news + events

sweet potatoes vs. yams and which is which?

Because its fall, and Thanksgiving is closer than you think, you’ll be seeing several recipes with sweet potatoes as the star ingredient. So because I love the origin of recipes and food itself, I thought it’d be helpful to talk … more




product info – nightshade free brown mustard

For those of us with nightshade allergies, there are several items we typically have to make from scratch, including chicken stock, yellow mustard, guacamole, and breakfast sausages to name a few. While Dijon mustard is usually free of night-shades, it has a very … more




Shabtai Bakery re-emerges on the food allergy scene!

Several years ago, I reviewed gluten-free products from Shabtai Bakery in New York. They offered wonderful desserts which are not only gluten-free, but are dairy free, peanut free, soy free, lactose free, casein free, corn free, and Kosher. Bakers for over 30 … more




encinitas gluten-free bakery and cafe now delivers

2GOOD2B is a gluten-free bakery and cafe specializing in a wide variety of gluten-free delights. From french toast to a hearty meatball Poboy, you will definitely find something for any mood. Personally, I think the Pesto Chicken Panini sounds amazing, … more




new item – gluten-free organic pasta

As I was perusing the “New Items” shelf at my local Trader Joe’s, I came across this pasta – gluten-free and organic to boot. It contains only a handful of ingredients, which I love: organic brown rice flour, organic quinoa, … more




How Gluten Wreaks Havoc on your Gut

My friend Charita, shared this article, How Gluten Wreaks Havoc on your Gut with me. It’s a great explanation of how and why gluten affects some of us the way it does. Thanks, Char! Unless you’ve been living under a … more




whole foods to require GMO labeling

Striking a major blow in the GMO debate, Whole Foods stands alone as the first major food manufacturer to require labeling of all products containing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). Even though the WHO and the FDA deem GMO products safe, many people feel … more




gluten-free at burger lounge!

When you give up gluten, you also give up convenience. The number of restaurants at which you can eat tends to shrink dramatically, and you are left having lengthy conversations with wait staff. If you live in San Diego or … more




udi’s pizza crusts

A nice addition to their array of gluten-free products, Udi’s pizza crusts offer a quick dinner option for those nights you really don’t feel like cooking. They are two to a package at about $5.00, so $2.50 per unit. A family … more




pamela’s products voluntary recall

This morning I awoke to find a message from Amazon regarding a voluntary recall of some of Pamela’s Products. The products targeted in the recall are: Baking & Pancake Mix Chocolate Cake Mix Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix Peanut Butter Chocolate … more




all about nightshades

Years ago, if you told me that gluten would be the easiest item to eliminate from my diet, I would never have believed you. I also would never had believed that the plethora of symptoms of gluten-intolerance would be FAR … more




gluten-free festival at Keil’s this saturday!

Keil’s is leading the gluten-free charge! If you’re lucky enough to live in San Diego, then you’ll be delighted to know that Keil’s, a wonderful independent grocery store with two locations in San Carlos and Clairemont, is aiming to be … more




san diego unified school lunch debate

Join the debate on San Diego Unified School District school lunches at this FREE panel, open to the public. Fixing School Lunches in San Diego and Nationwide Tuesday, October 23rd, 12:30 p.m. University of San Diego Peace and Justice Building, … more




new product – best gf pasta to date!

We’ve tried lots of brands of gluten-free pasta, but bionaturae’s line of organic, gluten-free pasta is the one most highly favored by the two gluten addicts in my home. Made in Italy, their gf pasta comes in four forms: spaghetti, elbow, … more




Omission – hands down the best gluten-free beer

When I first found out I had gluten issues, I resolved to have a stiff upper lip. I could give up sourdough bread and my favorite pasta. I could even give up pie and real chocolate chip cookies, but when … more




…MIA for the holidays…

I had great intention of producing a slew of wonderful holiday recipes, in fact many are ready to go, but they’ll have to wait for next year. My darling mom passed away on December 3 and I can’t seem to … more




pamela’s new “whenever bars” giveaway

Pamela’s Products, my favorite culinary short cut, has offered to send boxes of their new Whenever Bars to three of my readers! These gluten-free, oatmeal based snacks are agave sweetened and come in four flavors: Blueberry Lemon (my personal favorite), Cranberry … more




gf hot dog buns

If you haven’t already heard, Udi’s now offers hot dog buns! My son is so happy! If you like the hamburger buns, you’ll be really happy with the hot dog buns. Find them at a store near you. Great accompaniments … more




please excuse my absence

After an exhausting two-week road trip and the rush of the kids starting school, I didn’t think I could be more tired. Was I wrong. In the early morning hours last Tuesday, the phone rang. 3:00 a.m. calls are never … more




oceana…working for safe, sustainable seafood

One of my favorite organizations, oceana, is getting involved with the League of Conservation Voters to compel the FDA to better enforce seafood regulations. Recent studies have shown that seafood may be mislabeled as often as 25-75 percent of the … more




the rescue bullet

Like any parent or working professional, I’m always on the look out for anything that makes my life run a bit smoother and save me time. Enter the Magic Bullet. When my nieces each took one to college, I was … more




namaste foods kids recipe contest

Namaste Foods is a company my sister introduced to me when we visited her in Idaho. Based in Coeur d’Alene, this company’s mantra is “Meeting the needs of more people with food allergies than any other brand.” And that’s just … more




gluten-free at Ruby’s!

Good news! Eating out just got a little bit easier. Udi’s hamburger buns are now being offered at all Ruby’s California locations! Hopefully this is just a sign of things to come! Find a Ruby’s location near you.




the only healthy dog?

Read this article by William Neuman from the NY Times regarding truth behind terms like “natural” and “uncured” as applied to processed meats like bacon, sausage, hot dogs and deli meat. Once again, labeling is ineffective at conveying the actual … more




melissa’s chocolate peanut butter cups

A busy mother of three, Melissa devised this finger licking treat which marries two of life’s perfect flavors: chocolate and peanut butter. Gluten and dairy free, but chemical and preservative free as well, your kids will love these. Adults too, … more




maiah’s chocolate zucchini cake

Maiah submitted this as an adaptation from a family recipe. Those of you who have a vegetable garden can testify that there is just so much zucchini you can eat or give to your neighbors! I love that this cake … more




it’s a tie!

My thanks to all of you who participated in my Pamela’s Products giveaway with your original gluten-free recipes! It took me a while to get through all of them, which ranged from soup to scones to desserts to treats. I … more




organic gluten-free certification

My sister Leigh, who works in the food industry passed this on to me. Good news! Science-based Gluten-free Label Unveile Responding to growth and both consumer and industry demand, a new science-based gluten-free certification program is now available from organic … more




2 more days to win pamela’s!

Only 2 more days to win a box of goodies from Pamela’s Products! Please submit your favorite original gluten-free (dairy and soy optional) recipe by May 15th. A panel of expert judges (myself, my husband and two kids) will prepare and … more




a little help, please…

Calling all San Diegans, While I am sympathetic and sensitive to California’s budget crisis, I believe that education IS NOT the place to make cuts. If we temporarily extend existing taxes (no new taxes), we can stem these proposed cuts. … more




ny times article: is sugar toxic?

This is a really fascinating article that should be read with an open mind and with the understanding that the amount of sugar we currently consume is remarkably higher that in past generations. Remember the old adage, “Everything in moderation”? … more




hope for the early detection of autism

According to researchers in San Diego, a simple checklist could someday let doctors and parents know if a young child shows signs of autism. Read the full article here. For more information about the treatment of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), … more




lake murray race for the playground

On Sunday, May 1, join your friends and neighbors for the 2nd annual “Race for the Playground” to benefit the Lake Murray Playground Project. Registration includes entry to the race as well as a pancake breakfast. Choose the 1 mile or … more




win FREE Pamela’s Products!

So have I mentioned how much I love shortcuts? Maybe twenty or thirty times… Pamela’s Products provide some of my favorites – shortcuts for baking, or a box of ready made cookies when I don’t want to turn the oven … more