Against the Grain - A Sampling of Great Gluten Free Breads

Is good gluten free bread an oxymoron? I used to think so. I can recall bringing home loaves of gluten free bread from the grocery store that literally made a "thud" noise when dropped on my kitchen counter. Bread shouldn't do that. I can also recall trying to make a sandwich with two pieces of gluten free bread, only to have them collapse into two useless piles of crumbs. I must say that I have come across some really good tasting breads, english muffins, and bagels lately that rival gluten containing breads. Look for whole grain varieties, and you can boost your fiber intake a bit too. Below are a few of my favorites.

Udi's
I've jumped on the Udi's bandwagon. Their white and whole grain sandwich bread is fabulous. It toasts very well, holds up to sandwich fixins', and tastes delicious. Their bagels are monstrous and my son's favorite. Check on their website for a $1.00 off coupon because a small loaf is usually over $5!

Deerfield's Bakery
Available online through their bakery website, in Whole Foods Markets throughout Chicagoland, and in some specialty stores (All Ways Healthy in Lake Zurich carries the baguettes), the Deerfield's rice bran mini baguettes and dinner rolls are the chewiest, most delectable gluten free breads I've tasted. A real treat.


Kinnikinnick
Tapioca Rice New York Style Plain Bagels are a morning favorite in our house, but Kinnikinnick makes a variety of breads and bagels that are chewy and great when warmed or toasted.

Enjoy Life
Placing one of their Classic Original Bagels next to an Udi's bagel is almost comical. It is half the size with the same amount of calories. This bagel is a little powerhouse though. It is very dense, has a slight sweetness to it, and is loaded with nutrients. It is very good warmed up with peanut butter slathered on top.


Food for Life
The Brown Rice English Muffins are the perfect housing for eggs as a breakfast sandwich or lunchtime snack. They toast up well and are a good source of fiber (4 grams for the whole muffin). The White Rice and Brown Rice breads are dense but yummy too.

Breadsmith
Located throughout Chicagoland, Breadsmith's bakery makes gluten containing breads and pastries, as well as gluten free breads and muffins on certain days of the week. You can buy them and then freeze for later use, but be sure to call ahead to place your gluten free order. I've tried several of their gluten free breads, along with their pizza crusts, muffins, and cookies (these contain dairy). There is a sweetness to their baked goods which makes them great as a dessert bread, in french toast, or topped with sweet spreads such as peanut butter and jelly.

French Quarter Flavors for Mardi Gras - Jambalaya

New Orleans is full of so many interesting sights, sounds, and flavors. No better time to celebrate the spirit of New Orleans than during Mardi Gras this week. This Jambalaya dish is taken from Emeril Lagasse's cookbook, "New New Orleans Cooking" and adapted to be gluten free. Emeril has a pleasantly surprising number of products that are gluten free, including his Essence seasoning that I use below. Chock full of shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage, this jambalaya stands as a meal all by itself. Don some beads and you're ready to eat!

Jambalaya
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and chopped
1 cup boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped
1 cup gluten free andouille sausage (Aidells Cajun Style Andouille, Al fresco Roasted Garlic are two brands)
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 tsp worcestershire sauce (Lee & Perrin's brand is gluten free)
1 Tbsp Emeril's Essence (Original or Bayou Blast)
1 tsp salt
3 turns freshly ground pepper
3 cups cooked brown rice couscous or cooked brown rice (Lundberg's brand makes a gluten free rice couscous)

In a bowl, combine shrimp, chicken, and seasoning until well blended. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a pan, adding the shrimp and chicken. Stir for 1-2 minutes, then add the sausage, onions, peppers, celery, and garlic and stir fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add in tomatoes, bay leaves, worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the cooked brown rice couscous and let simmer for 5 more minutes until flavors are combined. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

In the News...

Here are some new research findings and product offerings pertaining to celiac disease.

Celiac Disease - Asthma Connection

A recent study of Swedish patients with celiac disease showed an increased risk of developing asthma when compared to patients Swedish patients without the condition. Likewise, those patients who had asthma also had an increased risk of developing celiac disease. Full article published in Reuters.

University of Chicago Mouse Model Study Suggest Clues to Celiac Disease

University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center is at the forefront of celiac research and has created a mouse model to study the triggers leading to the development of celiac disease, along with its relationship to other autoimmune diseases such as Type-1 diabetes. New research findings point to a biochemical interaction that may trigger the autoimmune response in celiac disease. Full article published in USA Today. 

Coming Soon - Kellogg's to Offer Gluten Free Rice Krispies

I contacted Kellogg's consumer line and received confirmation that they will be offering a gluten free version of their Rice Krispies cereal in May 2011. The representative could not provide me with information about any additional products being made available, but get those marshmallows ready for the Rice Krispie Treats!

Subway is Testing Gluten Free Products

Subway is currently testing a line of gluten free sandwich buns and a gluten free brownie dessert in their Texas market.

Kim & Scott's Now Offer Gluten Free Pretzels 

The famous soft pretzels that so many of us moms and kids have enjoyed at the Kohl Children's Museum now has a gluten free pretzel offering. I'm looking forward to trying one of these!

Just in Time for Easter! Annie's Offers Gluten Free Bunny Cookies

Annie's brand, known for providing organic versions of many comfort foods and snacks, now offers Gluten Free Bunny Cookies. Available varieties are Vanilla/Chocolate bunnies, SnickerDoodle, and GingerSnap (contains milk). 

Semi-homemade Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Coconut Frosting

We are always looking for something sweet in this house after dinner. Short on time, I headed to the freezer and pulled out some unfrosted chocolate cupcakes I had made using Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Devil's Food Cake Mix. Once re-heated in the microwave, they were just as moist and chocolately as the day I had made them. Now, how to frost them. We concocted a Vanilla Coconut Frosting that tasted great with sweetened coconut shavings for garnish. I used Bob's Red Mill Organic Coconut Flour in the frosting to give it that hint of coconut and a little fiber boost. This cupcake was worth a few extra minutes on the treadmill tomorrow morning!

Vanilla Coconut Frosting
1/4 cup Earth Balance Vegan Shortening Sticks
3 Tbsp Tofutti Imitation Cream Cheese (no butterfat version)
1 tsp Mc Cormick's Pure Vanilla Extract
1 cup C & H Powdered Sugar
2-3 Tbsp Silk Vanilla flavored Almond Milk
1 Tbsp Bob's Red Mill Organic High Fiber Coconut Flour
Baker's Angel Flake Sweetened Coconut for garnish

In a blender, combine the Earth Balance shortening and Tofutti Cream Cheese. Blend at medium-high speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and coconut flour. Add in vanilla extract and almond milk, blending until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with sweetened coconut flakes. This recipe generously frosted 6 cupcakes.

Semi-homemade GF/CF Pizza

At the end of a long day, it is really nice to have dinner be a simple phone call away. You dial your favorite pizza joint and 30 minutes later, dinner arrives at your door. Unfortunately, gluten free/casein free pizza delivery has not yet arrived to McHenry county, so it is up to me to either create my own pizza or pull one of the pricey, pre-made gluten free pizzas from my freezer. Amy's brand does make some pretty tasty dairy free pizzas with a rice flour crust available in the freezer section of select supermarkets. When you are looking for a homemade taste but are short on time, here is a semi-homemade recipe to try. You can swap in any pre-made gluten free crust, but I really enjoy the Breadsmith's seasoned pizza crust. They are available in most all Breadsmith bakery locations throughout Chicagoland. You can buy them and then freeze for later use, but be sure to call ahead to place your gluten free order. Most Breadsmith locations dedicate a certain day of the week to baking their gluten free items.

Semi-homemade Sausage and Veggie Pizza
1 pre-made gluten/casein free pizza crust (Breadsmith seasoned crust)
1 8 oz. package Daiya Deliciously Dairy Free Mozzarella Style Shreds
1 jar Classico Marinara with Plum Tomatoes and Olive Oil
2-3 links Al Fresco Sweet Italian Style Chicken Sausage, chopped
Chopped sweet peppers (red, yellow, orange)
Baby spinach leaves

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Thaw pizza crust (if previously frozen) and spread marinara sauce on top of crust. Generously layer chopped sausage, chopped sweet peppers, spinach, and Daiya cheese shreds on top of crust. Bake 20 minutes or until cheese melts and crust is golden brown.

Springtime Meal - Pork Loin Chops in Red Wine Sauce, Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto

March has finally arrived, and we are on the cusp of Spring. I felt optimistic seeing the sun shine brightly over the still frozen Chicago ground today and melt the last bits of remaining snow.  So, I decided to add some fresh asparagus to our risotto this evening, and it added just the right flavors. Try this risotto recipe with the pork chops and you won't be disappointed. Credit to the cookbook "Tastes from a Tuscan Kitchen" by Madeline Armillotta and Diane Nocentini for their Pork Chops with Sage and Chianti recipe that I adapted here.

Pork Chops in Red Wine Sauce
4 tbsp olive oil
5 pork loin chops
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 tbsp ground sage
12 ounces of cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup red cooking wine (Holland House brand is gluten free)

Heat the olive oil in a skillet, browning the pork chops. Add the minced garlic, parsley, and sage and saute with the chops. Add the cooking wine and cherry tomatoes and simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce and pork chops to tenderize.

Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto
1 1/2 cups uncooked Arborio Rice (Rice Select is one brand that is gluten free)
4 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup white wine
4 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth (Pacific Foods, Kitchen Basics Chicken Stock and Swanson's Natural Goodness are all gluten free brands)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 bunch roasted asparagus (chopped into bite sized pieces)
1 10 oz. package of mushrooms (chopped)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees for roasting the asparagus. They can roast while the risotto is cooking. For risotto, saute onion and mushroom in oil until onions are translucent. Add rice and stir for 2-3 minutes. Slowly add the white wine. Add 1 cup of broth to the pan and continue stirring until liquid is absorbed. Continue adding broth, 1 cup at a time, cooking and stirring until all liquid is absorbed. While risotto is cooking, wash and pat dry asparagus. Lay asparagus on cooking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss asparagus to make sure all spears are lightly coated with the oil. Place in preheated oven and roast until crispy soft (approx. 10 minutes). Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and slice into bite sized pieces. When risotto has absorbed the last remaining broth, add the asparagus pieces and gently stir into risotto before serving.

Local Dining Options

With the growing awareness of gluten free living and recent celebrity endorsements of a "gluten free" diet come an increase in the number of restaurants that now offer gluten free options. It seems gluten free restaurant menus are popping up everywhere! This comes as a mixed blessing to those of us with celiac though because some restaurants out there offering gluten free options don't quite get it, e.g. brushing the croutons off a salad as it is being served to you, etc.

Below is a list I have started compiling of restaurants in McHenry county as well as the Chicagoland area that either provide a gluten free menu or accommodating gluten and dairy allergies. Please let me know if you have a restaurant that you'd recommend adding to this list or one that should be removed from this list!

Algonquin

Biaggi's: I've eaten here several times and have had a pleasant experience each time. The Grilled Chicken Pietro is my personal favorite.

Bonefish Grill: I've had several, delicious dinners here. I order off of the gluten free menu and ask the server to have the chef use oil instead of butter for any sauteing of vegetables or fish. I LOVE their Bonefish House salad.

Bistro Wasabi: Located on Algonquin Rd in Lake in the Hills, this is one of the best sushi restaurants I've found in the suburbs. It has an urban feel and a great selection of fresh sushi, as well as appetizers and main meals. In talking with the manager, I learned that they have accommodated many patrons with food allergies and can modify menu items to meet your needs. You are also welcome to bring in your own, gluten free soy sauce to use at your table.

Arlington Heights

La Tasca: They carry a variety of tapas that can be made gluten and dairy free. Unfortunately, most dessert items contain gluten or dairy. Fresh fruit is always an option.

Barrington

Barrington Gourmet: I have not eaten here yet, but did have a lengthy conversation with one of the owners on the phone about the menu. She informed me that a local teacher with celiac spent quite a bit of time working with the owner and chef on their menu, teaching them about ingredients and cooking gluten free. They currently do not offer a dairy free cheese for their gluten free pizzas, but their homemade gluten free brownies are also dairy free!

Egg Harbor: I recently dined there and was my server's first gluten free customer. We talked over their gluten free menu and substitutions for making them dairy free, and I had a very yummy salad with grilled chicken. Their dressing was not gluten free, so my server brought over several packets of Kraft salad dressings for me to choose from. My son enjoyed one of their gluten free lettuce wrap sandwiches. He didn't even complain that he couldn't have their Rainbow Pancake!

Francesca's: (located throughout Chicagoland) I've eaten at several of the Francesca's restaurants throughout Chicagoland and have had great experiences. They have a varied selection of gluten free items, and at the Arlington Heights location, crusty gluten free bread. Did you hear that? Warm, crusty gluten free bread!!!

South Barrington

Cooper's Hawk: My husband and I dined here last year for our anniversary. I spoke with our server about preparing some of their gluten free menu options so they could accommodate my dairy allergy. After enjoying a few glasses from their winery, I ordered the scallops with asparagus and rice. When my food was ready, the manager personally delivered it to the table and made sure it met my needs. Impressive, especially for a busy Saturday night!

Anna Shea Chocolate Shop: We stopped here after our dinner up the way at Cooper's Hawk. There is a multitude of decadent chocolate confections. Unfortunately, most all contain dairy. They do offer gelato which is free from gluten and dairy, as well as a dark chocolate bar. The cashier called the owner at home to ask about the ingredients in the chocolate bar, so we could confirm it was gluten and dairy free. They also offer soy milk for their espresso and coffee drinks!

Pinstripes: I haven't had a chance to get out here yet, but have heard rave reviews from other moms. I need to bring the kids to their Mom & Tot times. My son would be so excited to bowl and eat from their gluten free menu! They do request 24-hour notice for ordering their gluten free pasta.

Claim Jumper

Cary

Tapas Calpe/Orchard Prime Meats: Not only do they have the best cuts of meat in town, they have a tasty tapas menu for an evening out. I spoke to the owner and the chef can work with gluten free patrons to modify menu selections. The menu and specials change frequently, so they can prepare items with olive oil instead of butter, omit cheese, etc. http://www.tapascalpeofcary.com/menu_calpe.html

Cary Country Club: They are currently undergoing renovation and have new management in the restaurant. Stay tuned for updates, but I will be meeting with their chefs in March about adding some gluten free menu options.

Crystal Lake

Benedict's La Strata: (located in Dundee as well) They have several omelet and salad options that are gluten free. They have accommodated my dairy free needs as well, by eliminating cheese or cooking omelets in oil rather than butter. They also offer gluten free pancakes, however they do contain milk.

Duke's Ale House: They offer several gluten free menu options that can be modified to eliminate dairy plus GF Hard Cider and wines.

Wild Orchid Thai Bistro: Many of their menu options are naturally gluten free. They have had regular gluten free patrons, so can make accommodations. I stopped in and spoke with the manager for quite a while about their menu and some gluten and dairy free options include: salads, noodle dishes (substitute rice noodles for larger noodles), fried rice, and classic thai curries. They have a special gluten-free soy sauce that they use for gluten free patrons.

Nick's Pizza and Pub: (located in Elgin as well) Aside from the fun peanut shells you can toss on the floor, they have a special gluten free pizza crust that comes in its own pan. I order mine loaded with veggies and without cheese. My son has had the cheese and sausage many times. Yeah for a yummy gluten free pizzeria!

Lake Zurich

Julio's Cocina Latina: I've eaten here several times and never been disappointed. A friendly, attentive staff that truly understand gluten and dairy allergies. They have a wide variety of items on their menu and even indicate those items that can be easily made dairy free.

Walker Bros. Original Pancake House: They offer gluten free pancakes that are cooked on a separate grill from other menu items. Unfortunately, the pancakes do contain dairy (cultured buttermilk is one of the ingredients).

McHenry
Paisano's: Located on Broadway St. in Richmond, this Italian restaurant offers gluten free pasta.


Schaumburg

Big Bowl: They have a separate gluten free menu. Their pad thai is to die for!

Maggiano's: They carry gluten free pasta.

Wildfire: They have a wonderful gluten free menu and bring warm gluten free bread to the table! Unfortunately, it contains dairy.

Woodstock

Expressly Leslie Vegetarian Specialties

Woodstock Public House: (also own Williams St. Public House in Crystal Lake) They offer a gluten-free menu, but when I inquired about fried items on the menu, I was told that french fries and other items share the same fryer as gluten items. All sandwiches listed on the menu are "naked" i.e. without a bun.

Throughout Chicagoland

Aurelio's: They offer a gluten free pizza crust that comes in its own pan.

PF Chang's

Chipotle

Downtown Chicago
The number of available gluten free dining options downtown seems to be growing by the day, but below are a few places that I've personally enjoyed:
Adobo Grill

Feast

Hub 51

Zapatista