Review: Russo’s Frozen Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

On a recent trip to Wegmans, I was pleasantly surprised to find Russo’s frozen gluten-free mozzarella sticks. I was so excited to eat mozzarella sticks for the first time in seven years! These gluten-free mozzarella sticks cost $6.99 and were in the gluten-free Nature’s Marketplace freezers at Wegmans, right next to another great gluten-free find, Tonya’s gluten-free soft pretzels. They are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

After heating the mozzarella sticks in the oven for eight minutes, they were absolutely fantastic dipped in marinara sauce. They satisfied my craving for mozzarella sticks. Despite the calories and the fact that there are only three serving in the package, I will certainly be buying them again! It is definitely worth driving for 30 minutes to Wegmans to buy them and other gluten-free products.

 

My 10 Favorite Gluten-Free Foods

After six years of eating gluten-free, a long house hunt, finally becoming a homeowner again, and recently moving, this is the perfect time to share my current list of ten favorite gluten-free foods. These foods, in random order, were essential during my recent move and most are staples that I usually have on hand. While I was packing to move, I found a list from six years ago of gluten-free products I tried and rated as good or bad. It sure was slim pickings back then compared to the plethora of gluten-free options available today!

1. Moo Goo Gai Pan at P.F. Chang’s – Is there anything better than a gluten-free meal at PF Chang’s of Egg Drop Soup, Moo Goo Gai Pan, and the Chocolate Dome? I always say light on the sauce when ordering, which significantly cuts back on the sodium content.


2. NuGo Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Protein Bars – Yes, I work for the company, but this is one of several NuGo Dark and NuGo Slim flavors that I regularly buy. REAL Dark Chocolate plus protein equals a yummy satisfying snack!

3. Blue Diamond Almonds – A perfect low glycemic snack or addition to any meal.

4. Wegmans Blueberry Waffles

5. Udi’s Whole Grain Buns – These are a staple for quick dinners with Sunshine veggie burgers or Trader Joe’s or Jennie-O turkey burgers.

6. Amy’s frozen entrees – Sometimes you just need something quick to nuke, so Amy’s mac and cheese or veggie lasagna are our favorites.

7. Uncle Ben’s Instant Brown Rice – Combine with frozen veggies for a quick Meatless Monday meal.

8.  Smart Flour Foods Pizza Crust - This is our favorite crust for adding our own toppings. It is sold at Whole Foods in a pack of two for a reasonable price.

9. Conte’s Cheese Ravioli – These ravioli are so yummy, it is hard to believe they are frozen in a bag, ready so quick, and lower in sodium than similar products. 

10. Chobani Greek Yogurt – Pineapple, Blueberry, Black Cherry – I can’t pick a favorite, so I get them all!

This list was updated in June 2015.

Celiac and Emeril: New Cookbook from Gluten-Free Daughters

Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse has two adult daughters who are gluten-free! Jilly has celiac disease and was diagnosed in 2004, while her sister Jessie was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity in 2001. The Lagasse girls have a brand new cookbook, The Gluten-Free Table: The Lagasse Girls Share Their Favorite Meals. Emeril wrote the forward to their book and makes gluten-free gumbo for his daughters.
 
Remember how exciting it was too see gluten-free episodes of Emeril Green in 2008? Now, we know why Emeril had a special interest in doing these shows. Is a gluten-free cooking show from the Lagasse girls coming soon?

 

Gluten-Free Olympic Athletes Go for Gold in London 2012

Wondering what US Olympic athletes are gluten-free and may win a gold medal in London 2012? Pole vaulter Jenn Suhr was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2011 and is the world’s top ranked female pole vaulter. Swimmer Dana Vollmer is gluten intolerant and also can’t eat eggs. She will compete in the 100m butterfly and 4x200m freestyle relay. Dana is the new spokesperson for Crunchmaster Crackers. To read about gluten-free Olympic athletes from other countries, visit About.com. View the Olympic schedule for these gluten-free athletes.

Update July 30, 2012 - Dana Vollmer won a Gold medal and set a world record in the 100m butterfly!

Update August 4, 2012 - Dana Vollmer won a total of three gold medals and set two world records! She competed in the 4x200 free relay and 4x100 medley relay.

Update August 6, 2012 - Jenn Suhr won a Gold medal in the pole vault!

How to Get SAFE Gluten-Free Food at a Restaurant

How do you determine if the gluten-free food at a restaurant is truly SAFE for someone with celiac disease to eat? There has been tons of news coverage about Domino’s launching a “gluten-free” pizza that is not SAFE for those with celiac disease.

 

Since May is Celiac Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to implement an easy technique that people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can follow at restaurants. We need to ensure restaurant employees understand the importance of SAFE gluten-free food, and don’t confuse our order with a weight loss fad!

 

Use my SAFE technique before taking a bite! 

 

Shared cooking equipment, serving spoons, or fryers? Don’t eat it! 

Alert the chef that you will get extremely sick if your meal is not 100% gluten-free.

Follow recommendations and reviews from gluten-free websites, blogs, and support groups.

Examine their knowledge of gluten-free ingredients and cross-contamination.

  

Help keep the gluten-free community SAFE by sharing this blog post!