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Review: Uncle Maddio’s in Edgewood, Atlanta

Last Updated on by the Celiac-Disease.com Staff Leave a Comment

A year ago, I wrote about my experience at Uncle Maddio’s, and how much I loved it, and it’s dedication to serving safe gluten-free pizza. A few weeks ago, an Uncle Maddio’s opened right around the corner from me.  I was thrilled, now I could enjoy this yummy gluten-free pizza regularly.

As luck would have it, I was invited to the opening night, and while I was super excited to be one the of the first to try their new location, I can’t deny I was also a bit nervous.  I was nervous because I didn’t want to be a guinea pig for people trying to navigate and learning how to prepare a gluten-free pizza with minimal risk of cross-contamination.  In addition to this, the opening night was packed.  A setting I try to avoid when I want to be sure the people in the kitchen and servers are handling my order carefully.  My nerves were eased when I spoke with the owner and she assured me that they have been trained and that the main person making pizzas that night was an experienced pizza maker from another Uncle Maddio’s location.

Logo_Uncle_MaddiosI decided to trust it, and ordered my pizza.  I love how the format is “Chipotle-style”, casual and family-friendly.  You can order from one of the many speciality designed pizzas, or you can go down the line and choose the toppings to make your own unique pizza.  There is a huge menu board that lists the specials and toppings available.  My family all ordered gluten-free pizzas, because honestly they all like the crusts better, even though they don’t have to eat gluten-free like me.

I told the pizza maker I was going to have a gluten-free pizza, and thankfully he changed his gloves without being asked, as well as, alerting the next people in the pizza line to change their gloves as well.  Since I have been to an Uncle Maddio’s before, I was familiar with what toppings were safe, but as we know, ingredients always change, so I asked again.  I was told that all veggies were OK, but he seemed a little fuzzy as to all that was safe after that.   I ordered a pizza with red sauce, broccoli, green olives and tofu. My daughter ordered her favorite of tofu and pepperoni – such a great contradiction!

All in all, it was a great experience, even if I was a little nervous in the crowded, just-opened atmosphere.  The leftovers the next day were just as delicious!

One change I would make, if I could, would be to mark the gluten-free toppings on the menu board rather than leaving us guessing.  The salads are marked, so why not mark the pizza toppings?

I can’t wait to go again!

Review: Glutino Gluten-Free Toaster Pastry

Last Updated on by the Celiac-Disease.com Staff 9 Comments

I don’t know about you or your gluten-free child(ren), but Jon has mourned the loss of his non-gluten-free Pop-Tarts since the day he started the gluten-free diet.  He has religiously asked me if there was a gluten-free version and if so, he wanted a continuous supply.  While there have been a couple of different varieties, one a while back from a bakery and another from a smaller gluten-free company,  there has been nothing that is widely available to the gluten-free community.  The moment we have all been waiting for has arrived…the gluten-free version of the popular breakfast pastry from Glutino!

The new toaster pastries come in two different flavors:

IMG_5772Strawberry – INGREDIENTS: STRAWBERRY FILLING (SUGAR, APPLE POWDER (APPLES, CALCIUM STEARATE), GLYCERIN, STRAWBERRIES, WHITE GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE, WATER, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, PECTIN, CITRIC ACID, MALIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, BLACK CARROT JUICE (FOR COLOR), SODIUM CITRATE), WATER, WHITE RICE FLOUR, PALM OIL, MODIFIED POTATO STARCH, RESISTANT CORN STARCH, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, EGGS, TAPIOCA SYRUP, SUGAR, SUGAR BEET FIBER, INULIN, SALT, BAKING POWDER (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE, CORN STARCH, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), XANTHAN GUM, MODIFIED CELLULOSE, NATURAL FLAVOR.

Apple Cinnamon – INGREDIENTS: APPLE FILLING (SUGAR, APPLE POWDER (APPLES, CALCIUM STEARATE), APPLES, GLYCERIN, WHITE GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE, WATER, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, PECTIN, CITRIC ACID, CINNAMON, MALIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM CITRATE), WATER, WHITE RICE FLOUR, PALM OIL, MODIFIED POTATO STARCH, RESISTANT CORN STARCH, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, EGGS, TAPIOCA SYRUP, SUGAR, SUGAR BEET FIBER, INULIN, SALT, BAKING POWDER (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, SODIUM BICARBONATE, CORN STARCH, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), XANTHAN GUM, MODIFIED CELLULOSE, NATURAL FLAVOR.

I knew I had to act fast if I wanted to sample these – Jon was still asleep when they arrived, as the kids are on Spring Break.  I opened up one of each package and snapped some quick photos.

Look at the filling!  Don’t they look amazing?

IMG_5781

I wanted to try these right out of the package before I toasted them so I could give an accurate review of them.  I have to say that they were quite tasty at room temperature and had a pleasant texture and flavor.  However, gently heating the pastries put them into a whole different category – spectacular!  The description on the front of each of the boxes is spot on: Apple Cinnamon – “ like biting into paradise” and Strawberry – “ sweet and luscious”.  Jon concurred and promptly inhaled several of each variety.

Each box contains 5 individually wrapped gluten-free toaster pastries.  Each pastry has 160 calories, 5 grams of fat and 4 grams of fiber.  The Glutino gluten-free Toaster Pastries can be purchased in stores across the US that carry Glutino products, though since they are a new item they may not be on shelves yet.

Have you tried the new Glutino gluten-free Toaster Pastries yet?

Review: Katz Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins

Last Updated on by the Celiac-Disease.com Staff 2 Comments

It was just last month that I shared my thoughts on Katz gluten-free English muffins.  Now Katz has added a new variety of English muffins – Cinnamon Raisin.  I knew that I would most likely enjoy these just as much, if not more than the regular version.

The new Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins come 4 to a package for $4.99/package.

Ingredients:

gluten-free Flour (Potato Flour, Rice Flour), Water, Potato Starch, Quinoa, Tapioca Starch, Canola Oil, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Baking Powder, Guar Gum, Salt, Corn Flour, Cinnamon, Raisins.

IMG_5312The consistency and texture of this English muffin is spot on!  I love the nooks and crannies and how they trapped the almond butter and strawberry preserves I spread on the muffin.  The dusting of cornmeal on the outside adds a wonderful final touch.  The cinnamon raisin flavor really makes me wish I still had some pumpkin butter left to spread over these.

Before I end this post I also wanted to share that Katz gluten-free has added a Vanilla Cake Mix to their line-up.  This new mix joins the other new Chocolate Cake Mix that debuted earlier this year.  The Vanilla Cake Mix sells for $4.99 and makes 2 9-inch rounds or 24 cupcakes.  Katz gluten-free offers free shipping on orders over $50, so now is the time to try some of the other new products in addition to the cake mixes and English Muffins!  We really like the new Glazed Donuts, too!

Katz gluten-free has been baking delicious gluten-free baked goods since early 2006.  The products are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility that has been certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group.  In addition to being gluten-free, all Katz products are also free of dairy and nuts (the facility is also dedicated dairy and nut-free).

What is your favorite Katz gluten-free product?  Have you found a gluten-free English muffin you like?

Review: Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Brownies

Last Updated on by the Celiac-Disease.com Staff 2 Comments

Since today is Valentine’s Day, I felt the need to stock up on all things chocolate when I was shopping earlier this week at Trader Joe’s. To be completely honest, I was in the check out line waiting to pay when I spotted this:

Chocolate Chip Brownies?  Yes, please!  These brownies are huge and only $2.49 for a package of 2.  I knew that these would brighten Jon’s day.

The brownies are made in a facility where products containing wheat, peanut and tree nuts are made, but knowing Trader Joe’s and their practices regarding gluten-free foods, I felt safe purchasing and consuming these.

IMG_5110When Jon came home from school he noticed the package of brownies sitting on the island in the kitchen.  He asked if the brownies were for him, and I told him they were as long as I could have a bite.  I opened the package and cut off my bite right after I took these photos because I knew once Jon began to eat the brownies I wouldn’t have much time to get my taste.  I love that the brownies are packaged individually to help keep them fresh.  These brownies were every bit as good as I imagined they would be!  They were on the dense, fudgy side with bits of chocolate chip scattered throughout.  Jon agreed that they were awesome and he now wants me to purchase them every time I am near Trader Joe’s.

I am pleased to see that while Trader Joe’s has discontinued one of my favorite gluten-free products, they are continuing to expand their gluten-free product line.  The philosophy of the company is to provide food and products by purchasing in volume directly from suppliers and only keeping those products that do well on their shelves.  Click here to see the Handy Product lists, including foods that are gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and Kosher.

Have you spotted or tried the new Chocolate Chip Brownies?  What did you think?

Review: Trader Joe’s Flourless Chocolate Cake

Last Updated on by the Celiac-Disease.com Staff 7 Comments

I am not going to beat around the bush here.  I have been living in my own little world and ignoring one of the best products on the market for the past couple of years.  This product has literally been right under my nose, yet I never purchased it before.  Sure, I thought about it, but I didn’t want to part with $6.99 for something I hadn’t heard much about.  I am not sure why that held me back, I have forked over just as much money, if not more, for other gluten-free products.  If you really think about it, this serves 6, so $6.99 isn’t bad at all.

The label should have been my first clue “True Decadence”.  Did I really ignore that?  Perhaps I should have my head examined.

IMG_5111The label is fairly simple, and though it says there are 6 servings, I would say more like 10-12, as this is really dense.  I am not known for small dessert portions, especially when it comes to chocolate, but trust me when I tell you that you don’t need much of this cake to be transported right to heaven!

I fell in love at first bite!  I have found a new go-to dessert that requires nothing more than a trip to Trader Joe’s.  Both Jon and Hannah agreed that this cake is phenomenal!

Trader Joe’s has locations across the US and maintains a list of gluten-free items they offer in their stores that is frequently updated.

Have you tried Trader Joe’s Flourless Chocolate Cake?  I see on their gluten-free product list they also have Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies.  I need to find those.  STAT!