The suitability of oats as part of the gluten-free diet has been a source of controversy, with some groups pointing to research suggesting oats are safe and others pointing to other research demonstrating oats are dangerous to those with celiac disease. Close inspection of available medical research clearly shows that oats, even “gluten-free” oats, should not be included in the gluten-free diet at this time.

Until the early 1990’s, oats were excluded from the gluten-free diet, along with wheat, barley and rye. Then, a few pilot studies suggested oats may not cause the harm previously thought. The idea was proposed that people with celiac disease would find their diet more palatable, and would benefit nutritionally, if they were allowed to eat oats.

Heavy contamination of many oat products with wheat, rye, and particularly barley, was a concern. Companies began to produce so-called “gluten-free oats.” These oats were tested for the presence of wheat, barley and rye. They are vigorously marketed as “safe” for celiacs. However, studies show that even “uncontaminated oats” (oats not containing wheat, barley or rye) are toxic to an unknown number of people with celiac disease.

Early studies proclaimed oats to be safe, but they have since been judged faulty with poor validity. Nevertheless, they opened the floodgates to Read More »

June 29th is National Almond Butter Crunch Day. Almond butter is a great way to get that good, healthy fat.  There are many varieties of almond butter on the market and most of them are gluten-free.  

• Barney Butter
  
• Maranantha Almond Butter
  
• Blue Diamond Almond Butter
  
• Justin’s Almond Butter
  
• Naturally Nutty Almond butter
• Trader Joe’s Almond Butter

All of the above listed almond butters are very good, but if I had to choose my favorite, I would have to go with Read More »

PHILADELPHIA (June 14, 2011) – Dietz & Watson Premium Deli Meats & Artisan Cheeses and ACME Markets, part of the nationwide SUPERVALU® family of grocery stores, will debut the first-ever dedicated Dietz & Watson gluten-free deli in the Philadelphia suburb of Paoli. Dietz & Watson offers more than 400 gluten-free choices, and more than 20 of them will be available at this one-of-a-kind deli case starting Wednesday, June 15.

Dietz & Watson and ACME are taking every step possible to prevent gluten from touching any product in the special deli case by adhering to strict guidelines to maintain the gluten-free integrity of the products. Shoppers will see items in a special eight-foot segregated section of the deli. The gluten-free products will have dedicated slicers separate from the other deli slicers, and deli associates will wear special blue gloves when handling gluten-free products. Shoppers can still purchase items at the regular deli cases with a full array of all traditional offerings available. Read More »

This is the other pizza that my husband made for our dinner tonight.  This is my personal favorite.  There is something very comforting about the italian sausage and roasted veggies.  The other pizza he made was a Spinach, Pancetta and Goat Cheese Pizza.  We use Udi’s frozen GF pizza crust, but any GF crust will work.

Ingredients:

3 mild Italian sausage links,  casing removed
1 1/2 cups fire roasted peppers and onions (I use the frozen Trader Joe’s version)* Read More »

Any idea what this monstrosity is?

Nope?

This one should be easier:

That’s right. They’re both pizza bases.

It tastes great, really...if only I could get it off the paper!

I know what you’re thinking. “How on earth did she manage to make such horrible looking pizza bases?” Read More »

Gluten Free Pad Thai Photo: Amy Fothergill

Eating pad thai in a restaurant might be hard if cross contamination is a concern.

Most pad thai sauces contain soy sauce and more likely than not, that soy sauce contains gluten.

If you live in the bay area, access to rice Read More »

Nothing beats a good, homemade breakfast.

Mmm apple waffles! Photo: Whole Foods Inc.

Fresh ingredients, a nice steaming cup of coffee, and a hearty appetite are all that you need.  When you are tired of the traditional scrambled eggs, whip up this Apple Waffle recipe for a delicous, nutritious, gluten-free breakfast!

Don’t have a waffle iron?  Borrow one, or make this recipe at a friend or family members house for a delicious brunch. Once again, this recipe is thanks to the wonderful people at Whole Foods.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup Amaranth flour
1/2 cup brown rice flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda Read More »

I asked a few celiac friends if they had noticed a change in Udi’s bread. They all answered with the same statement; “Yes, it’s full of holes!”  I emailed Udi’s a few times, but never heard back from them. So I did what all good little bloggers do and posted a picture on my blog.

I have no idea how many people have complained to Udi’s about their hollow bread, or if they are taking measures to correct it. They certainly have not asked for my two cents (imagine that!). But as a celiac with a nutrition and food science background I know that if you add too much yeast or baking powder in relationship to the flour; or you Read More »