GF Chocolate Cake Pick of the Week

Here's my pick of the week. I tried this cake a couple weeks ago and loved it. I now keep a box on hand for those last minute party invites. When I don't have time to whip a cake up from scratch this is a wonder moist chocolate cake the whole family enjoys. I have been able to find it at Kroger and Publix but haven't seen it in our smaller local grocery stores.

Annie's Gluten Free Mac

My kids love this mac & cheese. Although I prefer to make homemade baked mac & cheese. This has been a life saver. You know those days when you need a quick meal for the kids, and don't feel like starting from scratch. I've been able to find this in most major grocery store. Check Annie's out at www.annies.com

Glutino Pretzels, Yummy!

I love these pretzels they're so crisps and tasty. So far I have been very pleased with Glutino brand products. They taste great and the texture is right on. The kids love them as well, Livy has decided she likes them better then "real" pretzels, meaning the gluten filled kind. check out their website for more info www.glutino.com

Vanilla

I just got an email asking what gluten free vanilla brand I use. Many of the flavorings and extracts out there are not gluten free so please be sure to read the label. The vanilla isn't the problem it's usually the alcohol they use. Look for a product that uses a corn alcohol. Since I always try to use the highest quality ingredients I use Nielson-Massey Vanillas, Inc. products. I've used their products for years and luckily for me they just so happened to be gluten free. Check out their website if you want more info www.NielsenMassey.com

GF Cosmetics I Love This Company

Who would have thought that when I found out I had Celiac that would mean I had to trash all my makeup. For years I have struggled with rosasea so natural healthy cosmetics have always been a priority of mine. Never in a million years would I have thought about checking my makeup bag for gluten. Sure enough after a thorough check almost every product I used had gluten in it. So here I was again on yet another G-free search. I tried all kinds of companies but didn't like the feel of many of the products. Most were to heavy or chalky feeling and the lipstick was pretty much a chap stick. If I'm going to take the time to use a product how about giving me some great colors, a light airy natural feel, and all day coverage. Well here you go people I found a company I LOVE. Drum roll please......and the company is AfterGlow Cosmetics. I love their products they have great colors and my skin hasn't felt so calm and healthy in years. My rosacea has calmed down and most would look at me and never know I struggled with painfully sensitive skin. Check out their website they have some great stuff http://www.afterglowcosmetics.com/

Favorite GF Pasta Brand

Ahhh, the search for a good GF pasta. I don't know about you guys but my daughter and I were quite upset at the thought of giving up pasta. We have tried all kinds of gluten free pasta, brown rice, white rice, spinach, and corn, you name it I've tried it. Much to my disappointment the pasta always seemed to fall short either in taste or texture. Needless to say when I stumbled across this Ancient Harvest Quinoa pasta I was a little sceptical. Much to my surprise it held up to my standards both in taste and texture. Livy was so excited the first I made mac & cheese. The pasta held together without getting slimy and gross, believe it or not it held up like the "real" stuff. Ya, as if our food isn't real but that's another rant for another day:) You can buy it in bulk online or at most health food stores. I have even found it a Kroger a couple times. For more info check out their website www.quinoa.net