Heartland Gourmet Gluten Free Red Velvet Cupcakes

There are so many aspects of the gluten free lifestyle that are hard, but nothing compares to the complete isolation from the more broad food community.  I was reminded of this today when a man from my high school posted a highly gluten offensive snack on his facebook page - a snack we all ate during our morning recess.  A bun, stuffed with cheese and sausage.  A memory provoking snack for all high schoolers from our community, but also a painful reminder for some of us, that we are no longer able to eat the same treats as we did from our youth.  Within seconds he had many likes from former classmates and comments, all ecstatic to see a treat that propelled them into their youth.

It is time likes these I want to be careful to act with the grace I expect my daughters to use.  I know for the rest of the high school community this a great memory; therefore, I want them to enjoy the memory.  Yet, I need to take care of myself and my other gluten free community members struggling with the diet.  I walk to my pantry and find a snack that is gluten free, one I am building new memories with, one I can indulge in with my gluten free community  My food community is smaller now, but we do exist.  Sometimes the gluten free diet means being resilience to the innocent enjoyment of others... and a well stocked pantry with treats always helps!

Heartland Gourmet made today a little easier on me.  A Nebraska based, family owned, organic, vegan friendly,  gourmet baking mix company.  Heartland Gourmet also has demonstrated philanthropic efforts by donating 20% of all website orders on November 18th to the Red Cross of America for Hurricane Sandy victims.  They are a licensed USDA, FDA, and Certified Organic Manufacturing Facility; however, there is no present gluten free certification.  I made the Red Velvet Cupcake Mix for my daughters and they loved it!  Very easy, prep time is 10-20 minutes, cook time is 20 mintues.