Gluten Free Around the World Cookbook Review & Giveaway

        I remember the day when I first learned about Child#3's multiple food allergies.   We were at the Pediatric Gastroenterologist's office.  He was so surprised that my son never showed any hives in spite of the high numbers of the results.

        Since he didn't want to make any drastic testings until the effects of food allergies are ruled out, he told me to remove all the food that my son is allergic to in our family's diet for at least two weeks or until he's seen by an Allergist.  At that time, he's allergens are wheat, dairy, egg, soy, nuts and peanuts.  

        "Are you kidding me?  What will my family eat? "  I'm sure I was not the first one to uttered those lines because he remained calm after my quite violent reaction.  He then asked me, "You are Asian right? (Is it obvious?) "I assume you were raised eating Asian food. Am I right?", he continued. After replying with two yeses, he smiled and said, "Good! Well, you can eat rice and stew.  I'm sure you know at least three kinds."   

         

           It was a light bulb moment for me.  For someone who's a self proclaimed food enthusiast, I'm fully aware that there are many Ethnic cuisines which traditionally don't require my son's allergens as an ingredient. That's when I started sharing about Child#3's dietary restrictions and asking for traditional recipes from my friends.  

        Then last year,  I came across Chef Aviva's new cookbook, Gluten Free Around the World . Though the availability of gluten free recipe books has gone a long way since my children were diagnosed, Chef Aviva's cookbook made me really excited.  

        With over 100 traditional gluten free recipe from countries like France, India, Italy, Ecuador, Morocco, Cambodia and more,Gluten Free Around the World is the ultimate buffet feast.  More than just a recipe compilation, this hard bound book is filled with beautiful non food pictures that show each country's unique culture.  Chef Aviva definitely did a great job "scrapbooking" her travels and giving us the ideas on how we can taste the food she had - gluten free of course.

          Another thing I liked about this cookbook is that the recipes are easy to make. It doesn't require hard to find ingredients too.  Though there are some recipes that contain my children's other allergens, I can easily use a substitute for it with good results.  Some of my favorites are Moroccan Chicken, Layered Ratatouille and Sweet Potato Leek Soup.  

        Getting jealous?  Don't be.  I've talked to Chef Aviva about you and she generously agreed to give a copy of the Gluten Free Around the World Cookbook to three (3) of my dear friends residing here in the US.  (Sorry Canada and other international readers. I'm working on something for you soon.)   

          There's no need to purchase anything. Just look at the Rafflecopter box below to see how you'll be able to get entries.  This giveaway starts today and will end on Feb. 24, 2015 11:59 pm EST. 

           Good luck! 

- Roz

(Note:  I received a free copy of the book from the author for this review.  Also, this post contains affiliate links.  Please see my full disclosure here. )

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Send Me Gluten Free Box Review & Giveaway

      One of the toughest part of dealing with food allergies is finding products that are safe to eat. During my earlier days of FA living, I would spent hours at the grocery store, reading labels and even surfing the internet while shopping (thru my phone) just to make sure that whatever I'm buying is good for my children.  Gluten (wheat, barley, rye, spelt) in particular is quite challenging because it is present in almost everything packaged - food, cosmetics, medicine, bath and cleaning products and more.  

         If you think you're the only one who can't put anything in your shopping cart, well news flash, you are not alone.  I remembered feeling tired and frustrated from hanging out in the store too much. To add more insult to the injury, many times, the kids would not eat the prime commodity that I just spent hours finding.  Why? "It simply doesn't taste good." they insist.   

       A lot has changed since my children's diagnosis almost 5 years ago.  Now, there are more options available.  However, a familiar anxiety still lingers and that is if the kids will actually eat it.  Then I was introduced to Send Me Gluten Free Box.

   

      Send Me Gluten Free is a monthly subscription box that is filled with 8-12 gluten free products conveniently delivered to your home.  Though is it quite new in the market, the company behind Send Me Gluten Free has been actively helping the community for years.  In fact, they are the same people behind the largest and fastest growing specialty diet consumer events in the US, the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo (GFAF Expo). According to them, Send Me Gluten Free is an "expo in a box." 

       Above are the contents of my complimentary Send Me Gluten Free August box.  As you can see, there's not just one but two full sized products in the box. I have seen the Explore Asian Black Bean spaghetti at Costco for months now.  Though I was really curious, I didn't have the courage to buy it because it was in bulk. Same thing with Sevierly Good Gluten Free.  Did you know that the exact Brownie mix retails for $9.99 alone?

        Here's my September Send Me Gluten Free box (also complimentary).  This generous box contains 11 products. Aside from the body wash from SoapBox soap company (I reviewed their products before.) and the Schar brand, I have to admit, I was not familiar with these items.  

        Oh before I forget, each box also includes coupons and coupon codes from various companies.  I find this really helpful because as we all know, it is not easy to find these specialty coupons.

       Another thing that I think is unique and like about the SMGF is the fact that they offer subscription plans. Depending on your currently budget, they have a Month by Month, 3 Months, 6 Months & 12 Month options.  Of course, there are discounts available for each option.  Plus, shipping is always free. Sounds interesting? 

      Now for the good part.  I have asked the wonderful people of Send Me Gluten Free to give you, my beloved readers some treats.  First, you all can get a 20% discount on any subscription plan you choose.  Simply us the coupon code BLOG20 during checkout.   

       Next, they are sponsoring a giveaway! Yes, I am giving away a FREE Send Me Gluten Free box to one lucky reader.  That's a $30 prize filled with gluten free goodies and coupons.   

       

        This contest is open to all US residents 18 years and older.  It will end on Sept. 24, 2014 at 11:59 EST.  So, what are you waiting for?  Get your entries now and don't forget to share the love.  

        Good luck!

- Roz

(Note:  I received free products for this review. This however, has no affect on the opinions I have written here.  Please see my full disclosure. )

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Almost Perfect Domino's Gluten Free Pizza Review

      As a mom of four kids between the ages of 4 and 10, I am very much familiar with the importance of pizza.  I don't know what's in this dough, sauce and cheese combo that makes children and even grown ups get excited.  Okay, I confess I love the thin crust, meat loaded one.  In fact, it was my biggest craving while pregnant with my eldest. 

 

       Anyway, when we got the news that we must remove food with gluten, egg, dairy, soy etc. in our home because of Child #3's very high risk for anaphylaxis, the one thing that got the kids really worried is the fact that they may not able to eat a slice of pizza ever again.  Though I was able to make a safe pizza for them, I still went on and looked around for pizza places that might offer something that will be appropriate for their food requirement.  A task quite challenging even though we live in a place surrounded with family owned pizzeria in every corner.

 

       Then low and behold, I accidentally found out online that the national chain Dominos started to offer a gluten free pizza crust.  After carefully examining the ingredients for the sauce and toppings, I was able to get an almost perfect food allergy friendly pizza treat.  I ordered a pie with a Gluten free pizza crust, Domino's original sauce, topped with Ham and Sausage. 

       Just a quick note.  Domino's has a disclaimer that their facilities/stores are not completely gluten free. Though they try to provide gluten free options, there is still a risk of cross contamination.  I like that they are completely honest about it.  That's why I relied on the consideration of the branch where I ordered my pie.  So far, the one that is closest to our place, was very accommodating and took extra care and caution.  
 

 

   

       When the pizza arrive, I'm a bit disappointed with the size.  I know it mentioned 10 inch pie but it didn't say it will be thin crust!  We have 6 testers remember?  Anyway, I was surprised that the pizza tasted like a normal pizza.  The crust in particular is quite good. It has a bread like texture and the sides are crunchy.  It is very similar to that of a regular thin crust. There is also no after taste that is common among gluten free products. 

       My children who can have dairy, really enjoyed the pizza and gave it a thumbs up.  Child #3 who has a milk allergy but can tolerate small amounts of cheese ate a slice too.  His smile while eating was priceless.  Though he didn't show any reactions after eating, I am not pushing my luck.  After all he is the high risk one. 

       If only Domino's can extend the effort and offer a dairy free cheese option.  Their Gluten Free Pizza, allergy friendly pizza could have been perfect. Oh well, there's no harm in hoping.  Who knows? Maybe in the next year or so.  In the mean time, 2 out of my 4 can have a safe take out pizza.  That makes me a happy mommy. 

- Roz