Lundberg Brown Rice Crisps

Try Lundberg Brown Rice Crisps. They are very crispy and taste great alone or with a variety of toppings (hummus, salsa, guacamole, goat cheese, etc.) They come in many different flavors. I like Sea Salt, Wasabi and Pico de Gallo.

Choco Perfection European Dark Chocolate Bars

The Choco Perfect dark chocolate bars are delicious. I have a couple of squares every day. Dark chocolate is a good source for anti-oxidants and this bar contains 60% Cocoa. What I like the most about these bars is that they are sugar free and loaded with fiber (14 grams per bar).

I would not recommend devouring a bar right away but rather start with one square a day. The reason is that this bar is sweetend with Erythitol. It is a natural sweetener that can cause some bloating/gas if taken in excess. I personally did not have any problems with the Erythitol.

Also, I did not like the Raspberry Chocolate. These bars can be found at Nature's Pavillion in Pompton Plains. I also found then on a website called www.netrition.com. This site charged me twice but then reversed it 2 days later. I don't recommend using a debit card for orders through that site!

Glutino Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is a good gluten free chocolate chip cookie made with semi-sweet chips. They can be found @ www.glutenfreemall.com. Make sure you buy a bag that has not been crushed as the cookies do crumble too much.

Baby Cakes Bakery

You have to visit Baby Cakes Bakery located @ 248 Broom Street in NYC. They have a large selection of gluten free baked goods that taste like "the real thing". We tried a few products and our favorites were the cookies and banana bread. I had to keep asking if the banana bread truly was gluten free because it tasted THAT good. The banana bread was moist and tasty with a fresh banana flavor. What I like most about Baby Cakes is that they primary use agave nectar in their baked goods instead of sugar. Baby Cakes also ships baked goods! You can call them at 212-677-5047. Please tell them you found them on Gluten Free Mary!

Amy's Gluten Free Pizzas

Amy's Gluten free pizzas actually taste very good. As an Italian girl, I like to give my a little extra seasoning by drizzling with some olive oil, adding some more fresh basil and other toppings such as olives.

Amy's introduced a personal size gluten free and dairy free pizza which is perfect for my asthmatic daughter. She has eaten 3 in 10 days!

Be careful when you select our pizza's at the grocer's freezer as Amy's also makes regular pizzas. Make sure it says "gluten free". Enjoy and don't forget to come back on the blog and tell me how you liked the pizza!

Amuy

Ian's Chicken Nuggets

My kids love the Ian's Chicken Nuggets. They are free of just about everything including gluten, soy, dairy, peanuts and many other allergens. It is hard for a child to go gluten free and it's great that Ian's offers this alternative to breaded chicken nuggets. Ian's has a full line of gluten and other allergy friendly products. I found the Ian's Chicken Nuggets at Nature's Pavillion in Pompton Plains.

Living Without Magazine

Check out the Oct/Nov 2009 Living Without Magazine for more articles on the link between Autism and Celiac disease! Incredible information that you will want to share with anyone that has a child with autism.

Tax Deductions for Gluten Free Purchases

Did you know that Gluten Free food may be a tax deduction! Yippee is all I have to say!

-Any food that costs in excess (which is everything gluten free) of the food you are replacing can be used a deduction. The deduction is the difference between the regular cost and the GF replacement item. I haven't even ventured into figuring this out and plan to dedicate a day of my life to this task.

-The full cost of certain GF items are deductible if they are special items needed for a GF diet.

- Special trips to the store (I take them all the time) may result in a deduction for the cost of your trip. California, here I come!

-I suggest you get a doctor's letter stating that you have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance in case you are audited.
-I am not a tax expert by any means and this is not meant as tax advice. With that being said, please read my disclaimer below.

Disclaimer:
CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL FOR FULL DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER TAX DEDUCTIONS. THIS BLOG IS NOT MEANT TO ADVISE ON TAX DEDUCTIONS BUT TO MAKE YOU AWARE THAT ONE MAY EXIST.

ADD,ADHD and Autism Symptoms and Gluten

ADD/ADHD
If your child is having difficult concentrating or with hyperactivity and you suspect ADD/ADHD, then you may want to try a gluten free diet. You do not have to suffer from Celiac disease to have a sensitivity to gluten! Many with gluten sensitivity suffer with loss of focus, disorganization, mood swings, depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and even asthma. As one with Celiac disease, I can tell you that I was an emotional mess prior to going gluten free. I truly believe I suffered from undiagnosed ADD as a child.

Why not try a gluten free diet? There are so many delicious alternative foods made without gluten and I promise to keep you informed of my favorites. Of course, see your doctor for consultation before starting any dietary program.

Please visit the following link for more information. The Gluten Free Mall has an outstanding selection of gluten free products as well. I also recommend subcribing to 'Living Without" magazine for more articles on the link betwee ADD/ADHD and diet.

http://www.glutenfreemall.com/catalog/attentiondeficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-food-allergy-a-19.html

Here is a blog from a mom with a child that had ADD.

http://adhdcured.com/blog/?p=4

AUTISM
Autism has also been linked to gluten intolerance. I read in "Living Without" magazine that children on a gluten free and casein free diet show improvement.!! You can learn more about this from visiting http://www.autismndi.com/ (Autism Network for Dietary Intervention).

Check out the following site for more detailed info on diet and autism. This is also a great on line store for gluten free food! See your doctor before starting a new dietary program.

http://www.glutensolutions.com/autism.htm

Jenny McCarthy wrote a book called "Louder Than Words" about her personal struggle with her son's autism and how dietary intervention made a difference.
http://www.amazon.com/Louder-Than-Words-Mothers-Journey/dp/0525950117

Pamela's Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pamela's Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies are gluten free and non-dairy. The cookies are a good size and they have large chocolate chunks. These are one of the better gluten free cookies you will ever eat. My kids love them. They are about $4.50-$5.00 a box and the cookies will be eaten within 24 hours!

Organicville Gluten Free Ketchup

Organicville has a great gluten free ketchup that my entire family enjoys. I am "sugar free" and I like this ketchup because it is made with Agave Nector. The ketchup is natural and tastes so much better than the toxic kind that I won't mention!

Trader Joe's Gluten Free Brownies

Wow, these are delicious and they are a great value. About $2.00 for a bag that makes a full batch of brownies. We like to add semi sweet chocolate chips to our brownies. These are also dairy free as well.

Amy's Gluten Free and Dairy Free Pizza

Amy's introduced a personal size gluten free and dairy free pizza. My 13 year old daughter was my taste tester for this product. She loved it and ate the entire pizza! You can spruce it up by adding a little more olive oil and soy cheese but otherwise it is a good alternative for Celiacs. Amy's products are available at most Whole Foods Stores. I found Amy's at Nature's Pavillion on Route 23 in Pompton Plains.

Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes Recipe

I make this recipe with either the baby potatoes from Trader Joes or baby redskin potatoes from any supermarket.

2 pounds of potatoes
4-5 cloves of garlic
4 sprigs for Rosemary
1 tablespoon (or more) of soy garden (or butter if you prefer)
olive oil

Wash the potatoes and put them in a roasting pan.
Crush 4-5 cloves of garlic and put the garlic over the potatoes
Add the soy garden or butter
Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper and sea salt
Add Rosemary
Cover the potatoes with about 1/3 cup of olive oil (enough to cover potatoes)
Mix everything together so the potatoes are all covered with the seasoning

Heat oven to 400 and cook uncovered for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are soft
Turn the potatoes every 15 minutes

I serve this with Pork Loin and string beans for my carnivorous family. I usually make myself a salad or soup when I make these potatoes.

Gluten Free Mall Discount Code

Try discount code dab7fc at www.glutenfreemall.com for a 10% discount in October!

Think Thin Bars Gluten Free and Sugar Free

I have been enjoying Think Thin high protein, gluten/sugar free bars for about two years. They have a good flavor and make a satisfying snack or meal replacement. I usually carry them in my purse for when my blood sugar drops. As one with Celiac disease and hypoglycemia, I can't count on being able to find a safe food when I need to eat. The bars come in several flavors (Chocolate Fudge, White Chocolate Chip, Brownie Crunch, Creamy Peanut Butter). My favorite is Chocolate Fudge. Think thin has several other lines of bars and some are made with fruit and nuts. Check the label if you are concerned about sugar. I order my bars online at Amazon.com but these bars can also be found at Trader Joes, Nature's Pavillion in Pompton Plains, Natural Foods in Toms River and Whole Foods. Sometimes Amazon.com runs specials with free shipping when you purchase the bars in bulk.

Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe

I made this last night and it was delicious!

1 bunch of asparagus
1/2 block of Trader Joe's soft tofu
1/2 box of Trader Joe's organic low sodium vegetable broth
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon Soy Garden spread

Clean the asparagus and cut off the bottom step.
Put the olive oil and soy garden in a saute pan and crush and add the garlic.
Add the asparagus and saute. Add a little water.
Put the cooked asparagus into a Vitamix or other blender and add the tofu and vegetable broth.
Blend until it is a creamy liquid.
If you have a Vitamix, run the machine until the soup is hot.
Otherwise, pour the soup into a pan and heat before serving.
Add fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste. If the soup gets too thick, add some water or extra broth.
Enjoy!

Trader Joe's Edamame Hummus

Try Trader Joe's Edamame Hummus. No gluten and it is a delicious variation of hummus. I enjoy it on Mary's Gone Crackers. I also make sandwiches with Trader Joe's Brown Rice Tortillas. I put the hummus on the tortilla and add Trader Joe's shredded carrots, mesculin salad and a little lemon juice. It's a nice vegan/gluten free/balanced lunch or snack. Carbs, protein and greens are all covered.

Aunt Gussie's Gluten Free Cookies

I love Aunt Gussie's chocolate chip/almond gluten free cookies because they are also sugar free. Aunt Gussie's also has chocolate chip made WITH sugar and sugar free vanilla cookies. You can't eat too many of the sugar free cookies because they contain malitol. I usually have one or two with my homemade soy cappucino when I want to treat myself. I found these cookies in Whole Foods, Natural Foods in Toms River and once even in Foodtown. Since I eat the cookies far and few between, I like to freeze them so they stay fresh.

Celiac/Gluten Friendly Restaurants

I have visited or frequent the following restaurants that are kind to gluten free folks. The best thing to do is to order meat or chicken and ask questions about the coatings and sauces. If you are a vegetarian and have no choice but to eat pasta, then call ahead and warn then of your arrival so the chef is prepared to help you! Tell them that Mary sent you! (They are in no particular order)

1) Washington Park in Nutley - owned by my cousin Anthony! See you on a Friday night! Great food, reasonable prices and friendly people .
2) La Piazza in Nutley and in Little Falls. Little Falls has gluten free pasta on hand and a beautiful new dining room. Nutley is cozy and Tony can memorize all my nitpicker orders!
3) Cafe D'Amici (the old Bella you know what) in Clifton by Styertowne. Pretty and cozy dining room with great food! Closest you'll get to grandma's Sunday dinner flavor.
4) Torino North in Nutley- feels like a NYC restaurant, attentive service, great selection
5) Bella Notte's Alta Cucina in Little Falls - unique atmosphere and attentive service
6) LuNello in Cedar Grove - Fabulous fine dining experience! Chef has gluten free pastas, food was delicious, elegant ambiance and the service was great. Go for lunch, less crowded.
7) Luna Rosa in Seaside Heights-beautiful outside dining or inside ambiance, Cousin Gerard Esposito sings there on Sunday nights.
8) Francesco's in West Paterson - haven't been there in awhile but the food was good and they were nice
9) La Courrone in Montclair -adorable place by Watchung Ave, delicious food.
10) Leone's in Montclair -large dining area, family friendly, great food and pizza
11) On Top of Spaghetti in Seaside Heights - Grandma's house with an artsy twist. Great food & nice people.
12) Il Giardinello in Normandy Beach - great vodka sauce, nice servers

Banquet Halls: Nanina's in the Park/Belleville NJ

Places that did NOT accomodate me:
I was disappointed that Gianna's in North Caldwell would not accomodate me even though I had a table for 8.
Was also disappointed that the Brownstone in Paterson would not accomodate me at a party they catered at a VFW. I don't think "Caroline" the NJ housewife would have turned me down!

Mary's Gone Crackers

I love these crackers for two reasons 1) I can pretend I make them and 2) they are really good. These crackers are gluten free and made from nuts and seeds. My guests always try to eat my special crackers! Mary's crackers are very crispy and taste great with a soft or hard cheese. I love to have the Trader Joe's herbed goat cheese on these crackers. I also grind the crackers and mix them with my gluten free bread crumbs for a crispier coating for my eggplant parmigiana. The crackers come in a variety of flavors including Black Pepper, Herb, Onion and Original.

Hot Baked Bread

Try the "Unwonder" Bread at the Montclair Bread Company on Walnut Street in Montclair. They make it fresh every Wed and Fri afternoon. It is the closest you WILL ever get to eating "real" bread. They also have gluten free/sugar free banana-coconut muffins which are very tasty. I am sugar free but my 13 year old daughter enjoys the gluten free brownies. I also get gluten free/yeast free pizza. They have both vegan and cheese gluten free pizzas! If you go there, tell them you read about them on my blog. They know me if they see me but I'd like for them to know that I am sending readers to their bakery. I want to keep them in business!!

Miss your Cheez Doodles! Try Barbara's Puffs!

Barbara's Bakery Jalapeno Cheese Puffs and Barbara's Cheese Puff Bakes/Original are both excellent gluten free snacks. The Jalapeno puffs are not hot (actually, I can hardly taste the jalapeno!) and they are the next best thing to Crunchy Cheez Doodles (off limits to Celiacs). These are delicious and your fingers won't turn orange with toxic food coloring.

The Cheese Puff bakes are more like traditonal Cheez Doodles and they are delicious. I cannot open a bag in front of my family without having it devoured. Again, no orange fingers which makes Mom happy.

I have purchased these at Whole Foods, Natural Foods in Toms River and on-line @ Amazon.com. You can also try glutenfreemall.com

Check out marycookielee.blogspot.com

I'm thrilled to share that I am now selling Cookie Lee jewelry. Everyone always compliments me on my choice of jewelry and you'd be surprised that unless I am wearing diamonds, most of my jewelry is super affordable! The most expensive item from Cookie Lee is $48 and the jewelry is gorgeous! I'll have my website up soon. If you'd like a catalog, would like to help me out by hosting a party or are even interested in this sales opportunity for yourself, email me at marycookielee@optonline.net

Swanson Vitamins

As someone that is really into health and fitness but dealing with some minor health problems, I take about 40 supplements a day. I used to buy my supplements from my doctor but now I buy many from Swanson Vitamins (www.swansonvitamins.com). I actually save hundreds of dollars by using their line and they also offer discounted pricing on various name brands.

Best Eyeliner - Urban Decay

Urban Decay's eyeliner pencils rock! They smooth right onto your eye and they come in a variety of colors! Get them at Sephora which is one of my favorite stores~!

Washington Park Restaurant in Nutley - Great Food

Please visit Washington Park restaurant located (where else?) on the corner of Washington and Park Avenues in Nutley. The place is owned by my husband's cousins but I wouldn't even go there if the food wasn't great. They specialize in everything from seafood (always fresh!), steaks and great Italian food. It's the type of place where everyone knows each other and you can feel comfortable having dinner in a casual atmosphere. The chef Anthony is very accomodating and always makes me a special Gluten Free dinner. He has no problem if you bring your gluten free pasta! After dinner, we always wind up sharing laughs with the many acquaintances we have made at the Washington Park Restaurant. They are open 7 days a week.

JUICE BEAUTY

I've been using Juice Beauty's Oil Free Moisturizer and it is great. It smells nice and does not have any parabens or other chemicals. I just ordered the Green Apple peel and serum. I'll put a post about these products too!

World's Softest Socks

World's softest socks are the best. They won't hurt your toes and they are super soft and comfy. Get them at www.amazingsocks.com and tell them Mary sent you! They come in a variety of colors and styles!

Traders Joe's Brown Rice Pasta is Great

Try Trader Joe's brown rice pasta. It is only $1.99 a bag and just as good as Tinkayada which is actually my favorite!