I decided with the holiday season and company arriving soon, that folks here in Calgary might like to know where to go for a great gluten free breakfast.

We are so lucky to have some amazing places here in Calgary where you can enjoy a gluten free breakfast,  but I have really enjoyed the food at these locations and thought i’d share.

Diner’s Deluxe is located in the Bridgeland area, at 804 Edmonton Tr NE and serves great tasting food. They carry gluten free biscuits and buns by Calgary’s Care Bakery. I had their eggs Benedict served with gluten free biscuits, gluten free hollandaise sauce and homemade hashbrowns.

What I love about Diner Deluxe is that they shop at our local farmers market for fresh ingredients and supports local businesses.

I also had the chance to try their  bacon and aged cheddar cheese omelette with hashbrowns and a delicious gluten free biscuit last week.

For those without gluten issues their stuffed french toast is a must!

Blue Star Diner is Calgary’s latest diner to open and uses local and organic ingredients. It is located in Bridgeland at 809 1 Ave NE.

They carry gluten free baked goods from Calgary’s Big Star Bakehouse.

I had the Back Bacon & Grilled Tomato Eggs Benedict, served with gluten free hollandaise as well as hashbrowns.

My family had the Vegan Scramble, which is gluten free as well, and the Veggie Omelette served with gluten free toast.

OEB Breakfast Co. also known as Over Easy, is located in Bridgeland at 824 Edmonton Tr NE. OEB and Diner Deluxe are only a few shops in-between each other.

OEB is all about fresh and innovative classic egg dishes with a twist.

I had their ‘Farmer John’s Delight’ omelette with gluten free toast, my son had the ‘Canadian eh Benny’ with gluten free toast and my husband, who is not gluten free had the ‘Super Moist French Toast.’

Everything tasted great and I loved that fresh fruit was served on each plate.

Dairylane Cafe  is located at 319-19 St NW and prides itself on using local and fresh ingredients. I love that on the back of their menu they list the local companies and products that they use.

Their gluten free buns are made by Big Star Bakery in Calgary.

What I love most about these diners is that because they use local ingredients they know exactly what’s in their food. It’s great for people that have food allergies or an intolerance. Even if you are not gluten free, wouldn’t you want to eat at a restaurant that uses fresh ingredients? This year I decided not to eat at any large chain restaurants since I was getting tired of being asked if I was a little bit allergic or really allergic to gluten…. Are you kidding me? Should it matter?

If you know of any other great gluten free breakfast places in Calgary, please let me know.

Today I am switching up doing a recipe to do a blog about a wonderful Canadian cosmetic company: Pure Anada Inc.

My daughter has been reading the book “There’s Lead in Your Lipstick” by Gillian Deacon and was growing increasingly concerned about the chemicals used in makeup and skincare. In doing a lot of research about natural products she came across the company Pure Anada and we ordered some skincare and cosmetics to try.

We have BOTH been really pleased!

I love that they list all ingredients for all the products. No surprises there.

They also list all the products that they do not use, that can be commonly found in skincare and cosmetics.

They say NO to…
Synthetic Colors
Artificial Fragrances
Harsh Preservatives
Parabens
Nano-Sized Minerals
Bismuth Oxychloride
Talc
Gluten
Petrochemicals

Why is this important in a gluten free blog?

Well I figure our skin is our largest organ and I work really hard to eat gluten free, why would I want gluten products on my skin?

Did you know that most high end shampoos and conditioners have wheat in them? Most body care companies that you find in the mall, like The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works, have wheat in their products.

Did you know that most, if not all of the vitamin E used in skincare and cosmetics is derived from WHEAT GERM OIL?

IT is definitely NOT something I want my skin to absorb.

What I love about Pure Anada is that their vitamin E is from rice bran or soy. I really LOVE their openness about all the ingredients they use. So many products out there do not advertise what they put in our products.

To me, that is a concern.

If you are looking for skincare or cosmetics that are FREE of Synthetic colorants, artificial fragrances, harsh preservatives, petrochemicals, common allergens and animal testing- I encourage you to give PURE ANADA a try.

I encourage you all to become more aware of the skincare and cosmetics that you are using. I know for me, it makes a difference on how I feel if I keep my body free of gluten.

If you find anything you think the gluten-free community will enjoy, feel free to let us know!

Well I have to thank my daughter Alyssa for inspiring me to search for gluten free goodies in the Calgary area. When I travel I am always looking for great gluten free food, and am not afraid to try new and exciting flavors. Plus when travelling I am not familiar with the local restaurants, and often find hidden gems. What surprised me, was that I had not done this in the city I live in. Calgary is a great place to live and am ashamed that I have not taken advantage of all it has to offer. So I am now on a mission to find these hidden gems, and also to share them with you.

What I have found in the last couple of weeks, is Calgary has great food and most of it is found in small individually owned businesses. So think outside of the box as I have now started to do. Forget those bigger chain restaurants and grocery stores, support your local steakhouse, breakfast diner, Turkish grocery store. You will be pleasantly surprised with the great tasting, safe to eat, gluten free food.

So my journey began in Okotoks, just outside of Calgary when I was meeting my good friend Denise for lunch. I am not familiar with Okotoks dining, so we parked on Elizabeth St and started walking. I can spot a gluten free sign anywhere and one caught my eye at “Gourmet on the Go”, we went in and as always was thankful I did. The owner is well aware of gluten free and offers a full dine in, take out, catering gluten free experience. There was a large assortment of baked goods so I purchased quite a few and took them home.

The variety of baked goods is quite extensive and all the goodies I sampled were very tasty.

We then went to “Divine” for lunch, their menu does not say gluten free, but when I asked what they had, the server informed me that I could basically have almost anything on the menu. This restaurant uses as much local ingredients as possible and because they do that, they know what is in all their food. I was impressed with my taco salad and especially loved their blackcurrant ginger soda. Even that was made locally.

My next stop was 17 Ave SW for a couple of lunch dates. I had a gluten free pizza at “Una Pizza and Wine”.

My girlfriend had a regular crust pizza (bottom) and mine was on the top. Again the server was very familiar with gluten issues and also knew where all there ingredients came from. My only issue with the restaurant was that the menu does not list a gluten free pizza option, the server informed me that they don’t list it for they often run out of it. My solution would be to carry more gluten free crusts if it is so popular.

I had lunch with my son, Cam at “The Big Cheese”.

This is a poutine restaurant and is now our favorite for great gluten free fries. The vegetarian gravy offered is gluten free and is so tasty. Cam, who is also gluten free had a regular poutine and I tried the pulled pork. Again, delicious.

Also in the downtown area on 11 St, there is a hidden gem called Kalamata Grocery Store.

This store makes me so very happy and is part of my weekly shopping. It is small store with shelves full of olive oils, greek honey, balsamic vinegar, jams and jellies, beans and lentils, varieties of nutella, Turkish delight (gluten free treat), European candies, baklava (not gluten free), giant pita breads (not gluten free), grape leaves, and this incredible assortment of olives and feta cheeses. I love feta cheese but now know, that I had never had good feta cheese until I had theirs. The feta was so creamy I could hardly believe it. And the olives, oh my!

Also on 11th is a chocolate shop called “Epiphanie”. It is small store but the chocolate was very good. The flavors they had (saffron, balsamic, mango, mint, bacon, earl grey tea) and also the photos on the chocolates was worth the stop. They also had homemade, gluten free dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and coconut covered marshmallows. Yum!

I spent the afternoon with my daughter on 9th Ave in the Inglewood area. This is an area I have not been for awhile, and again regret not enjoying this area more. We stopped at Starbucks and started our Inglewood adventure. There are so many shops and restaurants to try. The “Silk Road Spice Merchant” is a must stop and shop for anyone who cooks. I was in heaven with the scents and variety of spices available. Stop at the Tea Trader for a large selection of teas. I purchased Eight Bells, and Continental Café which are earl grey blends. Stop in at “Cookie Mama” for a crazy assortment of gluten free cookies, cupcakes and more. Gluten free eaters, like myself, now have a great cupcake bakery to shop at.

Lunch was at “Without Papers Pizza” for some gluten free pizza. They do not make the dough themselves, but use a local Calgary company. Let me just say, the pizza was delicious! We ordered 2 pizzas to share and try. The Hawaiian(back bacon, grilled pineapple, aged cheddar and jalapenos) and the Baby Doll (roasted free-ranch chicken, eggplant, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and goat cheese).

Even better, was that the pizza passed the hold test-no fork or knife required!

We stopped at “Bite Groceteria and Café” and what a gem this store is. It has shelves full of Italian, Mexican, and European goodies. Shelves full of spices, condiments, jams, fresh meats and cheeses.

These were only a few of the choices in Inglewood, it is definitely an area to spend the day shopping and eating.

Last on my list today was the food truck revolution day Alyssa and I attended. Calgary does not have food trucks, but our new mayor is trying to change that, and after sampling what will be available, I sure hope it happens soon!

The food trucks that were there were Fries and Dolls (gluten free fries), Pimentos mobile pizzeria, Fiasco Gelato, Los comprades MX, Alley burger, Perogy Boyz and Jojo;s BBQ. Blam!wich was unable to get there truck together, but I hear they offer gluten free food. The food that we tried was incredible and I hope if you are in Calgary downtown, and you see a food truck, stop, and enjoy some great tasting food.

I want to give a big shout out and thank you to my son, Cam, who is the designer of my blog. He patiently inserts photos, edits my badly written words at times, changes and expands the design, and works hours to help out his Mom. I greatly appreciate all the hard work and time he puts into helping me spread great gluten free food! Thanks Cam!

One of the treats I tried at Gourmet on the Go was a haystack. I enjoyed it, but also realized that I could share a gluten free cookie recipe with you that did not have to be baked.

Recipe: Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies

½ cup butter
½ cup milk
2 cups white sugar
¾ cup cocoa
3 cups Only Oats (non contaminated rolled oats)
1 cup unsweetened coconut

Put butter, milk, sugar and cocoa in a large saucepan. Heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring often.

Remove from heat and stir in oats and coconut. Stir well to combine.

Drop by ice cream scoop onto parchment paper.

Let cool.

This made 20 large cookies, enjoy!

Chex cereal. Gluten free cereal. Great tasting gluten free cereal.

Early on when I was launching Wheat Free Mom I posted that I had found some amazing gluten free cereal while in Texas visiting my girlfriend. I fell in love with Chex cereal and for the last couple of years I have driven 7 hours to Spokane, Washington to load up on Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Honey Nut Chex. I would then ration out how much of the Chex I could eat, for it was something I could not get here in Canada.

Well, no more!

While I was in Toronto in May visiting my daughter, I received an email from Amber Murphy of Optimum asking if I was interested in receiving some products from General Mills. I replied YES and waited patiently for the products to arrive.

They arrived. Was I ever pleasantly surprised! A large box arrived and when I opened it, much to my delight, discovered Chex Cereal. But not just cereal. It was a full box of goodies.

2 boxes of cereal, one Rice, one Honey Nut, a glass bowl, t-shirt, lanyard, icing sugar, peanut butter, vanilla, chocolate chips and a gift card for superstore.

I am so greatful, and thank Amber for sending me this gift.

While out shopping this week, I have checked out to see if Chex is in stores yet. I have found it at Coop and Superstore so far. I will let you know when it appears at other stores.

Last week my son Cam and his friend were coming over to watch the Stanley Cup playoff game. Cam is also gluten free and was very happy to hear that Chex cereal is now here. So I thought I would try one of the Chex recipes provided as a game snack.

I made the Chex Brittle and as always, as my readers know, I modified the recipe a little.

Here is my version of the Brittle. But I must warn you! It is addictive!

(Cam note: I had a big bag of the Chex Brittle sitting on my counter in my condo, and a whole bunch of my friends who came over tried it without knowing it was gluten-free, and they all thought it was delicious.)

Recipe: Chex Brittle

8-10 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups gluten free pretzels (not in original recipe)
1 cup unsalted raw almonds (original recipe called for 1 cup of salted peanuts)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 tsp vanilla
½-1 tsp Maldon sea salt (I like the combo of sweet and salty)

Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Spray a large roaster with cooking spray.
Add cereal, pretzels and almonds to roaster. Stir.
Mix vanilla into condensed milk.
Pour mixture over cereal and stir completely.

Bake 12 minutes.

Spread onto waxed paper (or parchment) to cool (about 15 minutes). Break into pieces.
Store in airtight container.
Or if you are like us, put in a large glass bowl and serve.

Again, I have to thank Amber Murphy of Optimum for sending me this care package. And for letting me spread the news that…

CHEX CEREAL IS IN CANADA!! And as we say in Calgary YEEHAW!

This weekend my husband and I spent the weekend in Invermere, BC with our dear friends, the Bowies. We had an amazing time with our friends hiking, eating, shopping and especially visiting. They also took us for a great tour of the area, which included a walk down main street.

As always when I travel I was scouting out anything for people like me who are gluten free. Was I ever pleasantly surprised!

On main street is the Quality Bakery. You cannot miss it for it has a giant pretzel over the sign. I had heard that it was the local gathering spot for coffee and great baked goods, so we ventured in for a tea and snack.

I was thrilled to find quite a few gluten free baked goodies, as well as gluten free boxed products. I was informed that they make gluten free bread and supply that bread to the Blue Dog Café located down the street (which makes sandwiches and such), they also make the gluten free pizza dough that Peppi’s Italian Fuel uses.

At Quality bakery I tried their jam filled cookie. Oh My Oh My! Delicious!

It was chewy and not at all dry. I was sold. I purchased all the rest of their goodies to try.

Later, for supper we decided to try the gluten free pizza at Peppi’s.

We ordered 2 regular wheat crust pizzas and a gluten free one for me. Their pizza menu is vast and it actually took me quite awhile to decide from all the 30+options.

What I decided upon was “The Schultz”, it had pesto tomato sauce, spicy bbq chicken, peppers, pineapple, jalapeno and banana peppers.

Again, I was very pleased with the gluten free options.

We also had the Peppi House salad, which had spinach, cucumber, tomato, roasted almonds, dried cranberries, feta cheese and thai dressing.

I would highly recommend the Quality Bakery, and Peppi’s Italian Fuel for gluten free food while in the Invermere area. It is worth the drive from Radium or Fairmont to Invermere for these goodies.

Make sure you bring some back to Calgary too.

Hey guys.

I wanted to make a quick announcement that I will be offering a FREE Gluten-Free Workshop on how to cook Gluten-Free Pizza on Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 from 6 to 8pm.

It is being hosted by Williams Sonoma in Chinook Mall. Complimentary class! Reservations recommended.

Here’s the Williams Sonoma Calendar.

Contact the store for more details.

Chinook Center Mall
6455 Macleod Trail Unit 0123A
Calgary, Alberta
403.410.9191
Centre Hours Mon-Sat
Sun 9:30 am – 9 pm
11 am – 6 pm

Hope to see everyone there!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I could say something like, I wish you all hope, happiness and wealth but that just seems easy to say.

What do I wish for myself?

This last year, I have wished for a sense of calmness, a sense of peace, a sense of ”I am okay!”

I think too much of our time, especially as women, is spent trying to change ourselves. Not that change is a bad thing, but should we not accept ourselves first? That is the wish I have for myself.

To accept who I am-
To accept my body the way it is-
To be pleased that I eat well, and try to take care of myself-
To be thankful for my husband and kids-
To be greatful for my friends and family.
To be proud of who I am, and what I can do.

What are you wishing for this year?

For many years, New Years Eve was spent with friends eating Chinese food, but since my celiacs diagnosis that has not happened. This year, friends called and wanted to get together and eat Chinese food. What to do? I remembered that Celiac Husband had recommended a place that made gluten free ginger beef, so I scrolled through his blog and discovered the name. Peking Garden, here in the NW of Calgary.

Well, let me tell you. YUM! YUM! YUM!

The food was great, and even better, I could eat everything.

When we ordered, I let them know that I needed everything to be gluten free, and they informed me, that depending on what I ordered they could do it.

I share some photos of a take out order that we did.

If you live in Calgary, please call the Peking Garden if you have a craving for great gluten free Chinese food.

Peking Garden
4625 Varsity Dr NW
Calgary, Alberta
403 286 0488

Today I was meeting my friend Jacquie for a coffee and to gab at the Lazy Loaf and Kettle in NW Calgary. As I was leaving the area I noticed a sign on the sidewalk saying gluten free pizza. Well, as you can imagine I pulled back into the lot to check this out.

Avatara is a small pizzeria offering gluten free, lactose free and diabetic options. There are multiple options of pizza toppings, offering a ton of variety. I like to try new things so I ordered The Buddha Pizza. It’s described as a gluten-free pizza topped with thai red curry sauce, kaffir lime, chicken, mozzs, red onions, sweet pepper, and cashews.

The staff is knowledgable about gluten issues, but also stated that they do make regular pizzas and depending on your sensitivity to gluten you may have problems. I was heading home so I knew if it did bother me, I would be able to handle it.

The smell of my Buddha pizza was wonderful. Eating a slice of this pizza enhanced my senses for the mixture of curry, chicken and the crunch of cashews was great.

The pizza did not bother my gut and that made me very happy.

The next time I was in the area, I again stopped in to order a pizza, this time trying The Guru. It again had an interesting list of toppings: butter chicken sauce, chicken, mozza, red onion, sweet pepper, mango chutney, and cilantro.

The staff once again, stated that the pizzeria itself was not all gluten free and could not completely insure 100% gluten free. As I did not have issues the last time I had there pizza, I was grateful for there honesty.

If you are in the Bowness area of Calgary, please stop into Avatara for some pizza.

Avatara
3406-3rd Ave NW
Calgary
403-457-4992

Ahhhh…the aroma of fresh popped popcorn is like nothing else. Especially the smell of popcorn being popped on the stove with oil.

There is nothing better.

My girlfriend Leslie first introduced me to an old-fashioned popcorn popper. For many years we as a family had been doing microwave popcorn. It was quick and easy.
Well little did I know until I tried the stovetop popper method what we were missing.

Then later at my friend Gail’s house she also made stove top popcorn for us. So as usual I got the hint and ordered a popcorn popper.

The brand that I like is the Whirleypop Popcorn Maker available from Lee Valley Tools here in Calgary.

The cost of the popper is $27.50 and I think it is definitely well worth it.

Try out this popper yourself I am sure you will be happy too!

Sorry for the update, but there was a typo in the name. The store is called “Divine Cravings”.

I recently spent the day with my sister Shelley in the town of Canmore, Alberta. We wandered the streets, checking out the unique stores on main street.

I could not believe it when I saw a sign that said “gluten-free.” We stopped, read more, and discovered it offered gluten-free crepes. I could not believe it! I was so excited, I needed to check this out…

Divine Cravings has a vast menu of savoury and sweet crepes, with the option of white flour ones and gluten-free buckwheat ones.

Shelley and I had already ate lunch so were not hungry for a savoury one, however, we did opt for a sweet crepe each. I had a nutella one (reminding me of the nutella crepes I used to get from Paris street vendors). Shelley had “the Canadian” (maple butter, maple syrup, and maple sugar.)

They were both excellent and I highly recommend stopping in Canmore for a delicious gluten-free crepe.

You can locate Divine Cravings at 101-822 Main Street, Canmore, Alberta
Phone: 403-678-2800