Okay, so I know it is somewhat cliché to do a year-end round up of top picks for the previous 12 months.  So rather than doing a Favorite Things post, I thought I would just revisit some of the gluten-free places, organizations, and products that made an impact on me in 2010.  I chose ten – I am a bit OCD and it seemed like a good solid number – things that made my gluten-free journey a bit more delicious.  They are listed in no particular order and if a product is not on the list it does not mean I am still not a fan.  This list is comprised of some new items that came across my path in 2010 that I would like to re-visit with you in my last post of 2010.  So here we go…



De Rosa’s Natural Fine Foods: This Staten Island, New York company has perfected the heat-and-eat gluten-free Italian meal.  From Stromboli to calzones to chicken marsala – De Rosa’s has it all and they are all fabulous.

Sheffa Foods Snack Mixes: Completely new to me and a very pleasant surprise.  These crispy treats are a unique mix of nuts and seeds paired with sweet or savory goodies – perfect for cocktail time.  Their salad topper is also out of this world.

The Melting Pot Restaurants of Metro New York: Who knew that  a franchise could do gluten-free so well?  These locations in Darien (CT), Westwood (NJ), and White Plains (NY) offer unique (and delicious) gluten-free options for every course.  There is even gluten-free cheesecake and brownies to dip in molten chocolate for dessert.  I mean, how can you go wrong?

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness:  I was able to take part in their fabulous Appetite for Awareness 2010 in Philadelphia which set the bar for gluten-free events.  Not only does this organization do great things to help further the recognition and understanding of Celiac disease they provide great opportunities for Celiacs to learn, mix, and mingle throughout the year.

Gluten-Free Bisquick:  Thanks to my friends at General Mills for making a gluten-free version of an old kitchen staple that is every bit as good as the original – just sans gluten.  Fresh pancakes once again became a staple in my weekend breakfasts.

Ellie’s Country Delights Stews: Based on the far East End of Long Island, New York (my childhood home) Ellie makes quite possibly the best thing you will ever pour out of a jar.  These are wholesome stews that are so versatile across a range of recipe uses.

Schär: I have been a long-time fan of all their products but their gluten-free par-baked baguettes were a true stand out this past year for me.  Just heat and eat.  Fresh, crisp, hot gluten-free bread straight from the oven. 

Happy Belly Bags: What’s not to love about gluten-free goodie bags that address not only gluten-free but a range of food allergies.  These are perfect to ship for a variety of occasions and the variety of gluten-free items available was amazing.

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Breads: Three varieties of great bread that really caught my attention this year.  Their Cinnamon Raisin bread is simply out of this world – proving that great ingredients make great products.  They also have a great cause effort going at the moment with the NFCA.

Pizzeria Uno’s Chicago Grill: I have never been a fan of chain restaurants but have to say that Uno’s gluten-free menu was an astounding surprise that I came across this past summer.  It is so nice to be able to pop-in, grab a gluten-free beer, and pizza.  Oh, and the gluten-free pizza is actually really good.

Here’s wishing everyone a healthy and fabulous gluten-free 2011.