Category: News

Some thoughts on this time of year, Thanksgiving and all that entails –

‘Gratitude. More aware of what you have than what you don’t. Recognizing the treasure in the simple – a child’s hug, fertile soil, a golden sunset. Relishing in the comfort of the common – a warm bed, a hot meal, a clean shirt.’ -Max Lucado

Some gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner suggestions . . .

For a moist and flavorful stuffing: ‘Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing’

Another way to serve sweet potatoes: ‘Sweet Potato Souffle’

Green Bean Casserole: follow the usual recipe, but use gluten-free Cream of Mushroom soup (such as Progresso’s) and (gluten-free) Fried Onions from an Asian Market, such as Park To Shop, 1580 East 30th St., Cleveland.

Serve gluten-free breads or rolls.

Use cornstarch to make your gravy.

There are many gluten-free pie crust options you can use for your pies.

(Or save yourself some time by purchasing from one of our many gluten-free bakers/bakeries: ‘Grocery and Bakery List’ )

We are grateful for “what we have” (including delicious gluten-free food).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Giant Eagle will be having a Gluten Free Tasting Fair from 11am-3pm at two of its Market District Stores in Solon & Green. The fairs will feature gluten-free products from Glutino, More than Gourmet, Udi’s, Bakery on Main, Clif Bar and more. You will be able to speak with a Giant Eagle Registered Dietitian at the Solon store.

The Market District Stores may have a larger selection of GF products than other Giant Eagle locations. A new store will be opening in Strongsville on Oct. 9th and is planning a gluten free cooking class on Nov.5th. Details soon. A Cuyahoga Falls Market District is slated to open in 2015.

Locations:
Market District Solon 34310 Aurora Road Solon OH 44139 (440) 248-4400
Market District Green 1700 Corporate Woods Parkway Uniontown OH 44685 (330) 896-4456

The Gluten Free Labeling Act has gone into effect as of Aug. 5th, 2014. Food labeled gluten free must not contain more than 20 parts per million of gluten or suffer a penalty. Labeling is voluntary, so those on the gluten free diet still need to read labels on undesignated packaging. There is hope that the gluten free designation will apply to restaurants that offer a gluten free menu, but the FDA has not commented on enforcing standards. Groups like the American Celiac Disease Alliance are following up with the FDA.

The final rule applies to all FDA-regulated foods, but EXCLUDES foods whose labeling is regulated by the US Department of Agriculture and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, such as most meats, poultry, certain egg products and most alcoholic beverages. The USDA and TTB however voluntarily may follow the FDA GF standards on many products. On alcohol made from prohibited grains, then rendered gluten free with enzymes, the TTB states:

“Consistent with the new FDA regulations, TTB will continue to consider “gluten-free” label claims for alcohol beverages that are made from gluten-containing grains to be misleading to consumers who are seeking to avoid the consumption of gluten for health reasons. However, products made from gluten-containing grains may be labeled with a statement that the product was “Processed,” “Treated,” or “Crafted” to remove gluten, if that claim is made together with a qualifying statement that warns the consumer that the gluten content of the product cannot be determined and that the product may contain gluten.”

Can you take gluten free food on an airplane in your carry on bag?
Jane Anderson from celiacdisease.about.com did a great job summarizing GF airplane travel:
The TSA should allow any form of solid food, although it will have to go through x-ray. Gluten-free items such as cookies, brownies, pretzels, chips, crackers and dry cereal, chicken, roast beef, ham, as well as fruit & GF bread should be allowed through security.

If it is liquid or gel-like (i.e. a dip, a spread, a dressing or even gel packs) it is more of a problem. These things aren’t banned, but only 3 oz. of each is allowed and must fit in 1 quart sized zip lock bag along with your toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Read more from celiacdisease.about.com

…And Some Mainstream Companies are Adding GF versions!

1) Walmart has a line of gluten free products from their Great Value line.
2) The Fresh Market chain also has their own line of GF products. In Shaker Hts., there is one at 20233 Van Aken Blvd.
3) Meijer has its own GF pasta
4) Giant Eagle has its own GF version of Corn Chex
5) Aldi’s has increased their gluten free offerings and are actively advertising them.
6) Freschetta brand now has 2 certified GF pizzas: Four Cheese Medley, and Pepperoni, both are thin crust and were spotted at Kroger’s for $9.99.
7) Breton Crackers now has 2 GF flavors: Original with Flax and Herb and Garlic, certified GF.

If you spot any other stores doing the same, please reply and let our members know. Tell us which ones you like and which ones to skip. We’d love to hear from you!