For Fudge Fanatics

Yes, you heard correctly - different types of fudge, available just for you. Now, you might have thought that fudge is a simple and standard treat, one lacking some variety, yet this is actually far from mundane. Between all the options involved in fudge making, in terms of ingredient additions and fudge making creativity, there are literally endless amounts of fantastic fudge possibilities. There is quite a mixture of fudge assortments available for all chocolate lovers and sweet tooth individuals alike - and this is good news, especially if that plain chocolate style fudge was becoming a bit bland and boring to the taste buds.
Taste Bud Excitement With Fudge Anew
Beneficial for all sweet food fans is the way in which fudge has been spun around and given a bit of a makeover. Currently, several different types of fudge can either be made in kitchens or bought in grocers or candy stores. No longer is the regular chocolate type of fudge solely just available.
Now, with any type of normal fudge - the rich, smooth, chocolaty treat we're all accustomed to - there are your typical ingredients thrown into the delicious mix: confectioners sugar, butter, cocoa as well as some other essentials. Yet, know that ingredients can vary when the art of fudge concoction-ing is put into full creative swing. And this is where the beauty of fudge differences comes into everyone's realization. And the end result is a literal buffet of fudge with trays of types you've probably never even considered being in existence.
A Flood Of Fudge In All Ways Imaginable
Beyond the plain chocolate type of fudge that is most common there is an innumerable amount of fudge varieties, mixes, flavors and so forth. There are fudge options that come in different types of chocolate flavors as well. There is white, dark, marble and even raw (or organic) styles of chocolate fudge. Now, within all of these previously mentioned types there are also even more variations. Add to any or all of these flavors the addition of fillers.
Fillers here can come in any form and can range in anything ingredient-wise from nuts, to chocolate chunks, to candies, to cream cheese, to peanut butter, and to (beyond some belief) some types of fruit. With nut fillers expect to be eating some fudge with pecans, almonds, peanuts, cashews and many other types of nuts in the mix.
Fudge of Unique and Deliciously Odd Recipes
Now, some fudge is very unique with what is added to it's normal mixture and baked inside it. And it's important to note that with creativity, any sort of confection can be created, especially involving the act of making fudge. There are fudge types that creatively have mixed within them such odd additions as coconut or even fruit. Coconut isn't too far fetched. But, fruit? Actually, with some fruit like raisins or cranberries mixed in a fudge confection the taste is surprisingly scrumptious and can provide all sweet teeth and surrounding taste buds with a little something different to experience.

Just know that fudge doesn't have to be boring or plain anymore, not with types so diverse as key lime pie, cookies and cream, chocolate coconut almond and dark chocolate orange

Original article by; E.S._Cromwell

Annas Hand Made Fudge,

Hello, and thanks for visiting my Blog

First of all, I will not be sharing with you my secret fudge recipe! Hope no surprises there. I can, however, tell you which ingredients I use in my Award winning Fudge so that you can make an informed decision when you eat my fudge as to exactly what you are eating.
Make no mistake, mine is not 'butter fudge', never quite sure what that is except for the obvious inclusion of a lot of - er butter. To me fudge made this way tastes like lard at worst and even 'good' butter fudge is rather heavy, overpowers any flavourings, and often sticks to the palate like glue. To me a good fudge enhances the flavours of the individual ingredients and acts as a carrier for flavourings, fruit, nuts, etc.
So, now for the nitty gritty. I make my fudge using Cream and Sugar. Yes that's all! The 'secret' is in the consistency of the cream which I source direct from the dairy.  This is the complete recipe for my most popular flavour - Creamy. Obviously I add other ingredients to achieve other flavours but only use natural flavourings, fruit and nuts.
Being Wheat and Gluten Free is no idle boast or sales gimmick. It indicates that I am 100% sure of  the provenance  of my ingredients. My fudge is suitable for Celiacs. Cheap fudges may contain wheat products to bulk out the mix or to aid setting. As they say "you pays your money you takes your choice".
I take my fudge to over 40 different shows around the country each year and whilst we may not be the cheapest we are mostly the best.
In fact I am so confident in the quality of my fudge that I will send you a 12 to 15 gram sample for free to try. Just fill in your name, email and adress in the box on the right hand side of my blog. Be assured, I will not share your details with anyone else!

That's it for now, will keep you posted with news and show dates.

Best wishes, Anna

A Gluten free diet

As the name suggests, Gluten is just similar to glue-like substance that are typically found in various types of grain including whole grain, barley, and wheat. Gluten free diet plan includes foods that are zero in gluten content. Gluten is a compound that influences the texture of several grain-made products significantly like pasta and breads. Gluten is becoming a scorching topic in food & Nutrition debates. Gluten is the major source of nutritional protein, but due to some health conditions and gluten intolerance symptoms people are unable to consume gluten. So, such patients need gluten free diet so as to reduce the symptoms of gluten intolerance. Whole grain cereals are also beneficial for our health. So, let us find out some benefits of consuming gluten free products.
Digestive improvements

According to a survey, it has been found that about 8 percent of world population experiences problem in their digestive system and upset stomach after consuming gluten rich foods. Plus one percent of the population suffers from immune reactions like celiac disease, allergies etc. So, patients having such diseases are unable to consume gluten because it damages their intestinal lining. So, for such patients it is always better to consume organic food like muesli breakfast, oats for breakfast flax seeds and vegan die so as to ease the symptoms of mild discomfort from gluten utilization and to prevent the celiac disease.
More Energy
People those who consume organic food feel healthy and more energetic. Today celebrities are also enjoying flax seeds benefits so as to stay healthy and energetic throughout the day. The diet free from gluten is the ultimate way to stay healthy and energetic. If you consume large amount of gluten per day then you will experience the feeling of sluggishness. So, it is better to consume diet that is free from gluten protein.
Celiac Disease

If you are suffering from autoimmune health condition celiac disease, then gluten free foods will be beneficial for your health. Patients with celiac disease should not consume gluten rich diet or else the small intestine will get damaged by gluten protein and it will lead to some other health conditions including digestive distress, poor growth, and nutritional deficiencies and sometimes it may even cause death. So, consuming foods free from gluten will alleviates the symptoms of this disease and also leads to better health.
To follow a diet for cholesterol is not always easy especially if you are ordering in restaurants or enjoying a party with your family and friends. The organic food is prepared with special ingredients and it can be pricy too. So, it is better to purchase the readily available gluten free products from the organic food stores.

The perfect gluten free dessert

The perfect Shabbat dessert doesn't need to have wheat. There are many delicious gluten free desserts from simple to decadent that you can indulge in safely! With a little creativity and experimentation sweet satisfaction is on the way.
When choosing an alternative Shabbat dessert think about whether you're trying to create a gluten free version of a recipe or looking to make something that doesn't call for wheat at all.For example, are you trying to make a perfect gluten free cookie that has all of the properties of a wheat flour cookie or would you be satisfied with mango sorbet?
If you're risk adverse, go with the recipe that never calls for wheat. Choose fresh fruit, sorbets, mousse, or meringue cookies. This is a no fail method. You will not miss the gluten because it was never supposed to be there. You can either make your own or purchase ready made sorbets and ice-creams (should be non-dairy if eating after a meat meal).
Another option is buying gluten free baked desserts from a specialty bakery.
You can also make gluten free cookies, brownies, and cakes from special mixes.You'll want to make sure that the mix and all of the ingredients are dairy free if you're planning to serve the item after a Meat (fleishig) Shabbat meal.
Frozen gluten free products can be a lifesaver for quick Shabbat dessert. Simply fill and bake.
Are you really adventurous? Ready to take the risk of baking gluten free? While there is more effort involved, the results can be quite rewarding. Choose your recipes wisely, looking for multiple rave reviews whenever possible. Do you have the necessary ingredients in your kitchen? If not, do you know where to get them (health section of supermarket, specialty store, order online)? Experiment with various flours until you find the desired taste and consistency you're looking for (be patient and keep trying). Alternative flours can be made from: amaranth, arrowroot, corn, fava, hemp, quinoa, rice, sorghum, soy, and tapioca. A combination of flours usually works best.
Passover recipes can be a treasure trove since many people avoid wheat (besides matzah) during the holiday. If the label says non-gebrokts, it's gluten free. If the recipe contains matzoh meal, farfel, or matzoh cake meal all bets are off. You'll want to stock up Passover time on your favorite gluten free products (great idea for soy and corn allergies as well).
If you have multiple food allergies be aware that just because a food is wheat free doesn't mean it is safe for all food allergies. On the contrary, many gluten free baked goods have tree nuts and eggs. Scrutinize the ingredients for allergens before selecting a recipe or store bought product. Look for may contain statements as well that may signal cross contamination, trace allergens, or shared equipment. There are a few companies out there that actually have dedicated facilities and don't make any products that are allergenic. Keep in mind, you'll pay a premium for these specialized products.
Whether you choose a ready made gluten free dessert for your Shabbat meal or make your own, the results can be delicious. The only limitation is your imagination.


Article By; Tamar Warga

Coeliac Disease

If you have ever been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and are already following a vegetarian diet, or are thinking of including some more vegetarian meals as part of a healthy diet, read on. There are a few pitfalls for you if you include any ready meals, as they may contain gluten.
Fresh is usually best and this is especially true for Coeliac's who will discover that most if not all of the processed food they have been enjoying is actually harming their intestines. A simple blood test will point out to your doctor if you are showing any of the many symptoms which can manifest themselves with this problem.
My daughter has followed a vegetarian diet for more than 25 years including many processed non-meat products and her absolute favourite of filled pasta shells. After the birth of her second child, she asked her doctor to give her a blood test, due to her lack of energy and general tiredness. The protein in her blood was very high and a test at the hospital confirmed she had Coeliac Disease.
By cutting out pre-packed meals and following a gluten-free diet, her symptoms cleared up within a short time. She has lots more energy and looks so much healthier, she now includes plenty of fresh food, and together we have come up with a number of great recipes substituting lentils for the filling in any meat-free meals.
You don't need to suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance to enjoy a healthier diet, try making your own tomato sauce to go with pasta, it will cost you less than buying a jar of sauce and is better for you, plus it tastes great.
Here are a few suggestions to help you with your weekly shopping.

• fresh fruit and vegetables - no need to read the labels here
• fresh fish, beware if it's breaded
• unsalted butter, cream, and free-range eggs
• rice, sunflower seeds, flax, rice flour, chickpeas and corn flour
• many cheeses, yoghurt, cottage cheese and milk

There are now many items on the shelves at all the main supermarkets aimed at people with gluten intolerance, if you are a busy person without any time to make your own bread you may find it fairly tasteless. Bread makers are great, you will have your money back within a short time, as gluten-free bread is very expensive to buy too.
A good tip is to check on-line if you have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease as there is help available in the United Kingdom to subsidise some of your weekly shop.
There are many symptoms relating to wheat intolerance, our daughter's was highlighted due to anaemia, but if you have ongoing fatigue or depression it may be worth while talking to your doctor about it. Other symptoms may well be diarrhea, weight loss or mouth ulcers, it's always better to have these things looked at by a doctor, rather than diagnosing yourself via the internet.


Article Source: Susan Henderson