Gluten Free School Lunch from Home- Sandwich Combo

School is in session! Now, what to do for school lunch... That's no problem; just because you're on a gluten-free diet doesn't mean you can't have a perfectly delicious school lunch. I have had non-gluten-free eaters drool all over my lunch (thank goodness not literally)

For my sandwich, I use the Udi's Gluten Free Classic Hotdog buns. Alternating between butter and mayonnaise, I add lettuce and turkey/roast beef. To wrap it, I use wax paper, because it keeps the sandwich fresh. 

For snack, I usually have a bag of chips (most are gluten-free, but always double check, as some are not) 

NOT PICTURED: I always make sure I have a fruit or vegetable with me. 

The Udi's cookies are just plain delicious! (self-explanatory as to why it is there)

Fruit snacks are always an easy thing to have in your backpack, as they are quick to eat if you need something to tide you until lunch.

Now for my favorite new find: Nugo Dark Chocolate Pretzel bars (yes gluten-free!) This bars are simply AMAZING if you need something quick to eat! It is salty and sweet, so it will satisfy your every need :). I personally love this bar, and highly recommend it.

Water is just essential for everything.

Now, I always go out and buy nice lunch boxes (this one is from Vera Bradley), because it always jazzes up the lunch and makes it feel...exciting. Paper bags work, but don't have the same feel. 

Happy school lunch making!

-Sema

Breaking News: FDA Passes a Gluten Free Labeling Rule!

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally set a standard definition of "gluten free". Check out the National Association for Celiac Awareness website to find out what this regulation means to you at:
http://www.celiaccentral.org/fda/ 

"To clear up the confusion, NFCA is creating a fact sheet that breaks down the new regulations into easy-to-understand terms. The fact sheet will be available at:
www.CeliacCentral.org/FDA.

NFCA is also planning a free webinar to explain the FDA’s final rule in greater depth, making the complex information accessible and understandable to all. The webinar will feature Dr. Fasano and Tricia Thompson, MS, RD, a renowned dietitian with expertise in gluten-free labeling and founder of Gluten Free Watchdog, LLC. For updates on this webinar, including date and time, see NFCA’s Webinar Schedule." 

Hat tip to NCFA!

Pesto

For the Pasta

Ingredients:

10 cups of water

1 bag of SamMills Pasta d’oro

Salt

Procedure:

Empty bag of SamMills Pasta d'oro into a pot.

Add about 10 cups of water, covering the pasta.

Bring the pasta to a boil, adding a pinch of salt in the process.

Occasionally stir.

Cook until soft. (approx 10-15 min, or however long it takes) I added a sprinkle of dried parsley leaves into the pot.

Drain the water, and put it back into the pot.

For the Pesto

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter

1 tablespoon of Olive Oil 

1 Mayacamas Pesto Pasta Sauce Mix
Fresh Basil

Procedure:

At low heat, melt the stick of butter.

Add the Mayacamas Pesto Pasta Sauce Mix, and blend thoroughly.

Add the Olive Oil, and blend again.

Let it stand for 3-5 minutes, and take off heat.

Pour it over the pasta and mix it in well.











Add some fresh basil on top, and you've got yourself a fine dish!

Voila!
You have an easy to make, delicious dinner that will put a smile on everyone's faces.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Experience

I was told it would be a simple procedure and would be back to normal in a few days. Unfortunately this was not the case. One week later, I still have trouble opening my mouth and can't chew food in the back of my mouth in fear it will get caught in the stitches. Today is the first day I can do without the pain medication, which is a relief. Food-wise, I was able to find alternatives to get the nutrients I needed. It was tough, but at least now I'll know that I won't have the complications associated with wisdom teeth!

-Sema