GF Spaghetti-O’s & Pantry Staples at WildFlours, GF Group

WildFlours GF Group: Pantry Staples

Last night we had our May WildFlours, GF Group.  It was good to spend some time talking about the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo highlights, Gluten Free Pantry Basics and sharing new Gluten Free Finds.  I was actually able to have some time to do a deep cleaning of my pantry shelves and get things organized for our meeting!  So, what you see in the photo above is not normal!  With two kids in the house and constant baking/cooking, things in our dry pantry never look this organized!  However, I wanted to be able to open the pantry door and let others have a look if that would help in any way.  The arrangement of items you see here is just a sampling of our Gluten Free pantry staples.  We have decided as a family that we all eat Gluten Free (some of us Grain Free which is by default Gluten Free).  Therefore, we do not have the issues of sharing space with typical gluten-filled counterparts.  If you need some tips on stocking your gluten free pantry, check our Gluten Free Guide page for twelve tips that have helped us along the way.  Please also share with us what works well for you in your GF Pantry!

In addition, we talked about new favorite Gluten Free Finds.  With so many new products out on the market today for gluten intolerance, there is a lot more to choose from.  Here are the favorites that we have found in the recent months:

• So Delicious Coconut Ice Cream by Turtle Mountain – We shared the chocolate ice cream last night, but there are many flavors to choose from.  This is a velvety, smooth ice cream that also is dairy and soy free too!  You can find on occasion a coconut milk based ice cream at Trader Joe’s that is equally good (strawberry and chocolate flavors).
• San-J Organic Gluten-Free Tamari Travel Packs (20 count) in the gluten free aisle at Woodman’s!  Keep a few of these in your purse or backpack for the times when you are dining out an need them.
• Schar Gluten free Anellini pasta (mini “O” shapes).  These are perfect for the Gluten Free Spaghetti-O’s that we enjoyed!  Also great in soups or just by itself with a little butter and parmesan cheese.
• Udi’s Bakery breads and other items.  Frozen or fresh these are great!  They now have GF hamburger and hot dog buns just in time for summer grilling.  Many grocery stores stock their products in their Gluten Free Freezer section.
• Enjoy Life’s Mega Baking chips.  A square baking chip for your really great homemade chocolate chip cookies!  Always gluten, dairy, nut and soy free.
• Pamela’s Whenever bars.  The bars come in four flavors: Blueberry Lemon, Cranberry Almond, Chocolate Chip Coconut and Raisin Walnut Spice. In addition to being gluten-free, the snack bars are also non-dairy, low in sodium and sugar-free (sweetened with agave and coconut sugar).

So, have you found something new on the gluten free grocery shelves that has become a favorite? Please share it with me, I would love to know what your “finds” are too!  Without delay, here is the recipe we tried last night:

Gluten Free Spaghetti-O’s

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Schar Anellini Gluten Free Pasta O’s, cooked according to the package directions
• ¾ cup – 1½ cup Tomato Soup (you can use homemade soup or purchase one… Trader Joes has a good Tomato Soup that is gluten free)
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can use a dairy free cheese if you prefer)
• salt to taste

Method:

1. Once you have cooked the Anellini pasta according to the package directions, put the drained and cooked pasta back into the pot and add ¾ cup of the tomato soup. Stir lightly to combine and place on the stove over low heat to warm the soup.
2. Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine with the soup and noodles. Allow the cheese to melt.
3. Adjust with more salt if necessary. You might also need to add more tomato soup depending on how thick or “soup-y” you like your Spaghetti-O’s!

Enjoy!