Food Allergy Friendly Meals made Easy by Ian's Natural

         "My kid was recently diagnosed with food allergies.  Does that mean I have to cook everything from scratch?"  This is one of the most common messages I get in my inbox.  More often than not, it will be followed by statements of frustration, confusion and even guilt.  The typical mom guilt that implies "I'm not doing enough for my child." sort of thing. 

         Guess what my dear moms and dads?  I too, don't make everything from scratch.  Even if I blog about food, create recipes and spend most of my waking hours cooking, I confess I still rely on the help of ready to eat foods to keep my growing kids fed.  It's just that the more I cook, the more the eat. Can you relate? 

        Anyway, since most take out is no longer an option, I try to stock up on frozen packaged foods which can be easily reheated.  One of my family's favorites is Ian's Natural Foods. 

         For those who are not yet familiar with this brand, Ian's Natural provides a wide variety of  allergy-friendly, kid approved meal solutions that the whole family can enjoy.  Their foods are made with simple, honest ingredients and without any preservatives, artificial ingredients, trans fats, or added hormones and antibodies.  From breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack, Ian's got us covered.  

          Here are some of my kids' favorite gluten, dairy, soy, egg, nut and peanut free treats.  As I have mentioned here on the blog before, all my food allergy kids have eaten the regular version of these foods before they were properly diagnosed.  So when they say that it is close to the "real thing", it really is.  

Smokin' Sweet BBQ Chicken Nuggets 

      Seasoned with garlic, onion, tomato and jalapeno powders, these chicken nuggets are loaded in flavor.  No ketchup or sauce needed.  All four of my kids gave it a thumbs up. The two younger ones though found it a little spicy for their taste. 

Breaded Popcorn Turkey Corn Dogs

         The kids gave these a double four thumbs up! Though it's not the traditional corn dogs they had prior to their food allergy findings, these were still a big hit.  It has the right amount of crunchy coating which is close to that of a really good tempura.  The hotdog stayed moist, soft and the best part not too salty.  

Mac & No Cheese

        What more can I say? Finally!  At first the kids were a bit hesitant to try it because of the name on the box.  If there's no cheese then what will it taste like?  

       Though they've tested quite a number of vegan cheeses, most of which, they hate, I was able to convince them to take a bite.  Guess what?  They liked it! It's not salty but is quite creamy and tasty. The noodles were a little on the soft side though.  

Supreme French Bread Pizza

       My lifesaver!  As you all know, pizza parties are still a norm in many schools.  If there's going to be a party the next day, I would stay up late, preparing for a pizza dough and wake up really early the next morning to make the pie.  These are not only convenient but really yummy.  Even my toughest bread/pizza critique gave it a double thumbs up.  Love that it is already portioned and can be ready in 20 minutes.  

        Did I make you hungry? Would you like to try any of Ian's Natural products?  Click this now to get your $1 off coupon.  

     

- Roz

(Note:  I received free products to review for this post.  My opinions and that of my children about the products were not affected in any way.  Please see my full disclosure here. )         

The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo 2014 in NJ Recap

        The much awaited GFAF expo at the Meadowlands finally took place last weekend.  If you have been following me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, I'm pretty sure you have seen me sharing non stop the past few days.  Missed my posts? Don't worry, here are some of the highlights.
          

     With our friend from Down Under, Freedom Foods.  I was so fortunate to have met them the previous year and was able to stock up on their cereals before it became available in the stores here in NJ. My kids go through TropicO's, Maple Crunch and Cocoa Crunch cereals like crazy. 

       This year, they brought some new items like ProTeen Crunch Cereal, pancake mix and that jar I'm holding called Smudge. The later sounds quite weird but the taste is to die for! 

      The photo was taken early Saturday morning.  Since I normally do my shopping on the second day, I didn't buy any that time.  Guess what?  Their products sold out! Bummer! Now, I made a reminder for next year that says "Must Buy Freedom Foods products on Saturday at 9 am!" 

      One of the perks of the GFAFExpo is that attendees would be able to taste new or upcoming products.  A good example for this year is Dole's latest product line of ready to eat soups. Aside from being gluten free and top 8 allergy friendly, it's also Non GMO, no MSG and preservative.  Shhh, the Sweet Corn soup is really good.  

      Another company that I'm glad was present at the Expo is Explore Asian.  I've seen their Black Bean pasta at Costco for months but was hesitant to buy because it was only available in a big package.   After the taste test, I have to say, I'm now confident to get that big box during my next shopping trip. 

       Not only does it tastes good, the spaghetti holds its share really well.  Have you noticed that the samples are inside the slow cooker?  That tells a lot especially to us GF pasta eaters. 

  

           By now, I'm sure you already know that I am a big supporter of local businesses.  Here's my latest find - DF Mavens Ice Cream! Well, technically they are not from Jersey but hey Astoria, NY is not that far.  I can't wait to visit them soon.  After all, they made me feel good about having ice cream for breakfast!

           Here's a "selfie" with the gorgeous and super sweet friend from Ian's Natural Foods.  Did you know that they do have a GF Panko Bread Crumbs? I'll be bugging my local stores (as always) about it really soon.  

       Ola! Foods has been a big supporter of our blog since the start.  Here's a picture with the company's founder Dina.  Just in case you don't know, there's a giveaway currently running for a $45 Granola Gift pack here on the blog. Make sure to join.   

   

         It's always fun chatting with company reps. Check out that big pack of Way Better Snacks! Okay, the one she's holding is actually a pillow but hey I like it too. Funny how she's very generous with the samples yet totally watchful with that particular prop.  Many attendees including me are trying to snag it but with no success.  

         New this year are our friends from World Foods Sauces.  I have tried some of their products before and even made my Asian Style Ratatouille recipe using their Thai Coconut Galangal Sauce.  It is so surprising to learn that they have other gluten free and food allergy friendly.  I can't wait to share with you the contents of the gift bag I got from them.  

       Though food was my top priority for attending the event, I wouldn't miss the chance to personally say hi to Andrea and Jay of Red Apple Lipstick.  This awesome couple has been a big blessing to me. Because of them, I didn't have to sacrifice my love for lipsticks and beauty products.

     Can you imagine my predicament when I was told to remove all the things my children are allergic to from the house?  I totally understand the need to get rid of all the unsafe food.  What made me almost lost my sanity was finding out that there are food and other harmful ingredients on basic things like soaps, shampoo, cleaning products and even cosmetics.  

       Their products have allowed me to still enjoy my bright lipsticks and make up in general  without feeling guilty of being close to the kids.     

      

         That's me all smiles while juggling all the bags filled with samples and coupons from Day 1.  

       

      There are still so much to share about the GFAF Expo.  In fact, I can make a whole novel (maybe, if I just have the time) out of it.  As you can see, it is definitely worth it to attend a GFAF Expo.  

         

        So, will I see you there next year?

- Roz