Better Batter Gluten Free Mixes Giveaway

Disclaimer: I was not paid nor given samples in exchange for writing this post. I have received samples from this company in the past. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I, myself, use and love.

I love Better Batter so much! They embody the holiday spirit of love and generosity all year round. They donate 10% of their net profits to social and charitable causes, and their financial aid program provides discounted gluten free products for low income families, families that have children with autism, college students, and households with extraordinary circumstances. So much love for the community! 

Quick Better Batter facts:

• Certified gluten free
• Made in a facility that is free of milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean/shellfish, mustard, sesame, and corn.
• Most products do not contain sulfites
• GMO free
• Kosher OU Parve
• No dyes or artificial flavors/preservatives
• Vegan appropriate
• Packaged in recycled and recyclable boxes, printed with vegetable ink

Better Batter’s product line includes:

• All Purpose Flour (cup for cup)
• Seasoned Flour
• Pancake & Biscuit Mix
• Fudge Brownie Mix
• Yellow Cake Mix
• Chocolate Cake Mix
• Corn Free Powdered Sugar
• Gift Cards (great for the holidays!)

Have a favorite recipe from your pre-gluten free days that you’re dying to make again? Just use a Better Batter mix as a replacement for the old mix. Kris’s mother and I came up with a plan to surprise Kris for his birthday – she’s in California, he and I are in NYC. Every year, she shipped him a special chocolate cake made from a family recipe. When Kris and I moved in together and decided to keep my kitchen 100% gluten free, Kris’s mother didn’t want to ship a gluteny cake to our door. So she asked if I could try making him the cake myself. I used the Better Batter Chocolate Cake Mix. Kris’s response – amazing. The only difference was a very slight change in texture. 

To purchase Better Batter products – check local stores, order directly on www.betterbatter.org, or purchase on amazon.com (prime eligible).

GIVEAWAY! One winner will receive 3 Better Batter mixes! Enter via the rafflecopter link below. Continental US residents only. Giveaway ends Monday December 25th at 11:59 EST.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit my Instagram for an extra giveaway! A second winner will be chosen there!

Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Disclaimer: I was not paid nor given free products in exchange for writing this post. Some of these companies have previously provided me with samples. This post contains a few affiliate links (always specified) in which I get a small commission that helps maintain the cost of this site (there is no added cost to you). All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I, myself, use and love. As always, double check labels and product information. Ingredients, allergen policies, and facilities can change at any time. 

It’s that time again! – The Tasty Meditation Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide 2017! Below you’ll find some favorite from previous years, plus a few new ones. Find the perfect gift for your gluten free loved one!

For the chocolate/sweets lover:

• See’s Candy – I highly recommend their gold box chocolate truffles. Yes – gluten free truffles!! The perfect decadent treat.
• Pascha Chocolate – Very allergen-friendly dark chocolate.
• Al Nassma – Elegant camel-milk chocolates from Dubai (please see my previous post for allergen information).
• Organic Living Superfoods  – (affiliate link) Health conscious friends will love this organic, dairy free, chocolate covered fruit. I recommend the dark chocolate covered pineapple and coconut. (Get 10% off with code “TastyMeditation10”)

For the experienced cook – Often times experienced home cooks know exactly what ingredients they need and what new kitchen gadgets they are dying to try, which makes a gift card to the right store a perfect gift.

• Nuts.com gift certificate –Gluten free flours, nuts, and baking ingredients can get expensive, so I’m sure that any home cook would love the gift of a full pantry.
• Guittard Chocolate Chips – My absolute favorite chocolate to bake with. Most of their products are made in a dedicated facility and will say so on the label.
• Bed, Bath and Beyond gift card –Not sure what gadget your GF friend is missing? Let them pick! I asked my followers on Facebook what was on their wish list, and cooking gadgets (bread makers, in particular) were at the top of many lists.
• Digital Kitchen Scale – Digital scales are essential for measuring gluten free flour and making sure gluten free recipes come out the best they can be! So far my favorite scale is by Escali who provided a sample in exchange for this review. 
• Blendtec blender with twister jar – One of the most useful gadgets in my kitchen. The twister jar is perfect for making nut butters and small servings of anything.
• “1000 Gluten Free Recipes” by Carol Fenster – My first cookbook when I went gluten free, and boy was I glad I had it! Five years later it still has a prominent space on my bookshelf.
• Natural Contents Cookbook Good Food For Everyone: Farm Fresh Clean Eating  – Gluten free, grain free, soy free, mostly paleo, dairy-free friendly and vegan friendly recipes. 
• Any books by Elana Amsterdam (aka Elana’s Pantry) – Through the years Elana has proven to be my favorite source for paleo recipes. Buy some almond and coconut flour and get cooking!
• Gluten Free Labels – (affiliate link) Fun labels, stickers, tags, and toothpick flags that will easily help distinguish the gluten-free products from the gluten-filled products in a shared kitchen.
• A dinner at their favorite GF restaurant – Because every great cook deserves a relaxing culinary experience every so often. Great option if you know your sweetie has a favorite. Unless you’re taking them to a new 100% GF restaurant, don’t surprise them with a new place they haven’t had a chance to research.

For those who like easy baking projects:

• Luce’s Gluten Free Artisan Bread Mix – Delicious, rustic bread mix. Just add water, mix, and bake. I recommend the sourdough and “rye” mixes (not real rye, of course), which are oat free (the other mixes contain non-purity protocol GF oats, an ingredient that I do not personally eat/recommend)
• 123 Gluten Free Mixes – A high quality set of mixes that are extremely allergen friendly. Great for loved ones with multiple food intolerances. Over a hundred recipes on their website – you will never get tired of their mixes. The Sweet Goodness Pan Bars are a personal favorite. 
• Better Batter Mixes – Better Batter has a beautiful mission. I urge you to visit their website and read about the family that was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, the business that sparked from it, and their dedication to various communities including individuals with autism. Very allergen friendly, and there are literally hundreds of recipes on the Better Batter website.
• Really Great Food Company Mixes – A big hit at the recent GFAF Expo. Their coffee cake and banana bread were huge hits and personal favorites.
• Gluten Free Prairie Oatmeal – IF you know your GF loved one can tolerate gluten free oats, they will be super impressed with Gluten Free Prairie! Unlike many GF oats on the market, Gluten Free Prairie uses gluten free purity protocol oats which are grown/harvested in dedicated fields. For more info on the purity protocol issue click here. 

Subscription Boxes

• American Gluten Free– (affiliate link) My favorite gluten free subscription boxes on the market. AGF supports small businesses across the country, so you will taste very unique products that you might not have found otherwise. All items are made in dedicated gluten free facilities and/or are certified gluten free. They’re all dairy free, as well! You’ll find subscription options for both on-the-go snackers and experienced cooks. AGF is offers single boxes as well as their regular month-to-month plan – it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Use code “Tasty10” to get 10% off ANY subscription for LIFE – every box, every month, for as long as you are a customer. 

For the beauty product lover:

• Red Apple Lipstick gift certificate – (affiliate link) Amazing allergen-friendly makeup with stunning lipstick colors for all complexions. The Rallye Balm is a lifesaver for chapped/dry lips during the colder months. Favorite colors include Vogue and Wine & Dandy. Get 22% off orders of $50+ with the code “TastyMeditation”
• Éclair Naturals – A line of beautiful handcrafted lotions, shampoos, soaps, bath salts, and more that are certified gluten free, soy free, vegan, cruelty free, and non GMO. The body butter is perfect for friends who have sensitive skin during the winter time.

For the book lover:

• “Jennifer’s Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease – What Doctors Don’t Tell You and How You Can Learn to Live Again” by Jennifer Esposito – A truly inspiring account of Jennifer Esposito’s journey. A must read for anyone – Celiac/GF folk, non-Celiac/GF loved ones, those struggling with diagnosis, people who have never even heard of Celiac Disease – everyone can learn something from this true story.
• “Gluten is my Bitch” by April Pevetaux – An entertaining and humerous book about living with Celiac Disease.
• “From Crappy to Happy: The Naked Truth About Living With Celiac Disease” – Gluten Dude’s new book! Love the title. 
• “Celiac and the Beast” by Erica Dermer – An informative and humorous book about what it’s like being diagnosed and living with Celiac Disease.

Fresh GF treats shipped to your door (dedicated GF bakeries):

• Bread SRSLY Sourdough – (affiliate link) “The best gluten free sourdough bread on the market,” says my San Francisco-native boyfriend. I’m a total Bread SRSLY addict. You can even eat it without toasting! $5 flat rate shipping.
• Krumville Bake Shop – Perhaps my favorite bakery in NYC. Delicious cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread – everything that comes out of the Krumville kitchen is incredible!
• Meredith’s Bread – Wonderful breads and the best black and white cookies you will ever eat. Their products are in farmers markets all over NYC/NJ/CT (look for the GF label! – they have a separate bakery for their wheat-based products).
• Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery – Try the yellow cake. Your friends will never guess that this bakery is free of gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, all nuts, and casein, preservatives, trans-fats, and refined sugar! Located in Connecticut. 
• Gluten Free Territory – Amazing raspberry cheesecake brownies! You won’t want to share. (Note: I recommend their oat free products. Two of their cookies contain non-purity protocol GF oats, which I do not eat/recommend). 
• Squirrel and the Bee Goodness Grainless Granola – The most amazing granola you will ever taste! I highly recommend both the pumpkin spice and cinnamon vanilla. Also available at farmers markets in NJ.
• Everybody Eats– My mom and I are obsessed with their baguettes, and the company is run by some of the most caring people you’ll ever meet. Pickup locally in Brooklyn or get it shipped to your door.
• Mariposa Baking Co – Located in San Francisco, Mariposa is one of my favorite bakeries in the country. I highly recommend their cinnamon rolls – out of this world!
• Gluten Free Gloriously – One of my top favorite bakeries! Located in NJ. I highly recommend their cookies. While many bakeries are often limited to two or three cookie variations, Gluten Free gloriously makes everything a Celiac has been missing — lintzer cookies, biscotti, rainbow cookies, holiday pies, even cannolis! Getting married? Their wedding cakes are stunning!

(Pictured above: Krumville Bake Shop cake, Bread SRSLY Sourdough, Gluten Free Territory brownies, Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery cupcakes, Everybody Eats baguette) 

For the alcohol lover:

• Tito’s Vodka – Certified gluten free, corn-based vodka. You might want to get some for yourself too. I’ve found that you save more money in the long run if you buy the bigger bottle (wink).
• Wine – When in doubt, always a good gift.

GF  Resources:

• Gluten Free Watchdog Subscription – GFW is one of the most incredible advocates the community has. Her website is a wealth of information. Subscribers get special access to products reports (selected items are tested for gluten in a lab) and support her overall efforts. 
• Celiac Research Donation – Donate in honor of your Celiac loved one! The Celiac Center at Columbia University is one of several organizations doing amazing research for the community, searching for better treatment and a cure.

 

Don’t forget that your loved one is not defined by Celiac. We all have other interests and hobbies – theatre, movies, music, pets, crafts, games, sports – gifts that are not food-related are also great choices. 

Please feel free to email this list to loved ones and leave a comment – what gift are YOU wishing for?

Happy Holidays!

Bonus Giveaway – Better Battter

It’s hard to summarize how much I love Better Batter – their high quality, allergen-friendly mixes; the story of the founder’s autistic son speaking his first sentence after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease and going gluten free; the fact that they donate 10% of their net profits to social and charitable causes; their financial aid program to provide discounted gluten free products for low income families, families that have children with autism, college students, and households with extraordinary circumstances – seriously how can you not love this company?

Quick Better Batter facts:

• Certified gluten free
• Made in a facility that is free of milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean/shellfish, mustard, sesame, and corn.
• Most products do not contain sulfites
• GMO free
• Kosher OU Parve
• No dyes or artificial flavors/preservatives
• Vegan appropriate
• Packaged in recycled and recyclable boxes, printed with vegetable ink (cool!)

Better Batter’s product line includes:

• All Purpose Flour (cup for cup)
• Seasoned Flour
• Pancake & Biscuit Mix
• Fudge Brownie Mix
• Yellow Cake Mix
• Chocolate Cake Mix
• Corn Free Powdered Sugar
• Gift Cards (great for the holidays!)

As I make my way through trying all of Better Batter’s products, I recently baked their brownies for a wine & dessert night with a friend. I thought I was being productive by baking them in advance and freezing them, but you know what happens with delicious brownies are calling to you from the freezer for an entire week. These brownies were just TOO GOOD. Needless to say, they didn’t make it to the dessert night. #sorrynotsorry

To purchase Better Batter products – check local stores, order directly on www.betterbatter.org, or purchase on amazon.com (prime eligible).

GIVEAWAY! One lucky winner will receive a $10 e-gift card for betterbatter.com! Enter via the rafflecopter link below. Continental US residents only. Giveaway ends Friday May 19^th at 11:59 EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit my Instagram for an extra giveaway! A different winner will be chosen there!

Disclaimer: I received samples of these products, but I was not paid to write this review. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I, myself, use and love.

Better Batter Review, Recipe & Giveaway

Naomi, the founder of Better Batter, is one of the most inspiring women I have ever met. You can read the whole story on her website, but here is the gist:

Naomi has two sons, one of whom was diagnosed with low functioning autism. Unable to communicate, he seemed to be in a great deal of physical pain. Their doctor heard about an ‘interesting new thing called Celiac Disease’ and suggested testing him. Sure enough he was very positive. After just six weeks on the gluten free diet, his health not only improved, but he also spoke his first sentence – “Mommy, I love you.”

(Did your heart just burst in a thousand pieces like mine did? I’m not crying, you’re crying….)

Pretty soon both Naomi and her second son were diagnosed with Celiac Disease, as well. Back in 2006 there weren’t very many good gluten free options. Wanting a gluten free flour that would make her family’s traditional recipes both look and taste the same, Naomi literally had a dream about a cup for cup flour. She woke up, raced to the kitchen and Better Batter was born.

Quick Better Batter facts:

• Certified gluten free
• Made in a facility that is free of milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean/shellfish, mustard, sesame, and corn.
• Most products do not contain sulfites
• GMO free
• Kosher OU Parve
• No dyes or artificial flavors/preservatives
• Vegan appropriate
• Packaged in recycled and recyclable boxes, printed with vegetable ink (cool!)

Better Batter’s product line includes:

• All Purpose Flour (cup for cup)
• Seasoned Flour
• Pancake & Biscuit Mix
• Fudge Brownie Mix
• Yellow Cake Mix
• Chocolate Cake Mix
• Corn Free Powdered Sugar
• Gift Cards (great for the holidays!)

Better Batter also donates at least 10% of their net profits to social and charitable causes. They donate to food banks and partner with organizations that support solar power/sustainable agriculture, clean water, the autism community, foster/adoption care, hunger relief, and the Celiac Disease community. Also, on their website you can find an additional “financial aid” program and application:

“We believe everyone should have the ability to eat healthy, enjoyable food. And gluten free foods are not always cheap. That’s why, as a part of your community, Better Batter is committed to offering special pricing to families with limited income, families with children with autism, college students and other households with extraordinary circumstances.”

My heart is bursting! Thank you, Better Batter, for going above and beyond in your dedication to so many communities.

While you can find literally hundreds of recipes on their website (you will seriously never get bored of their mixes) I am bringing you a recipe direct from the Tasty Meditation kitchen! I recently made these cupcakes for Kristopher’s birthday, and they were a huge hit. So delicious and bursting with flavor. We gave some leftovers to my neighbors and doormen, and their faces lit up. Better Batter is going to make me very popular.

Better Batter Coconut Cupcakes

 

For the cake:

• 1 box Better Batter Vanilla Cake Mix
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup coconut oil
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups shredded, unsweetened coconut (do not pack down)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 oz butter (room temperature)
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the cake mix, milk, oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Use a spoon to fold in the coconut.
3. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners or use a nonstick muffin pan. Pour the batter evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes.
4. Remove the cake immediately and let cool before frosting.
5. For the cream cheese frosting – use a hand mixer to cream together the butter, cream cheese and vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time until all is incorporated and smooth.

Enjoy!

To purchase Better Batter products – check local stores, order directly on www.betterbatter.org, or purchase on amazon.com (prime eligible).

GIVEAWAY! One lucky winner will receive 6 BOXES of various Better Batter mixes! Enter via the rafflecopter link below. Continental US residents only. Giveaway ends Friday December 30th 11:59 EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received samples of these products, but I was not paid to write this review. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I, myself, use and love.

GFAF Expo 2016 – Best of Fest!

The Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo was in NJ last weekend, and boy did I have a blast! The best part was the people – meeting new friends, chatting with members of the NYC Celiac Disease Meetup Group, and seeing all of my friends from last year who are cook book authors, bakers, small business owners, and company reps. We are a wonderful, loving community, and I felt it so strongly last weekend my heart could just burst!

In attendance were several of my favorite companies from previous years that are always in my “Best of the Expo” posts because they are amazing – Izzi B’s Allergen Friendly Bakery (SUPER allergen friendly and delicious), Canyon Bakehouse (the everything bagels!), Maddalenas Cheesecake (best cheesecake ever), Freedom Foods (allergen friendly cereal done right), Beanfields (the most flavorful chips in the world). Today I want to introduce you to some new companies:

Posh Pop Bakeshop – I have been Instagram-stalking this dedicated GF bakery in NJ for years and literally jumped in the air when I heard they would be attending the expo. Go to their Instagram. It’s beautiful. You’ll never want to look away. In person, the treats did not disappoint. Everything was amazing. I went back the second day of the expo to buy a single vanilla cake pop covered in sprinkles, and it is one of the best gluten free desserts that I have ever eaten. I should have bought a hundred. Posh Pop Bakeshop has a loyal following – apparently it’s so good that the general population will happily munch away on their treats without realizing that the bakery is Certified Gluten Free by the CSA (they also test their products in house). Cookies, donuts, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, cakepops, brownies/bars, cheesecakes, muffins, custom cakes – Posh Pop Bakeshop has it all.

Everybody Eats –My mother, boyfriend and I have been a fan of this bread for years. Out of all of the food in NYC that my mom could eat when she visits, she only wants baguette from Everybody Eats. It was wonderful to finally meet the owner, Pedro, who is incredibly lovely and kind. All of their products are gluten free and nut free and made in a 100% dedicated facility. It is a small artisan bakery, and everything is made by hand. Their products can be found in various NYC restaurants. Pickup is available from their Brooklyn kitchen, and they ship nation-wide.

 

Better Batter/Yes You Can – I am so in love. I was fortunate enough to sample several products from Yes You Can, an Australian family-owned company that is now working in tandem with Better Batter. First of all, the gluten free/dairy free mixes are amazing. They are held up to the high standards that Australia has for gluten free products and are made in a dedicated facility. Vanilla/chocolate/red velvet cake, banana bread, multigrain bread – everything was incredible. I was shocked when I was told that some of the items were baked a few days beforehand. They tasted like they had been made that morning!

I also talked at length with the Better Batter owner, Naomi, who is one of the loveliest people you could meet. Better Batter is a small, family owned, mom-run company that stemmed from the desire to support her family of Celiacs, one member of which is autistic and found incredible relief from the gluten free diet. Naomi explained how Better Batter is a social enterprise, and that they actively support and seek to hire people with autism. My heart is bursting with how caring Naomi and Better Batter are.

The Squirrel and The Bee/Goodness Grainless (un)granola – OMG pumpkin spice, grain free granola! Ingredients are: Walnuts, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Coconut Oil, Honey, Vanilla Extract, Sea Salt, and Shredded Coconut. I’m normally not a granola fan, but with those ingredients and an incredible taste I have now converted. Someone please give me ideas for how to use granola because otherwise I’m eating this straight out of the bag. The Squirrel and The Bee is a dedicated gluten free bakery in Short Hills, NJ and owned by a professional pastry chef who found relief for her Ulcerative Colitis by changing her diet.

Mickaela’s Simply Diving Biscotti Cookies – Made in a dedicated gluten free facility and Certified GF. Unlike traditional biscotti, these look like normal circular cookies. They are super flavorful, light and extra crunchy. I’m in love with both the chocolate chip and lemon flavors. Also, this business just opened seven months ago! Support  small businesses!

Manini’s – Possibly the best ravioli I’ve ever had. No weird gummy taste from the gluten free pasta. Simply outstanding ravioli, whether you normally eat gluten or avoid it. I tried their four cheese ravioli and the spinach/cheese. I simply cannot wait to buy more. It will surely become a staple in my kitchen. Manini’s facility is dedicated gluten/peanut/tree nut/soy/fish/shellfish free and their products are consistently tested for gluten to less than 10ppm. They are also Certified Gluten Free by GIG.

 

BFree – Certified Gluten Free and also free of egg/dairy/nut/soy (vegan friendly!). I am in love with the multigrain rolls. They have a hearty taste and an excellent fluffy/springy texture. Their wraps were also a huge hit at the expo. I heard many comments like, “They’re incredible – they don’t fall apart or crack!”

Kevita – I’m really into Kombucha right now. Some Kombucha has an overwhelming vinegar-like taste. Kevita is a drink that you’ll happily reach for. I tried the Pineapple Peach and was delighted. They also have delicious sparkling probiotic drinks – the Lime Mint Coconut flavor was quite refreshing.

RP Pasta – We all know that there are less-than-desirable gluten free pasta brands in the world. RP Pasta is Certified Gluten Free, has a lovely taste, and it does not stick and clump together. The first ingredient is brown rice flour, which I appreciate for the nutritional content. They have a few varieties including linguini, fusilli, fettuccine, spinach fettuccine, and lasagna sheets. I’m excited to see what this company does next!

 

Can’t wait for next year!

 

Disclaimer: I received samples of these products at the expo, but I was not paid to write this. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I, myself, use and love.