Soy Sauce, Blue Cheese, & Gravy

Everyone knows about the obvious wheat such as breads, pastas & baked goods. But what about all of the hidden wheat and gluten, it is in gravy mixes, sauces, & even French-fries. Label reading becomes a vital part of everyday life. Manufacturers can and will change things all of the time. Your favorites this week you will find to be on the dreaded list of forbidden foods next week.

Here are a few items that you may find on your shopping list. Here is what you will want to look for to avoid gluten.

Soy sauce-Most brands of soy sauce contains wheat, current La Choy brand is safe to eat on a gluten free diet.

Blue Cheese is typically off limits because it is made by sprinkling bread crumbs on the cheese and allowing a bacteria to grow. However Marie’s Blue cheese dressing are made by inoculating the cheese with the bacteria and skipping the wheat all together making it safe for those on a gluten free diet.

Most if not all gravy mix packets contain wheat-flour as a thickening agent. When making something that produces a broth a stock I will use this to make gray or freeze it for later use. However, when in a hurry and need something with the convinced gravy packets Better Than Bullion base can be an excellent way to achieve a fast gluten free gravy. Simply make a rue using one or more of the many types of gluten free flours available and add your stock of choice.

Valasic pickles, Heinz Ketchup and Hellmann’s Mayonaise are safe However if you want to save money and purchase store brands you will want to call the manufacturer and be certain that all ingredients are gluten free..

All in all I have found it much easier to start from scratch. Rather than to keep searching for something that is already prepared I look for a way to make what it is I want. I enjoy cooking and enjoy the challenge of trying to make alternative foods for myself and my family. I hope to share this knowledge and passion with everyone.

If you have an old family favorite and need help in converting the recipe into a gluten free favorite. Send me the recipe at Rebecca@bejeweledfaerie.com and I will be happy to give it a try for you.