Our members have been getting around to local ice cream spots now carrying gluten-free cones, thanks to Goldbaums, the New Jersey company who donated gluten-free cones for this project, and the dedicated work of Sybil Nassau, who distributed the cones to area ice cream shops. Here are a few snaps we've captured along the way.

A happy two-year old eating raspberry sorbet on a gluten-free cone, with mom, at Brooklyn's in Centerbrook.

Annette Redfield of Old Saybrook enjoying ice cream in a gluten-free cone at James Pharmacy (which has gone through 4 boxes of GF cones this summer).

Jackson Raisbeck having a dairy-free treat on a gluten-free cone, with a friend, at Ashley's in Madison. All gluten-free cones here and at the following locations have been donated by the Gluten Intolerance Group of ShorelineEast and the manufacturer Goldbaums: Scoop to Nuts in Clinton, Old Tyme Ice Cream in Westbrook, James Pharmacy and Paperback Cafe in Old Saybrook, Brooklyn's in Centerbrook, Hallmark and Old Lyme Ice Cream Shoppe in Old Lyme and Michael's Dairy in New London.

Summer Dining...Lots of News for Gluten-Free Diners

Here's the latest!

In Clinton, a new ice cream place has just opened.  Scoop to Nuts, on Route 1 next to Walgreens, has and will continue to carry gluten-free cones (and will soon have a dairy-free option). They are also now serving hot lobster rolls (gluten-free roll available) served with cole slaw and chips for $15.95, as well has hot dogs and hamburgers. The ice cream is "home-made" and delicious, with plenty of outdoor seating. 

Also in Clinton, Lobster Landing, long known for their hot lobster rolls, has added gluten-free rolls to their menu, at no extra charge.  They also recently expanded their seating capacity quite a bit.

Also, in Clinton, just down the road, is Aqua Restaurant.  Aqua's revamped menu now carries 2 stars (**) to indicate which items are gluen-free, and there are many choices under both appetizers and entrees. While sandwiches are not gluten-free, you can still enjoy a burger sans bun, with a side of their excellent fries. Rocky (the owner) has brought in a dedicated fryer for gluten-free fries. You can check out their menu online, as well as make reservations. Prices are reasonable. If you want to sit out on the porch, request seating in advance. The view is gorgeous and well worth it.  We'll feature a full review in the next newsletter.

Alforno in Old Saybrook has been very successful with their gluten-free pizzas, and recently has added many gluten-free entrees as well. They also prepare gluten-free pasta by request.  You can check their website and subscribe to their weekly newsletter for descriptions of their specials. 

Finally, where can you get ice cream with gluten-free cones this summer?  Here's the list:

Ashley's in Guilford and Madison
Bill's Seafood in Westbrook (they also have a non-dairy sorbet)
Scoop to Nuts in Clinton
Old Tyme Ice Cream in Westbrook
James Pharmacy in Old Saybrook
Paperback Cafe in Old Saybrook
Sweet Luna's in Old Saybrook
Brooklyn's in Centerbrook
Old Lyme Ice Cream Shop
Hallmarks in Old Lyme
Michael's Dairy at Mitchell College in New London

If you don't see the cones or the poster, just ask. 

GIGSE will supply cones to the above places all summer, as long as our supplies last. (Regretfully, Dairy Queen and Cold Stone Creamery, as corporate entities, did not allow the cones.)

Bon Apetit!

Blueberries Are In Season!

Looking for tasty gluten free recipes? Have just finished reading Sarah Fragoso's book, Everyday Paleo and it is loaded with a multitude of easy practical nutritious dishes geared towards the whole family.  Made a variation of her Berry Good Cobbler using blueberries this 4th of July (the original recipe called for 1 1/2 cups of almond flour).  It was very simple to make and my friends loved it! The best compliment I received was when I was told their 8 year daughter was ecstatic there was one left over serving going into their refrigerator, so she could have more the next day. 


This is would be a great recipe to make with kids! 
Give it a try!

1.   In a pie dish place 3 cups of blueberries (washed) and drizzle with 2 TBSP of honey.

2.   Topping: in a bowl combine 1 cup of almond flour, 1/2 cup flax meal and 2 TBSP of cinnamon, then with a fork mix in 2 TBSP of coconut oil (other options are shortening or butter) and 1 egg (vegan option: make a flax egg or use another egg substitute).  


3.  Top the blueberries with the topping. 
*If the topping is sticky due to the egg don't worry, just break it up with your fingers and distribute as evenly as you can over the fruit.  


Bake @ 350 F for 30 minutes.  Serves 6


Serve hot with your choice of milk or other milk substitute poured over top. 
I used the Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond/Coconut milk blend. 


Enjoy!

Gluten Free at the Ballpark

I could hardly believe my eyes when recently at a ballgame at Tropicana Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, my daughter spotted a gluten-free food stand.  I had practically walked right by it.

I met a nice guy named Mike at the stand who has been gluten-free for 17 years.  He said he was a big Tampa Bay Rays fan (we're Yankees fans) so at the game a lot, and also a GF! regular.

It seems everyone at Trop Stadium can now enjoy their favorite traditional ballpark fast-grabs like hot dogs, pretzels and beer - all without the gluten ingredients that so many can't tolerate.

A sign of the future? I certainly found it encouraging to find a mainstream venue of such large scale catering to sports fans with special dietary needs.

Kirsten Carbone / Communications Consultant / OnTrend Consulting