Disclosure: Cappello’s and TX Bar Organics provided free pasta and beef products for me to review and also for this giveaway. However, this is not a compensated post and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
I’ve never been shy about sharing my struggle to commit to the gluten free diet after my celiac diagnosis in 2005. There’s something peculiar that clicks in my head when the words “no” and “forever” are expressed in the same sentence. What do you mean no gluten ever again? Does that mean the same thing as “not even a single little crumb for the rest of my life?” Could we perhaps negotiate a “points program” instead, kinda like Weight Watchers®? How about if I “only” eat 2 points worth of gluten each week, that would be okay, right?
Um, NO!
Once I was finally able to see (and feel) gluten’s deleterious effects on my health, I assumed my subconscious would naturally absolve this little Sisyphean hiccup of mine. Alas, that wasn’t to be the case. When I was diagnosed with a corn allergy in the fall of 2010, I suddenly HAD to have a corn dog. And I hate corn dogs. Thankfully, I was able to move over to corn free acceptance much faster than I did with gluten. But a few months later, the entire grain elevator dropped out from below me when I was told that my immune system was not playing nicely with ANY grains, gluten free or otherwise. Oh you’ve got to be kidding me!
I’m beginning to think I must have been a grain-fed, feedlot cow in my former life.
I’ve been (mostly) grain free for the past 18 months and I’ve never felt better. My body thrives on this diet (I’m not saying that yours will – we are all unique biochemical snowflakes after all).
Sometimes though, my inner Sisyphus rears it’s ugly head and I succumb to the plate of gluten free pasta. Even when I know that I won’t feel my best for several weeks thereafter. If only there was such a thing as grain free pasta…and no, I’m not talking about zucchini “pasta” or spaghetti squash (which I do enjoy). I’m talking pasta pasta. As in noodle-y pasta, the kind you slurp up between pursed lips.
Cappello’s Grain Free Pasta
Move over rice, there’s a new grain free pasta in town!
And it’s good. Really really good. The texture is just like that of fresh grain-based pasta and it only taste a minute (or less) to cook in a pot of boiling water. A minute!
A bit about Cappello’s from their website:
“Cappello’s is a Colorado-based gourmet food company specializing in high-end gluten free and grain free pasta. Founded in 2011 by friends Stacey Marcellus and Benjamin Frohlichstein, the inspiration for Cappello’s was born out of Stacey and Ben’s desire to create a totally unique food company, to be the best at what they do, and to legitimize their penchant for asking strangers to taste their pasta. Cappello’s mission is simple: provide fresh, uniquely delicious options for gourmet food-lovers, healthy eaters, and people with dietary restrictions.
Our fresh gluten free, grain free fettuccine is carefully hand-crafted to achieve a texture and taste that is unrivaled among traditional pasta. Low on the glycemic index and made primarily from almond flour and egg, Cappello’s fettuccine has a deliciously rich, buttery flavor and silky consistency.
Unlike dry pasta alternatives, our fresh gluten free, grain free fettuccine cooks quickly— a minute or less, depending on your personal preference for bite. Serve the pasta immediately, and watch as your friends dig in—oblivious to the fact that their dish is 100% gluten free. All products are freezable.”
To read more about Cappello’s, click here.
Cappello’s offers three different varieties of FRESH grain free pasta: fettuccine, gnocchi and lasagna. Stacey and Benjamin kindly sent me all 3 varieties and we sampled the fettuccine for this review – I tucked the gnocchi and lasagna away in the freezer until I’m struck by some divine cheese-free inspiration, something other than dairy free pesto. I think the gnocchi would be a fantastic grain free substitute in chicken and dumplings, and the lasagna noodles can easily be cut and used to make ravioli. Imagine, grain free toasted ravioli. Oh my.
Fettuccine
Ingredients: almond flour, cage-free eggs, tapioca flour, potato starch, xanthan gum, sea salt.
Price: $39.00 for Four (4) 9-oz. packages of fettuccine. Cost includes custom eco-cooler.
Gnocchi
Ingredients: organic potato flakes, water, almond flour, cage-free eggs, tapioca flour, potato starch, sea salt.
Price: $39.00 for Four (4) 12-oz. packages of gnocchi. Cost includes custom eco-cooler.
Lasagna
Ingredients: almond flour, cage-free eggs, tapioca flour, potato starch, xanthan gum, sea salt
Price: $55.00 for Four (4) 12-oz. packages of lasagna. Cost includes custom eco-cooler.
Taste of Each
Not sure which of Cappello’s fresh grain free pastas to try? Be sure to check out their sampler pack!
Manufactured in a Dedicated Gluten Free Facility
All of Cappello’s grain free pasta products are manufactured in a gluten free facility and tested with an ELISA gluten assay to verify the absence of gluten. Please note that ALL of the pastas contain almonds and egg (my little guy Luke, who is allergic to egg whites, is currently re-trialing eggs under doctor supervision so he was only allowed to enjoy 2 noodles…and enjoy them he did!).
Xanthan Gum
Quick note about the xanthan gum used in Cappello’s grain-free pasta (for folks with corn allergies like myself). When I was first diagnosed with my corn allergy in the fall of 2010, I was warned to steer clear of xanthan gum because it can involve corn derivatives in the manufacturing process. Being a celiac, I’ve learned a lot about the many ways of food processing over the years and how it can render some gluten derived foods, technically “gluten free.” Think alcohol and vinegar distilled from gluten grains. If this rule applies to the toxic gluten proteins, could certain processing methods also turn a corn-derived product into a “corn free” product? Seems logical to me but seeing that there isn’t a “National Corn Allergy Association” funding research on the matter, I initially went with the better safe than sorry approach and avoided it altogether. But then my dear friend Shirley Braden of Gluten Free Easily shared some information about xanthan gum in June of 2011 (originally published on the Celiac Listserv) by gluten free cookbook author, Connie Sarros. Connie explained how xanthan gum is made, the involvement of corn in the manufacturing process and whether or not there is any corn protein in xanthan gum (click the link to read the full note, but as always…talk to your doctor).
Before sampling the pasta, I contacted Benjamin, one of the founders of Cappello’s, and he verified with his xanthan gum source that it is indeed free of corn protein. That being said, you know your body best so if xanthan gum poses an issue for you, Cappello’s grain free pasta may not be an appropriate addition to your diet.
More Reviews of Cappello’s Grain Free Pasta
TX Bar Organics
TX BAR Ranch is located in Northern California, 120 miles north of Sacramento. The beef they sell have spent much, if not all of their lives on a local ranch in Northern California. Their cattle live a completely natural existence as foragers and grazers therefore, the beef from TX Bar Organics is 100% grass fed and grass finished.
If you aren’t aware of the nutritional differences between pasture-raised and feedlot-raised cattle, you may be surprised to learn that pasture-raised beef is not only lower in overall fat (compared to grain-fed beef), but the meat from grass-fed cows has two to four times more Omega-3 fatty acids than their feedlot-raised counterparts.
Think of grass-fed beef as the land form of cold water fish – good news indeed for the salmon-adverse (er, dad). Curious as to why this is? I encourage you to read The Differences Between Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Beef over at Mark’s Daily Apple, it’s quite fascinating!
Our verdict? TX Bar Organic 100% Grass Fed Beef is delectable, both tender and flavorful. Yes, it’s very tasty beef indeed but it gets even better:
Food For a Cause
TX Bar Organics also believes in giving back through their Food for a Cause program. For every 20 pounds of product sold, they will donate 1 pound of organic grass fed/grass finished beef to needy families. Two weeks ago, they made their first 50-lb drop with the North State Food Bank (click here to learn more).
More Reviews of TX Bar Organics Grass-Fed Beef
Fettuccine with Beef, Kale and Mushrooms
For this review, I did a spin on one of my all time favorite recipes by Giada De Laurentiis, her Penne with Beef and Arugula. Only I subbed the penne with Cappello’s grain free fettuccine, kale for the arugula (which is a bit too spicy for my little guys) and I tossed in a few sauteed Portobello mushrooms at the end. Of course, I also used TX Bar Organics 100% Grass-Fed Beef. Muy Delicioso!
Yes, they genuinely like kale…little freaks, aren’t they? 😉
Would you like the chance to try Cappello’s Grain Free Pasta and TX Bar Organics 100% Grass Fed Beef for FREE?
Well, here’s your chance so pay close attention! 😀
THREE winners will each receive all of the following items:
Sampler package of Cappello’s grain free pasta:
- (1) 9-oz. package Fettuccini
- (1) 12-oz. package Gnocchi
- (1) 12-oz. package Lasagna
Singles 1 Week Package from TX Bar Organics:
- (1) 6-oz Top Sirloin
- (1) 1-lb Tenderloin Tips
- (1) 2-lb Roast
- (2) 1-lb 85% Lean Ground Beef Packages
Please note that this giveaway is open only to legal residents of the lower 48 United States and D.C.
And welcome to my blog!
Whether you're here looking for advice on how to go gluten free (with delicious kid-approved recipes of course!), or to read some of the latest medical research on celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity...or even to read about one woman's rise from the depths of gluten-free despair to a place of downright enthusiasm, it makes no matter. The point is, you are here now so let's have some fun!
I’m a big fan of pesto pastas. We also sometimes do a smoked salmon, tomato, and spiral pasta dish with a little olive oil.
I would love to try this. I’ve seen it before and I’m a bit put off by the price. But, if I could try it for free, well, then yes please. The pasta that is, not the beef. I don’t eat beef. 🙂
pasta. beef. how about a tender, juicy steak?…
Now that is one fancy giveaway set-up Heidi! Hmm, I can’t think of a favorite dish right now. I love Korean-style beef, but haven’t had it in ages.
I am so curious to try the grain-free pasta and I can’t think of a time when some grass-fed beef is a bad thing!
I used to make a pasta and beef dish similar to Giada’s but with a twist toward beef stroganoff. Sigh. Won’t ever be doing quite that dish again.
So excited to hear about grain free pasta. Thanks!
Ribeye and Fettuccine Alfredo
I discovered problems with all grains after I was diagnosed Celiac, too. And the thought of no pasta ever is so sad. I would love to make chicken pasta with caramelized onions.
The grain free pasta sounds simply amazing! Being recently diagnosed with gluten intolerant (me and my 10yo son), this could not come at a better time. I would love to try it!
Ana
I would love to try to gnocchi in something – I’ve never used that type of pasta before. And I feel extremely lucky to have a father-in-law who raises cattle and is the person we buy 95% of our beef from. While it isn’t entirely pastured, grass-fed, I feel better knowing where the meat came from.
Oh yum!! I LOVE fettucine alfredo….that’s one thing I truly miss since being diagnosed with a dairy and gluten allergy! Pasta all the way baby!
I saw this pasta on a different food blogger. A few days ago, I was just wanting real pasta, as I can’t eat rice, even though it is gluten free. And, I searched on the web for almond flour pasta recipe and didn’t come up with any until I saw someone had done it. But, it’s a bit on the pricey side. But, would love to try it.
My favorite pasta is angel hair with capers, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, olives, and grilled chicken tossed in a light lemon sauce!
I haven’t heard about an almond flour pasta, this is fabulous! Just finishing up my detox cleanse and realize that grains aren’t ideal for my body either.
My favorite pasta is puttanesca but I tend to add a bit of ground beef for more protein
fettuccine alfredo w/ broccoli & chicken!
Would love to win this!! Not sure if I have a favorite recipe……..I like EVERYTHING!!
I like spaghetti & meatballs 🙂
HEATHERLBRANDT@FRONTIER.COM
Thisstuff look amazing I would love to try it. I have been doin a lot of research on grain free
This would be incredible I have been dying for decent pasta
love pasta, olive oil and tons of Italian spices.
This pasta sounds intriguing! My hubby just went gluten free because of suspected celiac and he is having the same difficulties it sounds like you did at the beginning. Tanks for the chance to win!
I am venturing into grass fed only beef territory. I would love to try the beef. Also, I’m always interested in a good pasta. Thanks.
I’m not entering the giveaway, Heidi, but thanks so much for the mention and OMG, all these products look phenomenal! And I can never see enough of your sweet boys! (I know they are true boys though, with all that entails. LOL Son’s “third grandmother,” his babysitter for about 12 years called him her angel with horns. 😉
xo,Shirley
ROFL! Angel with horns…that is so fitting for Luke! I should have drawn a set of horns on the bottom photo of him. 🙂
My fav pasta recipe is spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, well that used to be my favorite recipe anyway!
Heidi, thank you for this post and giveaway. I’ve been Paleo now for a few months and have felt so much better since getting all grains and sugar out of my diet… but I do miss pasta. Your take on Giada’s recipe sounds like a great idea or maybe a beef stroganoff using cashew cream to create the sauce would be yummy…. and a big side of steamed broccoli or kale. Could your boys be any stinkin’ cuter?!
Heidi – This is pretty awesome! I enjoy pasta, but rarely make it as I don’t consume a lot of grains either. Love ravioli!
Love Penne ala Vodka… this pasta and beef products look great!
Wow that pasta looks really good. And grassfed beef? I’m glad people are out there supporting it.
My favorite pasta recipe is any sort of interesting mac and cheese. Like with broccoli or butternut squash. (But I have to give up dairy, so I shall be experimenting with other sauces soon.)
Our family loves to serve basil cheeseburgers with pizza pasta salad on a hot TX day. Great eatin’! I, too, feel much better when eating grass-fed beef and have been gluten and corn free for several years (among other allergens). Thank you for these wonderful products!
Ahhh thank you so much for this giveaway! As for your question, my sister makes the BEST lasagna and I miss it terribly since going grain-free. My favorite thing to do with beef is smoke it… probably what I’ll do with the chuck roast if I win. 🙂
Oh, and my inner Luddite is showing here, but how do I “like” the post so that you can tell I did from my facebook name?
Oh, I like that word, Luddite, must add it to my vocabulary, LOL! I’m new to this Rafflecopter program but it appears as though all you have to do is click on the ‘Like’ button inside the Rafflecopter widget, then click on ‘Enter.’
I’ve been called one enough to have accepted it into my self-describing adjectives. 😉 And thank you; I guess there was a glitch the first time I logged in, because the button wasn’t there! I just signed in again and the button showed up, so it’s all good. 🙂
I LOVE pasta, just about any way it is made is good with me – spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, lo mein………..
I love steak tacos! We cook the steak all day in the crock pot and it’s always delicious!
WOW-fabulous giveaway! I would love to try grain-free pasta-I’ve been looking everywhere for it!
Oh I would love to try this pasta, it looks amazing! Can’t get any better than Grass-Fed beef!
Nothing beats a nice juicy ribeye! For pasta, i love it all! But a favorite is a fettucine in a lemon butter sauce with diced tomatoes. Along with losing my gluten to my diagnosis I also can no longer tolerate dairy or soy but I’ve managed to adapt my favorite recipe with soy free earth balance and it is just amazing with a seared medium rare ribeye!
Hmmmm, favourite beef and pasta recipe……I have to pick only one? Bother that is hard!
Grilled sliced steak over lemon garlic pasta w/a bit of mint perhaps. Not really a recipe but more a yummy toss-it-together dish. 🙂
Although really love a good spaghetti w/meat sauce or meatballs. And fettuccine alfredo w/sliced steak or just a really wonderful lazagna filled w/veggies and a lovely ground beef meat sauce……..see, how can I just pick one? 😉
Bolognese sauce over zucchini noodles. I’m grain free, so I’d love to try the almond flour pasta.
Oh, this looks soo good. I have only been on a gluten free diet since Feb., but WOW has it been hard to find things in a small town. There are many a nights that I just go to the pantry when everyone else is having a snack and just want to stand there and cry because I have not figured out the art of gluten free snacking and eating yet. Thank you for all the posts
Not to take the winds out of the sails of Cappello’s (it sounds great to me), but my daughter can’t do eggs or nuts. I recently found Organic Black Bean Spaghetti for her. It’s only ingredients are black beans and water. Tastes like pasta. It’s made by Explore Asian Authentic Cuisine, distributed by Opal International Ltd.
I love meat lasagna
ufg8trj at yahoo dot com
I would love to have grain-free lasagna noodles to make America’s Test Kitchen’s amazing lasagna!
Heidi, you are so fabulous! Grass-fed beef and almost local pasta (I consider Colorado local to NM!) – I will drive to Colorado for this pasta if I don’t win – it sounds so good!!!
We love to toss our pasta with just about anything and I am getting TIRED of rice pasta these days.
Darn, I was hoping the pasta was Paleo! I’d love to win the meat, though.
Not all grass fed beef producers are the same. I bought several cuts from local vendors and was not satisfied with the taste. Read the book “Steak” for an interesting study into beef around the world. We raise registered Angus but I mail order my grass fed beef from out west. Can’t wait to try another supplier – and pasta? You must be kidding.
Hmmm.. pasta is a tough one since I have been omitting this from my diet. Lately me and my son like the tinfoil dinner in the crockpot with ground beef, carrots and potatoes.
I don’t think I am celiac but have been gluten intolerant for about 10 years. I was sooo happy to feel better after years of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and struggling with depression. It can be difficult to be gluten free. However, things today are so much easier than they were ten years ago!!! After years of eating gluten free, I found it was actually a blessing to be eating so healthily!! Then came the corn allergy. With corn in everything it took a dump truck full of prayers and positive gumption to keep a positive outlook. But when I realized that even rice was not going to work for me I was frozen for a little while and grieving a bit more than usual. But God is good again and I can see how simple … I can just leave certain foods out and feel good. How gracious God has been in comforting me. One of these ways I was comforted was by reading your blog. I don’t know ANYONE else that has to be grain free. A trial can seem harder when I think it is just me. So you sharing your story was comforting and a gracious gift to me. Thank you!!!
Your blog is what prompted me to get testing! I just found out that I tested positive for 3 of the 5 lab tests and will be seeing a gastroenterologist soon. I will be scouring your blog and the internet a lot over the next few weeks . . . trying to learn more about this possible life change.
I love lasagne! I can’t wait to make it again 🙂
I love chicken broccoli Alfredo and lasanga but haven’t had any since going gluten free over 8 months ago..ugh
vegan mac and “cheese”
My kiddos love chili mac…homemade chili with grassfed beef over gluten free elbow macaroni! 🙂
I like my beef raw, believe it or not, mixed in with my veggies and sprinkled with spices like rosemary etc. No recipe, just whatever herbs/spices I have.
This is really exciting! That recipe looks so good too. Incredible!
I love lasagna
We occasionally do rice pasta when we’re desperate for a pasta fix, but I would love to try almond flour pasta!
Apparently I don’t follow directions very well. Once more, with feeling! 😉
My favorite pasta dish is fettuccine alfredo
Schnitzel and noodles! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway. lifesdeepcolors@hotmail.com
I’d have to say my favorite pasta dish is chicken w/ fettucini alfredo.
My favorite dish is classic spaghetti
Oh, this looks so good. I really would like to win this.
ANY, I am a pasta gal and my boy would eat pasta and meat every meal if he could.
I love love garlic butter pasta and my husband will eat meat in any form 🙂
Cindy
Cfhullsharp @gmail.com
I miss pasta soooooooo much! And that Grass Fed meat looks delish!
I just made a dairy-free, gluten free “Hamburger Helper-ish” meal last night. Ground beef, rice elbow noodles, seasonings, rice milk, tapioca starch. It was the first time the kids were silent ALL DAY!! That’s when I know I’ve made a good recipe! 🙂
Fav pasta dish…..spaghetti with butter and shredded parmesan…….yum!!!
I would love the pasta!
I wonder how long the beef is aged? I may have a problem with biogenic amines, so I’m asking funny questions these days and have not had beef in a long while!
Love these options!! We have been wanting to get some grass-fed beef….and grain-free pasta would be heavenly!!