Alisa Fleming, www.GoDairyFree.org ~ Gluten-Free Essentials has kept their ovens working overtime.  This relatively new company is already boasting over 30 “free-from” mixes, ranging from cakes and frosting to rice blends and savory bread.  But they just can’t stop, not while there are so many great foods to work with.  Having recently discovered the nutritional benefits of hemp, Lorraine Palmer, one of the founders of Gluten-Free Essentials was compelled to start a new product line focused around this super-seed.  Under the trade name Healthy Harvest, Gluten-Free Essentials has released their first hemp-based product, Cranberry Apple-Spice Cookies …

Featuring hempseeds and quinoa, this new cookie mix may sound less than enticing, but Amy B., one of the Go Dairy Free product reviewers, can confirm this cookie’s appeal. “I couldn't even tell there was quinoa or shelled hempseeds inside. It tasted much like a sugar cookie, but with a little pizzazz - the cranberries!” 

Hemp contains 30g of protein per ½ cup of flour or 11g per 2 per two tablespoons of the hemp nuts (technically seeds).  Hemp also possesses all eight essential amino acids and a top-notch balance of omega 3-6-9 oils (the “healthy” fats). 

Gluten-Free Essentials runs a dedicated gluten-free facility, and their mixes are free of dairy (casein / lactose), peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and yeast.  While their products are popping up in stores, you can buy any of their products direct from the Gluten-Free Essentials website.

Special Announcement: In honor of their new product line, Gluten-Free Essentials is giving away three gift packages of their products in the Go Dairy Free monthly prize giveaway.  The drawing closes on June 2, 2008.  See the giveaway details here.