Product Review: Mom's Place Gluten Free; Caramel Swirl Buns (not sponsored content)

One of my all time favorite breakfast pastries would be caramel sticky buns.  I haven't had any since my diagnosis and going gluten free 6 years ago and, boy do I miss them!  Though I have enjoyed quite a few cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from my friend, Tina's former Better For You Bakery.  A while back, my friend, Kallie (mile_high_celiac) introduced me to the website momsplaceglutenfree.com and I was almost giddy as I searched through their many gluten free mix options!  WOW!  Was there a lot!  Before the holidays, I kind of went crazy and ordered a large variety of mixes from Mom's Place Gluten Free.  The first one I tried was the Caramel Swirl Buns, as it seemed like the perfect holiday breakfast treat.

I have to admit, I didn't have all of the equipment suggested on the packaging, but I made my own adjustments and it worked beautifully.  I didn't have individual 4" springform bun pans, so instead, I used some gluten free potato starch from Bob's Red Mill sprinkled on parchment paper and rolled the dough to 1/8 inch thickness (see image collage below).  

I sprinkled the brown sugar, cinnamon mixture on top of it and slowly, using the parchment paper, rolled it into a log and then cut 1 inch thick rolls out of it.  They didn't get large, but I was able to get 14 medium sized buns out of the dough!  Enough for me and to share with my non-gluten free husband and mom, who both loved them.

I didn't have a candy thermometer, either, for the caramel sauce, but I let it come to a rolling boil and tested by dropping a small amount into a cup of cold water.  When it is the right temperature, the caramel will form into a firm ball in the water.  It's old school, but it works.

I would have loved to have added pecan pieces, but I discovered that I was all out and I didn't feel like making a trip to the store to get more.  We still enjoyed them without the pecans.

The instructions on the mix were easy to follow and this was a lot of fun to put together.  The buns were light and flaky and practically melted in my mouth.  For 6 years I had to do without one of my favorite breakfast treats.  Now, thanks to Mom's Place Gluten Free, I can enjoy them once again.

Mom's Place Gluten Free Caramel Swirl Buns are not only gluten free, but also non-GMO and preservative free.  If you go to their website soon, you'll be able to purchase this mix on clearance.  While you're there, check out all of the other amazing products they have available.

**This review is not sponsored by Mom's Place Gluten Free or Bob's Red Mill or any other entity.  Siouxland Celiac received no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this product review.  All opinions stated are my own for the purpose of sharing with the Celiac and Gluten Free community any gluten free products I've discovered and where to find them.**

Recipe: Gluten Free Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

I don't know where you live, but here in Iowa, winters get  very long and frigid.  Who doesn't love a hot, steaming cup of rich, chocolaty hot cocoa to make you feel warm and cozy on a cold, snowy night?  I have many fond memories of making homemade hot cocoa mix with my mom when I was growing up and it was so delicious!  I haven't made any for decades, so I decided that this was the year I was going to do it.  And it was well worth it!

Ingredients:

1 pound non-fat, dry milk

2 cups cocoa powder (I used unsweetened cocoa powder)

1 1/2 cups powdered coffee creamer

2 cups powdered sugar

Stir all ingredients together until well-blended and then pour into glass storage jars or a gallon Ziploc bag.  To use, place 1/3 cup of the mixture into your cup, add hot water and stir.  Mixture may be kept in a freezer bag in the freezer - as if you'll have it around long enough for that.  This recipe is so simple and tasty.  It is a wonderful flavor you won't be able to resist.  I add a peppermint stick or top with whipped cream and cinnamon.

You can double this recipe to split out and give as gifts to family and friends.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from Siouxland Celiac!

Gluten in Medication Disclosure

If you have Celiac Disease or are gluten free for other health reasons you know that you have to be on the lookout for gluten not only in your food and beverages, but also in beauty products, household cleansers and even in our medications.

Like many other Celiacs, I also have hypothyroidism.  I was actually diagnosed with my thyroid condition decades before I found out about my Celiac Disease, which I believe I've actually had longer.  I just recently read a conversation thread on a Celiac page I follow on Facebook where several people who also have hypothyroidism were comparing problems they've had with various thyroid medications such as Synthroid and Levothyroxine.  I have been on both of these medications at one time or another, beginning with Synthroid and then the pharmacist switched me to Levothyroxine several years later, well before I was diagnosed with Celiac.  Most recently the pharmacy switched me from the Levothyroxine to Euthyrox, which I'd never heard of.  They didn't tell me when I picked up my refill that they had switched my medication and I didn't look at it until I got home from the store.  My first thought was panic that I had a new medication that I knew nothing about.  I was not happy with that at all, as the pharmacy I use has on record that I have Celiac Disease and didn't say a thing about the new medication.  

The sad truth is that, like too many doctors, pharmacists know very little about Celiac Disease since there is no medical or pharmaceutical treatment available for this disease.  However, I would have thought that since I have to be gluten free, they would have mentioned it when I went in to pick up my refill that I thought was Levothyroxine.  Before I ever took my first dose, I went online to research this product.  Unfortunately, I was unable to even locate any ingredients for this product, though I went directly to the company's webpage https://www.provellpharma.com/  This is very frustrating for me as I NEED to take my thyroid medication daily and suffer when I don't, but I also NEED to be confident that it is gluten free.  After thoroughly searching online to get information about this medication, I finally decided to contact the company this weekend to ask them outright.  I'll let you know what their response is once I hear back from them.  At this time I haven't had any adverse reactions, however, it does make me nervous for prolonged use of a medication that I don't know if it is safe or not.  I asked at the pharmacy to switch me back to the Levothyroxine (by the way, the only brand of Levothyroxine that is gluten free is Lannet brand).  They said that they don't have a good reason to unless I begin to have adverse reactions or my doctor insists that I have to have a specific medication.  They, also, couldn't tell me if the new medication is gluten free or not.  They didn't know.  They were very polite and courteous, but, unfortunately, that doesn't help me with knowing if this medication is safe for me to use.

Earlier this year, legislation was introduced by Representative Tim Ryan on the floor of Congress called the Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act of 2019.  Unfortunately, no summary of this bill has been posted yet.  Our government moves very slowly.  This piece of legislation was introduced in April, 2019 and they still haven't posted a summary of it.  When they do, you'll be able to read it here.  There is other information available about this proposed legislation, though, that is worth reading.

This is such an important piece of legislation, that, if passed, would hugely impact everyone on any kind of medication who is gluten free for health reasons!

To learn more about this and how you can let your voice be heard regarding this vital matter to our community, visit Beyond Celiac.  Their website is where I first learned of this legislation.  This is your chance to make your voice heard!  As more is released about this proposed legislation I will keep you posted with updates.  

Until this is passed (I'm being optimistic and hopeful here that it WILL pass) we still have to do the research ourselves and hope for the best.  We are our own best advocates and we have to keep fighting together to get what we need in order to take care of our health and well-being.

12/16/19 Update:
I received a call back this morning from Provell Pharmaceuticals.  I was impressed that not only did they get back to me so quickly, but also that they made a phone call instead of just sending an emailed reply.  The representative was very helpful and was able to inform me that Euthyrox is, in fact, gluten free.  This is a huge relief to me and I greatly appreciate the prompt attention and the importance they placed on getting me this information. 

Happy Gluten Free Holidays!

I know it is hard sometimes not to get discouraged and feel isolated when you are living with Celiac Disease or other chronic health issues.  I'm not going to say that it's a walk in the park, because it most certainly is not!  Holidays aren't just for healthy people, you know.  Even we can enjoy the holidays.    

I've had more people than I care to count tell me that they'd "just die" if they had to be gluten free, especially during the holidays.  Ha!  I nearly died BECAUSE of gluten!  I know that people who say things like that think that they are being sympathetic, but it is one of the things I hate to hear the most.  I want to shake them and tell them that you can adjust to absolutely anything that will make you healthier and help you live a better quality life.  My quality of life isn't less than, but it's just different than theirs.  

At this time of the year, people concentrate so much on all of the goodies that abound during the holidays.  Where I work, we get many cookie trays and tins of candy, etc from various vendors, the majority of which I can't have.  In the beginning, when I was first gluten free, it really bothered me a lot that I couldn't partake in these sugary treats.  Nearly 6 years later, it doesn't affect me all that much.  While I still sometimes feel isolated because of my dietary and health limitations, I mostly choose to concentrate on other aspects of the holidays that I can still participate in.

Things such as Secret Santa at work.  I've been on the committee for Secret Santa for many years and always have so much fun with it!  Decorating the house, spending extra time with family, listening to Christmas music.  There are so many wonderful things to enjoy at this time of the year!  My husband and I get to spend time with two of our great-nieces during the holidays.  We wish we could spend time with all of our nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, but it just isn't possible.  I have my church family that I am very active with and right now we are preparing for our Christmas Eve service just a few weeks away.  Driving around town and looking at the pretty Christmas lights strung on houses and trees is a great way to spend an evening.

This holiday season try to focus on the non-food festivities.  And, by the way, there are a lot of great gluten free recipes out there to try out, too!  When you make those yummy gluten free sugar cookies, don't forget to bake enough to share with others!  I love being able to share my gluten free treats with people who assume that everything gluten free equals tasting like cardboard.  Aren't they surprised when they find out how good gluten free done right can be!

Recipe: Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Autumn is much too quickly giving way to colder temperatures as winter moves into the Midwest.  The cooler temps bring certain flavors and aromas to mind such as hot cocoa, pumpkin spice (you KNOW you crave it!), cinnamon and many more that seem to go perfectly with this time of year.  One of the things I absolutely love is warm, sweet with a hint of tart, mouth-watering apple crisp.  I've played around with and developed this simple and tasty recipe.

This will be my last blog post until December.  Next week, with the Thanksgiving holiday, I will be taking time off to simply be with family, as I am sure most of you will be doing.  This past Thursday our Western Iowa Celiac & Gluten Free Living group celebrated early with a wonderful "Friendsgiving".  Everyone brought a gluten free dish to share and it was so much fun!

Members of Western Iowa Celiac & Gluten Free Living share in "Friendsgiving"

Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Ingredients:
3 medium or 4 small apples, thinly sliced (I used 4 small - 2 Honeycrisp and 2 Granny Smith)
2/3 C packed brown sugar
1/3 C butter, softened
1 C gluten free granola (I used a nut blend granola)
1/2 C gluten free all purpose flour blend (measures cup for cup like regular flour)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a 9 x 11 inch lightly greased baking dish layer apple slices to cover the entire bottom of dish.  

In a medium bowl, combine  remaining ingredients using a pastry blender, spoon or your hands until mixture is crumbly.  

Sprinkle mixture evenly on top of apple slices.  Be sure to cover apples entirely.  

Bake on center rack between 30 and 35 minutes until apples are tender.  Serve warm with your favorite ice cream or whipped topping.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving from Siouxland Celiac!

Product Review: S2 Soaps Ltd

I've always had very sensitive skin.  Many store-bought soaps would make my skin break out in awful rashes, so my mom was always very careful in what she bought to use.  If it caused me to have a reaction, she wouldn't buy it again.  I think we'd hoped that eventually I would outgrow the sensitivities, but, sadly that never happened.  I'm very particular in what soaps I use.  In fact, I haven't actually used store-bought soap for my bath soap in several years.  Previously, I'd bought from a local vendor out of Vermillion, SD who sold their wonderful line of soap products under the name of God's Green Earth at our local farmer's market.  Through visiting with the owners of this line, I was able to gain a couple of new friends, as well.  I liked their products because they used high quality ingredients and no gluten ingredients, which is very important to me.  Marije, the creator of these soaps and lotions, also used her own products for herself and her family, so she stood behind her work.

Autumn Equinox soap by S2 Soaps Ltd

But, alas, they moved to the West Coast and I lost my friend and soap supplier.  Though I did purchase quite a lot from her before they left.  I've been looking for a new soaper ever since, though.  Enter S2 Soaps Ltd, an Etsy Shop created and owned by Kallie Smirnov based in Colorado.  Full disclosure - over the past few years, Kallie has become a very dear friend of mine, though we have only met via the internet.  She, however, does not know that I am writing this review of her products, which I have purchased from her Etsy Shop, nothing was given to me in exchange for a review.  Though she is my friend, I do promise to give a completely honest product review.

Christmas soaps from S2 Soaps Ltd cut and curing.  Scented in crisp juniper.

Whipped soaps from S2 Soaps Ltd

Kallie has quite a line of products available.  Items from bars of soap, bath bombs, travel soap kit, jelly soap, sugar scrubs and more can be ordered from her shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/S2Soaps  My first order I placed with her, I purchased bars of the 

Life's a Beach, Pink Flamingo and Coffee with goat milk glycerin soaps, as well as the Wanderlust Collection Travel Soap Kit.  I've used the Life's a Beach bar and have now been using the Pink Flamingo bar.  The fragrances are bold and crisp and really help wake me up in the morning.  While I like the scent of the Pink Flamingo bar, I have to say that the Life's a Beach is my favorite so far.  Every time I walked into my bathroom I could smell this lovely, clean fragrance and it had a calming, soothing effect on me.  Each bar is cut thick so they last a long time.

Life's a Beach by S2 Soaps Ltd

Coffee with Goat Milk glycerin soap and Pink Flamingo soap by S2 Soaps LTD

One of the things I hate about store-bought soaps is that so often, they tend to leave a soapy film on your skin that feels like you can never get completely washed off.  Ugh, I absolutely hate that feeling!  With the products from S2 Soaps Ltd, I don't have that.  My skin feels clean and soft after use.  That is saying a lot because of my extra sensitive skin.  While the prices for homemade soap products are more expensive than store-bought soaps, in my opinion, the quality is worth the price.  I know that high quality ingredients have gone into these products and, for me, it is a relief to be able to shower and know that I'm not going to break out in a rash from my soap.

Pink Flamingo soap by S2 Soaps Ltd

On a recent overnight trip I took with my mom to attend a high school musical performed at my old high school, I had my first opportunity to use the Wanderlust Collection Travel Soap Kit.  Yes, hotels most often provide small bars of soap for their guests, and this hotel we stayed at is no exception.  It's always bothered me, though, the waste of the majority of even a small bar of soap.  The majority of the bar of soap gets thrown away.  Not to mention, that I never know if it is a soap that my skin will react badly to.  So, this time I used one of the slivers of soap you get with the travel kit.  It was the perfect size for a single time use!  I had enough for my shower and the small bit that was left wasn't enough to use a second time - minimal waste!  I love that.  I had never heard of this kind of travel soap, but I think it is a great idea.  It worked nicely for me.  The Prospector travel soap that I purchased is an unscented soap by S2 Soaps Ltd.

Prospector unscented single use travel soap in the Wanderlust Collection by S2 Soaps Ltd

I've just recently placed a new order that I am excited to receive.  I'd never heard of jelly soap before, so I decided to try the Jack Frost Jelly Soap this time.  I've also ordered one of the White Tea Pear bath bombs, the Basil Activated Charcoal soap and a bar of the Autumn Equinox soap.  I enjoy that she includes seasonal scents in her product line.  She has new scents coming out soon for Hanukkah and Christmas!  I will add to this review once I receive my next order and use the jelly soap and bath bomb.  

Basil Activated Charcoal soap by S2 Soaps Ltd

White Tea Pear bath bombs by S2 Soaps Ltd

Jack Frost Jelly Soap from S2 Soaps Ltd

Hanukkah soap by S2 Soaps Ltd

I'm very proud of the creativity of my friend and the high quality of her products.  I hope you'll check them out.  In addition to her Etsy Shop link posted earlier in this review, you can also find her on Instagram @s2soaps

11/20/19 I received my latest order from S2 Soaps Ltd today!  I think I like th Autumn Equinox fragrance even more than the Life's a Beach!  Looking forward to using these!!

Surviving the Holidays When You are Gluten Free

It is a very brisk Autumn day here in Iowa.  With the arrival of November, the holiday season is fast approaching.  It seems that especially this time of year can get very discouraging and frustrating for those of us who have to be gluten free due to Celiac Disease or other health issues that require a gluten free lifestyle.  Here are some ways I have found to survive the holidays being gluten free.  (read all the way to the end for the Giveaway Winner announcement!)

Just because we are gluten free doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves along with our family, friends and co-workers at holiday get-togethers and events!  One thing I learned during my first holiday season after my Celiac diagnosis is not to expect others to cater to my dietary needs.  It isn't fair to them and you will only be disappointed and probably end up sick.  I try really hard not to call attention to my being gluten free other than when I have to.  I have never enjoyed being the focus of attention and this is no exception.  My sister-in-law, having the most space in her home, always graciously hosts the family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We do it potluck style, with everyone bringing something for the meal.  At Thanksgiving, I completely prepare an entire Thanksgiving meal for myself at home, including the turkey (even with meat, you have to watch to see if anything was added to make sure it is safe for consumption when you have to be gluten free).  Yes, my sister-in-law and her husband usually make a turkey, but I don't mind making my own, as well.  I can control what I am getting and I know exactly what has been used in preparing it and my husband and I have left-overs that we wouldn't if I didn't make my own.  My sister-in-law usually provides potatoes, so I don't make those, though I do make my own gluten free gravy and stuffing at home and take just what I need for myself.  Actually, I end up taking a little bit more, as well, because my mom likes to try the gluten free foods I make, even though she doesn't have to be gluten free.  I always try to make a gluten free desert to share with everyone there and on Black Friday - otherwise known as Iowa Hawkeye Game Day to our family, I always bring a snack that everyone can enjoy (including me).  A favorite that is requested of me each year is my spinach, artichoke dip.  Yum!  The nice thing about making my own meal that is safe for me to eat is that, anymore, it is just commonplace and no one thinks anything of it.  I am not the center of attention because of my limitations and I get to enjoy delicious, gluten free foods that I know are perfectly safe.

On my dad's side of the family, there are quite a few of us living with Celiac Disease or non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, so there are always plenty of delicious gluten free options at these family gatherings!  And, we don't have to worry about cross-contact because everything is labeled with separate utensils and kept away from the gluten-full foods.  While it is sad that so many of us have to avoid gluten on this side of the family, it also feels like I can just enjoy a normal family gathering because I'm not alone.

There are many things you can do to be safe and yet still be a part of the festivities.  Eating ahead of time can help and then just enjoy a glass of wine or a hot cider and good conversation with everyone else at the event, or bring your own food.  The first couple of years after my diagnosis I found kind of depressing as I focused on all of the things I couldn't have instead of focusing on just being with family and friends and enjoying the moment.  Concentrate on the joy and fun of the event and don't let what you can't have get you down.  Be thankful that you know what has caused your health issues and that you are in control as much as you can be.  

At any event where you bring your own food or, if catered and the caterer will provide a gluten free meal for you, there may be some people who ask you questions about your health and about being gluten free.  I've learned to give short, but accurate answers to these questions unless someone really is interested in learning more about Celiac Disease and being gluten free.  Many people, while curious, don't want to know the entire history of gluten, Celiac Disease, etc.  Most are asking to be polite.  Generally, I try to give a short answer and then turn the topic of conversation to something else that everyone can participate in.  That way, I'm not on the spot and the conversation doesn't become all about me and my health issues.  I want to enjoy the festivities as much as the next person.

The holidays can be very intimidating and isolating if you let them.  For me, being able to prepare and take my own food to get-togethers cuts out the intimidation factor and keeps me from being isolated.  I can say yes and attend and be a part of the event and know that I am safe because I've prepared my own meal.  Even though most holiday events center around food, remember that there is so much more to enjoy about life than just the food!  After all, the best things in life are free (gluten free, that is!).  Take a moment this holiday season to really notice and appreciate all of the naturally gluten free things in your life.  Some of my favorites are the sound of children laughing, joyful holiday music, the colorful Autumn leaves, warm sweaters, snuggling with my favorite someone - there are so many beautiful things in this life that have nothing to do with food, but are naturally gluten free.  Enjoy them this holiday season!

Now for the winner of the Autumn Giveaway co-sponsored with my friend, Kallie at S2 Soaps...

ANDREA KESSLER @skessler28

Congratulations, Andrea!!

Product Review: Heartland Gourmet brand Funnel Cake Mix

My mom and the daughter of a friend who was visiting from college at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa

When I was growing up in Northwest Iowa, county fair time was one of my favorite times of the year.  My hometown of Spencer, Iowa is the home of the renowned Clay County Fair, also known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair”.  So many fun rides, interesting vendors, concerts and, of course, fair food!  Attending the fair each year, my favorite fair treats were Tom Thumb Donuts and funnel cakes!  Who could resist the sugary fragrance that called to you from across the fairgrounds and pulled you to their kiosks to purchase the warm, doughy bites of heaven?

Tom Thumb Donuts at the Fair

Just a few months before I finally got my diagnosis of Celiac Disease, my mom and I attended the fair, which always falls around her birthday.  We went to the concert that night, which included a hometown boy, Casey Muessigmann who appeared on Season 3 of tv’s The Voice.  Casey is also the son of a high school classmate of mine, which made the show that much more fun.  The headliner was Scotty McCreery, whom my mom and I had enjoyed watching and rooting for on tv’s American Idol.  When we arrived at the fairgrounds, our first stop was at the Tom Thumb Donut kiosk to purchase a couple of bags of the mini donuts to munch on while we walked around the fair.  We purchased two more bags before the show and then after the show we ran into a couple of high school classmates and friends of mine, who told us that the kiosk was actually still open.  So, we purchased two more bags before heading to our hotel room.  Neither of us have over-indulged like that before, but when I got my Celiac diagnosis a few months later and realized that was the last time I would ever be able to enjoy one of my favorite treats I didn’t feel so bad about that particular over-indulgence.  We stopped by the fair the next day before heading home and split a large funnel cake with whipped cream and strawberries.

For nearly 6 years I thought that I would never get to experience either of these special treats again.  Then I found a gluten free funnel cake mix made by Heartland Gourmet.  This is a local company based out of Lincoln, NE that offers a variety of mixes, including organic mixes and gluten free mixes.  And I LOVE to support and promote local companies that do gluten free right!  To start out, let me tell you that this is not a sponsored review.  These are products that I have purchased with my own money, so I didn’t receive any free product or any other compensation in exchange for my review, though I have done that in the past and probably will again in the future.  This, however, is not sponsored content. 

I have used many of the Heartland Gourmet mixes, including their cornbread, red velvet and

carrot cake mixes.  None of them have disappointed, so I assumed that my experience with the funnel cake mix would be the same.  The mix couldn’t be any easier to prepare.  All you need to add to it is 2 cups of water.  Heat 2 cups of canola oil in a deep pan, I used a pasta pot that I had to prevent splattering and it worked just fine.  Now, I have never made funnel cake before, so mine didn’t turn out pretty.  The only funnel I had on hand was too small to be useful and the pastry bag I had was an inexpensive one that didn’t work out very well, either, so I did a makeshift “funnel” and put the batter in a plastic sandwich bag and cut a hole in one corner to squeeze it out into the oil.  I didn’t do a very good job with shaping it, but in my defense, again, this was my first time.  The entire process, though messy because I didn’t have the right tools, was easy and fun.  My mom was there helping me with it because she loves funnel cake and, though she doesn’t have Celiac Disease and isn’t gluten free, she enjoys trying my gluten free cooking and baking.  And, I wanted to have the opinion of someone who doesn’t have to be gluten free, as well as my own.  

The texture and flavor of the funnel cake was just how I remembered regular funnel cake tasting like.  It was light and just the right amount of doughy in the center.  I think you could even use this batter to make mini donuts and they would not disappoint, either!  My non-gluten free mom and hubby both liked it.  My mom said she thought it tasted even better than funnel cake at the fair!  My husband, Dave, had never had funnel cake before.  Really!  I know - shocking, right?!  He tried it and asked if there was more, which is a very good sign!

Heartland Gourmet is a family operated business in Lincoln, Nebraska.  As stated before, they offer many mix options, including organic mixes and gluten free mixes.  According to their website, they’ve also just teamed up with Gluten Free Mama and have added her line of gluten free products to their company.  I’ve used many Gluten Free Mama products in the past few years, as well and can speak to the high quality of those products. 

If you are in the Sioux City, Iowa area, the Hy Vee on Gordon Drive sells Heartland Gourmet gluten free mixes in their Health Market section.  The mix prices are comparable to other gluten free mixes also sold there and the quality of these mixes is worth every penny.  I dare anyone, gluten free or not, to be able to taste the difference between the Heartland Gourmet gluten free products and their non-gluten free counterparts.  If you can’t find their mixes in a grocery store near you, you can order directly from their website here.

Until next week, happy baking!