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Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
@browngravy -- I hesitated to say "life-changing", because I felt it would sound a bit over-the-top, but that's exactly like I feel as well. I'm so happy your wife was diagnosed, and apparently is doing well. She's lucky to have you on her side!
And, I agree about Shauna at GlutenFreeGirl - she's awesome. So, more Shauna, please!
Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
To say Gluten-Free is the "latest diet trend", is minimizing the real health-toll it takes on those of us who get truly ill from eating even a little bit of it.
Celiac disease seems new-found in the U.S. because the wheat industry in the U.S. has lobbied Washington successfully over the years against diagnosing Celiac Disease -- just as the Cattle Ranchers lobbied for the beef industry against warnings of Mad Cow.
Only in the U.S., where welfare of powerful industries supercedes the welfare of the American people, are the diagnoses of Celiac disease in the general population lagging behind the rest of the world. Europe, for example, has been gluten-conscious for years.
It may seem like the newest fad right now, but believe me, soon it will be as main-stream as can be. My diagnosis, as late in life as it came, saved me from the remainder of my life in constant pain and illness. I bless the day.
Thank you very much for the review. I have always wondered about gluten-free mixes (to use in a pinch), so this was invaluable information.
Vegetarian Lifestyle
I did it in stages, not all at once. I started by cutting out all red meat, then all poultry, then seafood, and last was fish. While I was "cutting out" I was reading everything I could find on Vegetarian Nutrition, and began agging vegetables and grains to my diet that I'd never had before. I experimented with different cuisines and flavor profiles. It took me about 6 months, but the slow transformation was well worth it. I am now trying the same approach with a transition to Vegan. I have stopped drinking milk, and I use agave nectar instead of honey. Next I will stop eating and cooking with eggs, and last to go, because I realyreallyreally love it, will be cheese.
I live with my daughter and son-in-law, who are not vegetarian, and I cook for them, so I do cook meat. Almost all my grown grandkids are either Vegetarian or Vegan, but not their parents, so we still have meat on the table for all holidays, as well... there are just a lot more vegetables and a few vegetarian and vegan dishes and desserts along the turkey or roast.
Read everything, discuss it thoroughly, and best of luck!
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Meatless Main Dishes for Thanksgiving
"Blue Cheese, Pear, and Pecan Quiche"?... "Spaghetti Squash with Ricotta, Sage, and Pine Nuts"?...... I'm swooning. YUM!
Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
@browngravy -- I hesitated to say "life-changing", because I felt it would sound a bit over-the-top, but that's exactly like I feel as well. I'm so happy your wife was diagnosed, and apparently is doing well. She's lucky to have you on her side!
And, I agree about Shauna at GlutenFreeGirl - she's awesome. So, more Shauna, please!
Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
To say Gluten-Free is the "latest diet trend", is minimizing the real health-toll it takes on those of us who get truly ill from eating even a little bit of it.
Celiac disease seems new-found in the U.S. because the wheat industry in the U.S. has lobbied Washington successfully over the years against diagnosing Celiac Disease -- just as the Cattle Ranchers lobbied for the beef industry against warnings of Mad Cow.
Only in the U.S., where welfare of powerful industries supercedes the welfare of the American people, are the diagnoses of Celiac disease in the general population lagging behind the rest of the world. Europe, for example, has been gluten-conscious for years.
It may seem like the newest fad right now, but believe me, soon it will be as main-stream as can be. My diagnosis, as late in life as it came, saved me from the remainder of my life in constant pain and illness. I bless the day.
Thank you very much for the review. I have always wondered about gluten-free mixes (to use in a pinch), so this was invaluable information.
Vegetarian Lifestyle
I did it in stages, not all at once. I started by cutting out all red meat, then all poultry, then seafood, and last was fish. While I was "cutting out" I was reading everything I could find on Vegetarian Nutrition, and began agging vegetables and grains to my diet that I'd never had before. I experimented with different cuisines and flavor profiles. It took me about 6 months, but the slow transformation was well worth it. I am now trying the same approach with a transition to Vegan. I have stopped drinking milk, and I use agave nectar instead of honey. Next I will stop eating and cooking with eggs, and last to go, because I realyreallyreally love it, will be cheese.
I live with my daughter and son-in-law, who are not vegetarian, and I cook for them, so I do cook meat. Almost all my grown grandkids are either Vegetarian or Vegan, but not their parents, so we still have meat on the table for all holidays, as well... there are just a lot more vegetables and a few vegetarian and vegan dishes and desserts along the turkey or roast.
Read everything, discuss it thoroughly, and best of luck!
Cookbook for an 11 year old?
I just got my daily e-mail from ecookbooks.com, and included in it today was The Silver Spoon for Children: Favorite Italian Recipes. Here's part of what the e-mail said: "The Silver Spoon for Children is one of the best books geared to children in the kitchen that we have seen! Specially adapted from the bestselling classic, The Silver Spoon, this edition presents more than 40 quick, wholesome and easy-to-make Italian recipes that children aged 8 and above will love to cook and eat. For more information, and two recipes from The Silver Spoon for Children, visit our special webpage here: http://www.ecookbooks.com/t-Silver-Spoon-for-Children-Phaidon.aspx "
I checked the webpage out and the recipes sounded simple and delicious, the illustrations are very cute and instructive. Check it out. Good luck!
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Our yearly Thanksgiving dinner -- always at my house! Love it!!!
What to do with leftover bread crust
Bread crumbs. Either toast for dried breadcrumbs, or not for fresh breadcrumbs. I do mine in my food processor, and put them (untoasted) in my freezer. This works for any kind of bread -- even Gluten-free. Just make sure you store the Gluten-free seperately from the regular bread.
What's your food therapy?
I agree with avaryne... chopping.
But, anything to do with cooking or baking can be theraputic for me -- especially on a cold or rainy day. My kitchen feels like home to me.
Anyone use pumpkin (or apple sauce) and oil to replace butter?
I do, and the products I bake doing this do have a slightly different texture and taste. When I first began, I didn't care for it, but now I find I actually prefer them. Maybe the preference for this taste and texture is one that is acquired?
There are actually some really beautiful cakes that can be made using only light olive oil, and their taste is spectacular. Souther Italians have been doing this for centuries. Maybe you should try a few of those recipes, and gradually work into using purees to replace fats? But, really, once you get used to baking this way, you will prefer the lightness, both literally and figuratively.
Watch It with Us: 'Top Chef Las Vegas,' Ep. 10
Pasta can contain eggs, so some vegans won't eat pasta out. But, rice, grains, beans.... all are found in a vegan diet. There wouldn't be butter added to anything. No eggs or dairy products. I have a vegan grandson who will not eat honey because he considers it an animal product, and he won't eat sugar that has been processed using animal bones (which is most commercial non-organic brands. They are processed using filters that contain ground animal bones to strain "impurities" so as to make the sugar white.)
All that having been said, and having a distinct dislike for Mike Isabella, I still cannot understand Robin's still being there. Sure, he's arrogant, but poor Robin is so out of her element among those chefs that can cook. It's painful to watch her, week after week, just sqeeze by to remain in. I know they would deny this, but I think they are leaving her in just to mess with the remaining chefs' minds.
Robin needs to go home. (imo) It is a travesty, and an insult, that she has made it now to the final 5.
Kimchi Donuts from Dunkin' Donuts in Korea
I just lost my breakfast. Ugh!
Embarrassing food question. Need help with foods I love.
For the veggies and salad: Beano
For the pasta: A gluten-free version, such as rice or quinoa pasta.
And, I agree with all the above posters who recommended you might want to think about getting tested for gluten intolerance and food allergies at your next physical. Living without and upset gut will change your life.
Beyond the Ice Cream: The Bent Spoon in Princeton, New Jersey
Roasted Squash Mascarpone? Did I read that right? I'm swooning.......
That Blood Orange Sorbet sounds heavenly, too!
Meatloaf
I do a version of Giada de Larentiis' "Veronica's Veggie Meatloaf with Checca Sauce". The Checca Sauce elevates this Veggie Meatloaf far above the usual lentil-and-brown-rice veggie "meat"loaf. It's really good. My whole family (who are not all Vegetarians like me) love it.
Veronica's Veggie Meatloaf with Checca Sauce
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/veronicas-veggie-meatloaf-with-checca-sauce-recipe/index.html
Gluten-Free Tuesday: Gomasio
The stuff is great! I love it on popcorn.
The other night I sprinkled some on roasted squash soup, and it was delicious. I'm ready to try it on anything now. The idea of serving it on steamed veggies sounds really good.
Thanks, Shauna!
Any food you could eat daily til' you kick the bucket?!
Every day? ---- Chocolate!
What desserts do you crave?
Anything gluten-free chocolate, anything gluten-free pumpkin, vegan ice creams and sorbets, and cappucino meringues... but they must be home-made, and from scratch.
None around? Just a lump of the best dark chocolate will do, thank you!
Giada at Home and Barefoot Contessa, Back to Basics
What austintx said. Exactly. I need not type another word.
What's your spice aversion?
Cilantro, and many other flavors used in Thai food. No can do!
Watch It with Us: 'Top Chef Las Vegas,' Ep. 9
Say these are the final four....
Michael V.
Bryan V.
Kevin
Jen
WHo will be the final three in the finale? -- Any guesses?
The Most Unhealthy Thing You've Ever Made
Once, on a dare, I made Paula Deen's Krispie Kreme Bread Pudding. I had a bet with the darer who said it couldn't be a real recipe, and when I showed it to him, he said he bet it was a joke, and dared me to make it. The bet was he'd eat at least one piece, if it turned out. It's an experience he talks about to this day. LOL!
MOCK MEAT... IT'S WHAT'S FOR DINNER... (really?, why?)
I am a vegetarian, working my way to vegan, and I am not a fan of mock meat products. I don't see the point, and most of it is flavored or textured with added gluten. Veggies, grains, beans, and the occasional tofu are fine for me.
Why the need for all caps? Are you that irritated, or just concerned? The idea of not eating meat or fish seems to be spazzing you out. Peace out, my friend.
Eat for Eight Bucks: Vegetable Enchiladas
These were outstanding. I have made them several times since this recipe was published, each time substituting whatever vegetables I already had on-hand (and other herbs for the cilantro!), and they were equally superb. Just delicious!
Thank you for posting this.
Anthony Bourdain and Vegetarians/Vegans
The thing to remember about Bourdain is this: He enjoys a very well-cultivated reputation as a bad-boy. It's his schtick. He's good at it. That having been said, I believe Bourdain was speaking, not about Vegetarians or Vegans in general, but their militant counterparts specifically. I am a vegetarian, now working my way to vegan, but I am not particularly militant about it, nor did I take offense to his comments at all. (I have seen him rave about vegetarian dishes on his show, especially the Indian and Asian ones.) It's just Bourdain being Bourdain.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Mom's homemade lasagna, bread, and apple pie.
Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
Of course Celiac disease exists and other people have gluten sensitivities to a lesser extent, but that doesn't take away from the fact that other people buy gluten-free items because they see it as the next healthy trend. Because some people have problems with gluten, other people connect the wrong dots and decide that gluten in general is bad, and they avoid it, even though they, themselves, have no sensitivities.
And people who latch onto those sorts of bogus health claims make it difficult for people who do have sensitivities and allergies. Because they sit back and say, "I've cut out all gluten and I feel 100 percent better" while eating something that obviously contains gluten. As a result, people who do have the sensitivities are taken less seriously.
And I know some people who are gluten-sensitive who attempt to diagnose everyone else into having gluten issues. I understand that when you find the thing that has made you miserable, it's a wonderful thing and you want to share your knowledge. But it's a little much when it becomes a vendetta and you tell everyone that they should also avoid that food. And when people jump on that bandwagon for no reason, it does become a health fad.
Cookbook for an 11 year old?
I second the recommendations of Emeril's "There's A Chef In My Soup" and "There's A Chef In My Kitchen." They have been my go-to gifts for kids who have a little experience with chopping, measuring, and everyone has loved them. And the recipes are very good too - the family will appreciate them.
I don't yet have the Pioneer Woman's cookbook, but I've been a fan of her blog, and I agree that the photos and friendly chatter will make it a safe bet too.
Meatless Main Dishes for Thanksgiving
Meatless? The Chestnut, Pumpkin, and Farros Soup has pancetta. I often think that pancetta is candy, but it's still considered as meat to some people.......
Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
@Brownie - ".....minimizing the real health-toll it takes on those of us who get truly ill from eating even a little bit of it."
Lucy wrote:
"but there is no denying the facts: as many as three million Americans have celiac disease, and the number of gluten-intolerant people is even greater—about one in 133. That means they cannot comfortably digest gluten, the main protein found in wheat, rye, and barley."
firmly stating the facts is not minimizing anything, although it may not have come with the dramatic adjectives you were looking for.
so, she stated the facts and statistics concurrent with your post. maybe you're disappointed because they didn't come belabored with
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Coming from a Turkish household, my favorite family dinner is mercimek çorbasi (lentil soup) with köfte (ground beef/meatball-like patties), domatesli pilav (tomato rice), and yogurt.
Meatless Main Dishes for Thanksgiving
I've made this mushroom pie recipe (originally in Bon Appetit, now mysteriously missing from the epicurious and Bon Appetit websites) for Thanksgiving a few times in a row, and it's a delicious alternative (for me, then a vegetarian), or substantial side, to turkey. I made it exactly as printed the first year, and substituted heavy cream for 3/4 of the cream cheese in following years (the cream cheese flavor was too prevalent for my taste). The sour cream crust is awesomely flaky, and the filling is rich and yummy, especially if you use a variety of wild mushrooms. Highly recommended!
What's your spice aversion?
CUMIN... after 3 weeks in India a few years ago, i developed an aversion to cumin after a whole week straight of eating food seasoned with cumin. Everything tasted the same.
Now, I can't even smell it at the supermarket.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Favorite family dinner would have to be my childhood birthday meal of Earl Abel's fried chicken and black bottom pie.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Sauerbraten and homemade sides.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Really anything, as long as it's accompanied by family and laughter. We often have shrimp scampi in the summer and a roast with Yorkshire Pudding in the winter....mmm.... :)
Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
I get a little upset when people say that we, without celiacs, are turning gluten free diets into a fad. Both my mother and I have had horrible sinus infections for years - antibiotics, steroids, so many different types of meds. Then we both went off of gluten for a month... I love bread and cookies and pasta, etc but without them all of the sinus infections are gone and when I eat something with it (sometimes that doughnut just calls to me) they come back with a vengeance. I have had multiple food allergy tests due to another digestive disorder, and doesn't show an allergy, but the allergist says that the exclusion diet shows that I have one. So if it makes you feel better, do it, and have an extra gluten free cookie!
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Our favorite family dinner is Homemade Lasagna with a green salad and homemade yeast rolls.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
Cookbook for an 11 year old?
I'd consider How to Cook Without a Book by Pam Anderson.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
spaghetti and meatballs
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
We called it "chicken and glop", but it was chicken and rice. How did my mother put up with us?
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
It depends on the weather for me, but at this time of year it's roast chicken, mashed potatoes, peas (homegrown, please; frozen peas from the store are inevitably overripe), green salad, and pie.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
meatloaf and mashed potatoes!
Vegetarian Lifestyle
I've been vegetarian my whole life (I was raised that way) and I think something that most people forget about is ethnic cuisine. I've found that many people who are accustomed only to American food have a very hard time cutting out meat.
In addition the the books mentioned above (Mark Bittman's is excellent for new vegetarians), check out some Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cookbooks - all of these cuisines are very vegetarian-friendly and use lots of spices and bold flavors, so they're very satisfying.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
My favorite family dinner would have to be posole. We have it every christmas eve with fresh tamales and it is sooo good.
Cookbook for an 11 year old?
I would highly recommend Emeril Lagasse's "There's a chef..." series of books. Very well written for kids and adults.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
Gosh, my favorite family dinner!? That's hard . My family is full of great cooks so I guess it has more to do with the atmosphere. So then I would have to go with Christmas eve dinner. 14 cousins plus 16 Aunts and Uncles all eating and drinking and being merry. Usually there's a goose (which doesn't hurt) and floating islands for desert. super yummm, it warms my heart just to think about it.
Cook the Book: 'New Classic Family Dinners'
ribs. lasagna. soup. anything my mom makes
Mixed Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Mix
All this talk of Bob's Red Mill makes me homesick. Up until a year ago, I lived a mile from Bob's and could go in and buy most of their products in bulk, getting just what I needed at the moment
Vegetarian Lifestyle
Try new things! Different cuisines. We make a lot of veggie burritos, rice and beans, fried rice with seitan, risotto with veggies. Vegetarian proteins like tofu and seitan (and veggie sausages, burgers and the like if that's your thing - it's definitely mine) keep much longer than meat, so they're easy to throw in the fridge for pantry meals. Beans keep even longer. There's great meals based around eggs - frittatas, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos.
Also, if there's multiple members of your family and some are less enthusiastic than others (or less willing to go cold turkey), you can try a "kosher kitchen" type approach. Make and stock vegetarian food around the house, but don't enforce rules outside of the house.
Neither me nor my partner is vegetarian, but we're both former longtime vegetarians (20+ years in his case, veganism in my case). We're at the point where most of our weekday meals are vegetarian simply because it's easier.
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"Blue Cheese, Pear, and Pecan Quiche"?... "Spaghetti Squash with Ricotta, Sage, and Pine Nuts"?...... I'm swooning. YUM!