The things I meant to write about...a Mea Culpa to my GF Friends and Vendors

Tonight, 2010 will be over.  I say it every year -- I hope next year will be an improvement.


These last few years have proved the opposite.  And this year, well, to quote Jerry Seinfeld -- it has SUCKED. And the sad thing is, next year is already shaping up pretty dreadful because of my continued battle with this autoimmune disorder called Giant Cell Arteritis. I am on Prednisone and a Chemo Drug called Methotrexate, and I expect to continue to be on both most of next year (and the year after).


But enough about me. 


This is my sincere, honest attempt this year at closure (including a health update).  You see, I've gotten some amazing products and books from vendors this year, and in spite of my best intentions, I never got that last post up on this blog. To be honest, I didn't get posts up on my PR Blog either.


Blogging became a chore to me this year. As much as I love it, I never dreamed that would be the case.  But I couldn't see the computer, didn't have time during my day because of my exhausting teaching schedule, and when I got home at night -- all I wanted was migraine drugs and ice packs. I have been told I've disappointed a lot of people this year. But I can't apologize to anyone who would feel this way about someone who could barely get out of bed every morning to go to work. Mea Culpa. Mea Maxima Culpa.


I am determined to do better, as always.  And I am not going to give up on this blog.  I know the prizes from MyBlogSpark are one good reason to keep it alive. I see my blog as part of my volunteer ministry to the GF community, trying to give back to those who have given so much to me. And I need the catharsis. But this fall I gave up my work with the Middle Georgia GIG , which broke my heart.


**Friends -- on Facebook, Twitter, in life -- ask me what they can do.  Pray and trust that I'll tell you news when there is some.  Try to understand how painful it is to talk about, that I can't rehash this mess for everyone at their leisure. Life exhausts me.  There WILL be a Facebook note next week (year) as soon as I hear from Mayo Doc.  And my doc found another complication yesterday.  Wednesday should bring you the update.


DRUMROLL....


So first, I'd like to thank those vendors who continued to send me stuff, even though they knew how sick I was and that I might now get a post done for them.  Undying devotion to American Gra-Frutti , Amy's Kitchen (and Fortune Public Relations ), Glow Gluten Free cookies, Kettle Cuisine , Moondance Heavenly Desserts , Starfish Battered Fish , and Udi's Gluten Free , who  were the most faithful friends and supporters. They prayed for me in in my lowest hours and lifted me up when I couldn't move.


Bless your hearts.


I'd also like to thank the Gluten-free Gurlz and guys I'm closest to -- you know who you are, don't you? I hope so.  And extra special thanks to my Human eye people, Lori and Janet.  Greater love hath no one...


But there are some things I wanted to discuss before this year ends.


SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADO or APOLOGIES.....


COOKBOOKS


•Cookbooks were big this year in the GF community.  What little reading (beside my college requirements needed to teach) I did was of these glorious books!


The most beautiful and groundbreaking because of its impact on both the GF Community and the world  was "Gluten-free Girl and the Chef."  I found it lifted my spirits when I read it -- I could FEEL their love for each other and for healthy delicious GF food. ** I have said here many times that reading Shauna's blog inspired me to be the GF Paula Deen of the South in 2007.  I don't think anyone has ousted me from that role. But her attitude, her passion, Danny's passion, the laughter and joy in their beautiful daughter Lucy -- they INSPIRE me and make me proud to me a member of the GF World. And this book is so damned luscious in every way. You should buy it if you didn't have it already. (And I still dream of the day I get to meet Shauna....)


**That has been most important since August because I've lost most of my taste and appetite for food -- the chemo treatments for my GCA have destroyed my taste buds and my appetite.  OK, most of the time.  But I find myself no longer drooling over food. That's a good thing, though frightening for a foodie like me. YES, I still eat strictly GF food.  But I've also lost around 20 pounds since Oct. 1, too.


•I had the honor of meeting Jules E. Dowler Shepard at the Atlanta Gluten-Free Vendor Fair. You know Jules Gluten Free ? She wrote the magnificent "Free for all Cooking," which I think is the perfect book for a new GF and Celiac person. 

You can feel her love for baking and cooking in this book, and her flour is outstanding.  My friend Judith loves Jules, and it made my DAY when I got to introduce the two at the Vendor Fair.  But I'm keeping my book....if I ever start to bake or cook much again soon, there are so many recipes in here I want to try.  I want to make her Eggless Cake for my vegan friend Patricia....the fruit bars. So much.  But Jules -- She's SUCH a lovely person, and while I was so pleased to get a copy of her cookbook a few weeks ago, I'm most glad that I've got her as a friend. And she has the baking gene I so often talk of here on this blog.  I don't. I wish I could have spent more time with her and attended her class, but (as usual) I was exhausted and had to go rest. But that's what a new year is about.


 •I was given a copy of the wonderful The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by the brilliant Elana Amsterdam.  I was charged with a giveaway, so I did that via my Twitter Account.  Lori Pocock won it, and she has baked so many delicious things from it, I wish I had my own copy now!  I am hopelessly addicted to the Almond Sesame Seed Crackers....in all flavors, in all ways. I rarely bake any more, so Lori has brought me these crackers, and I ration them.  Delicious.  And a great book. 


•Last week I got two cookbooks I've been anticipating for a while now -- Anne Bryn's "The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten Free" and Roben Ryberg's "The Ultimate Gluten-Free Cookie Book." I brushed shoulders with Anne several times while I was a journalist and PR Professional in Atlanta in the 1980s, and Roben, well, she's become a friend through Delphi Celiac Forum and Facebook.  I tested one of the cookie recipes for her, too -- Snickerdoodles, Jeffrey's favorite. They were fabulous and I cried because they reminded me of my dear mother, who always baked for Jeffrey.


I have all of Roben's books (mostly bought them myself, but appreciate the recent copy) because they have such incredible accuracy and integrity in baking.  I mean, lack the gene, remember? I can make almost anything gluten free I want, and if I can't make it, I can find a source.  But baking ...well, some books miss the mark.  None of Roben's books do that.  They're also so reasonably priced, they'd make a great investment for someone newly diagnosed GF or with Celiac.


And the chance that I can use all those Betty Crocker Cake mixes in my pantry -- Thank you, Anne Byrn.  I can't wait.


I just got both books and haven't tested or read very far, but I can't wait to.  Anne will be speaking at an upcoming Atlanta Metro Celiacs meeting on Feb. 26. I hope I get to go!  


PRODUCTS


I discovered and highly recommend the following products from testing this year.  They are all delicious, high quality, gluten-free, and worth every penny you spend on them.  I am not going to wax poetic on them.  One taste and you will know how great they are.


•The GF Kosher baked items from Katz Gluten Free -- GF love to all including Mrs. Katz, Shmmuley, and Faigy.  This is one of the friendliest companies.  I want to do more with them in 2011.  I want to find them in more stores. They're so delicious and not too sweet.


•Sahale Snacks are now offering gf nut snacks in Seattle's Best Coffee Shops.  I love the Valdosta Blend so much -- Sing Buri is also GF. I have been eating it since I was GF.  The fact that it's named for a Georgia City....I find them at Harry and David, Target, and at WalMart.  


Two products I tried this fall were great for my new life as a member of Weight Watchers (a little over 20 pounds.  Thanks for asking.  No one can imagine I'm losing weight on Prednisone.  But the fact that Methotrexate kills my appetitie....)


•The wonderful folks from Popcorn Indiana have great popcorn snacks that are gluten free and also available on the shelves at my local WalMart. (Also at Costco and Sams, and other stores, I'm sure).  I have enjoyed the kettle corn, the popcorn balls, the cheddar corn. So many tasty GF flavors.  We'll be snacking on this tonight during the marathon of football I antipate through Monday (help me!) Nice people, great representation.  Wonderful product. 

•Cabot Farms has new light cheese snacks.  I tried the sharp cheddar. It was awesome.  The habenero was way too hot for me, but some would like it.

It has about 3 points on Weight Watchers, though, so I've enjoyed its perfect size and snack ability a lot.

•I found Savory Creations at my local Kroger long before my friend Gluten Free Dee (xoxo) send me a sample.  This is hands down the best GF stock out there. It comes in a stick, can be used a cup at a time, and is so rich and delicious.  I used it throughout the holidays to enhance turkey gravy, beef stew, and tonight it will become some au jus.  At under $3 a pack, it's a deal.  Awesome. It has achieved Staple Status.


•Perhaps the best for last is the one that has impressed me not because of the product (which I already loved) but the way that product used an intern to communicate with bloggers.  I don't know Christine Shawah, the intern from Bakery on Main , 
but I admire her communication savvy. Her college professor should be proud -- I now want to know how to 
get one of my students an internship there.


Bakery on  Main has had a great year of growth and continues to be one of my two favorite gluten free granolas.
I love the new granola bars, which are very GF and WW friendsly. But I've loved them since I was first gluten free.






Well, that about clears the stack.  


Thank you all for your support of Gluten Free in Georgia, Finally,


This has been an awful year.  How could next year not get better?


Peace, love and prosperity to you in 2011.  I'll be back soon.


Much love, and see you next year! (no pun intended, I hope...)


Ging

TWO CHANCES TO WIN! Great Prizes from My Blog Spark

I don't usually double up on the wonderful gifts from My Blog Spark, but both of these would be so AWESOME to have during the holiday season, I wanted to give you a chance to get them as soon as possible.

Here's the deal:  Comment on the blog by Next Tuesday, Nov. 30.  I will pick two winners randomly and each one will get a prize.

Prize no. 1:  LiveGlutenFreely is an online community created by General Mills that offers gluten-free product news, articles and real-life stories from people just like you. The site also provides great-tasting recipes ranging from breakfast treats like Blueberry-Corn Muffins to delicious dishes like Favorite Chicken Nuggets to indulgent desserts like Brownie Ganache Torte with Raspberries and Carrot Cake.

General Mills is proud to offer more than 300 affordable gluten-free products, available in grocery stores nationwide. Keep up with new additions to the gluten-free list by subscribing to the LiveGlutenFreely Newsletter. Every month, you'll receive great “goodies” like yummy gluten-free recipes, tips, coupons for gluten-free items, new product information and more delivered directly to your inbox. Click here to sign up today! 

The package includes a sample of Chex, cake baking mix, frosting, potatoes, and more.  And a cute spoon!  YUM! I am making my Thanksgiving potatoes with this package!

Also, be sure to visit Live Gluten Freely on Facebook atFacebook.com/glutenfreely. “Like” the page and check out recipe ideas, product news and tips about living without gluten…freely!

Prize no. 2:  There are so many great tasting Chex Party Mix recipes that you can make in the microwave in only 15 minutes! Try The Original Chex® Party Mix or Chex® Ginger-Honey Crunch for sure crowd pleasers. Now that there are several certified GF Chex Products. it's easy once again to make Chex Mix and Muddy Buddies and White Trash....just add GF pretzels (hint: I use Mary's Gone Crackers Onion Crackers broken up in Chex Mix...)

Looking for an easy gift idea for friends, family or co-workers? Try wrapping your favorite Chex Party Mix in a colorful tin or bag and personalize it with your own recipe card.

To make things even sweeter, Kroger Family of Stores will have Chex cereal on sale so you can impress your guests without stressing your wallet. For 3 weeks, from December 2nd – December 25th, Kroger will offer Chex cereal at their lowest prices of the year! 

The winner will receive a Kroger “Chex Holiday Recipes” gift pack that includes two samples of Chex cereal and a $25 gift card valid at the Kroger Family of Stores. *NOTE:  I DO NOT KNOW IF THESE WILL BE GF CHEX SAMPLES, but you can buy all the GF Chex Products you want with the gift card, on sale!

Don’t forget to visit Kroger and Chex on Facebook to“Like” their pages and keep up with recipes, news and their latest and greatest products.

I am a;ways delighted to offer these items from My Blog Spark and their sponsors.  And thank you to General Mills and Kroger for their generosity.

Much love! and let the holiday munching begin!

Ging

Moderation Nation....from Hershey's and MyBlogSpark

Moderation is not something that I've ever been good at.  Like the lovely Molly on the hit TV Show "Mike and Molly,"  when I find something I like, I want ALL of it.  Not a slice of cake -- the WHOLE cake.  Etc.


Since April, I've been on steroids that have given me an unpredictable, ravenous appetite.  A few weeks ago (in September) I realized that I had to take control of my food consumption -- as it's the one thing I can control in this goat rodeo that is my medical condition. I joined Weight Watchers and found myself smack dab in the middle of the entire concept of Moderation Nation.


And this has helped, let me tell you. 


The chance to participate in Hershey's Moderation Nation program through MyBlogSpark came at the perfect time.  I read the materials, and they're great and inspiring. 


So I'm suggesting you consider moderation.  And try to win this prize to help you! You will win:

a Moderation Nation t-shirt, Hershey’s chocolate and a nutrition journal to track your food and activities.

The shirt is a large -- for me, not a chance.  And I'm not ready for chocolate in any form of moderation.  (If it weren't for the fact that the chemo drug makes me not want to eat, I'd be stuffing my face still.) But the journal and information are nice! And many Hershey's items are GF -- the kisses are.

Here are the details:


With Moderation Nation, a new national program created by the Hershey Center for Health & Nutrition, (HCHN) in collaboration with the American Dietetic Association, you can now have access to a variety of tools that will help you achieve moderation – and you don’t even need to give up your favorite foods!

For on-the-go needs, the new Moderation Nation iPhone app, free and available on iTunes or via www.themoderationnation.com, will reward you for the activity you’re already doing, while encouraging you to do even more in a way that suits your busy lifestyle. With an easy-to-read tracker and a comprehensive list of activities to choose from, you can earn badges for your progress and go from a Starting Gun to a Healthy Hero!

The Moderation Nation Web site (www.themoderationnation.com) provides a host of new tools for you and your readers, including:

• Recipes and Expert Tips. Here you’ll find advice from Cheryl Forberg, registered dietitian (RD) for NBC's The Biggest Loser, award-winning chef and New York Times best-selling cookbook author
• Additional recipes and tips from Regina Ragone, Food Director at Family Circle magazine; Keri Glassman, author of the O2 diet; and Liz Ward, author of Expect the Best Pregnancy.
• Moderation Menus. Seven-day meal plans – with snack ideas – that will help you plan out your week. Each menu is based on an individual lifestyle, such as Single, Adults with Kids and Adults with No Kids.
• Balance the Meal. This cool balancer tool allows you to input your main dish and its preparation method; in return, you’ll receive ideas for complementary side dishes that round out the meal smartly.
• Useful Facts. Here you’ll find everything from a “portion distortion” guide - providing cues on what actual portion sizes should look like – to a grocery shopping fact sheet – to a guide on how to start and maintain a food journal.

Want it?  Winner will be decided by Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.  Leave your comment here and I'll get back to you.  

Much love, 

Ging

P.S.  13.2 pounds as of Nov. 2.  Thanks for asking.

And the Bisquick Winner is....

Christi!

I just sent you and email, so please follow up.  You have til Friday.

Much love, Ging.

COMING UP ON GFINGF!

Sahale Nut Giveaway
Hershey's Kisses BlogSpark Giveaway
Almond Flour Cookbook giveaway

Your holiday list of cookbooks to ask for from Santa!  I've for a couple of new faves!

A review of some great 3-point Weight Watchers GF Snacks Featuring
•Popcorn Indiana
•Cabot Light Cheese Snacks
•Bakery on Main....everything!

In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, MyBlogSpark offers a spark in honor or memory of someone who has fought breast cancer.

It is through the site called Pink Together.

This year, I am donating the prize from this spark to Sophie Singer, one of my students.  Her mother is fighting breast cancer, and to do her part, Sophie has taken on a breast cancer awareness project next week for the Milledgeville community.  I want Sophie to have this prize to give out at her benefit.

So thank you MyBlogSpark for this chance.  I am honored to know students like Sophie, who are spreading the word and doing their all to fight cancer.  I hope she will share her mother's story on the site.

Way to go, Sophie.

Much love,  and go get a mammogram and test every month!
Ging

Gluten-free Bisquick giveaway from MyBlogSpark

Oh you're going to want this one!

Leave a legitimate comment on my blog between now and next Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST and you'll be the winner of this splendid prize from MyBlogSpark and Gluten-Free Bisquick!

Isn't that silver dollar pancake pan adorable?  And the pancake pen? Cute!

I tried the GF Bisquick, and it really was very good.  I made biscuits with it, and I also made a roux for a white sauce (I always used to use Bisquick for that pre GF days).  It is a little sweeter than I like, but it is a good product.  I used the whole box in about a weekend. I wish I'd tried the GF Waffles.  

Here's info on the product, courtesy MyBlogSpark:

Introducing Bisquick® Gluten Free baking mix: the first gluten free baking mix with real melt-in-your-mouth Bisquick taste! Now, with Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix, you can make pancakes, waffles, biscuits and more, and they have never tasted so good. Since its release in 1931, Bisquick has become a trusted staple in America's kitchens for delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes. Now the convenience of Bisquick baking mixes will be available to the gluten-free community too, so everyone can enjoy the family favorite Bisquick recipes you love like fluffy pancakes, easy pies, mouth-watering casseroles and more! 

Make sure to look for Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix in the baking aisle at your local grocery store. 

To find great recipe tips and ideas, visit www.bisquick.com/glutenfree. There, you´ll find countless gluten-free recipes for family favorites such as Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcakes and Gluten Free Pizza Crust, using Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix. Check back often! We´re adding more recipes every day!

In addition, you  can visithttp://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/8b49/ to download a printable coupon for $1 off Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix! 

Also, check out Bisquick on Facebook today! Visit Bisquick on Facebook to "Like" the brand and keep up with the latest news from Bisquick. 


So comment, and let me know whom I should pick!  You must be in the US, sadly, to receive this prize.

Much love, and happy commenting!
Ging

Launching TODAY at Expo East!

Udi's Whole Grain and Cinnamon Raisin Bagels are officially launched TODAY at Expo East!

I got both types to sample, and man, are they good.  They have different personalities, but both are just so delicious.  And of course they have different uses in the world of gluten-free eating!

Here's the nutrition information for the Cinnamon Raisin Bagel.  Please note this is for one whole bagel, and that the nutritional information for the whole grain is only 30 calories fewer and two grams of sugar  fewer.

Here's what's in them:

INGREDIENTS: FILTERED WATER, BROWN RICE FLOUR, TAPIOCA STARCH, SUNFLOWER OIL, RAISINS, EGG WHITES, POTATO STARCH, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, TAPIOCA MALTODEXTRIN, XANTHAN GUM, TAPIOCA SYRUP OR BROWN RICE SYRUP, YEAST, SALT, CINNAMON, MOLD INHIBITOR (CULTURED CORN SYRUP, CITRIC ACID), ENZYMES.

CONTAINS EGG

And here's the deets for the whole grain bagel:

BAGEL, WHOLE GRAIN

INGREDIENTS: FILTERED WATER, BROWN RICE FLOUR, TAPIOCA STARCH, SUNFLOWER OIL, EGG WHITES, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, POTATO STARCH, TEFF FLOUR, TAPIOCA SYRUP OR BROWN RICE SYRUP, XANTHAN GUM, TAPIOCA MALTODEXTRIN, FLAX SEED MEAL, YEAST, SALT, MOLD INHIBITOR (CULTURED CORN SYRUP, CITRIC ACID), MOLASSES (DRY MOLASSES AND MALTODEXTRIN), ENZYMES.

CONTAINS EGG


According to Jillian Massa, Udi's Social Media Manager, these will be on the shelves by the first of the year.


Weight Watchers Members:  One half bagel (either one) is 3 points.  


Much love, and congrats to my friends at Udi's!  Go Chadwick!


Ging

A tribute to Amy's Kitchen and its gluten-free foods

I've been remiss....

I know my readers appreciate the fact that I've been sick since the first of April.  And I appreciate the patience of the companies and vendors who've sent me materials and samples, but I've barely had the energy to blog.

I'm sorry.  Most days, I barely have the energy to get out of bed (or off the couch). Believe me when I say I am demoralized and debilitated by this new autoimmune disorder. I've been pampered and cared for by so many friends in the gluten-free community.

I wanted to write a great blog post about my visit to NYC with Jill Brack of Glow Gluten Free.  And my fabulous trip to Denver with my brother from another mother, Gluten Free Steve, the Artist, Heather. Jillian's, Chadwick and Etai from Udi's, Glutenfree Dee, and my dear cousin Art in Boulder.

Those posts may never happen. That doesn't mean they didn't mean the world to me, but I meet myself coming and going some days.  I will never catch up on the things that have passed me by since April.

I want to make amends.  I know I can never repay the kindness of my friends, but surely, they understand. I pray they do.

But I need to get back in the saddle.  Julie reminded me of that today.  Blogging about the GF life is one of my great pleasures.  And I miss pleasure in general.  Mostly lately I've had pain.  LOTS of pain. Caused by toxic drugs. With no end in sight. (There's the best update I can give you.  Plus ca change, plus ca remain. With that little hook attached to make it French -- because as Jena said, resume without the accents is RESUME).

***********************************************************************

Being really sick brought something very practical to mind.  What should someone gluten-free do when he or she is sick, but he or she has no immediate gluten-free resources? I mean, if all you have is your hometown grocery that still says, "gluten what?" when you ask where the section is?

Two words: Amy's Kitchen

Thank you, Amy's Kitchen.  Your prepared gluten-free foods have been a mealtime lifesaver to me.

Let me explain:  When I went on the nasty prednisone (blame it on the prednisone a la Jamie Fox's Blame it on the Alcohol will make you laugh out loud...) I found myself in need of healthy food fare. OK, I was on this Spam and Velveeta kick for a while, what can I tell you?  Prednisone makes one eat massive quantities of food AND gain weight with no regard for reality.

And for a while, I had no energy at all.  NONE. Zip. Nada.  Thus the Spam and Velveeta (oh, and Turkey Vienna Sausages, too...)

But I found it incredibly easy to go to my local WalMart and Kroger and pick up gluten-free products from Amy's. Delicious, healthy, organic, vegetarian (sometimes vegan).  Across the board I find their products easy to find and delicious to eat.

I've been lucky for a while -- I've been on the receiving end of several new Amy's Products (that's how I got in that Pasta recipe contest that I didn't win, but enjoyed). I'm glad, because these really were lifesavers to me some days.

What I love:

•Cheese Enchiladas and the Tamales with green chile sauce.  OK, so I wanted one of each for a meal.  They are WAY better than anything I can make or get out at a safe Mexican place.  WAY better.

•The vegan chocolate cake. YUM. I was able to have a small slice of it without killing myself. It is pictured above.  Find it. Buy it.  Consume it in moderation.

•The tomato bisque soup.  When I was sick as a child (and non-gf adult) I ate tomato soup when I needed comfort.  This brought comfort.

•Mac and cheese, gf and vegan, or just GF.  I make a killer mac and cheese, true dat, but there is nothing like taking it out of the freezer and popping it in the Michael-wave. Confort and speed.  I feel so....NORMAL.

•Any of their frozen pizzas -- dairy free, vegan, regular, as long as it was GF I was there. Please don't judge that I added turkey pepperoni... (New ones pictured above).

•Burritos -- oh yeah!  Gluten-free burritos with dairy and without (although I did top one of the cheddar cheese ones with gf turkey taco meat, sour cream, and chopped tomatoes).  They are SO good.

I met Shayo Yohan, the southeast region sales manager, at the Atlanta GF Vendor Fair, and we chatted about how "mainstream" Amy's has become.  I find this a good thing.  The food is quality, the price is better than reasonable (not as pricey as some custom GF food) and it is good for you.  Even the Supermarket Diet Book recommends Amy's dinners over things like....well, you know,  those DIET dinners that so often aren't gluten free. And I can't name a grocery store in a 20-mile radius of Milledgeville, Georgia, that doesn't offer at least two of the above products.

Shayo also told me that most -- perhaps 40? of Amy's soups are gluten free.  They are also very tasty.  With winter coming, this is something to remember.

This isn't meant to be a big suck up to Amy's, but it begs a question: If Amy's can treat the gluten-free community so well with canned and frozen products, why can't the other mainstream frozen food distributors.  I think it's a big faux feather in Amy's Cap.

And now that I find myself, how shall I say this, trying to keep an accurate daily food diary for the purpose of gaining control of some part of my diet -- well, Amy's fits in this program, too.

Good stuff, all around.

Good stuff, all around.  Wait. I said that already.

Much love, and THANK you to Amy's and those kind folks in California at Fortune PR :-)
Ging

Atlanta Gluten-Free Vendor Fair

  

A world of gluten-free food coming to Atlanta’s fourth annual vendor fair Sept. 25

Some of the hottest and newest gluten-free food, including products from 10 metro Atlanta vendors, will fill the ballroom at the Norcross Hilton Sept. 25 for the fourth annual Gluten-Free Vendor Fair and Fundraiser sponsored by the Atlanta Metro Celiacs support group.

Created and coordinated by Jennifer D. Harris, AMC program chair and a gluten-free product specialist, the Gluten Free Vendor Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross, Ga.

Admission this year is $5 per person/$20 per family (4 maximum) and includes a complimentary tote bag from Ingles Supermarket. Sampling of gluten-free foods begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., with guest speakers and programs rounding out the day.  Products will be available for sample and sale, so come prepared to take advantage of some great show prices.

“This is a new venue and a new format for us, but I think this year’s vendor fair will be the biggest and best we’ve had,” Harris said.  “I’m delighted by the lineup of well-known gluten-free and celiac experts speaking.  We even have a cooking expo this year.”

Those who attend this year’s vendor fair will find a day jam-packed with speakers, samples, and supplies for the gluten-free lifestyle. Many vendors also offer vegan, casein-free, and dairy-free products in addition to gluten-free wares.

Saturday’s activities begin at 9 a.m. with a presentation by Cynthia Kupper, R.D., executive director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG). Atlanta Metro Celiacs is a branch organization of GIG.

•At 10 a.m. Susan Cohan, director of the nationally acclaimed Generation Gluten Free video, will make a special presentation (www.generationglutenfree.com).

•From 11 –12 noon, gluten-free food ambassador and motivational speaker Dee Valdez from Loveland, Co., will speak about living with celiac disease and enjoying a gluten-free lifestyle.

•From 1-2 p.m. Joel Schaefer, former chef at Disney World and executive chef at Allergy Free Foods, will offer a cooking demonstration.  Schafer is known for converting many dining facilities at Disney World to gluten-free operations.

•At 2 p.m. Jules Shepard of Jules Gluten Free will offer a paid cooking demonstration. Jules' class attendees will learn how to make and get to taste Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (made dairy free), old-fashioned pie crust, an easy and versatile sandwich bread (just like bread should taste like) and moist, delectable birthday cake.  Registration is $40 per person ($70 same household couple) and must be pre-paid online via Jules/website.  Follow this link to reserve a spot: http://tinyurl.com/JulesClass

 "Last year, more than 900 people filled the vendor fair, and we expect a great crowd again this year,” Harris said.” Can you imagine being gluten free and walking into an event where you can safely taste everything offered?  It’s really a phenomenal event.”

 Sponsored by Atlanta Metro Celiacs, a support group for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, the event is also sponsored by Ingles Markets and P.F. Chang's China Bistro.

"This event is a fabulous way to allow people people who are following the gluten-free diet to sample products prior to purchasing,” Harris said.  “Not all gluten-free products are created equally, so being allowed the chance to sample it before purchasing it is a great way to save money and expand your product selections.”

2010 vendors from metro Atlanta or Georgia include:

Allergy Free Foods, American Gra-Frutti LLC, Celiaccess LLC, Figo Pasta, Healing Transitions Coach, Improveat, LLC, Maggiano’s, Mark Fitchpatrick Designs, MyAllergy Free Food, MyChef.bz, L.P., My New Life Direction, NuSkin, Olde World Artisans, P.F. Chang’s, Peacecake, Pure Knead, Return to Eden, Sally’s Bakery, Sweet Oven & Company, Sweet Odelle’s Inc., The Dunwoody Bakery, The Free Cookie, The Pop Shop and The Roswell Outback.

National vendors this year include:

Against the Grain Gourmet, Amy’s Kitchen, Bakery on Main, Bella Monica, Beanitos/Bean Brand Foods, Bob's Red Mill, Bready North America, Inc., Blue Diamond Growers, Cabot Cheese, Crunchies Food Company, Domata Living Flour, Edward & Sons, Farmo, Food Should Taste Good, Garden of Life, Glow Gluten Free LLC, Gluten Free Passport, Gluten Free to Go, LLC, Gluten-Free Living, Green’s Beer, Ian’s Natural Foods/Glutino, Ingles Markets, Johnsonville Sausage, Jules Gluten Free, Kettle Cuisine, Kinnikinnick, Mrs. Madewell, LLC, Namaste Foods, Nature's Hilights, Inc., Organic Bistro, Orgran, Pamela's Products, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Riega Foods, Rudi's Gluten Free Bakery, Shelley Case, Smooze, Springer Mountain Farms, Sunshine Burgers, Taste Adventure, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, The Grainless Baker, Triumph Dining, Udi's Gluten Free Foods, Walden Farms, Whole Foods Market, and World’s Best Carrot Cake.

Proceeds from this year’s vendor fair support the programming of the Atlanta Metro Celiacs support group.

“Atlanta Metro Celiacs is local volunteer support group, serving Atlanta, its suburbs and North Georgia. Its membership consists of patients with Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance and/or Dermatitis Herpetiformis, their families, and those exploring if their symptoms are caused by this disease,” Harris said. “The primary objective of our group is to offer support and information to those dealing with these chronic illnesses. We are also committed to furthering the awareness of celiac sprue/celiac disease and gluten intolerance in our region through doctors, dieticians and media.”

The 2010 Gluten Free Vendor Fair will be held at the Hilton Hotel, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, Ga. 30092. For more information see the Atlanta Metro Celiacs website www.atlantametroceliacs.com or for directions, phone the hotel at 770-447-4747.