The website Gluten-Free Saver has teamed up with Van’s Natural Foods to raise money for next Summer’s Celiac Disease Foundation Summer Camp. You can help by donating, and for this week, Van’s will match donations. I don’t know if this link is current, but here is information about the Celiac Disease Foundation Summer Camp. Here is their press release.

There’s an age-old saying that, in my opinion, has never been more true…

“It’s better to give than to receive.”

And the holiday season is the perfect time for you to give back to the community. In the spirit of the giving season, I want to bring your attention to a fundraiser I’m helping promote this week for a great gluten-free cause. This week only, giving just $2 of your hard-earned money will go toward providing scholarships for children to attend a gluten-free summer camp hosted by the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) next summer in Southern California.

But this week, donating $2 doesn’t mean you’re just donating $2… This week through Sunday, December 25, Gluten-Free Saver has partnered with Van’s Natural Foods to raise money to send children to next summer’s CDF-sponsored summer camp, and Van’s is matching all donations up to $1,000! The goal is to raise $2,000 – and when you donate $2, you’re really contributing $4. You can read more about the fundraiser here: www.glutenfreesaver.com.

The summer camp will be held in San Bernardino in Southern California from July 30 to August 3, 2012, and it’s open to all 7-15 year old gluten intolerant and gluten-sensitive children – not just those diagnosed with celiac disease.

Sure, receiving gifts this time of year is always fun, but the feeling of knowing that your generous donation of just $2 can bring a tremendous amount of joy to a young child… well, now that’s priceless. Please help reach the goal of donating $2,000 to the Celiac Disease Foundation this week. Every $2 helps.

YES! I want to help send a child to a gluten-free summer camp and donate $2 right
now!

P.S. 100% of all donations will go directly to CDF.

P.P.S. If you’re feeling extra generous this holiday season, you aren’t limited to
donating just $2 – you can give as much money as your heart desires!

The bread comes pre-measured into balls, frozen, and ready to bake. They take about twenty minutes to bake and are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. We got our hands on some samples courtesy of the baker herself (see our disclosure policy) and tried them out. We also gave some to a few of our friends and taste-testers. Here’s what it looks like fresh out of the oven.

After a bite…

What these totally remind me of is a snack I used to make for myself when I would get home from high school. My friends and I would get home, go to the kitchen, wrap some cheddar cheese in a wheat tortilla, and microwave it. If you microwaved it correctly, the cheese would bubble and the tortilla would be delicious. They also taste kind of like goldfish crackers, but are much more of a texture sensation. Everybody we had try them, including ourselves, thought they were good. Schultz lived in Brazil as an exchange student, and did her best to come up with a recipe that tasted authentic.

Here’s a list of the ingredients: tapioca starch, eggs, safflower oil, cheddar cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes, annatto (color)), Parmesan cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), milk, water, kosher salt. The ingredient list is pretty short, and there isn’t any leavener. I was going to say that they’re pretty allergen-free until I noticed that they’ve got egg and dairy. On the minus side, the number one ingredient is tapioca starch, which we’ve discussed before, and has almost no nutritional value. Thanks to the eggs and the cheese, though, this probably isn’t as bad as a lot of the gluten-free breads out there. And hey! – We’re talking about a snack here, anyway.

And as a snack, it’s pretty hard to go wrong with something like this. They’re quick, easy to make, and kind of fun. They’re locally made, which is cool. I always like supporting local small businesses. Paobread is available at the Portland and Lake Oswego Lamb’s Markets, the Eastmoreland Market, and the Alberta Co-Op, among other places. You can also get them at the Moreland and Montavilla Farmers Markets. See their website for more details on where to buy. Here’s their website for more information.

The Portland Metro Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is having the first of two pancake breakfasts this Saturday (the 17th) at Lingonberries Market in Vancouver. This weekend they will be using mixes from Bob’s Red Mill, Laurel’s Sweet Treats, and Kinnikinnick. Dairy free options will be available. The cost is $5 per person – $12 max per family. (I can’t say for sure as of this writing, but I can only imagine that the proceeds from this event will go to support the Portland GIG.) I wish that I could attend, but I’m still working on losing weight and can’t do the maple syrup! Here’s the relevant info:

Where: Lingonberries Market – 6300 NE 117th Ave – Vancouver WA 98662
When: Saturday, July 17 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Contact: christina@lingonberriesmarket.com or call (360) 260-4411

The next GIG Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for August 21. We’ll try to remember to give everybody notice the week before.

Spend a wonderful afternoon of Wine, Cheese, Raw Chocolate & live Music out on the farm!

Saturday, May 22nd, 2pm-6pm
Live Bluegrass music will sweep you away in the garden at Midway Farms. Enjoy sipping amazing wines from Eola Hills Wine Cellars & savoring award winning cheeses of Willamette Valley Cheese, only to be topped off with decadent raw chocolate by Stirs The Soul Chocolates. Premium organic coffee, teas and gluten free hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Gluten Free Friendly! Tickets are available at Midway Farms in advance for $9.00 or at the door for $12.00. This is an adult event 21 & older please. Midway Farms is located on Hwy 20 midway between Corvallis & Albany.
For more information please contact us at:
info@midwayfarmsoregon.com
visit our web site at:
www.midwayfarmsoregon.com

They also sent us a flier. Click here to view it. If you’re wondering how far away it is from Portland, Google Maps figures it’s about an hour and a half drive. Here’s the map.

Thanks to Midway Farms for sending us this notice.

Whole Foods in Tigard is having a gluten-free cooking class on May 8 that looks very interesting. Here is the blurb:

Asian KidKid, Beef Chardonnay, & Spun Sugar Crusted Spice Cake

This class celebrates the cuisine of France combined with hints of Asia fused with wholesome healthy ingredients. These superb dishes boast lively flavors, bright colors, and surprising combinations which are sure to delight your family and friends. A great class for Moms and Daughters! Learn how to work with oat groats while making a quick, healthy meal and an easy flaming dessert.

On the Menu:

Asian KidKid
Zesty appetizer made with a savory mixture of garlic, oat groats, oat bran, spices and fresh chili paste.

Beef Chardonnay
Puts a mouthwatering meal on the table as quickly as waiting in line at a drive-through.

Spun Sugar Crusted Spice Cake
The title says it all. This dessert will delight your senses. Made with eggplant adds delish to the menu and health to you.

When: Sat, May 8, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Whole Foods, Bridgeport Village, Tigard, OR
Chef: Sheila Hanson

To register, Call Guest Services @ 503-639-6500 to pre-register before Wednesday, May 5th

I contacted them to make sure that the oats are gluten-free and they replied that they’re from Bob’s Red Mill and are from a safe source.

Abby’s Table has announced a spring special deal where meals are $13.

Are you doing a elimination diet or detox program? Planning to hit refresh on your diet habits? Be wonderful to your body and join us for dinner. We serve up seasonal produce in deliciously innovative ways so that you can enjoy eating during your cleanse. As always the dinners are 100% vegan friendly, 100% gluten, dairy and soy free with an omnivore option for the main course. The entire month of May features anti-inflammatory menus!

spud

And YES! We are PLEASED to announce that we are teaming with Spud! Organic Grocery Delivery to offer you a special spring price on dinners.
$13 dinners, May and June only!!! In the ‘Special Request’ section of the website enter “spud” and dinner will be only $13!!! Woo hoooooo! Sign up today!