Tag Archive for: Gluten-Free

11/17 Celiac Awareness Tour, Cleveland Ohio

What: Celiac Awareness Tour, Cleveland Ohio

When: Saturday November 17 , 9am-2pm

Where: Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131

Website: http://celiacawarenesstour.com/ 

Come and taste New Planet’s line of Crafted Gluten Free beers along with lots of other gluten free goodies too.

Gluten-free Halloween Candy

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Halloween may still be two weeks away, but our mouths have already started watering as we think about arguably one of the best parts of this holiday — the candy. With each passing year, an increasing number of brands has started manufacturing gluten-free versions of their customers’ favorite candy bars. Instead of battling it out with other supermarket shoppers in a jam-packed candy aisle, save yourself some time by checking out our list of gluten-free Halloween candy. While you should always check a candy bar’s label to make sure it is gluten-free, the list we’ve compiled below links to each candy’s nutritional information, which has been provided by the manufacturer.

3 Musketeers Mint Bar and Minis
Almond Joy Bar and Minis
Butterfinger Original and Fun Size
Dum Dums
Heath Bar and Snack Size
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar (1.55 oz) and Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bar (1.45 oz)
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses, Kisses Filled Chocolates, and Nuggets Candies
Lemonhead, Atomic Fireballs, and Red Hots
M&Ms (all are gluten-free except for pretzel-flavored)
Mounds Bar and Minis
Reese’s Peanut Putter Cups (all sizes are gluten-free EXCEPT for seasonal shaped items)
Skittles
York Peppermint Pattie (all sizes)

Happy Halloween, and enjoy your treats!

Hidden Sources of Gluten

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Have you recently cut gluten out of your diet due to Celiac’s Disease or a gluten sensitivity? In creating lists of gluten-free foods you can eat and carefully checking labels at the grocery store, it’s not uncommon for those who have recently started living a gluten-free lifestyle to inadvertently forget about other places gluten may be hiding in their daily routine. Here are some hidden sources of gluten that are frequently overlooked:

  • Your Kitchen Countertops — You’ve just pulled out all of the ingredients to make yourself a delicious gluten-free meal. You’re about to put some of the ingredients you’ll be cooking with down on the counter when you spy some bread crumbs lurking from a sandwich your spouse made earlier. If others living in your household haven’t adopted a gluten-free diet, avoid cross-contaminating your gluten-free meals and snacks by wiping down your kitchen countertops before you start cooking.
  • Your Wood Cutting Boards and Wooden Spoons — Wood is porous, so even if it comes into contact with food containing food and you wash it, traces of gluten might still get left behind. If you own wood cutting boards or wooden spoons that have come into contact with foods containing gluten, it’s best to replace them with new ones and label them so others living in your household don’t accidentally contaminate them while cooking.
  • Your Toaster — Here’s another common place cross-contamination occurs. Taking your toaster apart and cleaning out all of the bread crumbs isn’t a practical option. Even if it was, bread crumbs that are lodged in the spring mechanism could still come loose and contaminate your gluten-free bread once it’s been completely toasted and pops up. Buy yourself a new toaster, and, once again, make sure that you label it so that others living in your household don’t accidentally contaminate it with gluten.
  • Your BBQ Grill — Before you start barbecuing your next meal, carefully clean out your grill. Make sure that the grates are clean before you start grilling a gluten-free meal. If that’s not an option, prevent cross-contamination by grilling your gluten-free food on aluminum foil.
  • In Jars or Tubs of Peanut Butter, Jam, Mayo, Butter, or Relish. Unless you’ve instituted a “no double dipping” rule in your household, chances are a knife that has come in contact with breads containing gluten has also made it into various jars and tubs of condiments. You have two options: either institute a rule in your household eliminating double-dipping, or buy separate condiments that are for your use only.
  • Gum — Gum seems like the last place you’d find gluten, right? Unfortunately, some chewing gums are dusted with flour to prevent them from sticking to their wrappers, and most companies don’t list this on the label. Protect yourself by chewing a gluten free gum like Wrigley’s EXTRA® Peppermint.
  • Your Medicine — Just like some brands of gum, some pills are also dusted with flour before they’re packaged. Some inactive ingredients — or fillers — that are added to prescription or over-the-counter medications can also come from starch sources like wheat or potatoes. Before you purchase a medication, ask a pharmacist if it could contain gluten, or contact the manufacturer.

Thought of a hidden source of gluten we didn’t mention above? Share it with us by commenting below!

9/23: NFCA-Appetite for Awareness 2012

What: Appetite for Awareness-A Gluten-Free Cooking Spree

When: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1-5pm

Where:  The Historic Strawbridge Building- 8th and Market Streets-Philadelphia, PA

Cost: See NFCA website for pricing.

Website: http://www.celiaccentral.org/a4a/

We are proud to support the NFCA (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) and their annual Appetite for Awareness Event this weekend in Philadelphia! There will be numerous gluten-free restaurants from the Philadelphia area. Come out and sample our beer and grab some tasty snacks from 20+ gluten-free friendly restaurants.

9/23: Heartland of America’s Gluten Free/Allergen Free Expo

What: Heartland of America’s Gluten/Allergen Free Expo

When: Saturday, September 23rd 11am-4pm

Where:  DC Center – 11830 Stonegate Dr. Omaha, NE 68164

Cost: $10 for Adults, Kids under 12 are free!

Website: http://omahaglutenfreeexpo.blogspot.com/

Come socialize, discover, enjoy and experience a gluten/allergen free event you don’t want to miss!

Gluten-Free Football Snacks

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It’s official: The New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys game marked the beginning of the 2012 NFL season. And nothing goes better with Sunday football than an ice cold New Planet Beer and some yummy gluten-free snacks! Put an easy gluten-free spin on classic game day snacks by following the recipes below.

Gluten-Free Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz frozen spinach, thawed, drained & chopped
  • One 14-oz can gluten-free artichoke hearts (in water), drained & chopped
  • 2 cups shredded gluten-free mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 3 roasted garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free sour cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated & divided
  • 16 ounces gluten-free cream cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Gluten-free tortilla chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine artichoke hearts, spinach, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic and pepper. Stir until thoroughly blended, then spoon mixture into a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Gluten-Free Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. chicken wings, cut at the joint, tips discarded
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup cider vinegar
  • 1½ tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅔ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon hot chili sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash wing pieces, pat dry, and arrange in a single layer on baking sheet.

Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Remove ½ cup sauce and refrigerate to serve with wings. Brush wing pieces with some of remaining sauce before putting them in the oven to bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Baste them several times with remaining sauce.

Set wings under broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp and brown. Serve warm with reserved sauce.

Recipes adapted from Glutenfreeda and Living Without.

3 Quick Gluten-Free Lunches

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Looking for some quick, tasty gluten-free lunch options for you or your child?  Sometimes, when you’re helping your son or daughter gear up for a new school year — or even rushing off to face another busy day yourself — throwing together a quick PB & J is easier than making a more nutritious alternative. But never fear; here are a few tasty, nutritious gluten-free lunch recipes that you can whip up in a jiffy!

Gluten Free Turkey Club Sandwich

Ingredients:

  • 2 Slices of gluten-free bread
  • Smear of gluten-free mustard (French’s Mustard is gluten-free)
  • 2 Slices avocado
  • 2 Pieces Romaine lettuce
  • 2 Slices roasted turkey (for an even healthier alternative, substitute low sodium turkey breast from your local grocery store)

Directions:

Toast bread. Smear mustard and avocado on the bread, then add lettuce and turkey slices.

Gluten Free Tuna Sandwich

Ingredients:

  • 1 5 oz Can solid white chunk tuna in water, drained
  • 2 Slices of gluten-free bread
  • 1 Lettuce leaf
  • Mayonnaise (Best Foods mayo is gluten-free)
  • 2 Slices tomato
  • 1 Stalk of celery, diced

Preparation:

Toast bread slices, if desired. Use a fork to mix the tuna and celery with about 1/4 cup mayo, then spoon the mixture onto the slices of bread. Add lettuce and tomato. If you’d like to make it a tuna melt, add a slice of gluten-free cheese, then microwave the sandwich for 30 seconds.

Gluten-Free Munchables (a gluten-free alternative to Lunchables)

Ingredients:

Directions:

Using a small round cookie cutter, cut 4 small circles out of the turkey breast slices and 4 small circles out of the ham slices. Using a small square cookie cutter, cut 4 small squares out of the white American cheese slice and 4 small squares out of the cheddar cheese slice. There are two ways to put this Munchable together. For a quick fix, stack each ingredient in it’s own separate area of the tupperware. Or, try it the way one creative mom did: To avoid cross-contamination, wash a Lunchables plastic tray by hand or put it through the dishwasher on a no-heat cycle. Then, stack crackers in the two center sections. The cheese slices go in two sections on the right. Finally, add the slices of deli meats to the sections on the left. Cover with cellophane and serve!

Recipes adapted from Elana’s Pantry and Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom.

The Gluten-Free Road to College

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It’s finally August, which means that fall semester is just weeks away for incoming college freshmen. But while many students are probably chomping at the bit while thinking about the independence they’ll gain in college, gluten-free students are most likely worrying about what they’ll be able to eat in the dining halls. But maintaining a gluten-free diet in college doesn’t have to be as difficult as getting an A in statistics! Follow these ten easy steps to keep yourself on the gluten-free track.

  1. Buy a mini-fridge and/or microwave to keep your gluten-free food in. Before you purchase one, though, check with housing services to find out more about your college’s wattage guidelines. If you decide to share either of these appliances with your roommate(s), make sure that they understand how to prevent cross-contamination of their food with yours.
  2. Talk to your roommate(s) about your allergy. Don’t oversimplify your explanation, but don’t make it overly complicated either. Get across the point that even one crumb of gluten can make you sick, which is why you’ll be keeping all of your snacks, cleaning supplies (ie: sponges, towels), tupperware, and dishes separate from theirs. If you’re sharing a kitchen or cooking space with your roommate(s), ask them to wipe down surfaces after their done cooking so as to avoid cross-contamination.
  3. Meet with the dining services director and talk to dining hall chefs. When you meet with the director of dining services, tell him that you’re gluten-free and ask about accommodations the school can offer, gluten-free meals they’ve served in the past or could prepare for you, and even how many gluten-free students they’ve served or plan to serve this school year. After you’re done, walk around and talk to the chefs and dining hall staff. Ask them how they prepare gluten-free meals, if they know how to prevent cross-contamination, and which gluten-free meals they’ve served in the past.
  4. Consider opting out of a meal plan. If it doesn’t seem like there’s many gluten-free options in your college’s dining hall, ask dining services about opting out of your meal plan. Use the money you save to purchase gluten-free snacks at grocery stores or gluten-free meals at local restaurants.
  5. Figure out which grocery store has the best gluten-free food selection. Stock up on gluten-free snacks and frozen meals that you can keep in your dorm room. If there’s a particular gluten-free snack you’d like but don’t see on the shelves, don’t be afraid to ask the grocery store manager if they’ll look into carrying it for you.
  6. Pack gluten-free snacks. Always remember to bring one or two gluten-free snacks with you wherever you go, even if you’re not planning on eating. You never know when your friends may want to grab a snack or meal that may not be gluten-free, so it’s always good to bring a snack so you don’t have to sit there hungrily watching them eat!
  7. BYO gluten-free alcohol. If you’re over the age of 21 and going to a party, consider legally carrying closed bottles of gluten-free alcohol with you when you go out with friends. Just throw a four pack of New Planet Beer in your purse before you head to your friend’s party!
  8. Carry an allergy card with you to give to waitresses, chefs, etc. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has a very informative allergy card at the end of their Gluten-Free Guide to College. Print it out or create your own and carry it with you.
  9. Simplify your allergy story. Think of it like a gluten-free elevator speech; make sure that it’s easy to explain to anyone you meet. Be open and honest about your allergy with your friends, dorm staff, etc.
  10. Parents, send your student gluten-free snacks. Students love getting care packages during their freshman year, so remember to send gluten-free snack packs, especially around midterms and finals!

Don’t let living a gluten-free lifestyle hold you back. Remember that you can do anything other college students do!

Gluten-free dining at amusement parks

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Each day, amusement parks provide effortless fun for the whole family — that is, until someone gets hungry. Something as simple as finding gluten-free fare at an amusement park can quickly escalate into a stressful challenge for even the most patient guest.

But as information about living a gluten-free lifestyle has spread, theme parks have increased the number of gluten-free options they provide their guests. As you plan your next trip to an amusement park, follow New Planet Beer’s simple steps to ensuring a fun, gluten-free day:

  1. Check the amusement park’s website for information about food allergies and special dietary needs. Some theme parks, such as Elitch Gardens and Hersheypark, list comprehensive guides on their website that note allergen information for specific foods sold at each restaurant or stand within their park.
  2. Make reservations in advance. Many theme parks offer gluten-free dining options, but suggest that you call in advance to reserve a table. Disneyland will take reservations up to 60 days before your trip, and Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando accept them up to 180 days in advance. When you call, be sure to mention your gluten intolerance so that the person taking your reservation can note it accordingly. It’s also a good idea to ask for the name of the person who takes your reservation and/or a reservation confirmation via email.
  3. Ask to speak with a manager and/or chef once you arrive at a restaurant within the park. Once you have informed the manager/chef of your gluten intolerance, they’ll usually provide you with a gluten-free menu and answer any questions you might have before preparing your gluten-free meal.
  4. Ask about cross-contamination. While an amusement park may provide gluten-free fare, ensure that the meal your getting isn’t contaminated by gluten as its being prepared. Don’t hesitate to ask the chef specific questions about whether or not he prepares the meal using clean surfaces, pans and utensils that haven’t come into contact with gluten.
  5. Bring your own food if the amusement park allows it. Check the theme park’s website to see if they specify whether or not you can bring your own gluten-free meal with you; some permit this, provided that you inform security of your gluten intolerance as you enter the park.

And above all else, remember to have fun!

New Gluten Free Beer Labeling Guidelines

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For those who enjoy gluten-free beer but worry whether they can trust the labeling, good news from the United States Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

On May 24, the TTB announced that beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages made from ingredients that contain gluten, such as wheat, rye or barley, cannot be labeled as “gluten-free.” Before this ruling, beers that were labeled as gluten-free could still contain small traces of gluten; some brewers use glutenous ingredients to make their beer, then process it later to remove most of the gluten. Since the FDA and TTB haven’t found a test that accurately determines the gluten content of fermented beverages, beers that are made with ingredients that contain gluten must be labeled with either one of the following statements:

  • “Product fermented from grains containing gluten and [processed or treated or crafted] to remove gluten. The gluten content of this product cannot be verified, and this product may contain gluten.”
  • “This product was distilled from grains containing gluten, which removed some or all of the gluten. The gluten content of this product cannot be verified, and this product may contain gluten.”

Here’s some even more good news: According to the TTB’s new ruling, New Planet Beer remains gluten-free. Our beer is brewed from 100 percent gluten free ingredients such as sorghum, corn extract, brown rice extract, and gluten-free yeast. Each batch of New Planet Beer is carefully processed to avoid cross-contamination, and then regularly tested to make sure it’s in compliance.

So all you fans of gluten-free, rest assured that New Planet Beer had already set the gluten-free standard before the government action. From the time it’s processed to when it reaches your lips, New Planet Beer has always been guaranteed gluten-free.