Burger King French Fries...and an Onion Ring?

Since we were diagnosed in 2003, I have enjoyed Burger King French fries occasionally.  I had checked the website several times to confirm the fries were gluten-free.  Several years ago, I noticed an onion ring in my French fries.  I called Burger King headquarters and they were helpful and our local Burger King was more careful after that.  It happened again a few days ago as we were in another state on our way home from our trip back East.  Unfortunately we discovered the onion ring after our daughter had eaten some of the French fries, and she got a stomach ache and several other symptoms.  Now the website has an asterisk by the words "French fries" and states:  "These products may be fried with gluten containing foods."

http://www.bk.com/cms/en/us/cms_out/digital_assets/files/pages/MenuGlutenFree.pdf

It is disappointing, though I understand that it would be difficult for every restaurant to have a dedicated fryer for French fries.  It is also a lesson to me to check websites from time to time to make sure whether restaurants have changed their allergen statement.

(Photo Source:  google images)

Burger King French Fries...along with an Onion Ring?

Since we were diagnosed in 2003, I have enjoyed Burger King French fries occasionally.  I had checked the website several times to confirm the fries were gluten-free.  Several years ago, I noticed an onion ring in my French fries.  It happened again a few days ago as we were in another state on our way home from our trip back East.  Unfortunately we discovered the onion ring after our daughter had eaten some of the French fries, and she got a stomach ache and several other symptoms.

Now the website has an asterisk by the words "French fries" and states:  "These products may be fried with gluten containing foods."
http://www.bk.com/cms/en/us/cms_out/digital_assets/files/pages/MenuGlutenFree.pdf

It is disappointing, though I understand that it would be difficult for every restaurant to have a dedicated fryer for French fries.  It is also a lesson to me to check websites from time to time to make sure whether restaurants have changed their allergen statement.

(Photo Source:  google images)

Review of Glutino Gluten-Free Pretzels

It is nice to have a snack when you travel.  We drove thousands of miles to help our son and daughter-in-law move to Rhode Island and now we are stopping to see some sites on the way home.  I bought a bag of "gluten" pretzel sticks for those in the family who can eat gluten, and a bag of Glutino Gluten-Free Pretzels for my daughter and me.  They were over $6 for one bag, but they have lasted a long time and it helps to have a crunchy snack to stay awake when I am driving.  I was surprised to find out that the gluten-free pretzels were preferred by those in our family who can eat gluten.  They said the Glutino pretzels tasted better and were more crunchy.  I am rating them at 10 out of 10. :)  Yum!

(Photo Source:  google images)

Hairspray and Shampoo with Wheat: It Stings Sometimes!

I have read that those of us with celiac disease don't need to worry about using lotions and hair products with wheat since the gluten it isn't absorbed in the skin.  However, several members of our area support group for those with celiac disease have mentioned that these products sting their skin.  This has happened to me occasionally, as well.  I decided to use only lotions and hair products that don't list wheat in the ingredients.  I especially feel strongly about this when it comes to hairspray.  We can't help but breathe in some hairspray when we spray our hair.  Here is my favorite hairspray without wheat: Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine.

(Photo Source:  Google Images)

Seriously Good Ranch Dressing

I can't imagine life without homemade ranch dressing.  Check out this recipe (also found on page 65 in my cookbook).  We love it on salad, for a dip with carrots and celery, and on baked potatoes.

(Divide this recipe in half for a family of four.)

Ranch Dressing 

4 cups gluten-free mayonnaise           

1 cup buttermilk                     

1 cup milk                               

1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon parsley             

1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon onion powder   

½ teaspoon garlic powder                  

1½ teaspoon salt                    

1 teaspoon pepper                              

1. Combine ingredients and stir with whisk until smooth.

This dressing will stay fresh for several weeks. Stir well before serving.