Friday 14 September 2012

Gluten Free Expo - Caulfield Race Course - 15 September 2012

The Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania are the organisers of the Gluten Free Expo to be held at Caulfield Race Course, Melbourne on Saturday 15 September, 2012, 9:30 to 4:00.

This is a one day event only. Adult Entry Fee is $10 (Coeliac Society Members $5)

Full Expo details at http://www.glutenfreeexpovic-tas.org.au/

Coeliac Society of Victoria & Tasmania at http://www.coeliac.org.au/vic-tas/

We will be going along to check out new gluten free products. See You there!

Monday 11 June 2012

Alpha Confectionery Is Back!


Great news for lovers of Alpha Confectionery chocolates!!

If you are someone who enjoyed the range of gluten, dairy and nut free chocolates produced by Alpha Confectionery but was disappointed to see the products disappear from shelves (and their St. Kilda location close), then this will be great news.

We were recently contacted by the new owner of Alpha Confectionery to let us know that they are back in business!

Alpha has a new location in Moorabbin and production is underway of the:
  • Classic Plums
  • Apricot Royales
  • Flavoured Creams
  • Cooking chocolate.
  • Easter eggs (will be coming soon.)
Distribution is being arranged and we will let you know the stockists on this page soon.

Alpha Confectionery Australia Pty Ltd
14 Capella Crs
Moorabbin, Victoria 3189
Phone  03 9555 0030
www.alphaconfectionery.com.au (Currently under construction)

See our other mentions of Alpha Confectionery on this blog:


Sunday 20 May 2012

Cupcake Central - Gluten & Dairy Free


We were visiting Melbourne Central recently and while on the hunt in the food court for something for lunch, we noticed that Cupcake Central had a gluten free and vegan chocolate cupcake available amongst their huge selection of cupcakes.

The cupcake had a very creamy, smooth frosting on top of a very light spongy cupcake.
Very delicious!  I will be dropping by to try out their other gluten free and vegan cupcakes when I can.
Their baking calendar shows that they make a different gluten free & vegan cupcake each day. The Autumn 2012 schedule is:

  • Chocolate gluten free & vegan: Monday & Saturday
  • Lemon gluten free & vegan: Tuesday & Friday
  • Choc Peanut gluten free & vegan: Wednesday & Sunday
  • Coconut gluten free & vegan: Thursday

Not only were the staff able to show me an ingredients list for the cupcake when I asked, but most impressively, they used tongs that were dedicated to the gluten free, vegan cupcakes when handling my order!

We'll Done Cupcake Central!!

ps. One gluten free & vegan Chocolate cupcake was about $4

Website: www.cupcakecentral.com.au
Email:  info@cupcakecentral.com.au
Phone: 03 9077 4542
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cupcake_central

Cupcake Central has a location at Melbourne Central and another in Hawthorn.


View Cupcake Central in a larger map

Sunday 1 April 2012

Dairy Free Easter Eggs 2012

As usual, finding dairy free Easter eggs is never easy, but there are options available.

Here are some of the Dairy Free Easter eggs that I have seen in 2012.


Lindt

Lindt is one of my favourites as it is available in many places including supermarkets, Big W etc.

The Dark Chocolate Bunnies are really nice; 60% cocoa and come in 100g and 200g sizes. Be careful to only buy the DARK Chocolate version with the BROWN ribbon as this one is dairy free. (RED ribbon is the most common but is MILK chocolate; WHITE ribbon is for WHITE chocolate)

The Dark Easter Eggs are 70% cocoa.

Is Lindt chocolate Gluten free?
You'll need to read the Lindt Chocolate FAQ and make your own decision.


Macro Wholefoods Market @ Woolworths

You should be able to find the Macro Easter Bunny which is Lactose Free in the Macro Wholefoods Market section of your local Woolworths.
They also have versions that are Nut Free and another that has No Added Sugar.

Around $7.00 for the 130g bunny

Kinnerton

Kinnerton are a specialty Nut Free chocolate manufacturer but they also have a few products that are Dairy Free like this egg combo that I saw at David Jones for $19.95.

For the rest of the year, blocks of the Kinnerton chocolate is available in Big W & David Jones stores. (Cheaper at Big W)

Kinnerton - http://www.kinnerton.com.au
Available from David Jones - http://www.davidjones.com.au/



Darrell Lea

Darrell Lea have a couple of options.
Mini Easter Bunnies, pack of 12, 155g total. These are individually wrapped Easter Bunny heads and are Nut free, Dairy free and Gluten free.

There is also a larger, 45g Bunny.

These are only available in Darrell Lea stores and are manufactured in the dedicated NUT FREE facility by Sweet William (see below).
Darrell Lea - http://www.dlea.com.au

Sweet William

"Sweet William is an innovative dairy free chocolate company that produces a range of exceptionally delicious chocolate products which are dairy free, gluten free, nut free and cholesterol free."

Available from Safeway, Coles and IGA in Victoria.
Sweet William - http://www.sweetwilliam.com.au


Alpha Confectionery

In the past we have written about Alpha Confectionery and how wonderful their dairy free chocolate was. Unfortunately, it seems that they may no longer be in business (Their St. Kilda location has been vacated). What a shame. I really miss their Easter Eggs.

See Also:



Saturday 31 March 2012

Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns - Simply Wize


I first tried out the gluten free Hot Cross Buns from Simply Wize back before Easter 2011, and it is great to see them back in 2012. They are simply Yummy.

They have a really nice taste and the texture and balance of fruit and spice is delicious. The buns aren't large but are the perfect size for a quick snack or light breakfast for me.


At the end of Easter 2011 I made a raid on my local Coles and cleaned out all the remaining stock that they had. These 10 or so packets lasted me well into May!
Maybe Simply Wize could make a version of these for the rest of the year???

I have already purchased some of these this year from Sunnybrook. About $4.75 for a pack of 6
You should also be able to find these in the freezer section of your local Coles. (But only if I don't get there first)

I highly recommend these yummy Easter Buns. Have a very Happy Easter.

Simply Wize on the web at: www.momentumfoods.com.au

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Melinda's Heavenly Chocolate Fudge Brownie


You can always find one or two packets of this brownie mix in our pantry.

It is fast and easy to make and is very delicious. The finished brownie doesn't last long in our house.

The box shows that the brownie is gluten free, wheat free and yeast free and the recipe only asks you to supply 2 extra large eggs and 120g of butter.
We like to make a dairy free version of the brownie and the recipe recommends using soya margarine for this. Instead of butter or margarine, we use a quarter of a cup plus two tablespoons of vegetable oil and find that this works well.

Update: Late in 2013, Melindas changed the recipe and combined all the ingredients into one packet. We still make a version that is also dairy free but with an additional step to separate out the chocolate chips.

Making the brownie couldn't be much easier. Our daughter often makes the brownie with only a little help from Mum or Dad.
  1. Sift the brownie mix into a bowl and separate out the chocolate chips.
  2. Melt the chocolate chips from the packet with the butter/oil in the microwave
  3. Add the melted chocolate mix and two lightly beaten eggs
  4. Mix it all together with a big spoon
  5. Pour it into your lined baking tin
  6. Bake
This takes only 10 minutes to mix and 20 minutes to bake (depending on how "fudgy" you like your brownie).

The result is a very addictive brownie. It's hard to stop at one piece.
If you need a gluten and dairy free treat, this is a fast and as delicious as they get. Thanks Melinda's!!

I buy these at our local Woolies or Coles for $5 to $6

See the Melinda's website for ingredients and their other great products.


Saturday 3 March 2012

Patties Gluten Free Lamingtons - New Improved Recipe

I have been a regular consumer of Patties Gluten Free Lamingtons for many years.
On a recent visit to the supermarket, I noticed the addition of "New Improved Recipe" to the packaging.

On tasting the "New Improved Recipe" I was immediately disappointed. In my opinion, the original recipe was perfect and did not need any "improvement". The new recipe is very different and I, sadly, won't be buying them again.

As you can see below, the ingredients list will show the differences.

Original Ingredients:
Sugar, reconstituted egg, strawberry jam [sugar, strawberries (40%), gelling agent (440), acidity regulator (330)]
coconut (9%) [contains preservative (220)], rice flour, starch (maize), water,
margarine [vegetable fats and oils(sunflower, canola, palm), salt, emulsifiers (471, 322 - sunflower), flavour, vitamins (a, d and e)],
cocoa (3%), vanilla flavour, raising agent (500), stabiliser (415).
Contains: Egg

New Ingredients:
Water, Sugar, Strawberry Jam [Sugar, Strawberries, Pectin, Citric acid], Dessicated Coconut (8%) [Coconut, Preservative (220-Sulphites)], Rice Flour, Maize starch,
Margarine [vegetable fats and oils, emulsifiers (322 - Soy, 471), antioxidant (306-Soy), Colours (160b, 100)],
Egg solids, Cocoa (2.5%), Potato starch, Sodium bicarbonate, Fruit fibre, Acidity regulator (450), Thickeners (415, 412), Humectant (420), Emulsifier (471, 475 - Soy), Natural Flavour.
Contains: Egg, Soybean products and added sulphites.

http://www.patties.com.au/our-brands/pattiesglutenfree.htm

What do you think? Tell us in the comments section below.

Saturday 25 February 2012

Report: 2011 Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show

September hosted the 2011 Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show at Jeffs Shed in Melbourne.
For us, this is an event that is not to be missed.

This year, the major sponsor was Macro Wholefoods Market. (You might remember that Macro was bought by Woolworths in mid-2009)

Presenters included: Tobie Puttock & Dr Sue Shepherd.

Here are some of our highlights:
  • Macro Wholefoods Market
    Macro had a large display of their products, most of which you will find in your local Woolworths/Safeway.
    Recipe brochures from Toby Puttock, Spencer Clements, Dr. Sue Shepherd & Rowie Dillon were given away.
  • Larder Fresh
    Roast Pumpkin & Chickpea Burger. Gluten Free, Egg free, Dairy Free, Wheat Free, onion & garlic free, preservative free. We picked up some of these. Very tasty. Great for a snack, or light lunch. No onion but still full of flavor. They also produce Falafel but these have onion.
    http://www.larderfresh.com.au/
  • Bayview
    Bayview is an Australian owned company producing a wide range of crumbed fish, chicken and related products, including a gluten free range.
    New products are in the works, including: Calamari & easy to cook Fish in a bag.
    You can always find their fish fillets and chicken tenderloins in my freezer.
    A suggestion for Bayview: Please include the ingredients list for your products on your website.
    http://www.bayviewseafoods.com.au/
  • Melindas
    You will always find some of the Melindas range in our pantry, especially the "Heavenly Choc Fudge Brownie Mix".
    They were promoting their own Gluten Free Self Raising Flour mix and their iPhone Allergy Free Entertaining app. (Android version soon)
    One of our clan sampled their Tuscan Style Rissotto Cakes, which received the thumbs up. These are gluten free, but do contain onion and cheese is part of the recipe.
    http://melindasgfg.com/
  • House of Biskota 
    had a very interesting display of biscuits that are gluten, dairy, egg and yeast free.
    For those conscious of fructose, be aware of the biscuits that have jam as the ingredients show this contains apple.
    http://houseofbiskota.com.au/GlutenFree
  • "Uncle" Rick Grant
    Rick & Rhonda were showing off a new range of seasoning mixes that are gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, egg free, soy free and fructose friendly (no onion or garlic).
    Expect to see a lot more from Rick during 2012.
    http://www.rickgrant.com.au/
  • Well and Good
    were present again with a fantastic range of products. Always full of enthusiasm and coming up with something new. They were showcasing several new products.
    http://www.wellandgood.com.au/
  • Table of Plenty
    Gluten free Mini rice cakes but with a delicious top coating of chocolate.
    http://www.tableofplenty.com.au/
  • Mary's Gone Crackers
    This range of crackers and cookies are made in the USA but distributed in Australia by Real Food Distributors.
    The Love Cookies range are fantastic, with our favourites being the N'Oatmeal Raisin (No Oatmeal!!) and the Double Chocolate.
    You can find these in health food stores and independent supermarkets.
    http://www.realfooddistributors.com.au/page/products.html
    http://www.marysgonecrackers.com/
  • F G Roberts
    Regular show attendees, F G Roberts were presenting their new Palmira's bread mix which is gluten and wheat free and the bread can be made without yeast. Detailed information packs with recipes were made available.
    http://www.glutenfreehealth.com.au/
  • Celebrate Health
    have an interesting range of gluten free baking mixes based on Chestnut flour (contain dairy), and a range of flavoured Quinoa: Tomato & Basil; Moroccan Spiced and Lemon & Thyme. (I've spotted these in Coles since the show)
    http://www.celebratehealth.com.au/
  • Peppercorn Food Company
    were cooking up their range of gluten free sausages which are delicious.
    Not all of the them are fructose friendly as they contain garlic & onion.
    Unfortunately, the website does not list ingredients. These should be available at your local Woolworths. Ask your supermarket manager if they are not.
    http://www.peppercornfood.com.au/
  • Gluten Free 4U
    This is a new bakery that has opened in Moorabbin and covers bread, pizza bases, tarts, cookies & cakes, all manufactured in a dedicated gluten and nut free enviornment.
    5/1 Bignell Rd. Moorabbin
    http://www.glutenfree4u.com.au/
  • Kez's Free
    were launching their new Vienna Eclair gluten free biscuits.
    Not dairy free. Try the Melting Moments for a gluten and dairy free biscuit.
    http://www.kezs.com.au/products-kezs-free.asp
  • Deeks Health Foods
    We first tried this bread while traveling in the ACT a few years ago and found it to be very good.
    Deeks is now becoming available in Victoria and definately worth a try. Available at Sunnybrook.
    http://www.deeks.com.au/
  • Vitality Bakehouse
    Have a large range of gluten free baked goods.
    Their Christmas Pudding is also dairy free along with our favourite, the Orange Poppy Seed Muffins. (Hard to find on the Internet)
    http://www.raffleshealthyfoods.com.au/
  • San Remo Pasta
    This is our first stop for gluten free pasta. Our favourites are the Penne & Spirals.
    http://www.sanremo.com.au/
  • Yes You Can
    has a range of bread, cake and pancake mixes that are gluten, wheat and yeast free.
    Some have dairy free options including the cupcake mix.
    http://yesyoucan.net.au/yes-you-can/home

You can be sure we will be back in 2012 to see (and taste) the latest gluten free products on the market.