We've been having issues with spices. Some spice companies, even those with certified gluten-free labels, were causing issues for our family. Why? You have to remember even certified gf products can contain small amounts of gluten. For some that might not be an issue, but for those sensitive souls like our family, even trace amounts are starting to cause a reaction.
But My Spice Company Says All Their Products are Gluten-Free
This may be hard for newbies to hear, but manufacturers will often say anything to sell a product. Many products are labeled gluten-free and they're not. Anyone can say their product is gluten free.
The Best Herbs and Gluten-Free Spices to Use
I'm revising many of my recipes now to use spices and herbs straight from the plant. For instance, only using cloves of garlic, minced, instead of garlic powder or garlic salt. I generally keep
some chopped parsley, cilantro and dill in resealable bags in the freezer.
Litehouse Spices and Freeze-Dried Herbs
If I can't use the spice or herb straight from the plant, I turn to Litehouse spices. We have had no reaction to their spices or herbs, and I recently discovered that several others who are very sensitive to gluten were also using Litehouse spices without incident. My one complaint though, is they are not organic.
Litehouse make several spices, herbs and blends:
- Freeze-Dried Basil
- Freeze-Dried Chives
- Freeze-Dried Cilantro
- Freeze-Dried Dill
- Instantly Fresh Garlic
- Instantly Fresh Ginger
- Freeze-Dried Italian Herbs
- Instantly Fresh Jalapenos
- Instantly Fresh Lemon Grass
- Instantly Fresh Mushrooms
- Freeze-Dried Oregano
- Freeze-Dried Parsley
- Freeze-Dried Poultry Seasoning
- Freeze-Dried Red Onion
- Instantly Fresh Salad Herbs
- Instantly Fresh Spring Onions
Two Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes Using Herbs and Spices
Here's one very, very quick chicken baked chicken. I took chicken breasts, poured a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over them and then had to think what spices I had left to season them. I sprinkled a lot of oregano (that jar was half full still), parsley and sea salt. Then I squeezed a bit of fresh lemon juice over them and baked them at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Surprisingly, my daughter loved it.
Another quick recipe uses a whole chicken cut into pieces. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking dish with parchment paper. Place chicken in pan, skin side up.
In a small bowl add:
1/4 cup extra light olive oil
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/4 cup fresh chopped chives
1 teaspoon sea salt
Mix together until herbs are well coated with oil. Gently loosen skin on chicken pieces and slide some of the herb mixture under the skin and a small amount (usually whatever is left on my hands) on top of the skin.
Bake for 1 hour or until chicken reaches 180 degrees and juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
My husband is not a huge fan of "Chicken Night" but he complemented this meal twice. I love that's it's so easy to prepare. Could even be served for guests.
Finding Litehouse Products in a Store Near You
On the Litehouse site, they list where you can
find their products. I just called their customer service number and they're going to call me back with additional stores in my area that might carry the spices.
You can also order any of the spices from the
Litehouse site directly. It's priced slightly higher than you'd pay in the supermarket, though. There are several grocery stores in the area that carry Litehouse herbs and spices including ShopRite, Hannaford, Stop and Shop and Price Chopper.
Let the seasoning begin!!
Hi Celeste,
I am really happy that you are doing these things for you and your daughter's health as I've personally experienced the benefits of not eating sugar, soy, wheat, corn, gluten, nuts (with the exception of occasional walnuts) and casein (with the exception of raw, organic, fermented grassfed milk products like homemade kefir, cultured butter and cheese) and can attest to the amazing improvement in not only my health but my memory, mood, energy levels and looks!
Have you tried incorporating fermented foods like homemade kraut or kim chee into your diet? The probiotics really help with controlling candida.
Also, see if you can incorporate more raw foods rather than cooked as that can help as well.
One other suggestion if I may is to switch to organic herbs and spices. A good online source I've used is http://www.maisonterre.net/
Great job on the blog, I've liked you on FB to keep up with your posts. Best to you!