Phoenix Gluten Free Expo

(Sorry for the tardy post but many things have been happening in our world since April of 2012.)

Gluten Free Expo in Scottsdale, AZ  April 21, 2012

We knew the event was to be held at a beautiful location so after we looked up the venue online and verified that the resorts facilities had gluten free dining options, we decided to make a weekend of it.  This worked out in my favor since I am NOT a morning person!

As usual, we were running late (even though we were already at the venue the night before.)  From the other reviews I have read, my lack of morning effort was a true blessing.  We missed the lengthy lines in the beginning and were able to being enjoying our expedition from the very start.

Instead of giving you a play by play on each product, I’ve decided to share with you our Fab Four Picks.

1. This well written book by Rhonda Peters has gorgeous food photography to accompany her sumptuous recipes.  Her recipes are so tasteful that you will forget that you are eating healthy.

Why would I want such a book?  There are so many people in my circle of gluten free friends that have developed multiple food sensitivities. This book takes out some of the panic when they are coming to visit.

Among the food issues in my own family are gluten (which is contained in wheat, barley, rye and some oats), two of us also can not have dairy and one can’t have eggs.  Well worth your time to read!

You can review the book and read what inspired Rhonda to write it at:http://rhondascooking.wordpress.com/so-what-can-i-eat-now-cookbook/

2.  The Sauce Goddess –

Sticky Sweet Grill Glaze

Until we attended the Expo, I had never heard about these products.  Now that I’ve tried them I don’t want to think about not having them as a pantry staple!  Among the array of items they offer are several varieties of cooking sauces, spices, and snacks.  We purchased Devil’s Bite and Moroccan Twist popcorn!  What a delicious and devilish surprise we got when we ate them.  They weren’t joking about the heat flavor in the Devil’s Bite!  WOW!  My kids needed a glass of milk, but my husband and I really enjoyed the hellfire heat.

Since it’s getting challenging to keep families interested in eating their veggies, we bought a variety of spice rubs to make veggie dips.  We also purchased several of their grilling sauces but zoomed in on the Sticky Sweet Grill Glaze.

Once I use these products, I will let you know how things turn out and perhaps share a recipe or two.  Waiting for the pool to warm up so we can BBQ and spend quality family time outdoors.

This company offers quite a selection of GF/DF products, so I think we’ll be shopping from their online store frequently!  http://www.saucegoddess.com/

3.  Think Thin Bars – Not all GF bars are created equal. 

My family enjoys these bars and it gives me a little more peace of mind to learn that they contain less sugar than their #1 competitor.  This company also has a few GF/DF options, so my whole family can enjoy.  For those who only worry about eating GF, there are a plethora of bar options.  All of Think Thin’s bars at this time are gluten free!  My son, who can eat dairy, LOVES the “Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts” bar and thinks of it as a candy bar.  Little does he know that mom is giving him 10 grams of protein and 70% less sugar than other GF Bars that would taste similar.

You owe it to yourself to check out the selection of bars on their website and learn more about what you think you are eating when you purchase a “power snack” from other companies.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

http://thinkproducts.com/

4. New Grains Brownie Chocolate Chip Cookies –

Brownie Cookies by New Grains

When it comes to baked goods – our family rarely agrees that something is nearly perfect (as though gluten would make it perfect).  Well, that was until we came across these precious gems!  Whether eating GF or not, these chocolate delights were moist and didn’t have the aftertaste of most GF baked goods.  My kids enjoyed these goodies so much that we had to buy two boxes before leaving the Expo.   That says a whole lot about these irresistible cookies!

http://newgrains.com/index.php

We can’t wait to see what next year’s Gluten Free Expo will bring us!

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