Gluten Free, R U?

Friday, November 4, 2022

Katz - Fall items

For the first time EVER, I was able to get the Katz Fall items. I have wanted to try them for the past couple of years but kept missing out in the stores. Finally this year, I got to Wegmans in time and was able to get all 3 of the Fall items they released.

Working from least favorite to favorite BUT realize they are all yummy and good.

Caramel Apple Cupcakes: Delicious and great apple taste. I will say I am not of fan of the apple pieces on top due to texture issues BUT it all tasted so good. These were best counter defrosted.

Pumpkin Creme Cakes: yum yum yum. A gluten free Twinkie but pumpkin. Not as light and fluffy but still totally yummy. Good pumpkin taste and again best when counter defrosted.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Glazed Donuts: BEST EVER! Oh my goodness these are addicting and sooooo good. Seriously this is the taste I have been wanting for a pumpkin item and even for a glazed donut. I wish I had bought tons of boxes of these. When I went back a week later, everything was gone :( These were good both counter defrosted and the 10 second (I did 15) microwave defrost.

Again all 3 were great but I definitely LOVED the donuts the most. If you get a chance to try any of these, I definitely recommend them. Then come back and tell me your thoughts.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Cape Whoopies - Whoopie Pie

Yummmmmy

Perfect really.

Not too sweet. Not too dense.

Light, chocolatey, tasty cream and just the right size too

Found at Wegmans for $4.00. Definitely a good price for what you get.

Definitely will pick up again when I’m there.

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cheese Ravioli

I tried to get these last month but they were not in stock. I lucked out this trip but now I kind of wish I hadn’t.

I usually love Trader Joe’s gluten free items. These were …. Terrible. I hate even writing that but it’s true. I would never buy these again.

No taste, and all but one exploded in the pot. It was basically a pile of gluten free pasta with some type of cheese trying to be ricotta all over it.

I followed the instructions and they were well within their best buy date.

I was so sad. It was good they were only $4.49. Let me know if you had a different experience with these.

My gluten free history

When I turned 30 years old, I started to gain weight that I couldn't lose and I was getting back to back colds. The final straw was I got bronchitis and I had to take an antibiotic to help me get better. The side effect for 4% of people on this antibiotic was gastrointestinal issues. Yes, I was part of that 4%. The medicine basically stripped away whatever had been protecting me through my first 30 years of life. You see I have always had gastrointestinal issues since I can remember. My father also had the same issues and my paternal grandmother too. I was so sick from the medicine (or so I thought) that I had to go back to the doctor and do a series of tests. During this time I was following the BRAT diet (Banana, rice, a, toast). Saltines and toast were my go to comfort, little did I know they were NOT what I should be eating. My co-worker gave me an article about food allergies and there was a quiz. You only needed to answer 4 of the 8 questions with yes to fall under their designation and I had answered 6 of the 8 with yes. I was on my way. My husband and I cleaned out all our cabinets of the 7 allergens… all that was left was rice. After a few weeks, I was feeling somewhat better when I stayed at a home where they told me to eat whatever was in the fridge. I saw the rice and started eating. Within a hour I was violently ill. I couldn't understand. I took the rice with me to work the next day and when I told my other co-worker about my issue she asked to see the rice. It was orzo… pasta… gluten/wheat filled pasta! I had my first allergen to check off the list as being an issue. It turned out at the time dairy and eggs were also triggers but I have since been able to add them back. My husband and I went on a full gluten free diet and within a few months I had lost my weight, stopped living in my bathroom, looked healthy and was not terrified to eat things any more. Now it has been 15 years and while I have gained some weight back (darn those yummy gluten free cookies and pretzels) my issues are still in check and I couldn't be happier to figure out what was wrong with my body and be able to fix it.