More news from the gluten-free front. Read all about what has come across my desk recently:

New bakery
A Celiac Specialties bakery (cakes shown above) is now open at 39799 Grand River, Novi. Call (248) 987-2348 or click here.

New product
Pure NRG owner Robyn M. of Birmingham sent me an e-mail. She said she has spent nearly a year developing these fresh-baked bars. “I am so proud to introduce my Pure NRG Bars for the health conscious, for vegans and for people who can not eat wheat.” Pure NRG bars are high in fiber, preservative free, gluten-free, dairy-free, organic, vegan and made with hemp protein. They come in four flavors: Carob and Coconut, Carob with dried cherries and almonds, Carob and peanut butter and Blueberry. You can find them at Market Fresh and Market Square stores, Papa Joe's or Plum Market.

Support for autism awareness
In July and August, Puzzle Pieces can be purchased at any Hiller’s checkout for $1 to support the local chapter of Celebrities Against Autism, which offers practical support and guidance to Michigan families. Celebrities Against Autism is a Michigan spin-off of the national effort launched by celebrities Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey. Its goal is to raise money to help families obtain the treatments and protocols they need to help individuals with autism function at the highest level possible. Hiller's clearly marks gluten-free products in its Berkley, West Bloomfield, Northville, Plymouth, Commerce Township and Union Lake stores. Many find a gluten-free, casein-free diet helpful in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

Way to go Meijer
I recently discovered a handy tool at the Meijer "Mealbox" online newsletter. The store makes a statement about the seriousness of celiac disease and provides a list of gluten-free products, resources and information. Scroll over to the "Special Diets" menu for more information.

Funky little snack
Funky Monkey Snacks are freeze dried fruit treats. They are gluten-free, wheat-free and dairy-free. They come in four flavors: Bananamon, Carnaval Mix, Jivealime and Purple Funk. The bright and colorful packaging appeals to children and the healthy choice makes parents feel better. Find them at Whole Foods or here.

With the farmer's markets in full swing and vegetable gardens starting to sprout strawberries and summertime veggies, it's a good time to start eating healthier.

Gluten-free eaters can rejoice, for this is pure food season in Michigan. In the winter, a fresh fruit or vegetable may have to travel from a warm climate. But as summer officially begins, its bounty begins to fill our markets. Take advantage of it and start snacking healthy.

I started by gutting my snacks cupboard and stocking the fridge with fresh produce. It's a little easier to snack in the summer, when I can merely cut slices of watermelon for the kids to munch on or set out a bowl of grapes. Strawberries are in season, and can be pureed or sliced and used in a variety of ways. As fresh strawberries from local farms go bad fast, try making a puree and freezing for later.

The beginning of July marks the apricot, cherry and blackberry season, so keep your eye out for made in Michigan varieties. This time of year also usually yields Michigan spinach, lettuce, beans, broccoli, cabbage, celery, greens and eggplant.

I recently took Dawn Bause's Slow Cooking class at the Community House in Birmingham. Slow Food Detroit leader Stacy Ordakowski was on hand to discuss local markets and the benefits of supporting food from local farmers. She told the class that farmer's markets should be brimming with local produce in a few weeks, a little later because of a longer winter. I can't wait.

It's a good time to get back to basics and enjoy the simple and whole foods that are always gluten-free.

Raspberry Vinaigrette
1 1/3 cups fresh (preferably Michigan) raspberries or thawed frozen unsweetened raspberries
1/3 cup gluten-free chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor. Strain seeds. Serve over Michigan spinach or fresh greens from your garden!

Food fact: Michigan is a strong agricultural state. It is the national leader in the production of blueberries, tart cherries, cranberries, new potatoes and cucumbers grown for pickles. Rich farmland in Michigan's Thumb region grows more beans than any other place in the nation. Read more here.

The sun is out and the so are the kids. And just as we're enjoying one of our first summertime evenings running through the sprinkler, I hear a sound that makes me cringe. The ice cream truck.

My son's eyes light up and I try to redirect his attention. But the sound is getting louder, and the other kids in the neighborhood are flagging down the truck. Luckily, I have some of his favorite treats in my freezer and he is content with those -- for now. But I figured it was time to educate myself on ice cream options.

Unfortunately, it appears that malt can hide in many Popsicles and frozen icy treats. A bummer for me, who thought Popsicles were relatively safe. In fact, I always thought the Popsicle brand was safe for my son to eat, but am having trouble backing up that claim now. Nestle brand treats seam to be a safer choice, as are many of the whole fruit varieties found in grocery stores. Our absolute favorite summer pops are PhillySwirl brand varieties. I get the cups and push-ups at Meijer, but have also seen them at Costco.

If you're not dairy-free, the ice cream options are pretty good. You may have to advocate for yourselves, because there may be some cross-contamination, but Dairy Queen says its soft serve is gluten-free, and Wendy's says its Frosties are gluten-free. Ben & Jerry's will label gluten in the ingredients, and some varieties of both Dreyers and Edy's (check labels) are reported to be gluten-free. Here is a good list that includes ice cream treats that are safe. Our favorite gfcf ice cream is So Delicious Neapolitan and other Turtle Mountain varieties.

We have a good time making our own summer goodies, also. Strawberries can be found at farmers markets at this time, and are easily blended and frozen in ice cube trays, Popsicle molds or your own cups with sticks. Blend with yogurt (or soy yogurt) for a creamy and sweet version.

I'm not sure the ice cream truck will deliver any gluten-free treats to us this summer. We'll have to keep our picky eaters occupied, in the meantime, with our own frozen treats and lots of summer fun.

Tip: Check out your local grocery store for the new Betty Crocker gluten-free cake, brownie and cookie mixes!

Recently, I asked a server at a restaurant if they had a gluten-free menu. She said yes and then: "it's a really popular diet." This is not an unusual response, I find.

In fact, I have had people tell me that they were going to "try going gluten-free" for health and weight-loss reasons. I know eliminating gluten from your diet is not harmful, but wonder if eating gluten-free has any health benefits to someone who does not have celiac or a gluten intolerance. Is it just me, or is gluten-free becoming kind of a fad?

In a description of her book, "The G-Free Diet," Elisabeth Hasselbeck says she discovered the "myriad benefits that anyone can enjoy from a gluten-free diet: from weight loss and increased energy to even the alleviation of the conditions of autism." I question whether any of these benefits are reached without a celiac diagnosis, gluten intolerance or other GI issues. It's interesting that so many people are willing to spontaneously try a diet that I've been struggling with for so long!

As far as "alleviating the conditions of autism," I have to say that I found my son was effected positively after going gluten-free. Surely feeling better has something to do with it, as he also has celiac, and GI problems are common in people with autism. I'm still waiting for a good study or information to prove it, but I hear stories from parents all the time who say the diet, especially combined with eliminating casein, has an effect on behaviors associated with autism. But many parents also report that they don't see a difference, so it may be good for some and not for others. It's not an easy task -- especially for those little ones with rigid behaviors and eating patterns -- so it's probably best to consult a doctor or dietitian, as I did.

But back to the G-free "fad" ... one would hope it can only create a broader awareness. As more establishments become aware of gluten-free diets, they are adding gf menus and products. It's not uncommon to see gluten-free products at nearly every food source, and it's becoming less rare that people look at me like I'm speaking a different language when I say the word "gluten."

But I also wonder if there's a downside to all this faddish frenzy over the "G-Free" movement. The more trendy it sounds, the less seriously people may take an already overlooked and painful autoimmune disease that hits home to 1 in 133 Americans. To those with celiac, this is not a lifestyle choice. It is a necessity.

Perhaps it's time to start calling it a "gluten-free treatment" instead of diet.