Pizza Chains Jumping on the Gluten Free Train!

In the news the past few days have been some pretty big announcements in the world of gluten-free foods.  I know that when I had to go GF, one of the things that I missed the most was being able to go to my computer, log on, and order a pizza for delivery. 

Awhile back, Dominoes started a program on their Facebook page that opened up an area for consumers to send them feedback on products that they would like to see offered by this monster pizza chain.  I immediately took that opportunity to chime in that I would like to see a gluten-free pizza option--and apparently I wasn't the only one!  As of yesterday, they are now offering GF pizza....BUT with a huge disclaimer.  Here's the video they released on You Tube:

Basically, the crust is gluten free until they start working with it.  They aren't going to take any extra precautions on preventing cross-contamination, which means for those of us with gluten intolerance or Celiacs, this is still not a viable menu option.  A step in the right direction, tho!!

Another pizza chain announced that they will be doing a test market in Minnesota came forward today.  Chuck E Cheese will have a different approach, however--they are going to make sure that the pizza is not cross-contaminated!  Plus, they will also be offering a GF dessert.  :)  Wonderful!!  I just hope that they expand out to other areas (mine!!) soon!! Here's some more info:

http://glutenfreeville.com/research/chuck-e-cheeses

Here's to hoping more will join up and hop on the GF train!!  (and preferably without the cross-contamination!!)

Last Night's Menu--Gluten Free Stir Fry

So last night I was craving stir fry.  It wasn't til a few weeks ago that I was fortunate enough to come across some GF soy sauce at my local supermarket.  With my craving and the purchase of a "meal deal" from HEB last week, this seemed to be the perfect chance to try out the new soy sauce.  :)

I didn't have a recipe, just the stir fry beef and a package of frozen veggies.  I have made stir fry before, but using gluten-full products then.  And usually the recipe I use is whatever I feel like tossing in the pan, with a few elements that stay constant--which are the ones that tend to have gluten.  But I figured out a yummy recipe last night, and all GF!! 

GF Stir Fry

6 Tbsp. gluten free soy sauce (I used Kikkoman Gluten Free Soy Sauce)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. sugar
1/4 c. cold water
1 lb. beef round steak or stir fry beef, sliced into strips
1 (16 oz) package frozen stir fry veggie mix (there are many out there, just pick your favorite!), thawed
2 Tbsp. grapeseed oil (or vegggie oil), divided
Hot cooked rice

In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk cold water and cornstarch together until combined.  Add the soy sauce and sugar and mix well.  Add beef and stir to coat; set aside.  In a large skillet, stir fry one Tbsp of the oil with the veggie mix for about 5 minutes until heated thru.  Remove from the pan and set aside (keep warm).  In the same skillet, stir fry the beef in the remaining oil until the meat is cooked thru.  Return the veggies to the pan, and cook a few minutes longer.  Serve over hot cooked rice.  Enjoy!!

Happy Celiac Awareness Month!

So this month is Celiac Disease Awareness Month--which actually encompasses all that is Celiac, gluten intolerance, and gluten sensitivity.  All over there are blogs and tours and different campaigns to bring awareness to this disease, amd I am more than happy to jump on that bandwagon. 

Did you know that the average person in the US will take 6-10 years to be properly diagnosed with Celiacs??  That is a LONG time of painful and widespread symptoms! It took 14 years for me.  Believe me, the proper diagnosis makes a HUGE difference in life!!  Anyone that I talk to in the medical community I always tell them my story, and definitely push for them to do their own research.  If 1 in 133 people are gluten intolerant and 97% are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed...there are a lot of people out there that are unaware of what is really causing their health issues, and the majority are told either an incorrect diagnosis or that there is nothing really wrong with them.  It is very frustrating, and I hope that I can at least help one person....just as my cousin has done for me!

On the home front, I have chosen a name for the second chick.  She's the Plymouth Rock--the largest (and oldest) chick in our tiny flock.  Since she is the biggest and bossiest of the bunch, it only seemed proper (and probably unoriginal) for me to name her Attila the Hen.  Ha ha ha!!  I'm still cracking myself up!!  Ha ha...cracking!!!  LOL!!!