the past several days now, and I have to tell you that my mouth has never felt fresher!

Each ingredient comes from the earth, and EARTHPASTE comes in its natural color, the way it should be, with NO artificial colorings. This paste delivers all the benefits that you expect from a tooth paste with none of the added chemicals, unnatural additives, or fluorides. I really like the fact that it is safe for my young grandchildren in case they should swallow it, or kids of all ages :)

I received their Lemon Twist, and Wintergreen flavors to sample and review, and have enjoyed both. I have to say though that my favorite was the Lemon Twist. I liked the fact that I didn't have all that "FOAM" in my mouth that usually makes me gag when brushing my teeth from my regular tooth paste. The Lemon Twist left my breath fresh, with a soft lemon taste following the brushing.

The company offers four flavors. Cinnamon, Lemon Twist, Peppermint, and Wintergreen. Although the Wintergreen also has a great taste, I personally prefer the Lemon Twist. The ingredients list is simple and yet beneficial.

Lemon Twist:
Purified water, Food Grade Redmond Clay, Xylitol, Real Salt, Lemon Essential Oil, Lemon Verbana Essential Oil, Tangerine Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil.

Wintergreen:
Purified Water, Food Grade Redmond Clay, Xylitol, Wintergreen Essential Oil, Menthol, Redmond Real Salt, Tea Tree Oil

Each come in a 4oz tube and sell for just $7.99. I would recommend this toothpaste highly as it is all natural, and safe for all ages. You can find all the flavors and information about other products they offer at  http://www.redmondinc.com/our-brands/for-your-body/

Until next time...Have a great wheat free day!
Sharon

Taste Of Gluten Free's Chocolate Chip Cookies mix...

I am expecting company tomorrow and as usual when I should be vacuuming, dusting, and all the other things that need done when you are expecting guests,.... I decided to bake cookies....I bake when I get stressed!!

Everyone seems to love the all time favorite chocolate chip, and since Taste Of Gluten Free was kind enough to send me their Chocolate Chip Cookie mix to sample and review,  what better time to give them a try.

I have to admit that at the present I am about half way through the baking and I have already sampled 3 cookies, one from each batch as they come out of the oven. Couldn't help myself! These taste so much like the the Nestle Toll House recipe that it is hard to tell they are gluten free!

The recipe calls for butter, but being the brave baker that I am I decided to opt for margarine. I feel sometimes that butter in a recipe takes away from the other flavors I want impacted. Definitely margarine cannot be substituted for butter in all recipes, but I found that substituting it in this particular mix worked well for me.

The cookies rose to perfection and the smell in the house was quite fragrant. I have tried making gluten free chocolate chip cookies before from scratch, but find that this mix saved me allot of time, money, and stress.

The last batch is in the oven as I write, and I find that I will have 5 dozen cookies from this mix as I must have made them a little smaller than normal. Their home site says the mix will make about 3 dozen. They were quite easy to make and definitely delicious. You just add butter, (or margarine...I used Country Crock), 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. The chips are not in the mix so you will have to add your own, but that is okay with me as I can add a few extra for a more chocolate taste. The more the merrier!!! (Check out Costco's in your area for huge bags of Nestle Chips, at HUGE savings)

Taste Of Gluten Free products are made in the USA in Georgia. Their mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to their customers at the lowest prices possible. They are commitment to customer service by offering the best & easiest do it yourself mixes for you to create great tasting fresh baked bread and goodies. All products on their site cost $6.00, whether bread, cookie, pizza crust, or cake mixes. It would me cost that much to buy all the fours separately, and I believe I still wouldn't come up with as good of a cookie as this.

You can purchase their mixes at http://www.TasteOfGlutenFree.net They accept Visa, MasterCard, as well as Discover for purchases. They also offer a 100% guarantee or your money back, although I am sure you will definitely be satisfied with this mix! Delivery is 3-5 days after the item is shipped from their facilities.

I loved this mix and the flavor of the cookies so much I am off to have another :)

Have a great wheat free day.
Sharon

2Brothers2Sisters Pizza Crust

Hi all. I have just returned from a hectic but enjoyable week with family in Pennsylvania. I am now trying to recuperate from all the driving and running around. Being somewhat in a regrouping mode, last night I decided on a early Pizza night...

2Brothers2Sisters had sent me several of their pizza crusts to try so I already had most of the work done for me. Not much in the house to work with as I had decided to wait until my return home before buying groceries, but I did have my standard staples of pizza sauce and grated cheese on hand as I always do.

I topped the crusts and popped them into the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Before I begin to tell you about the results, first let me tell you about the crusts themselves. They look just like those in your favorite pizza parlor. Each is hand made and comes with their own cardboard crisper, and metal baking tray for easy convenience. Quick and easy.....now on to the taste.

I know I have ranted and raved before about other pizza crusts I have tried, but this really was a superb crust. It has great texture as well as flavor. It held up wonderfully to the sauce and cheese, and has the superb ability to bend, which I am sure would almost guarantee it could stand up to any amount of toppings you would add!

There are several topping ideas on their site to try which I will do in the future, when my cupboards are better stocked. The company is run...you guessed it...by 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Mara, Michael, David and Marissa. I spoke personally with Maura and she was very informative about the company and product. The nicest thing about the company is that they basically started not to make money, but to help people by making a delicious desirable product for those in need with allergy restrictions to wheat, nuts, and dairy.

You can order their crusts from their home site at http://www.2brothers2sisters.com  I can't say enough good things about this company. They are polite, delivery was prompt, and the crusts just plain delicious, and are a "must try".

The crusts come in 3 pack, or a 8 pack, for convenience. I hope you stop by their site and check them out. Tell them Sharon from Wheat Free Living & Me sent ya!

As always...Have a blessed wheat free day!
Sharon

Easy gluten free Mini Tex Meatloafs...

Yesterday I was going through my cookbooks wondering what to make for dinner. We hadn't had meat loaf for quite sometime, but all the recipes I have used in the past called for bread crumbs, or mashed crackers....What is a girl to do, as I didn't have either on hand. Then I suddenly had the luck of the Irish! I guess maybe that's because I am part Irish :) , but  I came across a cookbook  I had bought at a yard sale last year on a lazy summer day."Incredibly Easy" are the first words on the cover. It is a cookbook using Reynolds wrap for easy cleanup. I didn't have to go far, page 16 to be exact, and there right before my eyes was a recipe for mini Tex meatloaves! The recipe calls for tortilla chips instead of bread crumbs or crushed crackers, so I was all set as I always have these on hand.

These were not only quick and easy to make, but the clean up was definitely " Incredibly Easy" just like the book stated it would be. Going gluten free definitely has been a adventure over this past year, and I must admit it never actually occurred to me to substitute  tortilla chips in meatloaf, or that it would be so tasty.

All I had to do was whip up some gluten free instant potatoes, ( I said I like easy ) as the  vegetable is included in the recipe. These didn't last long once I set them on the table, and I am sure this recipe will become a regular favorite.

Ingredients:
I have included brand names of products I used solely for the sake of those just starting out on a gluten free adventure.

4 sheets of (12x 18 inches ea) Reynolds Wrap Release Non Stick foil

1 pound extra lean ground beef
1/4 cup finely crushed tortilla chips   (Tostitos restaurant style)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons chili powder   (regular Mc Cormick)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce   (Heinz)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt   (Meijer brand)
3/4 cup BBQ sauce, divided   (Heinz original)
1 can 15 1/4 oz whole corn   (Delmonte)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Combine the lean ground beef, crushed tortilla chips, onion, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce in a mixing bowl and mix. Shape into four meat loaves, flattening each slightly.

Place a meat loaf in the center of each one of the  Reynolds sheets, with the dull side of the foil facing up. Dividing corn into equal amounts and top each loaf. Spoon the remaining BBQ sauce over the meatloaves and corn.

Bring up the foil sides. Double fold top and ends to seal each packet.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes on a cookie sheet in the preheated oven

This makes 4 individual servings.

Hope you enjoy!
Happy wheat free week...

Sharon
 

Venice Bakery Gluten Free Pizza Crusts....

The other day I got a nice variety of gluten free pizza crusts and flat breads sent to me from Venice Bakery. As soon as my husband saw the package he immediately wanted pizza for dinner. He's Italian, remember! We had planned to go out to dinner and I really had had a rough day and was tired, so  this was definitely okay with me. How hard is it to make pizza when the crust has already been prepared, right? This way I could relax on my sofa and enjoy some down time :)

Since I always have a stock of home made gluten free pizza sauce on hand, and grated cheeses, I had it tossed together in no time at all. With the pizza in the oven, I tossed together a quick salad, and dinner was served in record time.

I screwed up just a little because I did not put olive oil on the first crust,  so the crust was a little moister than it should have been. So with this in mind I recommend you do what the instructions say, and lightly coat with olive oil, then put on your goodies.

It also states to bake directly on center rack. I was afraid the cheese would drip onto the ovens heating elements and so I had placed it on a pizza pan. I believe this made a difference also. Anyway, it was still delicious, and I didn't hear any complaints from my husband...I had used their crust with the Italian seasonings added in, and the taste was sooooo good. I loved the flavor the added seasonings brought to the crust.

The second pizza I made was their regular Vegan gluten free pizza crust, and this time I followed the directions to the letter. I brushed the crust with olive oil, and baked it on parchment paper laid directly on the rack. This produced a less moist crust and was just as tasty as the first, just more like pizza dough.

Both crusts held up to the toppings and were "bendable" just like a regular wheat pizza crust would be. In my book this was a good indication of the great taste that was to follow with the very first bite.

I know I might never find that "doughy, " bread dough crust like those from my past wheat eating days, but that is okay with great gluten free crusts like these on the market! The VEGAN version is free of eggs, dairy, and soy, and they have no added preservatives in the crusts. They also sells a gluten free Focaccia, which I would love to try in the future...

A really nice thing about these crusts are that they are vacuum sealed so they have a great shelf life. Or you can just pop them in the freezer for a even longer shelf life. Either way you can stock up and save on shipping.

You can order their gluten free crusts at http://www.venicebakery.com
Be careful when ordering though, as they do also sell regular pizza crust, dough, and focaccia's. Yet you can rest assured though that their gluten free versions are tested and certified by the Celiac Spruce Association.

Have a great wheat free week, and enjoy!

Sharon




 

Celiac Disease...what exactly is it?

One of my readers had asked that I post more information about Celiac disease in a way that most would be able to understand exactly what it is and its effects on one who has it, so here goes.

It is now estimated that 1 in 133 people have Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is found to be a inherited disorder, so if someone in your family has it, you should consider that you more than likely have it also. If your partner has it, you should watch your children  and possibly have them tested if they show any of the signs of the disorder.

 If you are diagnosed with Celiac Disease, or think you possibly have it, there are many signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms are anemia, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, cramps,  bloating, and irritability, although there are many more. Although some or all of these symptoms occur in celiac disease, some can also occur in many other diseases more common than celiac disease.  Symptoms may appear together or singularly in children or adults. In general, the symptoms of untreated celiac disease indicate the presence of malabsorption due to the damaged small intestine.

In other cases, sufferers from gluten-intolerance develop an intense burning and itching rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. The intestinal symptoms of celiac disease may or may not appear in dermatitis herpetiformis. Other possible symptoms might include: GERD, lactose intolerance, bi-polar disorder, depressive disorder, Chron's disease, ADD/ADHD, osteporosis, and arthritis.

Celiac disease is a medical condition in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by a substance called gluten. This results in an inability of the body to absorb nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for good health. The small intestine  begins at the stomach and ends at the large intestine, or colon.  Food empties from the stomach into the small intestine where it is digested and absorbed into the body. While food is being digested and absorbed, it is transported by the small intestine, through the large intestine, to the colon. What enters the colon is primarily undigested food. In celiac disease, there is an immunological (allergic) reaction within the inner lining of the small intestine to proteins (gluten) that are present in wheat, rye, barley and, to a lesser extent, in uncertified gluten free oats. The immunological reaction causes inflammation that destroys the lining of the small intestine. This reduces the absorption of the dietary nutrients and can lead to symptoms and signs of nutritional, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, triticale, barley. In the case of wheat, gliadin has been isolated as the toxic fraction. It is the gluten in the flour that helps bread and other baked goods bind and prevents crumbling. This feature has made gluten widely used in the production of many processed and packaged foods, but causes a adverse reaction in those who are gluten intolerant..

At present there is no cure, but celiac disease is readily treated by following a gluten-free diet.
Recent studies have shown that pure uncontaminated oats may now be used in the gluten-free diet with care.

The person with celiac disease MUST READ THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS ON ALL LABELS, EVERY TIME, unless a item is CERTIFIED as gluten free, because some companies may produce other products that contain gluten in their facilities and have cross contamination issues.

There is a great variation in sensitivity to gluten among those with celiac disease, and although one may have no obvious symptoms, damage to the intestinal lining may still occur.  

Although I have not been tested personally for Celiac Disease I was told years back by a Allergist after much testing that one of the things I was allergic to was WHEAT. I was getting what he called "Hives & Swellings" at that time, hence the allergy tests.

When you are a young mother and raising children, you tend to pay more attention to their needs than your own. I didn't think I was having any serious problems to eating the wheat that was in everyday products, until I decided to begin my wheat free journey many years later.

After going wheat/gluten free I have personally found that I no longer have as many dominate issues with allergies, bloating, or irritability. I also sleep much better at night. I have even lost a few pounds and am keeping it off. If you think you might have celiac disease seek your physicians help.

Although Celiac Disease affects each person differently symptom wise, it will always cause damage to your small intestines and should not go untreated as it can cause more serious issues to your health.

I hope this information helps many of you to understand this disease better.

Have a great wheat free day!

Sharon



* Consult your physician for additional information, testing, and treatment, if you feel you have Celiac Disease. Information posted on this site is from personal experiences only.

 

Mamma Bananna Cooks: Date Honey Nut Cake

Hi everyone. I was surfing the web once again and came across this great looking recipe on another gluten free site. You will definitely want to check it out, as this cake looks DELICIOUS!!!

Mamma Bananna Cooks: Date Honey Nut Cake

I can't take the credit for this personally, but kudos to the blogger who posted it! She also a great donut recipe on there made with Gluten free Bisquick....Mmmmmm.

Have a great wheat free weekend!
Sharon
 

The Really Great Food Company...Orange Cake mix

Last night I was hungry for something light and fruity. I had received a Orange Cake mix from The Really Great Food Company, and decided this just might be what I needed.

As I prepared this mix  I was really impressed with the look of this batter, as its appearance was  much like wheat laden batters from days gone bye.

It rose nicely in the oven, and baked perfectly throughout. It was moist and light, with just enough orange flavor to satisfy my "fruit fix" but to not overwhelm the taste buds. If you wanted a stronger orange flavor I would suggest adding some extra grated orange peel.The only problem I have with this mix is that with it was so good, I couldn't stop at just one piece...  Oops.

This is a light, moist cake that is sure to please even those who are not gluten free eaters. I love that this cake was simple, easy to make, and baked exactly as the box directions called. It’s not often that a gluten-free mix works as perfectly as a “regular” box mix, and this one did.

I put the batter in a bunt pan and baked it for the max time stated on the box directions, although it probably could have came out of the oven a few minutes earlier. Still it was moist, rich and a real treat. I opted not to put any frosting or glaze on it so as not to take away the fruity taste I had been craving, although I am sure it would have been just as delicious with a nice orange glaze to drizzle on top.

Orange juice, eggs, and oil are all that is needed for this mix, and it was so easy to make I was done in no time at all. One bowl, one pan, and one measuring cup was all I needed!

When I had first started my gluten free journey almost a year ago I had purchased the "Mock Rye" bread mix from this company and was greatly pleased with the taste and texture, so it was no big surprise how good this mix also was.

This cake makes about 15 servings so it is great for a Church function or family gathering as well. I froze the remaining cake ( just couldn't quit eating it ) to enjoy in the future. With about 120 calories per serving, of which are rather large, it is a real treat.

There is 0% trans fat, saturated fat, and 0% total fats in this mix. The Really Great Food Company's  products are manufactured in a gluten free, nut free facility. Their mixes are also wheat free, casein free, dairy free, and soy free, for those who have these allergies also.

I would recommend this mix to all gluten free eaters, as well as those who are not gluten free, as the taste and texture are so similar to a wheat laden cake that anyone would have a hard time telling that it is even gluten free!

Although the mix costs just a little more than most on the market it is definitely worth a try, as it is worth every penny spent. I am sure you will not be disappointed. You can find their Devils Food Cake mix, Lemon Poppy Seed mix, Golden Cake mix, and their Pineapple Cake mix at the Gluten Free .com icon to the right of this post, under the title Cakes, although you will need to purchase the Orange Cake mix from their home site at http://www.reallygreatfood.com

Ingredients:
White rice flour, potato starch flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder(sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking soda, cornstarch, monocalcium phosphate), baking soda, orange peel, orange flavor, xanthan gum, salt.

I definitely have to give this mix a thumbs up at 5+ Stars...

Happy wheat free day!
Sharon

 

Pamela's Ginger Mini Snapz...

This past week my husband surprised me with a bag of Pamela's Ginger Mini Snapz. I have tried several of Pamela's mixes, but have never any of her baked products. These little gems were quite a find. They are crisp and filled with the perfect amount of spices to please the pallet.

I found them great both as dunkers, or as a simple stand alone treat. Four cookies are just 115 calories, much less than a candy bar, and quite filling. The sugars are definitely much lower than most candy bars also, at only 12g per serving.

I prefer my cookies home made the majority of the time, but I will definitely make an exception for these pre-baked treats . There is even a recipe for a Ginger cookie crust, and Mint Ice cream sandwiches on the bag, Yum....I have been yearning for a good homemade cheese cake, and this crust recipe just might be what the Doctor ordered. :)

The cookies are not only wheat free, gluten free, and non dairy, but also contain no artificial colors, flavor or preservatives.

Ingredients:
Rice flour base (Brown rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca starch, sweet rice flour, xanthan gum),Brown sugar, natural evaporated cane sugar, non hydrogenated palm oil, molasses, eggs, baking soda, ginger spice, sea salt, GF vanilla flavor, Cinnamon, cloves, ammonium bicarbonate.

These compare in taste  to my favorite Holiday Gingerbread cake recipe (recipe posted on site). I would definitely give these a 5+ Star recommendation.

Pamela's also has frozen desserts, cookies, crunchy biscotti, and a array of baking and bread mixes. You can  her products on their web site at http://pamelasproducts.com, or check a local store near you.

Till we meet again....Have a GREAT wheat free day!

Sharon