GF Snacks on a Plane

I have been humbled!   My last trip to the Big Apple and I could only find a Big APPLE to Eat!  And it's my own fault, I didn't pack or prepare.

I guess I was resting on my laurels and thinking the g-f hunt and peck was over--to the victor go the spoils and that the g-f fight has been won.  Truth is that NYC is the trend setters and if that city is done doing g-f, then the bloom is off the rose and we are in a world of hurt!  

Along with mixing masses of metaphors, all indicators indicate that we sufferers of celiac disease will be back to the hunt and peck of a non-gluten free friendly world and that was hard.

G-F Travel had become g-f ho-hum in the adventure department for me--at least interstate.  I did NYC three years ago and it was gluten-free heaven.  There was advertising on the sidewalks, chefs were cordial and cutting edge.  They understood.  I found that my need to pack and prepare and go on a travel diet each time we traveled, was unnecessary.  I GLOATED. We even did tran-continental trips-- Hong Kong 2012 and I didn't suffer one iota.  OH How the Mighty Have Fallen,

So, I'll be resurrecting the old travel stuff using the g-f food travel ap. (worthless when a g-f breakfast is 25 minutes in the opposite direction,) and once again, packing food.   Starting with:

AIRPLANE FOOD 

updated from 5-23-11 

(Who knew we'd ever need it again?)

Airplane travel can be very daunting as we wonder what can I take, what is legal, what is off limits and will be snatched by some hungry TSA agent? Here is your TSA link. I find most things liquid or gel can't be carried on. Crunchy, or crumbly is okay. If it can be xray'd, and is still edible, it's okay to take.  

Fruit is a nice traveler and it x-rays fine. Baby carrots, and apples, have probably already been irradiated, and they don't crush, so they are in the carry-on.

Nuts save me.  Pecans, almonds and crasins were my go-to standard when I was standing there each morning watching the chef contaminate my omelet by turning the french toast next to it with the same spatula.  GRRRrrrrr.

Crackers and Cheese stix.  It's amazing how long string cheese can last in a suitcase.  It's even more amazing how well it reconstitutes standing in the hotel ice bucket bath.  I know, sick and wrong, but when one is starving...

Quinoa/oatmeal travel bars wrap easily and get through security relatively unscathed. It's important that they pass the crush test as, -- big surprise, I'm not a meticulous packer.

I pack Trail Mix because who knows when the plane will go down and I may need to be an extra in an episode of Lost or Survivor. Simple fruit sugars and protein will sustain me--with M&M's of course to barter with the other naked survivors.  

Savory Chex Mix--just because I can make a great g-f batch cheaper than non-gf'rs can buy it--and when pull it out my seatmate (eating his tiny packet of dried up biscotti) drools.

My $16.00 Granola This is for the accidental lay-over in a strange hotel with only the complementary "continental" gluten-filled breakfast. It can also blow the sensory palette of the seatmate.  My granola rocks.

I've found that Ginger Snaps and Coconut macaroons travel well in old (Lays Stax) containers.

And the piece-de-resistance-- of course Gobsmacked's Oreos. There is no way I would travel without them as I'm usually called upon to whip up a fabulous GF dessert immediately upon arrival and any chocolate cookie variation always Wows!

(Let's talk Chocolate Toffee Brownie Bars--that's the plan for the graduation party--wait for the recipe--It'll be worth it!)

Cross Country Car Food

reposted from 3-02-09

Over the past ten years, we have regularly traveled 1200 gluten-free miles, cross-country in a car with kids. Our last trip was #50 FIFTY!

As we are getting ready to go again, I've resurrected my lists from the depths of my files. I count five different ones. Either I can't ever find them in my file, or I often feel the need to reinvent the wheel.

Here is my consolidated list of travel foods that I pack or, in a pinch, purchase to minimize the mayhem as we travel.

I bake and pack homemade snacks, GF crackers and cookies. Some that travel well are:

Granola bars http://gluten-free-reality.blogspot.com/2008/09/quinoa-granola-bars.html
Ranger cookies http://gluten-free-reality.blogspot.com/2009/03/ranger-cookies.html
Peanut butter bars http://gluten-free-reality.blogspot.com/2008/09/peanut-butter-bars.html
GF Chex Mix http://www.chex.com/Recipes/CategoryView.aspx?CategoryId=447&t=5
Puff rice balls

I pack granola for me and take a box of Nature's Path Mesa Sunrise or Erewhon's brown rice as breakfast cereal for the children. I rely on the milk from the motel's breakfast bar and since we can't eat the waffles, bagles, doughnuts and bread at the continental bar, I don't feel a bit bad as we glug their juice and decimate their fresh fruit supply.

I am not always at my peak for planning and sometimes I race to the store to make fast purchases when I find that time has escaped and my 12 hour packing window has dwindled to two.

baby carrots
raw almonds
Frigo string cheese
Fritos
Cheetos
EnerG pretzels
Blue Diamond Almond Crackers
MiDel ginger snaps

We now limit our stops at Wendys along the way for select salads, potatoes and their chili and frosties after we found that fast food coupled with far distances doesn't bode well for anyone's digestion.

Good luck and I wish you safe and happy travel.

A more comprehensive list? http://gluten-free-reality.blogspot.com/2008/09/as-of-february-2007-disclaimer-verify.html

GF Travel Food Tips

Our trip shutterfly album will be titled, "2014 Starving in NYC."  Did you know that if you ate every day, every meal at a different restaurant in NYC, in your lifetime, you would never eat at them all?  24,000 restaurants AND we found only one in our area that was certified gluten-free.      https://www.thelittlebeet.com
They do great snickerdoodles and chocolate chip cookies, but one can only live so long without protein.

So once more into the breech,  I'll resurrect this, first posted 9-17-08  Disclaimer, check ALL labels, this info is 6 years old.  Gaaagh, have I really been doing this that long?  What am I a masochist?  Who would do this out of the goodness of their heart for this long?_____________Please ignore that rant. I'm still suffering from the effects of malnutrition.

glutenfreetravelsite.com

glutenfreetravel.com

glutenfreetraveller.com

glutenfreeroads.com

celiactravel.com

Hungry?  Consider taking these items when Traveling:

String cheese, nuts, carrots,
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Gorp (combine Planters peanuts, M&Ms, and Sun-Maid raisins)
Homemade trail mix
Homemade cinnamon Granola
Hormel summer sausage,
Deli meat, cheese, and condiments
Olberto Original Beef Jerky;
Hormel Beef Jerky, watch for wheat
Homemade onion dip (combine 16 oz. GF sour cream [such as Daisy brand], ½ cup finely chopped onions, and 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons Herb-Ox beef flavoring);
Lay’s Classic Potato Chips
GF olives
Nutella

Individual pudding packs (Hunts and Hy-Vee; not all flavors are gluten-free)
Lipton Cup-O-Soup (tomato and broccoli with cheese could still be gluten-free)
Individual serving-size Progesso soups (lentil and chicken with wild rice are GF)
Individual serving-size of Dinty Moore beef stew
Individual serving-size Thai Kitchen rice noodle dishes (not all flavors are gluten-free)
Individual serving-size Hormel Kids’ Kitchen Beans and Weiners Ensure nutrition supplement (EXCEPT Ensure Nutrition and Energy Bars are not GF)
Carnation Instant Breakfast (EXCEPT Classic Chocolate Malt which contains gluten)
GF canned fruits—individual serving sizes (take plastic spoons)
GF dried fruits (not all dried fruits are gluten-free)
Fruit rolls and snacks (Justice League)
GF breakfast cereals (purchased or homemade, such as Betty Hagman’s)
Instant grits (Quaker); take along some brown sugar, a bowl or cup and a spoon
(inexpensive, light-weight, and space-saving)
Homemade or purchased GF muffins and cookies (Pamela’s, Mi-Del)

Cooler Foods 
Potato salad, Egg salad, hard boiled eggs, deviled eggs,
Hillshire Farms Deli Select sandwich meats
Hormel Deli Sliced lunch meats (read label)
Tuna packets (with small packets of Hellman’s mayo or Kraft Miracle Whip, and Vlasic pickle relish
Homemade cheese dip (microwave 1 lb Velveeta, 1 can Rotel tomatoes);
Tostitos chips Fritos brand bean dip Assorted GF cheeses (after you slice or cube at home)
Peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and honey (use on GF crackers, bread, or rice
cakes). Also, Skippy Squeeze Stix (chocolate is not gluten-free).
Peanut butter and celery Kraft cheese spreads in juice-glass style jar (pimento, etc.)—made with Philadelphia cream cheese singles
Yoplait yogurt (not all flavors are gluten-free)

Keeping Food Cool During Air Travel

For day trips, use an insulated soft-side bag or small cooler and insert a frozen Blue Ice pack. For longer trips, a larger cooler may be appropriate. Some hotels and motels will allow use of their freezer to refreeze the ice pack overnight. Otherwise, it may be necessary to restock a cooler with ice, as needed.

Since frozen gel packs (such as Blue Ice packs) are prohibited on airlines, a suitable alternative that will pass inspection is bags of frozen peas or corn. Cooling lasts 7 to 24 hours, depending on conditions. (This method is used by a shipper of frozen salmon in AK.)
GF bread (purchased or homemade)—use toaster bags to avoid contamination from motel
toasters (Note: For travel, homemade bread in bun form creates fewer crumbs.)

SNACKS
Microwave popcorn (Act II; Jolly Time: American’s Best, Blast O Butter, Butter-
Licious, Crispy N’White, Kettle Mania, The Big Cheez and other flavors) [use microwave at Quik Trip, 7-Eleven, gas station, etc.]

GF crackers (Bi-Aglut, Ener-G, Blue Diamond, etc.)
Rice cakes (some may not be gluten-free—read label)
GF snack bars (such as Lara Bars, also Bumble Bars at some Wild Oats stores

Lays products: Classic Potato Chips, Ruffles, Tostitos, Fritos Corn Chips, Cheetos Nuts (Planters, Fisher)
GF pretzels (Ener-G and Wylde)
GF banana chips (Sweet Meadow) or other
GF dried fruit chips
GF candy bars (Hershey’s plain or almond, Almond Joy, Butter Finger, Snickers, York Mints, M&Ms, Baby Ruth, Oh Henry, Heath, and others.)
GF fruit and vegetable juices—individual serving sizes (e.g., V-8; Dole; Minute Maid;
Del Monte’s 100% fruit juices, but read label)
GF powdered fruit drinks: Capri Sun, Crystal Lite, Country Time, HiC, Minute Maid, Tang (pour
powders into bottle of water and shake)

Note: Citing brand names is for reader convenience and does not constitute endorsement of products or imply that these are the only suitable gluten-free products available. For all purchases, always read labels to be sure of gluten-free status.

Can I ever eat out again?

reposted from 6-17-05

"No." The answer is short and simple. "...at least never again with the ease you did in the past." With that said, I would add, "That's a GF Reality."

My doctor said, "It is what it is." I didn't realize then how right he was (or actually what he meant.)

I like to imagine life with CD (celiac disease) as a whole new adventure. I think of myself as a jet-setter visiting a foreign country, speaking a language no one understands, with a strange disinclination to eat that country's favorite food. This food item is included in, on, and around every menu choice and I get to educate the hostess, waitstaff, and chef.

Still, after all that, I might fail. And I get to pay for this pleasure, not only monetarily but physically for weeks afterward.

See how things go on a first date here: http://glu-teenfree.blogspot.com/2010/03/gf-ninja.html

Yet, the payoff can worth it and I can continue to have a life and socialize with friends if I take a few precautions in advance.

#1 Call ahead and ask about a GF menu and GF options.

#2 I review the menu again and take with me a dining card explaining CD.

#3 Talk to the server--(get them on your side).
#3 Review the preparation when the meal comes with the server.

Payoff can be so worthwhile. (Like the Thunder-Down-Under dessert I stumbled on at Outback Steak House.) http://www.outback.com/foodandmenus/pdf/glutenfree.pdf

Go there and eat dessert first.

Helpful sites:
Food allergy dining cards to hand to waitstaff at http://www.foodallergybuddy.com/

Triumph dining cards: http://www.triumphdining.com/

My son took these to Europe on a school trip and came home relatively unscathed. (Italy really knows their gluten-free pasta. Asking for no bread in France is anti-cultural and they are insulted enough to start a war--which, the son assures me, given their military history, they would lose.)

Other side benefits: The fifteen-year old could say "No bread," in four different languages.

GF Breakfast by Disney

Storyteller Restaurant: Disneyland Grand Hotel

Okay, we loved the food there, it's a GF Paradise, so we ate, and ate, and ate and this is what it looks like when you can gorge on GF food.

Gluten FREEDOM at Disney

Gluten free at Disney?

Here is the second response from my contact with the website: P.S. Disney characters do not eat as there are no free images online of them with food. I guess it would be awkward to show Robin Hood snacking on Thumper.

______________________________________________

Thank you for your query:

Always ask to speak to a chef or manager as vendors, products, and ingredients may change. Ingredient labels are available upon request. Please be aware some locations may close due to rain or slow times in the Park. Some menu items will require an additional preparation time and due to Guest demands may not be available.

Disneyland Park Various Fruit Carts: located throughout the park with fresh whole fruit, cut up fruit packages; ask for ingredient list for any prepared items Outdoor Vending Carts: Turkey legs Cotton candy Popcorn (made with a combination of vegetable and coconut oils) Kettle Corn Mickey faced premium ice cream bars on a stick ** NESTLES NOVELTY ICE CREAM IS MADE IN A PLANT THAT PRODUCES NUT AND WHEAT PRODUCTS.

Tomorrowland Terrace: Hamburger: Request Gluten Free Bun Chicken Sandwich: Request Gluten Free Bun Mahi Sandwich: Request Gluten Free Bun Chicken Salad: Request Gluten Free Bun French Fries: Request them to from the fries only fryer

Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port: Rice noodles with marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce Romaine Lettuce with Chicken Breast and Fat Free Raspberry Dressing Starfield of Greens with Basil Vinaigrette, Planetary Pizza Salad: Request a new base and bowl to avoid cross-contact Cheese Pizza: Request Gluten Free shell Pepperoni Pizza: Request Gluten Free shell

Tiki Juice Bar: Pineapple Spears Dole Whip Frozen Drink

Big Thunder Ranch: Ask to speak with Chef or Manager. Menu offerings are available. Kids Seared Salmon Fillet: Request Rice Noodles La Salade de Maison (House Salad) Crescent City Salmon Salad French Quarter Blackened Chicken Caesar: Request Raspberry Vinaigrette or Orange-Cilantro Vinaigrette Creole Ratatouille Kids Chicken Breast: Request Rice Noodles

Village Haus: Bacon cheeseburger: Request Gluten-free Bun Hamburger or Cheeseburger: Request Gluten-free bun French Fries: Request that the fries are cooked in the Fries only Fryer Chef Salad: Ask for Salad Dressing to check label Side Salad: Ask for Salad Dressing to check label

Troubadour Tavern: Baked Potato with butter and sour cream

Toon-Up Treats: Chef Salad: Ask for Salad Dressing to check label Kids Hot Dog: Request no bun, with apple sauce

Blue Bayou: Five Pepper Roast New York Blackened Cajun Spiced Salmon Tesoro Island Chicken Portobello Mushroom with Macque Choux Broiled Filet Mignon Bayou Surf & Turf (after 4 p.m.)

Café Orleans: Kids Seared Salmon Fillet: Request Rice Noodles La Salade de Maison (House Salad) Crescent City Salmon Salad French Quarter Blackened Chicken Caesar: Request Raspberry Vinaigrette or Orange-Cilantro Vinaigrette Creole Ratatouille Kids Chicken Breast: Request Rice Noodles

Rancho Del Zocalo: Vegetable Tacos: Request Corn Tortillas* Plain Chicken Tacos: Request Corn Tortillas* Quesadillas - 50/50 Cheese in Corn Tortillas Cheese Enchiladas with Cotija Cheese* Cheese Enchiladas with Carne Asada, Cotija Cheese* Fire Roasted Chicken (Corn Tortillas)* *Rice, Beans, Shredded Lettuce, 50/50 Cheese, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Sour Cream Tostada salad (plain chicken or veggie): Request no Shell Dessert: Fresh Fruit Plate.

River Belle Terrace: Mississippi Turkey Breast Sandwich: Request Gluten Free Bun

Hungry Bear Restaurant: Hamburger: Request no bun Bacon cheeseburger: Request no bun French Fries: Request that the fries are cooked in the Fries only Fryer Chicken Caesar Salad: Request no croutons, check Salad Dressing Label

Plaza Inn: Breakfast: Omelets, Bacon, Fresh Eggs, Fresh Fruits, Hash Browns, Sausage, Bacon, Ham Gluten Free waffles can be made, requires an additional time for preparation Baked Chicken

Cone Shop: All ice cream is made by Dreyers, (only flavors not Gluten-free: Cookies and Cream & Tollhouse Swirl)

Gibson Girl: All ice creams is made by Dreyers, (only flavors not Gluten-free: Cookies and Cream & Tollhouse Swirl)

Coke Corner: John Morrel, Hot Dog: Request Gluten-free bun

Carnation Café: Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, Bacon, Ham and Fresh Fruit (Oranges, Cantaloupe, Strawberries, and Bananas) Lunch/Dinner (All items are served with a Pickle Spear and choice of Fresh Fruit (Cantaloupe, Oranges, Grapes, or Strawberries), Sautéed Vegetables or Green Salad with Italian or Fat-free Raspberry Dressing): Pan-Seared Boneless Chicken Breast Three Cheese Veggie Sandwich: Request Gluten-free Hot Dog Bun in place of bread Turkey Sandwich: Request Gluten-free Hot Dog Bun in place of bread Oscar’s Choice Chef Salad with Italian or Fat-free Raspberry Dressing: Request no croutons Steak Melt: Request lettuce in place of bread Child’s Hot Dog plate: Tapioca Bun Available Dessert: Scoop of Dryer’s Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla Ice Cream

Disney’s California Adventure: Various Fruit Carts: located throughout the park with fresh whole fruit, cut up fruit packages; ask for ingredient list for any prepared items Award Wieners: John Morrel, Hot Dog: Request a Gluten-free bun

Pizza Oom Mow Mow: Cheese Pizza: Request Gluten Free shell Pepperoni Pizza: Request Gluten Free shell

Taste Pilots’ Grill: Hamburger patty with or without cheese: Request Gluten-free bun Grilled chicken salad: Request no cucumber sticks. Your choice of dressing (check ingredients) Grilled Chicken Sandwich from a fresh pan: Request Gluten-free bun French Fries: Request that the fries get cooked in the Fries only Fryer Kids sliders without bun, with carrots

Baker’s Field Bakery: Chicken Caesar salad with no croutons, choice of dressing (check ingredients on packet)

Burr-r-r Bank Cones: All ice creams are made by Dreyers, (only flavors not Gluten Free: Cookies and Cream & Tollhouse Swirl)

Lucky Fortune Cookery: Chicken, Beef, Tofu with rice & vegetables: Sub sauce with yuzu

Cocina Cucamonga: Corn Tortillas ½ Chicken Carne Asada Three Way Veggies Six Way Veggies Kid’s Chicken Fruit Cup Mexican Rice Refried Beans Veggie Salad Guacamole Pico do Gallo Sour Cream

Outdoor Vending Carts: Turkey legs Cotton candy Popcorn (made with a combination of vegetable and coconut oils) Mickey faced premium ice cream bars on a stick (not the Mickey sandwich) ** NESTLES NOVELTY ICE CREAM IS MADE IN A PLANT THAT PRODUCES NUT AND WHEAT PRODUCTS.

Golden Vine Winery - Trattoria: Appetizers: Caprese Salad Shrimp Picatta: no crust on polenta Italian Iceberg Wedge Entrée Salads: Tuscan Salad: Sub Balsamic & Vinegar for Dressing Trattoria Salad: No Crostini Arugula Salad: Sub Balsamic & Vinegar for Dressing Entrées: All create your own pasta can be substituted with Gluten Free Pasta: Bolognese, Shrimp Scampi, All Vongole, Broccolini Aglio Olio & Pomodoro Seasonal Fish Garlic & Herb Roasted Chicken: Sub Gluten Free Pasta Dessert: Please check with Chef or HOH Lead for options

Ariel’s Grotto: Ask to speak with Chef or Manager. Menu offerings are available.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write to Disney. We hope you will have the opportunity to visit the DISNEYLAND® Resort soon and trust your visit will be pleasant in all regards.

Sincerely,

Linda Trump DISNEYLAND® Resort Guest Communications

Please note all information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your visit. Received date: 10/6/10

TRULY THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!!!!