10/22/08

~~THE QUESTION OF BLUE (BLEU) CHEESE~~
IS IT GLUTEN-FREE?

Used by Permission from Connie Sorros, the Gluten-Free Cookbooks/Online Newsletter
http://www.gfbooks.homestead.com

Once again the question has been asked, "Is blue cheese gluten-free?"  Blue cheese is made from penicillin roquforti which, in today's modernized world, most often produces spores in sterile fermenters (not on stale bread).  According to Wikipedia, "Blue cheese is a general classification of cow's milk, sheep's milk and/or goat's milk cheeses that has had Penicilliun cultures added so that the final product is spotted or veined throughout with blue or blue-green mold. Some blue cheeses are injected with spores before the curds have been formed and others have spores mixed in with the curds before they are formed. Blue cheeses are typically aged in a temperature-controlled environment such as a cave.

The brand names that come to mind when you say 'blue cheese' are Roquefort (made in the south of France), Gorgonzola (Italy), Stilton (England), Danablu (Denmark), and America's entry, Maytag Blue Cheese.  Keep in mind that, while NOT ALL blue cheeses are gluten-free, most are.

Most brands of blue cheese ARE gluten-free (but be sure to read the label each time before purchasing)  A few brands that are GF:

Cabot Athenos Clemson Rosenborg Boar's Head

King's Choice Smoked Shropshire Les Fromages D'Ann Marie Whole Creamery Blue Cheese Crumbles Lighthouse Idaho Blue Cheese Crumbles

The following brands of blue cheese are NOT gluten-free:
Sargento Blue Cheese
Organic Valley Blue Cheese Crumbles

8/19/08
Here is information about upcoming Gluten-Free 101 classes. Nine are registered so far for Thursday's class. Participants from past classes leave extremely encouraged and thankful for the information.

Thanks for passing-on this information to those who may need it.

Jennifer Cinquepalmi
The Complete Book of Gluten-Free Cooking
www.aidantbooks.com 
972-429-1610

8/12/08
Hello, fellow Texas Celiacs!

I've just launched a Gluten-Free Blog.  I looked at your very thorough site, and I'm sure it covers some of the same territory.  However, I work for the Star-Telegram, although, this is not a ST sponsored blog and I get to review new Gluten-Free products that our food editor gives me to try.  So, that would be unique content.  I also plan to add reviews of local restaurants as far as how GF friendly they are.

I'd love it if you would like to link to my blog.  It's at http://gfdfw.blogspot.com.  The same info can be found on facebook at http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Gluten-Free-DFW/11434149958

I'd welcome other people to post on the site - and I'd be happy to include info about any events that you guys have.  We will link to it occasionally from the Star-Telegram whenever we do a GF/Celiac related story.

Let me know what you think!

Jen Friedberg
Multimedia Producer
Star-Telegram
(817) 390-7582

Dear friend from the Lone Star Support Group,

First of all would like to  congratulate you for your great work on the Dallas Support Group and on helpingFrom: Joan Popkin [gfgreatbakes@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:19 AM
Subject: Exciting news from Joan's GF Great Bakes! Hello everyone!

In the next day or two, Joan's will be re-launching a brand new website!  With the re-launch - we are also introducing some new products.  Products that our customers have been asking for!  

• Sandwich rolls and Onion rolls that come 3 to a package, big enough for a deli sandwich. 
• Our traditional NY Style Pizza crust now comes with the option of having it ready to bake, topped with sauce and cheese! 

We are sure that you will love these new additions to the product line.

The new website has been thoroughly tested, but as with anything new there may be some kinks left to work out.  Please be patient and let us know if you experience any difficulties - we think you will be very pleased with the new site.

We always welcome your feedback and appreciate your continued support.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments or concerns.

Thank you -
Joan Popkin
www.gfgreatbakes.com improve the life of those with celiac  disease.

The reason I am getting in touch  with you is also to let you know that I am launching this week a guide  which I hope can help people with celiac disease and food  allergies to find restaurants, hotels and shops which can offer safe -- and tasty -- gluten-free (and dairy-free, egg-free, etc) options. This  guide (which is free) is purely ”community-driven”, which means  that all places are added by users themselves, who can use the guide to  share information and receive alerts in a number of ways (users write  reviews, comments, receive alerts of new places in a chosen area - or of  new reviews for their favorite places - print lists for taking in  trips, etc). The more people using it, including and reviewing places and  actively taking part of it the higher its potential to improve the quality of  life of people with celiac disease and food  allergies.

I have included a link to  the your Association in the  ”Resources” section. Also, when users enter the internal page of an  establishment (by clicking “more info”) they will be also able to see those  associations acting in an area (so they will see all Associations acting on a  national level, and all those acting in the same state/city as the  establishment). This was developed as a means of helping people to find help,  and as a means of supporting the wonderful work conducted by the Associations  working on the celiac and food allergy causes. I hope you like it, and I hope it  is useful. I know that you already offer really nice information  for eating out, but I believe that this community-driven guide might be a  complementary resource to help members when they are traveling to other countries. 

Below is a link to a video I  prepared (which lists the functionalities of the site), and then a link to the  site itself. I have included some establishments (mostly gluten-free), but  the idea is that the guide grows with the participation of people in this  community. Here are the  links:

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MYGWiqNx7w

Site: http://www.specialgourmets.com/

There is also a quick tour video,  which I have just uploaded to youtube and shows in more detail how users can use  the guide. The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beRZoCVsarI

All the best and congratulations again for your great  work,

Cynthia  SchuckSpecialgourmets.com

7/9/08
Green's Beers from Belgium are now being sold in Texas.  Here is their website: http://www.glutenfreebeers.co.uk/ 

All of the metroplex Market Street's (even our Colleyville store) are currently carrying the following Green's Beers:

• Discovery Amber
• Quest Tripel Blonde
• Pathfinder Dubbel Dark

These are among the first gluten-free beers that offer true variety in styles.  We are very excited to offer these.

Roy Mohr
Beer and Wine Steward
561wine@UnitedTexas.com

MARKET STREET/United
McKinney, Texas
972/548-5140 Ext 5247

6/18/08
Steven Galante’s website, Celiac Today, provides excellent reading material to all celiacs.  It is well-organized with insightful articles and information.  It’s a site that has it all:  http://www.celiactoday.com/home.  I met Steven at the recent GIG conference and he’s committed to helping people with celiac disease around the world.  He started his website not too long after his son was diagnosed. Check it out.  Betty

6/17/08
Ben E. Keith is now the distributor of this new gluten free beer (http://www.glutenfreebeers.co.uk/).

Email from the Ben E. Keith Rep:

Whole Foods Arlington does have it in stock now. They have all three flavors, but they have only made room for two on the shelf - if the one you want is not showing, please ask them because it’s in back. Central Market Fort Worth should be receiving theirs on Monday, June 16 and Market Street Colleyville has it displayed and ready.

Have a great day,
Michael 

If you have any questions about the beer, call your local store (Whole Foods, Market Street or Central Market) to ask about it.  This is all the information I have on it.  Some of you may have seen or tasted this beer at the conference.  They were one of our vendors.  Betty

5/21/08
Marys Gone Crackers are now available in a 20 ounce box at all Costco stores in the Northwestern USA.  The Family Pack size of the delicious, organic, GF crackers contains two 10 ounce bags in 3 delectable varieties:  Original, Original/Herb or Original/Black Pepper.  Perfect for parties.  Loads of crunch in one big box!
For more info:
info@marysgonecrackers.com

5/20/08
A great website for a look at a presentation done for a culinary audience about celiac disease and preparation of GF foods:

http://www.calgaryceliac.com/awareness/Culinary%20Arts%20Program%20Version%20Handouts.ppt

This is presented by a Canadian celiac organization so some of the products mentioned in the package may be GF in Canada, but may not be GF here and vice versa. I’m sending because the package itself is good and well written.  Betty

5/17/08
My wife and I recently started a new resource for the gluten-free community and are trying to get the word out.  One of the things that we struggle with is enjoying mainstream things like we used to.  Obviously everyone has to really watch/adjust their food. The thing that surprised us was the 'living' part of it. Food magazines were still fun to look at, but not as interesting. Window shopping at bakeries just wasn't the same. Those types of things...

So we thought we'd try our hand at a magazine about the gluten-free lifestyle... it's been fun, and now we're trying to spread the word.  Here are the important details about the magazine.

  1) It's called Easy Eats and it's all gluten-free
  2) You can check out all the info online at www.glutenfreemag.com
  3) It's FREE - to subscribe, either check out the website or send an email to easy.eats@yahoo.com

Of course, this is something that is for the community and we'd love for you to let your group know about it.  So much of the celiac support is done locally, and we'd like to add to the growing awareness and resources that are available.

Thanks and enjoy!
Joel and Ellen

5/7/08
The following JetPack items are gluten free and can be purchased on domestic flights on American Airlines:
Breakfast JetPack:
Almond butter
Pears in pear juice
Strawberry preserves
White cheddar cheese
Emergen-C energy drink mix

Deli JetPack:
Salami
Cashew crunch
Asiago cheese spread
Cinnamon applesauce

On Transcontinental and International flights, full free gluten free meals will be provided in first, business or coach seating.  You must order at least 6 days ahead of your flight.  

Betty Barfield
President, North Texas GIG

4/20/08
For help in getting Bard's Tale Dragon's Gold Gluten-Free Lager in convience, grocery stores or restaurants, email: tsweeney@andrewsdistributing.com or call 972-765-0823.

4/12/08
For those of you interested in HEB Fully Cooked Burgers, I contacted HEB, knowing there is a new database available to the HEB employees.  Try this contact information below for your HEB questions.  If the system does not work for you, please let me know, and I can let them know.  HEB is eager to get  gf information to you as quickly as possible.

I also talked to them about their corn tortillas.  Any tortillas made in the tortilla machine in the bakery department at CM would not be considered GF.  Their packaged In House Brand corn tortillas are made of gf ingredients in Corpus Christi, in a room on a dedicated line that is cleaned according to industry standards.  The flour tortillas are made in a different room of that building. Meanwhile, let's put this new HEB system to the test.  Call or e-mail them with your questions, using the information below.

Anne Barfield
Alamo Celiac GIG
San Antonio Chair, Membership
www.alamoceliac.org
210 340-0648

Anne...The H-E-B Fully Cooked Burgers are Gluten Free. Please let everyone know they can contact our customer relations group directly with any Gluten questions.  They have access to the intranet Gluten Free list and can answer questions quickly.  If an item is not on the list, they will facilitate finding the answer from the specific product experts in a timely manner.

Here is their contact information: 
1 800 432.3113 (Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm)
Email: customer.relations@heb.com
www.heb.com contact us link
Address: H-E-B Customer Relations
PO Box 839999
San Antonio, TX78283-9963 

Central Market is owned by H-E-B

__________________________________________________________________

Besides Healthy Approach and Market Street carrying Breads from Anna mixes, Laura Strain’s Delicious N Fit, also carries her mixes. 

4/8/08
Bleu Cheese – OK or not? And More Importantly, What To Look For...
One of the many foods you must be aware of is cheese.  Many kinds of cheese are OK, but some can be gluten contaminated.  One of those kinds is bleu cheese.

Bleu cheese is somewhat misunderstood.  There is a lot of confusing information about it.  For example, on www.curdnerds.com/node/216  (a cheese blog), someone wrote "only one Roquefort maker still acquires the mold in a traditional way, Papillon.  All others use cultured mold."  Another site, www.glutenfreeforum.com/index.php??showtopic=14042 " has a discussion on whether the mold is started on bread or on some other medium.  Some of you reading all this might be thinking:
"MOLD????"

Yes, the bleu in bleu cheese is created by mold.  Bleu cheese is ordinary cheese that has been ripened through the process of bacteria acting on the Penicillium Roqueforti mold that has been introduced during the cheese-making process.  The mold creates the veins in the bleu cheese.

There are different kinds of bleu cheeses – Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton to name a few.   Roquefort was originally made using bread as the mold medium.  And that's where all the confusion comes about for Celiacs.  Anything that may or may not have used bread in the process can potentially make me and you sick.   That's what the people at "curdnerds" are talking about when they say the Roquefort is made in the "traditional way".

Today, most bleu cheese is not made using a bread medium.  The mold is grown in a controlled laboratory using mold created from prior batches without bread.  I never did find out what medium is used, but it appears to be some kind of scientific mold-growing medium that wouldn't mean a thing to most of us.

Roquefort is the only bleu cheese that has ever been made using mold grown on bread.  There are brands, such as Papillon, that continue to produce Roquefort the old-fashioned way, but most brands don't include bread anymore.

Block cheese is the safest bleu cheese to eat.  It has no gluten unless it has been added, so I always read the label when I buy block bleu cheese.  But salad dressings are trickier.   Most salad dressings not labeled "gluten free" are going to have gluten even if just as the thickener.

To be honest, I did not find that many companies that will label their bleu cheese dressings as being gluten free.  That makes me suspicious right away.  But you can look at www.saputo.com and find some gluten free blue cheese and Gorgonzola.  Also, Kraft, Cracker Barrel, Crystal Farms and Athenos make gluten free bleu cheese and bleu cheese dressing.   There is also gluten free Stella Asiago bleu cheese.

I must caution you again to always read the label before you try a new brand of dressing.  I personally don't automatically take the words "gluten free" on a label at face value.  I like to verify it in two ways.  First I read the label.  Then often I email the company and ask them to verify it's gluten free so I have a written response.

There are many brands that sell bleu cheese dressings that don't contain gluten.  Even if you're gluten intolerant, you can keep eating bleu cheese dip if you shop carefully.

copied from Glutenfree Club website

4/7/08
“Gluten Intolerance: a Paradigm of an Epidemic”

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2002_Dec/ai_94538644

A great article for you and your doctor.  Betty

4/1/08
Fellow Celiacs,

 We believe you will love our NEW baking mixes from TastesLikeRealFood.com .

That's whyWe Will Pay the Shipping Feesnow through April 7^th on Norway's Favorite Baking Mixes for Celiacs.Discover the remarkable taste and texture everyone's talking about.

“Remember comfort foods when you were young?Try their peanut butter cookies, and you'll think you’re 5 again!”
Theresa Brandon, Cedar Rapids GIG

Visit our site to order http://www.tasteslikerealfood.com/celiac-safe-baking-mixes.html.

Are you a member or leader of a local Celiac Support Group? If you would like flyers or more information, please let me know!

Sincerely,
Jenny Bosking, President
jenny@tasteslikerealfood.com

3/25/08
Hello Everyone:
I just returned from Natural Products Expo West where new products are unveiled, including many new gluten-free products.  So, this month’s issue of Carol’s Culinary Cues is all about these new products, along with the company web sites so you can check them out for yourself.

IN THIS ISSUE:
New Gluten-Free Products

You will find this issue at: http://www.savorypalate.com/ezine/March2008.aspx

Carol Fenster, Ph.D., President/Founder
Savory Palate. Inc.; 800.741.5418; 303.741.5408.
8174 S. Holly Street, #404, Centennial,CO  80122
Author: Gluten-Free 101 (Savory Palate, 2006)
Author: Cooking Free (no gluten, dairy, eggs) (Avery, 2005)
Author: Wheat-Free Recipes & Menus (Avery, 2004)
Author: Carol's Culinary Cues monthly e-newsletter(free sign up at http://www.CarolFenster.com
Culinary consultant to food manufacturers, including industry leader Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc.
Savory Palate, Inc. also publishes Gluten-Free Friends by Nancy Falini, RD and Food Allergy Field Guide by Theresa Willingham 

_____________________________________________________

And from American Airlines, Special Meals by Request on certain flights are now available:
http://www.aa.com/aa/pubcontent/en_US/travelInformation/duringFlight/dining/specialMeals

Betty Barfield
President, North Texas GIG

_____________________________________________________

From Cassandra Gee:
General MillsRice Chex is now rolling out Gluten Free.  They've removed the malt.  It will be awhile before it hits most store shelves.

http://www.bellinstitute.com/wic/topic/section_detail.aspx?cat_1=200&selectCatID=200&catID=200&itemID=6173

3/16/08
http://www.tasteslikerealfood.com/celiac-safe-baking-mixes.html

Fellow Celiacs,
Our first shipment of Toro™ Brand products has arrived from Norway!

You and your group members will SAVE 10% on your first order by  clicking on the link above and using coupon code 123456 at checkout. Hurry, this coupon code expires March 31!

Discover the remarkable taste and texture of Toro™ Brand baking mixes.  Celiac-safe, and trusted in Europe for 30 years.

Sincerely,
Jenny  Bosking
President, tasteslikerealfood.com
jenny@tasteslikerealfood.com

3/20/08
For you moms of GF kids:  Places to purchase Play Dough WITHOUT the gluten.  Regular Play Dough is NOT GF:  www.aroma-dough.com and http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?es=&product=7566&PartnerURL

Or use this recipe to make at home:

GLUTEN FREE PLAY DOUGH
2 cups rich flour
2 cups salt (makes it unpalatable to eat)
1 tbsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 cup water
A few drops of food coloring (optional)

Mix the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a saucepan.  Add the oil and gradually blend in the water and food coloring, if using.  Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until mixture is stiff and leaves the sides of the pan clean.  Leave until cool enough to handle, then knead gently on the work surface until smooth. Store in airtight container.

Let your child’s teachers know that your child cannot use regular Play Dough and be ready to have a substitute ready.

3/18/09
Dear Gluten Intolerance Group Member,

Greetings and salutations from the makers of GLEE GUM. We are writing to introduce you to our delicious, all natural chewing gum -- which is also gluten-free!

Glee Gum contains no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners -- who needs 'em? The secret to Glee's great, chewy texture can be found in the natural chicle gum base that we use. Chicle is a tree sap, harvested sustainably from the rainforests of Central America. Harvesting chicle helps to conserve the rainforest, giving trees more economic value standing than chopped down. And it also helps the folks who live in forest regions to make a living. Chicle’s the original material from which all chewing gum was once made. You know what they say if it ain't broke!

To learn more about Glee Gum or to find a store near you, please visit our website at www.gleegum.com.  And send us an email if you'd like to try a free sample. Glee Gum comes in Peppermint, Tangerine, Cinnamon, Bubblegum and Spearmint flavors, and you're sure to love them all!  Check out the Glee 5 Gum Sales Sheet.

Thanks for your time and consideration, and best of luck with your gluten-free diet!

Gleefully yours,
Anna Mulligan
Verve, Inc. ~ 305 Dudley St. ~ Providence, RI 02907
p: 401-351-6415 ~ f: 401-272-1204
All Natural Glee Gum & Make Your Own Candy Kits
www.gleegum.com

From: jbradley@glutenfreesuccess.com

Imagine what it would be like to be evacuated in a natural disaster (like a flood), and unable to return to your home.

Now imagine living gluten free in temporary housing for three or more months. What would you do?

Fortunately, I have some answers for you. I learned a lot about living in motels and hotels in the months after this actually happened to me this past year.

I have chosen to look at the good that has come out of the situation and wish to share what I have learned about Gluten Free Success for the Traveler.

Traveling can be fun...  but only on a well-feed gluten free stomach.
Here are some of the solutions I have found:

*Creating a rolling travel duffle for cooking basics with a minimum of weight.
*The very BEST travel cooking appliance.
*A shopping/reminder list for travel foods.
*Travel tested gluten free (GF/CF) recipes (over 40) for the solo and family traveler.
*How to create your own travel mixes and condiments.
*Making a great meal from a hotel continental breakfast.
*How to make a crisis kit for a natural emergency.

So many good travel experiences can be ruined by a sudden gluten relapse. For the solo business traveler or the family group, a little planning can go along way to making your trip a healthy adventure.

I have written Glutne Free Success for the Traveler as a manual for getting people started on a healthy gluten free trip. The guide is available from the GlutenFreeSuccess.com website, or by using this direct link.

I wish you many happy and healthy travels in your future.

3/12/08
I am very pleased to report that Dragon's Gold from Bard's Tale Beer is now available in North Texas.  Market Street in McKinney, located at 6100 W Eldorado Parkway, has received the very first shipment in the metroplex. Our sister store in Allen should receive their shipment later this week. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 972.548.5140 or by email 561wine@unitedtexas.com.  Thank you.

Roy Mohr
Beer and Wine Steward
561wine@UnitedTexas.com
MARKET STREET/United
McKinney, TX
972/548-5140 Ext 5247

3/2/08
A new product from Joan Popkin, who makes those wonderful bagels that come as frozen dough, ready to bake from New York. If you’re interested in finding out more about Joan’s pizza crust or bagels (which are wonderful NY style bagels, send her an email):

To my valued customers and dear friends, I feel I have to share a special treat with all of you. It has taken me a long while to be able to produce my grandson’s favorite pizza in large enough quantities to market.  The new Sicilian was again designed with my daughter-in-law Angela in mind. It is already made up with sauce and cheese and goes from the freezer to the micro and then the oven in the same pan.  No effort for an already busy Mom and the kids LOVE it. It has the wonderful, soft bread texture that they crave, a wonderful golden crust and loads of stretchy cheese.  I hope that you will try it next time you order and you will soon be able to find it some of your favorite stores.  I would also like to thank you all for your continuing support during our growing pains.

Joan Popkin
www.gfgreatbakes.com
gfgreatbakes@yahoo.com

2/26/08
Attached please find information about a new product that will be introduced at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, March 14-16.

Kimberlee Ullner
1-2-3 Gluten Free, Inc.
5145 Penton Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA15213
kim@123glutenfree.com 
www.123glutenfree.com

2/13/08
Garrett Popcorn is known throughout the Chicago area as one  of the tastiest snack foods you can find on Michigan  Avenue.

Title: Corporate Gifts
Description: Garrett Popcorn is known throughout the Chicago area as one of the tastiest snack foods & makes an excellent corporate gift.
URL: http://www.garrettpopcorn.com

Roger  Hackney
rhackney@cybeactivemarketing.com
Cyberactive  Marketing
9831 E Bell Rd. #110
Scottsdale, AZ  85260 

1/21/08
Gluten Intolerance Group
Digestive Health SmartBrief Blast Message

SUBJECT:  New health resource from the American College of Gastroenterology

Dear Member of the Gluten Intolerant Community,

I’m sending you this note to let you know about an outstanding new health resource from the American College of Gastroenterology:  a free email newsletter called Digestive Health SmartBrief.  This weekly news service pulls together the top digestive health stories from more than 600 reputable websites, summarizes the articles, and links to the original stories online.  Since the stories are selected by knowledgeable healthcare editors and reviewed by a panel of ACG physicians, this newsletter is a great way to ensure you’re getting the most timely, accurate information relevant to your digestive health.

Recent stories include:

• ·         Companies find niche in gluten-free market (Kansas City Star)
• ·         Tips for gluten-free dieters during the holidays (The Denver Post)
• ·         Difference between food allergy, intolerance explained (Nutrition Horizon)
• ·         Maryland doctor makes understanding celiac disease his mission (The Baltimore Sun)

I encourage you to look at a sample newsletter and sign up to receive this valuable free resource.  If your doctor is not one of the 900 ACG members currently taking part in the program, simply choose "My doctor is not participating yet..." to sign up.

Sign up here: http://www.smartbrief.com/dhsb/?campaign=gig
Your information will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Digestive Health SmartBrief is a terrific way to keep track of the latest gluten intolerance and digestive health news.  I hope you will take a moment to look for yourself.

Thank you,
Cynthia Kupper, RD, CD
Executive Director
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
31214 - 124 Ave SE, Auburn WA 98092-3667
Phone: 253-833-6655          Fax: 253-833-6675
www.GLUTEN.net
www.GFCO.org
www.GlutenFreeRestaurants.org

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