Sorry I missed you last week. After traveling with my family to Hawaii for the kids’ Spring Break, I headed directly to New York City for the International Association of Culinary Professionals annual conference. Needless to say, gathering 1000 “food people” together in the greatest dining city in the country makes for a good time. I think I need a cleanse. Over the course of my four days in NY, I attended many really cool seminars on topics ranging from food styling to conducting a successful cooking demo. My most anticipated session, though, was cookbook …

We’re lucky here in Portland, OR to have a number of dedicated gluten-free bakeries in our midst. Listed below are many of their holiday offerings (cookie assortments! bûche de Noel! cinnamon rolls!)  and ordering deadlines. Since we’re all probably too busy to bake this month (I am), please support these fabulous bakers who have dedicated themselves to bringing us safe and delicious holiday treats. (Note: please confirm prices with the merchant. I double checked my info, but sometimes typos happen.) Photo: Courtesy of Crave Bake Shop Gluten Free Gem 265 N. Hancock Street, Portland 503-288-1508 …

Alright, folks, it’s November now and time to start thinking about your gluten-free holiday needs.Our fabulous local gluten-free bakeries are offering quite a lineup: pies, tarts, breakfast items, cheesecakes, and the ever-elusive dinner rolls and stuffing mix. I’ve been assembling a list of their special Thanksgiving items, including prices and ordering deadlines. I’ll update the list as I hear from more of the bakeries, so be sure to check back in. (Photo courtesy of Petunia’s Pies and Pastries.) CRAVE BAKE SHOP 503-212-2979 460 Fifth Street, Lake Oswego OR www.cravebakeshop.com Order by Friday, November 18th Apple, …

I’m not much of a snacker, but as you’re well aware it’s often hard to grab something quick and easy when you’re gluten free. I found myself standing on the sidelines of my daughter’s soccer game a few months back, blood sugar plummeting, when my friend whipped a bag of Sahale snacks out of her purse. Luckily it was one of the small bags, since I devoured the whole thing! That first taste (Soledad) sparked my interest in exploring Sahale’s other products. Sahale Snacks offers three lines of nut mixes: Nut Blends, Glazed Nuts, and …