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Raclette by Raclette Brothers

Where From? Raclette Brothers
Available at South Bank Wintertime Market

Giving up gluten for me thankfully did not come hand in hand with giving up dairy. Cheese has always been a great passion of mine, in any shape or form and is a safe go-to whenever I travel or am at a party. No crackers? No bread? No problem, because there’s a cheeseboard somewhere. Imagine my happiness therefore when I heard about the newest cheese celebrities in London – Raclette Brothers – who serve up an Alpine dish that is 100% gluten free? This duo has been touring London markets since they hit the food scene in 2016 and just the other day made a guest appearance in my Tooting neighbourhood. Tucking into this plate of sauteed potatoes, pickled onions, cornichons and prosciutto crudo, which is all topped with bubbling, oozing Raclette was an experience I’ll never forget. Vegetarians fear not – the ham is optional! I urge you all to follow these guys who are currently stationed at the South Bank Wintertime Market near Waterloo, until December 30. South West Londoners will rejoice as the pair plan on taking up a permanent spot at Pop Brixton from January 2018.

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Mint Slims by Goodie Girl Cookies

Where From? Goodie Girl Cookies
Available in Supermarkets Across the US and in Starbucks

Back in the gluten days, one of the best times of year for me was undoubtedly Girl Scout Cookie season. I have fond [and somewhat stressful] memories of driving around Columbia, South Carolina when I was at school desperately trying to find stands selling these cookies. There is no denying however, that these delectable cookies were made all the more moreish by the fact that they were not available year-round! It has taken the Girl Scouts a long time to develop a gluten free alternative but Goodie Girl Cookies – an entirely gluten free cookie company – has hit the US by storm and sells seven varieties of their melt-in-the-mouth Girl Scout replica cookie boxes in supermarkets including Walmart, Whole Foods and Stop & Shop as well as online. Now you can also grab a small handy packet of Mint Slims at major coffee stores including Starbucks. And yes folks, they’re available ALL YEAR LONG!

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Cottage Pie With Sweet Potato Mash by Kirsty’s

Where From? Kirsty’s
Available in Supermarkets Across the UK

When the words “ready” and “meal” are muttered together, a lot of people instantly think: unhealthy. I suppose I too have thought that in the past but, due to time constraints and a busy schedule, I am often guilty of choosing a convenient dinner during the week. Much to my delight, I discovered the wonderful Kirsty’s Meals which not only are lower in salt and fat than regular ready meals, they are all gluten, dairy and wheat free too! While Kirsty’s offers seven different flavours, including a classic beef lasagne, my go-to is always the Cottage Pie with Sweet Potato Mash. The combination of deliciously rich meat and vegetables topped with creamy sweet potatoes is a winner in my eyes. These meals are widely available so go grab yours in store or online for that quick yet healthy weeknight meal from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose or Morrisons.

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Chocoful by Prewetts Biscuits

Where From? Prewetts
Available in UK Supermarkets Including Waitrose and Morrisons

Who reading this in the UK remembers Rocky Bars from back in the gluten days? I have fond memories of opening my lunchbox at school to find that my mom had packed me off with one of those red-wrappered rich buttery milk chocolate biscuit bars, my only criticism of which would be that they were too small! While a lot of shops have had a go at creating a gluten free chocolate biscuit bar, nothing has come close to the Chocoful bar by Prewetts Biscuits, which I picked up in Waitrose. Also available in Morrisons, and smaller independent shops across the country, these are the perfect answer to that late afternoon sugar craving I know so many of us get! You would not know that the biscuit base is gluten free as it is totally lacking that all too familiar dust taste so many of us gluten free people know! Warning: they are addictive, and I would be lying if I said I did not eat two or more in one go!

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Mozzarella and Pomodoro Panzerottini by Schar Bontà d’Italia

Where From? Bontà D’Italia by Schar
Available in supermarkets across Italy and Spain

Living in Argentina for several years back in the gluten days certainly got me hooked on most starches but empanadas were right at the top of the list. The amazing hot savoury doughy pockets filled with steak, chicken, ham and cheese and other combinations were mostly out of reach for me until I found the next best thing from Schar’s Bontà D’Italia range. These pastry half moons come frozen in packets of four and are stuffed with a flavourful tomato sauce and mozzarella which produces a top notch cheese pull when fresh out of the oven. I have found these in supermarkets in both Italy (Conad) and Spain (Carrefour) and strongly recommend you try them! My only advice would be to avoid the toaster and bake at the recommended oven temperature until they are golden brown on either side, turning multiple times. In my experience they have taken up to 35 minutes for the perfect texture, which is a lot longer than the packet suggests. Bon Appétit!

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Red Velvet Cupcake by The Free From Bakehouse

Where From? The Free From Bakehouse
Available in Borough Market

A friend recently asked me what my favourite cake flavour was. While this might seem like an impossible question to some, I had an instant answer: Red Velvet. For me, nothing beats this fluffy red cake topped with irresistibly indulgent cream cheese frosting. However, it is not always done right, so coming across those made by the wonderful Free From Bakehouse in Borough Market was an absolute pleasure. The cake is perfectly moist and topped with an unbeatable amount of creamy frosting which you simply won’t believe is gluten free. These cakes are lovingly made by Caroline and her team and sold during the week in the iconic London Bridge market, along with an amazing array of free from treats including scones, savoury tarts and blondies. Head there early Wednesday – Saturday to avoid disappointment!