Rio Grande Imports Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Semita de Pi�a

November 2011 - Rio Grande Imports Inc. of Copiague NY is recalling 50 cases of Semita de Piña because it may contain undeclared dairy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Semita de Piña was distributed to the lower Hudson Valley Region, New York City boroughs and Long Island in New York State. Semita de Piña is package in a poly plastic boat with clear plastic overwrap. Product is pineapple filled pastry with the brand name of El Triunfo with a code of 11-22-11.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The problem was discovered as a result of routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of the allergen in product packages which did not declare the allergen on the label.

Consumers who have purchased El Triunfo Semita de Piña are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 631 842 4410.

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Caribbean Rum Balls Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Allergens In "Rum Balls"

November 2011 -Caribbean Rum Balls of St. Thomas, VI, is issuing this alert due to undeclared allergens, specifically: wheat, coconut, milk, eggs and sodium bisulfite (preservative). People who have allergies to any of these ingredients run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The “Rum Balls" were distributed locally in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in 4, 8 and 12 ounce, white packages with the Caribbean Rum Balls name and logo. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The alert was initiated after it was discovered that the allergen-containing products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

All products are being re-labeled with new ingredient listings, including sub-ingredients and citing allergens.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-340-775-6616.

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Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. Announces Nationwide Milk Allergy Alert and Recall on GFS� Sugar Caniste

November 2011 - Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. of Savannah, Ga., ISSUES ALLERGEN ALERT FOR UNDECLARED MILK in 12-ounce GFS® sugar canisters that were inadvertently filled with non-dairy coffee creamer. These items were shipped in 24-can cases labeled GFS® non-dairy coffee creamer.

Non-dairy coffee creamer contains sodium caseinate, which is a milk derivative. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The items include:

CASE LABEL: GFS® NON-DAIRY COFFEE CREAMER-24/12 ounce - Lot G293 B
Located on the side of the case.

CANISTER LABEL: GFS® SUGAR – Lot G293 B
Located on the bottom of the canister.

The recall was initiated after receiving a customer inquiry.

Customers who received product affected by this recall will be contacted directly by a Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. customer service representative. Implicated product is to be quarantined for final disposition by Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. Customers with questions or concerns about the recall may contact Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. at 800-654-5115 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

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The Biggest Gathering of Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Alisa Fleming ~ Thanksgiving can be a tricky time of year for dairy-free living: potatoes mashed with milk, creamy beans, buttermilk biscuits, and of course, butter added to just about everything on the table. Fortunately, there are many, many wonderful dairy-free recipes available for Thanksgiving ... and I've gathered a huge selection of them for you right here. These recipes are from here on Go Dairy Free and from around the blogosphere (thanks to all of the talented contributors!).

Each year, this enormous list continues to grow as more recipes are posted. In keeping with demands, you will find a ton of recipes below that are not only dairy-free, but also vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, and even nut-free. Poke around and see which ones fit your dietary needs and cravings.

The BIG list below (now at roughly 200 recipes and growing for milk-free mavens) includes a plethora of sides and main dishes, appropriate to serve to all guests, special diet or not. However, the list of pie recipes has grown so extensively that it now requires a Dairy-Free Pie Recipe Round-Up of its own.

If you prefer to modify some family favorites of your own, see Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. Within you will find all of the staples you need, including easy recipes for a spot-on condensed creme of mushroom soup (low fat to boot!), sweetened condensed coconut milk (amazing taste and texture), 5-minute "buttermilk," homemade chocolate chunks, and two simple and nutritious sour creams. Go Dairy Free also contains some of the recipes that appear on my Thanksgiving table, including the Tender Squash Dinner Rolls, Traditional Green Bean Casserole, and the Cheese-Free Scalloped Potatoes. For last minute emergencies, Go Dairy Free is also available as an e-book in PDF format and for your Kindle, iPad, or e-Reader.

For more holiday recipes and ideas, visit our Holidays and Entertaining Section.

Article by Alisa Fleming, founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living. Alisa is also a freelance writer for several publications, with an emphasis on creating recipes for various types of special diets.

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The Huge Dairy-Free Holiday Pie Recipe Round-Up (for Thanksgiving and Beyond)

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Alisa Fleming ~ Who says that just because you follow a special diet, you can't have your pie and eat it too? Every year, I update this listing with even more incredible recipes. It includes delicious holiday pie recipes to suit a variety of free-from needs. Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, raw, or just dairy-free, we have a pie recipe or three for you to bake, and for your entire family to enjoy ...

Quick Notes: Of course, all of the following pie recipes are dairy-free (lactose-free, casein-free, whey-free, milk-free, etc.). Plus, the recipes are gluten-free as noted, as long as you use a gluten-free pie crust. See the crust recipes near the end of this article for some great options. Also, for recipes labeled as soy-free or optionally soy-free, where margarine is called for, use Earth Balance Soy-Free Natural Buttery Spread for a good dairy-free and soy-free margarine option that bakes up beautifully.

Now, on to the recipes ...

Alisa's Perfect Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie (also gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free) - Note that this is my personal pumpkin pie recipe (pictured above) and the one that I use every year. It has been tested in hundreds of households and everyone loves it! Most people seem to like it even better than Libby's, so don't be afraid to serve this pumpkin pie to all of your guests!

Milk-Free Pumpkin Pie (also gluten-free and nut-free)

Mini Raw Pumpkin Chocolate Pie Tarts (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Impossible Vegan Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

Crustless Pumpkin Streusel Pie (also gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Foods Alive Raw Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Maple Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Bryanna’s Vegan Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

Crustless Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate Drizzle (also gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and optionally soy-free)

15 Minute Vegan Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, and nut-free)

Wholesome Pumpkin pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

So Delicious Holiday Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Raw Pumpkin-Agave Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie (also gluten-free and nut-free)

Almost Karina's Vegan Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

Almost Paula Deen's Pumpkin Pie (also gluten-free and nut-free)

Swirled Cheesecake Pumpkin Pie (also gluten-free)

Festive Raw Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free)

Allergen-Free Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Pumpkin Tartlets (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Gingerbread Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Irresistable Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

Simplest Maple Pumpkin Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free)

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie  (also vegan, egg-free, and gluten-free)

Ricki's Chocolate Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Chocolate Pecan Pie (also optionally soy-free)

Sweet Sue’s Pecan Pie (also gluten-free and soy-free)

Foolproof Vegan Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and optionally soy-free)

Milennium Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, and gluten-free)

Healthy Raw Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free)

Sugar-Free Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free)

Eggless Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free)

Raw Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free)

Raw Almond-Pecan Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free)

Simple Dutch Apple Pie (also vegan, egg-free, and optionally soy-free)

Food Allergy Mama's Apple Crumb Pie (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Crumbly Maple Apple Crisp (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Cinnamon Apple Crisp (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Naturally Sweetened Apple Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free)

Raw Apple Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free)

Quick and Raw Apple Pie (also vegan, egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free)

Vegan Apple Pie (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

GFCF Apple Pie (also gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Brandi's Favorite Caramel Apple Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Easy Tofu Sweet Potato Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

Springfield Classic Sweet Potato Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

GFCF Sweet Potato Pie (also gluten-free, optionally nut-free, and optionally soy-free)

Dad’s Sweet Potato Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

Simple Sweet Potato Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

Karina's Sweet Potato Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Cranberry Mousse Pie (also egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Chocolate Silk Pie (also gluten-free and soy-free)

Butternut Squash Pie (also nut-free and optionally soy-free)

Blueberry Pie w/ Lemon Thyme (also vegan, egg-free, and gluten-free)

Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Sour Cream Raisin Pie (also vegan and egg-free)

Grain-Free Squash Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free)

Holiday Cranberry Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Butterscotch Mousse Pie (also vegan and egg-free)

AB's Chocolate Silk Pie (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free)

See Mission: Impossible Pies for an assortment of easy, crustless vegan (dairy-free, egg-free) holiday pie recipes.

See Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for more of my favorite holiday pies, including a delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Oatmeal Pie Crust (also egg-free, vegan, sugar-free, soy-free and optionally gluten-free)

Carol's Perfect Gluten-Free Pie Crust (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and optionally soy-free)

Fat-Free Oatmeal Cookie Crust (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, and optionally gluten-free)

Chocolate Almond Crust (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free)

Fat-Free Grape Nuts Crust  (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free)

Flaky Whole Wheat Pie Crust  (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free)

Easy Pie Crust (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free)

Gluten-Free Pie Crust (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and optionally soy-free)

3 Ingredient Pie Crust (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and sugar-free)

Oreo Cookie Crust (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, optionally soy-free, and optionally gluten-free)

Graham Cracker Crust (also egg-free, nut-free, optionally vegan, optionally soy-free, and optionally gluten-free)

Brown Rice Crust (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free)

Whole Foods Pie Crust (also vegan, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free)

Nut-Free Coconut Crust (also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and sugar-free)

Pie Crust Tips (for gluten-free and dairy-free too)

Oh yes, and do not forget the topping!  You can get a wonderful array of dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free frozen desserts at most major grocers these days. I highly recommend any Turtle Mountain brand (So Delicious, Purely Decadent, etc.; they have options that are both soy-based and coconut-based), but you might also enjoy some of the other vegan and soy-free ice cream options on the market, including Organic Rice Divine, Rice Dream, or Coconut Bliss. Again, these are available at most natural food stores and in the natural food section (a little freezer) of your local mega-grocer. For a more exhaustive list of creamy topping options, get a No Dairy Product List.

Dairy-free whipped topping is a difficult one to find in stores, but it does exist! Plus, it is surprisingly easy to make your own vegan whipped "cream" (or should I say crème?) at home. For full details on both store-bought and homemade options, see my detailed post on How to Find or Make Dairy-Free and Vegan Whipped Cream.

Now, did I miss anything? Do you have a dairy-free holiday pie recipe to share? Contact us.

Article and photo above by Alisa Fleming, founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living. Alisa is also a freelance writer for several publications, with an emphasis on creating recipes for various types of special diets.

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Lulu�s Raw Vegan Dark and Milky Maca Chocolate Bars

Alisa Fleming ~ Lulu’s Lovepack is an amazing chocolate tasting experience. It contains each of Lulu’s perfectly sized 1oz chocolate bars, from the darkest Raw Love to the milkiest Maca Love. There wasn’t a single bar that I ate straight through. Instead, I enjoyed nibbles of each bar daily, one after the other.

Raw chocolate tends to be less refined in taste and texture than most of the chocolate bars you will find at the stores (because it is!), but that equates to so many more flavor nuances. The attractiveness and appeal of Lulu's Chocolates (organic, fair trade, and made with high quality ingredients), coupled with the unique varieties, makes it an ultimate gift for pure chocolate fans. Even as a chocolate amateur, I had fun jotting down my own “tasting” notes on each of the six raw, vegan chocolate bars from Lulu’s Chocolate …

Raw Love w/ pure vanilla bean (78%) – This was the most “familiar” tasting chocolate bar from Lulu’s. I would describe it as pure, slightly earthy, and the closest to a simplistic raw dark chocolate. I simply loved it. Raw Love was one of my favorites in this collection; an ideal pick for true dark chocolate fans.

Sedona Spice with saigon cinnamon & southwest heat (75%) – Sedona Spice is truly dark, but not bitter. Rather, it is what I would describe as a full-bodied chocolate, not unlike a good roasted coffee. Thanks to the cinnamon, this chocolate has a pleasant spice that warms until the mild heat of the chili and white pepper takes over. For some reason, I also detected licorice notes in the background of his chocolate bar, yet there wasn’t a bit of anise in the ingredients. Go figure.

Aztec Crunch with raw cacao nibs (75%) – The Aztec bar tasted very deep in flavor, but had slight caramel notes that were wonderfully comforting. It was spiked with a generous amount of crunchy coffee-like bits (otherwise known as cacao beans!). I love the way that Lulu’s adds crushed beans and nuts to their bars. The top is smooth, and dons the Lulu’s imprint, but flip the bars over, and they are spiked with tasty additions.

Smoked Sea Salt Almond with organic sprouted almonds (70%) – This was my hands-down favorite. The alluring and unique flavor of this chocolate bar was simply AMAZING. The smoked sea salt adds depth to the flavor yet blends perfectly rather than standing out as salt on sweet. Again, flip the bar over and it is littered with almond chunks. Unreal flavor, I couldn’t get enough of this one. I would love it with or without the almonds.

Chocolate Maca Chunk (62%) – Lulu’s uses maca powder, rather than milk powder to create their version of raw “milk” chocolate bars. Each of the Chocolate Maca Chunk bars contains 5,600mg of maca, and boy is it intense! Somewhat like a caramel coffee liqueur, the maca is a bit strong for me, but I loved the bites that combined the milky maca with the big dark chocolate chunks in this bar. A bar with a layer of milky maca and a full layer of dark chocolate would be sheer bliss in my opinion. Nonetheless, I could see latte lovers going gaga over the unique taste of this bar.

Maca Love (50%) – This is by far the smoothest and milkiest bar in the Lulu’s chocolate line-up. It is very rich with a liqueur-like flavor. The maca flavor takes center stage and combines with the coconut sugar for a deep caramel taste. Each bar has 7,500mg of maca … a little much maca for my taste buds, but again, perfect for coffee fans who like a rich cream and caramel flavor with their bean.

Dietary Notes: All of Lulu's Chocolate bars are Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free, Wheat-Free, and Refined Sugar-Free (sweetened with coconut sugar). For more information, and to purchase Lulu’s Raw Vegan Chocolate, visit their website at www.luluschocolate.com.

This is a third party review by Alisa Fleming, founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living. Alisa is also a freelance writer for several publications, with an emphasis on creating recipes for various types of special diets.

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Aunt Bonnie�s Egg-Free and Dairy-Free Pecan Pie

A special holiday recipe from the kitchens at Wholly Wholesome ~ There’s no question that pie is a staple in American homes during the holidays. Pie has that inevitable quality to bring together a family after a hard-earned holiday meal to enjoy some good old family tradition. The conversations that surround a fresh-baked pie include; “how’s school going,” along with “I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten.” A homemade conversation for a down home family that brings family closer every holiday is the cornerstone for every bite of pie.

Few Americans realize the history that goes into the pies they enjoy today. Originally called a “coffin” (meaning “basket” or “box”), the pie was the beginning of every holiday meal. For hundreds of years, tracing back to our great ancestors, every meal was baked into a crusty shell and served warm with meat filling the interior. Then, pies were considered a necessity.  Today, however, pies are considered a culinary delight. Our beloved pie is so special that it is now saved for family gatherings and a sweet treat after meals.

“Pies have been a central part of our family celebrations for generations,” said Doon Wintz, President, Wholly Wholesome. “My sister, Bonnie, and I have a friendly competition at holiday meals. She makes her famous pecan pies and I make pumpkin or ice cream pies. The winner is the one whose pies are gone. Having a large and supportive family (we usually seat 40+), it always comes out a tie—no pie left. It’s a real treat to pass along our family’s tradition through wholesome, natural and organic baked-goods. We understand the importance of family and how food brings them together in a really special way.”

Pies have a serendipitous appeal for every taste bud, from Apple Pie to Pumpkin Pie – from Blueberry to Cherry, and serendipitous tastes call for serendipitous recipes, including the one here for Bonnie’s Pecan Pie. Everyone has the ability to enjoy this recipe from Wholly Wholesome including pie lovers and special dieters. Whether you’re Vegan, Kosher or just interested in Organic and Natural foods, you can find a pie that suits you at www.whollywholesome.com or www.facebook.com/whollywholesome. In the meantime, consider baking this delicious Vegan Pecan Pie for your family this holiday season.

1/2 cup unbleached cane sugar1 cup corn syrup4 tablespoons vegan vegetable margarine3/4 cup applesauce1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1 pinch sea salt1 9” Wholly Wholesome pie shell2 cups broken pecans (broken into small pieces)60 whole pecan halves (for top of pie)Combine unbleached cane sugar and corn syrup in a fry pan over a medium heat for 5 minutesMelt vegetable margarine into mixtureSet aside to cool (if you’re in a rush, put the pan on a bed of ice in the sink)Preheat oven to 400ºF.Once cooled, add applesauce, sea salt and vanillaFill pie shell with broken pecansPour syrup mixture over pecans until it’s just below the rimArrange pecan halves on top starting with the largest pecans around the outside in a circle and using progressively smaller pecan halves as you circles move towards the center. Be sure to save some nice small ones for the centerPlace on a piece of foil on top of a cookie sheet and place in the ovenReduce oven to 350 deg F. and bake for 50 minutes or until pecans are nicely toasted, but not burntPreparation time: 30 minute(s) Cooking time: 50 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan, Dairy free, Egg free, Peanut free

Number of servings (yield): 8

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