Shopping: Lifestyle Bakery

Another wonderful resource for shopping online or buying locally. Lifestyle Bakery offers a range of breads. I love their wit. 'Fancy a Bread with benefits?  Yes, please!

We invite you to browse our selections of Gluten Free, Sprouted Grain, Wheat Alternative and Healthy Living breads and baked goods in order to understand their features and benefits. You are then only a few steps away from finding a retail outlet close to home and enjoying the experience for yourself.

Choose a selection below to learn more 

Gluten Free Sprouted Grain Wheat Alternative Healthy Living

We provide a selection of over 40 bread and other bakery products to help you manage various allergies and intolerances or simply satisfy your preference for better nutrition and naturally good food.   Make a choice »

After visiting their map of locations I found that there are quite a few local vendors stocking their breads. I am most delighted to see Costa Azzurra in Fairy Meadow,  Polar Bear Pizza in Oak Flats and Pinnochio's Pizza in Albion Park stocks their Pizza Bases including Original and Herb & Garlic varities. Score!

Go Vita Shellharbour , Healthy Life and several IGAs are so me of the locations you can purchase the Lifestyle bakery on the lists below:

Wollongong 2500
Shellharbour 2528

Roast chicken with polenta and wild mushroom sauce

Roast chicken with polenta and wild mushroom sauce


http://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/roast-chicken-with-polenta-and-wild-mushroom-sauce.htm

Melinda's Gluten-Free Chocolate Fudge Brownies

I was shopping for Country Life Gluten-Free bread in Woolworths Warilla Grove when I spotted this pretty pink box of ' Melinda's Gluten-free Goodies: Heavenly Chocolate Fudge Brownie' mix.  Intrigued, I turned to look at the back of the box and saw that it had a packet of mix plus a packet of chocolate that you melt with some butter and stir into the mixture along with two beaten eggs. Even better, I saw that there was a 2 for 1 sale on all Melinda's products. Sweet! I purchased a box of the Chocolate Fudge Brownie and another box of Lemon Slice that looked nice. How had I not heard of these before?

I decided to treat myself and make up some brownies and warm up my kitchen on this chilly Winter Sunday with temperatures in the single figures. I had a helping hand in mixing and tasting, Master Levi, almost three. He loved pouring the chocolate pieces into the bowl and measuring out the butter until the scales said 120g. A master button-presser he helped as we melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave and then watched as I stirred it until we had made a delicious chocolate that he couldn't help but sample before it was poured into the cake mix. He then helped crack the two eggs and whisk them up with a fork. Everything was stirred in together and then poured into muffin tins and put into the oven on 200oF for 30 minutes.

The recipe on the box asked for a square tin but he was determined that we use the muffin pans that he then helped to butter. The result is a cross between a fudge brownie and muffin that had the benefit of delicious gooey soft centre and lovely crust outside. Win-win! I have to say that they are hands-down my favourite gluten-free sweet treat so far. You would not know that they were wheat-free, dairy-free and I can honestly say that they are so delicious they would delight even the most fussy eater. I love eating cakes and brownies when they are warm out of the oven. There is nothing like it. I have to be careful to stick to a sensible portion which the muffin tray with six fudge brownie muffins made easy.

When I showed my husband the Gluten-free brownie mix earlier in the week he gave me a 'that's nice, dear' type comment and didn't share my excitement - until today when  he came back from shopping and tried one.  I could hear the same moans of enjoyment and he quickly poured some cream onto a plate and yummied one portion up in record time.

One of the muffins was only half-filled in an experiment to see how it affected the cooking flavour. As you would expect it cooked a lot faster and turned into a crunchy and delicious fudge brownie cookie that we fought over and dipped into the last of the cream. YUMMM!

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

The Chocolate Fudge Brownie is a heavenly mix of the finest ingredients including fair trade Dutch cocoa and specially sourced lactose-free chocolate. Quick and easy to prepare, only add 2 eggs or egg substitute and some butter or margarine for a delicious treat.

           Gluten-free
           Wheat-free
           Yeast-free
           Lactose-free option
           Egg-free option

 

Creative Variations

Sprinkle 100g of chopped milk Toblerone™ over brownie mixture before baking. Bake for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with icing sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Ingredient List

Dark chocolate (23%) (sugar, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, emulsifier (soy lecithin, 492), flavours, Cocoa solid (12%)), gluten-free self-raising flour (maize starch, tapioca starch, soy flour, rice flour, raising agents (575, 501, 500)), brown sugar and cocoa powder.

Allergen warning

May contain traces of nuts as this product is packed on the same machine as other products. Machine is cleaned after other products packed but we cannot guarantee our product is 100% nut free.
The choc pieces are dairy-free however produced in a factory that contains other dairy products so must be labeled lactose-free. We have tested our product and they have tested as dairy free. However, we cannot guarantee our product is 100% dairy free.

	AVG QTY PER SERVING	AVG QTY PER 100g

ENERGY	764kJ	1910kJ
PROTEIN	2.68g	6.7g
FAT, total	6.2g	15.5g
- saturated	5.24g	13.1g
CARBOHYDRATE	28.76g	71.9g
- sugars	8.24g	20.6g
SODIUM	52mg	130mg
GLUTEN	None detectable	None detectable

Now that I have looked online I can see there is an extensive range of Melinda's products for me to experience. Look out for them in Woolworths and take advantage of the special price of two boxes for $10 whilst it lasts. Trust me - $5 for five portions of the best gluten-free brownies is great value!




http://www.glutenfreegoodies.com.au/

South Coast Tripe Eaters Associations annual dinner at Illawarra Folk Festival

I was talking to someone recently about tripe and how there is a group of people in the Illawarra and South Coast who love tripe so much they make an annual dinner event to celebrate it. I did a quick Google search and found this article about the South Coast Tripe Eaters dinner which kicks off the Illawarra Folk Festival each year. I loved the poem by Blue the Shearer and had to share it. As the daughter of someone who loves tripe I had always shuddered at the sound of the word but now that my taste buds have matured and challenging myself to be more open-minded I now freely admit that I love tripe. Strange but true. Don't judge tripe until you taste it too :)

“Tripe Eaters of the world unite.
Stand up tall and proud.
Fight the good tripe eater’s fight.
Join the swelling crowd.
Of those who eat intestines
of the masticating cow.
Get your registration form,
and fill it in right now.”

Blue the Shearer

I am definitely going to be front and centre at the Illawarra Folk Festival in 2010

More information from their website below.

"The Illawarra Folk Festival is the only festival in the world that kicks off with a fully fledged tripe eating dinner.

If you have the guts for it, Thursday Night at the Restaurant at the Bulli Showgrounds is for you. It is of course the South Coast Tripe Eaters Associations annual dinner. The delectable interior of the bovine will be on offer in two varieties; the boring old traditional white tripe and onions with the accompaniment of mashed potatoes and gourmet multicultural version to be revealed.

The meal is three courses with a traditional chilled soup and dessert as well as coffee and tea. Coopers Pale Ale, Handpicked Wines and Aussie Cider is on tap at the nearby festival bar which will also have fine wines on offer. For people who don’t eat tripe but like to hang around with people that do, then we will put on a very ordinary main course, called grey sludge so that you can enjoy the entertainment afterwards.

The entertainment will be provided by some of the world's great tripe eaters. There will be many more as performers who are at the Festival clamour to get a spot in this prestigious event.

Russell Hannah, one of the world’s great authorities on tripe eating, will as usual host the dinner. Russell has a black belt in tripe eating having amazed the audience by downing twelve helpings at the recent World Tripe Eating Championship in Sierra Leone. There is a rumour that triping is being considered by the Poms as an event in the 2112 Olympics. It’d have to be better than synchronised swimming anyway.

The cost of the night and entertainment is $20 with a weekend ticket or $25 without one. Bookings are essential. Contact Russell on 42971777 by Wed Jan 12th.

Cheers!

Russell Hannah, bigruss43@bigpond.com, 02) 4297 1777"

Source: llawara Folk Festival

Oven-Fried Onion Rings, Take II | Brown Eyed Baker

Recipe at  Oven-Fried Onion Rings, Take II | Brown Eyed Baker

I'm getting hungry just looking at them. Tomorrow I will make a big batch and sit and watch kids shows with Siobhan before we make our carrot cake :)

Friday Five Gluten-Free books

Gluten-Free Baking Classics for the Bread Machine by Annalise G. Roberts


Easy Gluten-Free Baking by Elizabeth Barbone

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free Cookbook for Kids and Busy Adults, Second Edition by Connie Sarros
 
Flying Apron's Gluten-free & Vegan Baking Book by Jennifer Katzinger


Getting Your Kid on a Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet by Susan Lord
 

  

Dining Out in Shellharbour: Relish on Addison

One of the many restaurants a stone's throw from Shellharbour Beach to rave about is Relish on Addison.
Recently I found out that they offer  Gluten-Free options with their meals. It may pay to make a booking and specify your dietary requirements.

I'm really excited about their Chef Menu for June.

Note: All ingredients may not be listed, please advise of allergies + dietary requirements.Vegetarians & special dietary options are available on request

Shop 4, 6 Addison Street, Shellharbour Village
relish@ozemail.com.au
Phone 02 4295 5191
Fax     02 4295 4283

 Cocktail bar
Fully licensed bar
Functions available
Group bookings available


View Illawarra Gluten-Free in a larger map

Dining Out in Wollongong: Bombora Seafood

Bombora Seafood has an extensive range of gluten free options including breakfast cereals and cooked breakfasts including gluten free toast. Their gluten-free options for lunch and dinner include gluten-freepasta, risotto, and their wide range of seafood dishes. For those with a sweet tooth you will be delighted with their range of gluten free cakes. 

  

Address: Shops 1 & 2, Fishermans Co-Op,

Endeavour Drive, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500

Phone: (02) 4229 7011

Fax: (02) 4229 7033

http://www.bomboraseafood.com.au

View Illawarra Gluten-Free in a larger map

Dining Out in Shellharbour: Country Kitchen Cafe

Shellharbour Country Kitchen Cafe, is a family friendly cafe with an extensive menu. Shellharbour Country Kitchen is proud of their home-made food and cakes. Situated in the picturesque village of Shellharbour, the cafe's building is heritage listed as one of the Illawarras oldest structures in Shellharbour at over 152 years old.

The Cafe boasts a gluten free menu including soups during winter, served with gluten free bread. Other gluten-free meals include: Mango Chicken; Vegetarian Nachos; Grilled Fish; Chicken Caesar Salad (with gluten free croutons); and sandwiches and hamburgers made with gluten free bread.

They also offer take away and a catering service. 

10 Addison Street, Shellharbour, NSW 2529

p: (02) 4296 3205 

View Illawarra Gluten-Free in a larger map

Allergy Train

Another response to my request for Australian Gluten-Free food sources included a message about a website called allergytrain.com.au

Hi

I run an online store specialising in products for people with multiple food allergies and intolerances. All our products are free from artificial additives such as colours, flavours and preservatives. Most are free from gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs and almost all are low in natural chemicals for people who have food chemical intolerances.

We service all of Australia. Our freight is a flat rate regardless of weight.
You can find out more about us, our products and information we provide at:
www.allergytrain.com.au

Regards
Jenny Trezise

I will be putting in an order for the Crispbread Kasha Toasted Buckwheat which I had tried when a friend from the USA posted me some healthy treats a few years ago. 


Crispbread Kasha Toasted Buckwheat
Made with wholesome buckwheat, these crispbreads are crisp, light and full of flavour.  Ideal for a light meal or snack. Serve with your favourite toppings or crush into salads or soups for extra crunch.

Ingredients: Buckwheat flour (67%), rice flour, salt.



There are other products including the Ecor Buckwheat Cake, Ecor Organic Elephant Millet Rings Breakfast Cereal,  Naturally Good Carob Buckwheat Bites and other products I am interested in trying including their musk sticks, fairy floss, pair drops and marshmallow mix in the treats section.

Golden Days Products

Another response from my request for Gluten-Free products in Australia was a recommendation to try Golden Days Products

Golden Days is an Australian owned and operated company. We've been offering Australians nutritional snacks for almost 30 years. Today, we still continue to do just that. We’re also constantly working on bringing you even more new products and healthier snacking alternatives. So, whether you’re a parent, looking to give your kids something a little bit better in their lunchbox, a busy person on the go, or just someone who cares about what you eat, Golden Days has a tasty, nutritious product to suit your needs.

I had forgotten that the Sesame Snaps I love so much were Gluten-free. They are made by Golden Days who also make their tasty Apricot Coconut Slice, Apricot Delight and the Pineapple and Mango Bites.

Deeks Bakery

I posted a message on Source Bottle to find some leads on some great new Gluten-Free products and now I'm happy to share what information I was sent. If you try these before I do could you please leave a comment? Thanks :)

Deeks Bakery

About deeks
After nearly ten years of research and practical development, the deeks group has opened a unique bakery concept that provides much more than a loaf of bread.

deeks bakery & café is a totally grain free bakery!

The idea originated from the need to produce quality and good tasting grain-free breads and products for people unable to eat gluten and grains and has been three years in the making. Click here to read the story of how deeks came to be. However, the breads and other products taste so good, they've become very popular with everyone!

Some of the additional benefits are: most of our products are also low GI, low carb and high in protein, making them ideal foods for athletes, busy people who want long lasting energy foods or those wanting to lose a bit of weight and tone up. Furthermore, our foods DO NOT contain any artificial colouring, preservatives or flavouring.
This is the first time globally that a bakery has totally specialised in 100% grain and gluten-free breads, cakes, biscuits and pastries. We also sell fruit juices, soft drinks and an extensive grocery line that do not contain sugars derived from grains.

PRODUCTS | STOCKISTS in Sydney, South Coast & Southern Highlands and Tasmania.

Pretty in Pink Cheesecake

I love Foodbuzz. Whenever I am low on inspiration for cooking ideas or food photography a good dose of food porn always gives me a needed boost. This delicious looking cheesecake by Green Kitchen Stories caught my eye on the front page. I can't wait to make it! Plus it uses almonds and is gluten free!

Frozen Pink Cheesecake


Crust:
300 g (2 cups) almonds
10-12 fresh dates, pitted
2 tbsp coconut oil
a pinch of salt

Filling:
2 cups fresh (or frozen) raspberries & strawberries
juice from 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup honey
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup quark or curd (you could probably also replace it with a fat Greek or Turkish yogurt)
Topping:
1 cup fresh summer fruit and a couple of edible flowers

Grind almonds in a blender or a food processor for about a minute. Add dates, coconut oil and salt and run the processor until it all comes together. Flatten it out on the bottom of an 8-inch non-stick spring form. Store in the fridge while you make the filling.

Blend berries, lemon juice and honey. Stir together mascarpone, curd and the blended berries in a large bowl. Pour it on top of the crust in the spring pan and put it in the freezer for 1-2 hours (you can keep it in the freezer for days but then you have to let it soften a bit before you serve it) .
Top the cake with fresh fruit and a couple of flowers. Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo by Green Kitchen Stories
URL: http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/frozen-pink-cheesecake/