Mizzo

We always use King Arthur gluten-free chocolate cake or Pamela's choc cake mix. Everyone (even non gluten-free choc. lovers ) in my family likes them. I add 2 tbsp instant choc pudding mix for added creaminess but it's not necessary. I find these 2 brands have NO grittiness in their texture.

KA will give you a 2 layer 9" inch cakes. Pamela's will give you a 2 layer 8" inch . KA is my first choice, but Pamela's is more readily available.

In addition (same brands ) have fabulous brownie mixes for sundae's . You can also make the cakes or brownies and turn them into pops. Home made or Pillsbury frosting both work for the pops.

IMO You might want to stick with a mix for the party and experiment with substitutes another time.

If your talking homemade mac and cheese I would only use Ancient Harvest grain Elbows they are the closest in taste. FYI. this is the most expensive gluten-free pasta on the market. I pay about 3.29 for 8 oz , but in my opinion the tastiest.

Annies boxed mac and cheese is closest to Kraft and is OK for Celiacs but I have had 7 yr olds turn away from it.

If you like to cook you can probably make a nice scalloped potato casserole instead.

another option

Take large sheet of Aluminum foil and spray with oil, put fish in center and top wth thin layer of salsa, (whatever heat level you like) seal in foil and grill or bake at 450 till done.

You need to speak to the priest first. It is my understanding the Catholic church mandates communion must have gluten in it to be blessed.

Also,The group of nuns in the midwest are creating a Low gluten wafer NOT a gluten free wafer.

Check first, sometimes individual churches take matters into their own hands to accomodate parishioners.

I recently baked a batch of gluten-free muffins from a box and made 2 changes.

I added about 1/8 tsp guar gum to the mix and I used white paper liners.

I actually used 2 silver liners then ran out and used just the white ones.

ALL the muffins in the white liners rose higher and were lighter in texture than the silver liner ones.

Never realized this would make such a big difference.

I took my time and looked everywhere and found a new kitchen aid with all attatchments on clearance " because it was red" for $110. Less than half price at target. It was worth the wait!

Here's my 7 yr olds favorites

Bell and Evans = chicken tenders

Ians = Fish sticks

Van's = frozen french toast and waffles

Udi's = bread and bagels

Amy's = Frozen mac and cheese and boxed mac and cheese

Kinnikinnick = frozen donuts, smoreables, animal crackers

Glutino's = "Oreo's" , chocolate wafer cookies

Mo-del = "Oreo's "

Schar = Breadsticks

Pirate booty

Select Zone bars - fudge graham is her fav

Pamela's mix for pancakes and brownies

King Arthur flour = choc cake, muffins and brownies

Ancient harvest quinoa pasta

I agree with the cooler idea's. I have had to do a day drive for a camping trip and a cooler was a must. Recently I traveled out of the country and put my cooler bag in the freezer the night before packed with frozen gogurts and anything else I was taking frozen.

FYI, Pre freezing the cooler bag helped alot as I couldn't take cooler packs or ice onto the plane (liquids not allowed)

Map out some parks for a good leg stretch and lunchtime . It will help.

Keep a small snack/drink bag in back seat in easy reach, and put food cooler in trunk with lots of ice.

have fun

  On 4/8/2011 at 5:12 PM, Cara in Boston said:

I was very worried about his endoscopy because I had just had one and although it was fine, I was trying to imagine him in the room with all the equipment and being nervous.

My husband ended up taking him since my other son was home sick. He said the staff was WONDERFUL about keeping him busy and occupied while they did all the preliminary tests. They gave him a Nintendo DS to play with while waiting in bed so he was all set. He changed into pajamas and changed his stuffed animal into a hospital robe (I found one at Build-A-Bear and brought it along.) He was in a small room to start and they put him under (some kind of cherry scented gas) before they put in the IV and took him to the procedure room. By the time he woke up, he was back in his room and they were bringing him popsicles. They left the IV in (in case he needed medicine for nausea) and after about an hour, they removed it and he was able to get dressed. He got to ride out to the car in a wheel chair (which he really liked) and since they have valet parking, it was all very easy.

After I had it, I was groggy and sleepy for hours. He was awake and full of energy. Came home, had lunch and then played all afternoon like nothing happened.

The hardest part of the day was skipping breakfast. His endoscopy was 10:30 but they didn't really get started until just after 11:00. He was whining at home, but my husband said once he got there, he was so busy playing that he never mentioned being hungry.

I have a harder time trimming his fingernails than they had doing this endoscopy. You really have nothing to worry about.

Cara

We had very similar experience in Boston Childrens Hospital, except IV was out of her in about 15 minutes. A tiny tummy ache and little sore throat that afternoon then good as gold next day.

procedure is very fast about 45+ minutes

ps

You might want to call your airlines and ask about meals some are now offering gluten-free, also you may be able to take canned fruit the kind with pop top might be fine, ask.

HI,

I just got back from a trip to the Caribbean which is an International flight from the US. You absolutely CANNOT bring Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, they also refused things like ham and salami. We knew in advance so we were prepared. Even with a letter from a DR you will not be allowed to take those items onboard as it is a disease/health risk. Make sure you have that letter anyways just in case something is questioned.

I packed a portable cooler NO ICE or ICEPAKs as that is liquid and gel and not allowed. I put my portable cooler bag in the freezer the night before loaded with what I was taking and it lasted the 14 hours it took til we got to our room and a frig.

we froze and packed before hand, foods we needed for our trip:

pancakes

gluten-free hotdogs

cheese sticks

chex trail mix with dried fruits in it

3 PB and J sandwiches

1 loaf bread

2 gluten-free bagels

frozen gogurts

you can also pack a few hard boiled eggs, but plan on eating those early in trip to avoid any lingering smells

We packed in our cases boxed food we needed also.

If you just need to pack for the airplane ride only, freeze the portable cooler pack the day before. You can bring icepaks and dump them before you go thru security, but MAKE sure you dump them or it becomes a hassle.

good luck

Thank you for your email concerning our Healthy Choice Chicken with Rice Soup Bowl.

We understand how important it is for people who have been medically diagnosed with gluten sensitivity to obtain accurate information about our food to help plan their meals and diets. And we continue to look for ways to meet the dietary needs of our consumers.

Since wheat is a major food allergen, if it is used in the product it would be listed in the contains statement following the ingredients list. The flour used in many of our products is wheat flour and you should avoid these products if you have gluten sensitivities. If any ingredient in the product includes rye or barley, it will be listed in parentheses immediately following the ingredient. Oats do not contain gluten, but they frequently have been exposed to wheat or barley and are not recommended for celiac patients. If Natural Flavors, Artificial Flavors, or Spices listed in the ingredients list contain wheat, rye or barley, these ingredients would be listed in parenthesis immediately following the ingredient. Some fermented or distilled products such as vinegar may be derived from wheat. Most of the vinegar in our products is distilled and through the distilling process protein gluten is removed.

For your convenience the below is a list of products that we carry that do not contain gluten:

Cocoa: Swiss Miss all varieties

Hebrew National: all items except Franks in a Blanket

Wesson oils: all varieties

Peter Pan Peanut Butter: all varieties

Popcorn: Act II microwave, Orville Redenbacher jar and microwave excluding Crunch n Munch or Poppycock)

Pudding: Swiss Miss & Snack Pack, excludes those containing Tapioca

Spreads: Parkay, Blue Bonnet, Fleischmann's and Move Over Butter

David Seeds: all varieties

Tomato Sauces: Hunt's tomato paste and sauces excluding pasta sauces

Tomatoes: Hunt's all varieties

Ketchup: Hunt's all varieties

Reddi-Wip: all varieties

We always advise consumers who may have sensitivities to recheck the ingredient list on each package. Products are oftentimes reformulated and the ingredients may change. If you have additional questions about your personal dietary needs, please consult your doctor or a registered dietician.

Thanks again for your feedback. We're listening!

Sincerely,

Luanne Sirovatka

Consumer Affairs Manager

ConAgra Foods

We use for a Multi: Gummy Lil Critter but I usually buy the Target brand Up & Up

For a Fiber supplement we use Vitafusion Weight management gummies

For Omega-3 we use lil Critters gummies

Obviously gummies are the only thing my DD will take.

I posted our experience on the forum but can't find it, anyway our experience was very positive.

My DD (6 1/2 yrs old at time) was put under general anesthia and then an IV was put in (less trauma that way) about 50 minutes later she was being wheeled in to recovery. We met her in there while she was woken up, we were able to hug her and be at her side immediately. As soon as she was cooherent they quickly and gently removed the Iv and gave her a popsicle to suck on. We were on our way home within the hour. That day and the next she had a very mild sore throat, also she had very very mild tummy pain that afternoon only. We gave her a few extra popsicles the same day and sent her to school the next day absolutely fine.

It was more trauma for me and my husband than it was for her. I strongly suggest not to mention, IV, or tummy pains at all, but do suggest mentioning the popsicles : ) We did not even tell her she was going to the hospital til the night before and then we let THEM give her a brief over view in the hospital of what was going to happen. This way she had less time to THINK about it. Too bad your DS was in the room they really don't need to hear about details so young.

Overall a good experience considering it had to be done at all.

FYI He won't be able to eat due to anesthia so be prepared to have light snack afterward, nothing heavy as it will upset his belly.

I have never made a loaf of gluten-free bread that was any good, after 9 months of trying I gave up and am happy with Udi's bread and bagels.

I have had hit and miss luck with muffins, but have resolved myself to the box mixes there as well. Namaste and King Arthur have the best IMO Market basket is ok

Cookies, We use the King Arthur flour mix and make PButter cookies and CChip. These turn out pretty good. I have made the Namaste and King Arthur cookie mixes and they are about the same, Bob's red mills is so-so. Using the flour gives me control over how many.

Overall I spent a fortune on the separate flours for many many failures. Yes things were edible, but not good.

For now I will continue to use the box mixes for cakes, brownies and muffins. I will use the flour mix for ccokies and will buy the bread and bagels from now on.

FYI, NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT

I just got "The cake mix docter bakes Gluten free" It's shows how to doctor your mixes to make things different and special. ie: turn vanilla cake into gingerbread snack cake. check it out of you library and see, that's what I did first.

Give up all baked goods for at least a month , then try some box mixes, this way you can adjust your tastebuds.

My girl has a hard time eating veggies also. I have slowly worked upto a spoonful of peas or 2 asparagus spears or a couple of broccoli stems cause she won't eat the florettes etc.. you get the picture. this has been a slow process over the last 9months to get to this amount.

Applesauce , Ranch dressing , ketchup and mustard help. : )

She has had a tendancy to gag and throw up her food if she THINKS it doesn't taste good, and in her mind all green veggies are yucky.

I process mushroom, eggplant, zuchini, carrot. peppers , onion etc.. whatever I feel would taste good and hide it in my meatballs, meatloaf, burgers (works really well with Turkey burgers cause they need flavor added anyways) I have even added carrot and eggplant into my spaghettie sauce with no one the wiser.

I process the veggies not dice them cause that didn't work, she would taste the bits and spits them out. She will eat carrots willingly so I give her a couple at lunch and a green veg at dinner. She should be eating 2x as much as she is but we are a mile ahead of where we were last year so I am happy with the progress.

I supplement with Fiber gummies and leave the skin on fruit etc.. whenever I can. Also, I add Zuchini to muffins .

good luck

My Mothers sister is Celiac, I believe my mom was Celiac but has passed away after multiple bouts of Cancer so she can't be tested. My daughter has Celiac but my husband and I tested negative (so far ) for it.

My oldest sister tested negtive , my younger sister will not get tested despite my concerns ( noticeable weight loss in last 5 years) and my next older sister (yup all girls here) who has an auto immune disorder already ,her Dr doesn't feel it's necessary to test her (@#$%^&) )and she is unwilling to push the issue due to impending loss of bread in her life. UgH!!!!!

I only got a test beause I faked stomach pains and symptoms as well as my husband otherwise our Dr would not order the test. FYI, I am thinking about the gene test.

My sis that did get tested , got tested easily because she is a Medical assistant working for the Dr who ordered the panel. Many DR's are still not ready to order the test for family members due to rising costs of insurance.

I have cut back but not eliminated gluten from my diet , same with my husband. and we keep a 95% gluten-free home. I do believe my husband may have an intolerance but since he HATES Doctors i can't get him to be allergy tested.

The disease runs in families thats for sure but extended families are reluctant to get tested and Dr's are reluctant to test. Vicious circle. IMO

I have made 2 of her recipes and now am ordering her book from Amazon. I have given up on the from scratch recipes after a year, as they just are not as good as the premixes in the store.

If he likes Larabars you can make your own and put in different things. I don't have a recipe I have made them by feel.

I would de-pit and process about 6 dates with either:

Dark chocolate and chopped coconut

shredded carrots , chopped coconut

dried fruits of any kind with a little chocolate or honey

You can also add nuts of anykind.

whatever combo you want.

place on wax paper and flatten to desired thickness or roll ,then refrigerate. cut into shapes and individually wrap for ease . I have kept them for a couple of weeks .

What I will say is NO vanilla gluten-free cake can rival any Chocolate gluten-free cake mix. I have tried nearly every brand of gluten-free vanilla cake mix and they just aren't that good. On the other hand Pamela's chocolate and King Arthurs choc cake mixes are really good. The KA brand is harder to make with lots of instruction but is a bit moister and makes a slightly larger cake.

You can add sliced strawberries into middle of layers and decorate with more on top, or make homemade choc buttercream frosting and shave choc on top .

There are gluten-free style cheerios, and Kix cereals are safe. There is a gluten-free graham craker called Smoreables maybe those will work.

What about dehydrated fruit chips . There are some that are soft and crisp but not sharp or brittle, I can't remember the brand but they have Disney characters on them.

Pirates booty has different things, crunchy cheese stix, potato flyers etc..

Frozen gogurts.

You can make your own Larabars with dates and whatever else you like ie grated carrots, pineapple etc... then roll into shape that's manageable for your toddler.

Good question to ask your pedi. Then consider the risk of not getting them! There is a small outbreak of measles in Massachusetts right now because the parents did not get their kids innocculated. Not such a good idea.

i am just saying an ounce of prevention....... and Yeah it sux.

Good luck, it's not easy watching our kids suffer, ever.

You can certainly gluten lighten your classroom. We have made the gluten-free playdoh that requires cooking and it has lasted a really long time so I can say it works. I agree with most of the other posts but warn you about trying to convert your snacktime to gluten-free. Be prepared to fight that one . I agree it's healthier but may not necessarily be well recieved. Just look at those selfish parents boycotting the school over the peanut allergy restrictions.

Another idea which you may or may not like is wearing a mask at times when things are in the air. It would be a good lesson for the kids to see about the affects on people with Celiacs. At least your 20 or so kids would grow up with an understanding. Maybe each could decorate a mask for themselves for fun.

  On 3/14/2011 at 8:27 PM, Kimmik95 said:

We are planning a trip to Cancun in May, so I'm thinking through the same type of things.

Many canned baked beans are gluten-free. Progresso has some soups that are gluten-free. Amy's has a boxed Mac & cheese. Dinty Moore has some stews that are gluten-free.

My mom thought of maybe checking a disposable cooler for some items. I don't think we'll need it, but it's not a bad idea.

I would be VERY careful about the buffet. You have no idea what's in somethings and what spoons have touched what. That's a scary one, but hopefully, it will work out.

Here's what we are going to do. My son drinks Ensure breakfast drink in the mornings (we are supplimenting his diet to help him gain weight and he loves it), so I'm taking enough of those to cover 2 a day. I will probably take some gluten-free cereals, like fruity pebbles or chex as well. He's not a huge breakfast eater, but he does like to munch. For lunch, we'll probably do fruit and cheese mostly. I'm going to see if I can find some gluten-free lunchmeat or balogna or something once we are there. Dinner is cooked to order and I've already talked to the chef who understands gluten-free. We are also traveling with a friend who speaks fluent spanish, so that will help alot! I'm trying to sample some breakfast bars and snack things now to see if there's anything like that we can take along.

My girl does not like any progresso soups or baked beans. She 's also against stews as well. not easy.

I am packing Amy's mac and chse, a box of cereal and snack bars along with the bread and pb and j. I will get yogurt , cheese and fruit and I think I will be ok. It stinks to have to pack food for vacayion. This is our first plane trip since diagnosis and I a overwhelmed with the packing. We are bring dive gear as well as food and have to pay by the bag and have a weight limit on the small propeller plane we are taking to the island. We have 2 plane transfers and a 2 1/2 hour layover with our luggage during lunch time. This will be will an experience to remember.

Hello,

We are vacation in the Caribbean in a few weeks and need just a few take a long travel items for it. I am looking for lunch type foodsfor 7yr old that are shelf stable that will make the suitcase trip .

I am taking a loaf frozen Udi's and Pb and J and some snack items. But is there any boxed items similar to Hormel microwavables that are out there. We don't do a lot of these type foods so I am at a loss. I have a kitchen when I get there but all the foods are brought in from Europe and have no idea of safety . We have a breakfast plan( It's a buffet so I am concerned) and dinners will be fine as all meals are cooked to order. I am at a loss for lunches. I can and will make her a sandwich everyday if necessary (it's vacation so I am not pressuring the healthy eating for a week) '

Also does anyone know of gluten-free foods from Europe I can ask about in particular. We are going to Bonaire and everything is imported from Netherlands etc... The resort will put a order in for select foods but I have no idea what to ask for? I would like her to have some options for the following.

Breakfast waffles & muffins, Desserts ,

Thanks.