Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Old Fashioned Stomped Lemon-ade

August 5th, 2009 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN


This tangy, refreshing lemon-ade has stood the test of time not just for extracting loads of vitamin C from the rind, but for exceptional taste. Someone can always be found to do the stomping, especially children. Makes a quart. New wooden stompers can be easily bought, or have fun looking for the old, turned ones found at garage sales or flea markets.

Ingredients
  • 1 large fresh lemon
  • 1/2 cup Gluten Free Works fructose
  • 1 quart of fresh water
Equipment

A heavy glass pitcher and a wooden stomper.

Process
  1. Scrub the lemon with baking soda on a clean wet cloth.
  2. Rinse well then cut into thin slices.
  3. Toss the lemon slices into the pitcher with the fructose.
  4. Stomp a few minutes until the juice is rendered, but not so long as to mash the rinds.
  5. Stir, add ice cubes and enjoy!

colorado_rockies_logo
The Colorado Rockies have opened a dedicated gluten-free* concession stand at Coors Field, the stadium where the Rockies play. This may be the first dedicated gluten-free concession stand in Major League Baseball.

The menu features hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, cookies, brownies, soda, water and gluten-free Redbridge beer.

The gluten-free stand is located behind Section 147 on the left field concourse.

This specific location was created in response to increasing requests for gluten-free options from fans with Celiac Disease.

symptom-man-holding-medicine-bottle

Celiac Disease Symptoms: The Gluten Free Works Symptom Guide

Could my symptoms be related to celiac disease?

This is a common question people ask in the face of a bewildering array of possible celiac disease symptoms. The Celiac Disease Symptom Guide will help you identify possible symptoms and health problems that you can present to your doctor.

Here is the list of over 300 Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders and Complications directly or indirectly resulting from celiac disease.

Gluten Free Works, Inc. was the first organization in the world to publish this information in its comprehensive book, “Recognizing Celiac Disease.” This list is now being used by celiac disease centers, national celiac organizations and health organizations worldwide.

Gluten free diet cards from Glutenfreeworks.com

July 31st, 2009 by John Libonati

gluten-free-diet-card-3-images-lrge

Glutenfreeworks.com has comprehensive gluten-free diet cards that lists unsafe foods and ingredients (including hidden) broken down by categories: whole grains & cereals, flours, thickeners, sweeteners, distilled spirits, fermented, cooked products, baked products, protein polymers, brewed, germ/bran and other.

Gluten-Free Diet Cards make dining out and shopping for groceries easy. These cards are perfect for eating out at restaurants or comparing ingredient labels when shopping for groceries. No more long explanations to waiters and managers. Just hand them the card. They’ll compare the ingredients to their recipes and let you know what you can have. No more wondering if an ingredient is safe or not when shopping. Just check it against your Gluten Free Works Diet Card. (Always call the company though if you’re unsure!)

The cards are 4″ by 3 1/2″ and fold to wallet size. See what they look like here. Gluten Free Diet Cards

They cost $6.50 for 5 cards, $30 for 25 cards, or $50 for 50 cards. Shipping is included in the price.

You can also get 5 free Gluten-free diet cards when you order a copy of Recognizing Celiac Disease.

Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes

July 28th, 2009 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

The added nutrition of applesauce and rice bran puts these mouthwatering pancakes a step above their plain cousin. Cinnamon boosts the flavor and aids digestion. So give it a try.

Ingredients

Dry ingredients:

  • I cup fine white rice flour
  • ¼ cup brown rice flour
  • ¼ cup tapioca flour or cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon rice bran
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 2 teaspoons fructose
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

 

Liguid ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup natural applesauce
  • ½ cup water or milk or milk substitute (more if you like thinner pancakes)
  • 3 tablespoons oil

 

Equipment

Griddle or large skillet.

Process

Heat your griddle to 350 degrees F.

Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl and whisk together with wire whip. Add liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix together with a fork to blend. Mixture may sit up to 5 minutes, but do not stir again or you will lose fluffiness.

Lightly grease the griddle or heavy pan, spreading a teaspoon across the surface with a small piece of folded paper towel. Set the towel aside to refresh the surface if pancakes start to stick.

Scoop a few tablespoons to make the pancake size you prefer onto your heated griddle. Allow them to cook until the bottom is set and bubbles begin to appear around edges. Don’t worry if you flip too soon, just be quick about it and they’ll be fine. On the other hand, if you wait until the top is dry, the pancakes will be tough and disappointing.

Remove to heated plates. Serve with choice of syrup or jam. If you make these pancakes thick, you can eat them out of hand without any added sweetener. If you make them thin, you can roll them around whipped cream. Serves 4.

Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

July 28th, 2009 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

This pumpkin bread will make you the envy of your family, friends and neighbors whether they are gluten-free or not. The flavor is reminiscent of pumpkin pie. The texture is soft and moist. It is our favorite quickbread. This bread is rich in vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese, B vitamins and protein.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup white rice flour
  • ¾ cup brown rice flour
  • ½ cup tapioca flour or cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons rice bran
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2½ teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/3 cup fructose or choice of sweetener
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • ½ cup safflower oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup plumped raisins

 

Equipment

Three non-stick 5 ¾ x 3 x 2 ½ inch bread pans

Process

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Three non-stick 5 ¾ x 3 x 2 ½ inch bread pans or regular straight-sided pans  that you grease and dust  with rice flour. Dusting helps the mixture hold the sides when rising.

Combine flours, rice bran, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a large bowl and sift together with a wire whip.  Set aside.

Add raisins to a cup of boiled water for 5 minutes to plump, then drain.

In a medium bowl, slowly beat honey and sugar into eggs then beat in butter, margarine, or oil and vanilla.  Scrape into bowl with dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon. Stir in the pumpkin puree.  Mix lightly just until blended.  Fold in raisins. Turn into prepared pans – batter will fill pan close to top. This bread raises up and holds its shape. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from pans to cool on a rack.

Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Gluten-Free Buckwheat Brownies

July 28th, 2009 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

These tasty and nutritious brownies are easy to make and high in zinc, potassium, magnesium, and selenium.

Ingredients
  • 4 bars (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate for baking, broken into pieces
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup fructose
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 11/2 teaspoons GF vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup GF buckwheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Equipment

Oven.

Process

Lightly grease a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with straight sides.  Heat oven to 350 degrees,

In a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, salt, baking soda and xanthan gum.  Set aside.

Place chocolate pieces and butter or margarine in a large microwave bowl.  Microwave 1 1/2 to 2 minutes to melt chocolate.  Mixture should stir smooth without lumps.  Be careful not to overheat.

In a separate bowl, add fructose, honey, eggs and vanilla. Beat well with a wooden spoon or mixer until light. Scrape into bowl with the flour mixture, then add the chocolate mixture. Blend all ingredients, but do not overbeat.  Add nuts if you like.

Pour batter into prepared pan.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool completely in pan then cut into squares. Makes about 24 brownies.

Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Gluten-Free Autumn Applesauce Cake

July 28th, 2009 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

This wonderful cake has a sweet and spicy, robust flavor with the slightest apple tang finish. It is perfect for breakfast with coffee or as dessert anytime. Provides protein, vitamin A, iron, potassium, riboflavin and minerals like calcium and magnesium in the nuts.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups white rice flour
  • 1/3 cup tapioca flour or cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons GF baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1/4 cup fructose
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon GF vanilla
  • 1 cup applesauce

 

Equipment

Springform cake pan or bundt pan. Oven.

Process

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Grease then dust with rice flour a 9 inch springform cake pan with straight sides and fluted insert (see picture) for maximum rise.  Or use a bundt pan. 

In a large bowl, add the flours, salt, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and cinnamon.  Sift with a wire whip to thoroughly combine.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, beat together the fructose, honey, eggs, vanilla, and oil until light and fluffy.  Scrape mixture into bowl with dry ingredients.  Mix lightly just until smooth.  Fold in applesauce.  Scrape mixture into prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cream cheese frosting: beat 2 oz. cream cheese with ¼ cup fructose or honey.  Top with chopped walnuts.

Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Gluten-Free Savory Chip Steak Over Rice

July 28th, 2009 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Frozen chip steak is a handy item for making a quick, protein- rich meal that’s high on flavor. This recipe uses cooked rice as a bed for the savory meat, but you could use macaroni instead.< Kale adds great taste and dense nutrients in the form of folic acid, vitamin K, vitamin A and fiber.

Ingredients
  • 4 servings frozen chip steak
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz.)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free soy sauce (optional)

 

Equipment

Large skillet.

Process

Heat skillet to medium without added oil.  Add salt then frozen steaks. Cook as directed, removing excess fat as needed.  Meanwhile, add mushrooms, onions, chili powder and black pepper while stirring meat.

When meat is browned, add tomato sauce, water, soy sauce and vinegar.  Turn down heat and cook 8 minutes longer to blend flavors and tenderize the meat.

Spoon meat mixture over lightly cooked kale and rice or pasta.  Sweet corn kernels balance the leafy, tart kale for this combination platter.

Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

Gluten-Free Crispy Fried Chicken Nuggets

July 28th, 2009 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN


Here’s a simple recipe for this all time favorite.

Ingredients
  • 10 to 12 chicken tenders depending on size
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary powder (optional)
  • 1 cup rice flour or corn flour
  • 1/4 cup oil

 

Equipment

A large skillet.

Process

Submerge the chicken in cold salt water for 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly.  Pound it a few times to soften the fibers then cut the tenders in thirds.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and the rosemary then dredge in rice flour or corn flour.  Yes, you can first dip the chicken pieces in a beaten egg before dredging if you want a thick crust.

Add the oil to a hot skillet over medium heat. (Never let oil smoke).  Quickly arrange the chicken pieces evenly and allow to brown. Turn over and fry the other side.  Remove to a serving platter.  Nice with squeezed lemon. 

Serves 4.

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