Celiac disease

3 Things You Should Know Before Filing for a Gluten-Free Food Tax Deduction (United States)

gluten free taxes

Are YOU eligible for Tax deductions for gluten-free purchases??

It’s no secret that gluten-free packaged food is oftentimes more expensive than its gluten-containing counterparts, but did you know you might be eligible for a tax deduction to help make up the difference?

If you have never filed for a tax deduction for your gluten-free food purchases, there are some important things you should know before you do: Read More »

If there was a ‘Magic’ Gluten-Free Pill

Gluten-eaters often ask me, “Don’t you wish there was some ‘magic’ pill?”

This question arises when I have limited choices on a menu, or have to pass the basket of bread without indulging. My response usually includes a “Not really”, with some type of short explanation on why my life doesn’t suck because I’m gluten-free.

If there was a magic pill that enabled you to eat gluten, would you use it?

I can honestly say that I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I am happy with my diet. Just because I can’t choose a roll from the gluten-filled bread basket, doesn’t mean my life has crumbled into ruins.

So if there was a pill, would I take it? If I had the ability to indulge in gluten-filled food with the comfort of knowing the so-called ‘magic’ pill would alleviate my symptoms as well as prevent the damage to my intestines, would I be poppin’ it back on the regular? Read More »

Experience Cuisine From Around the World in the Comfort of Your Kitchen!

When I went gluten-free one of the many blessings in my change in diet was my openness to try new foods. Specifically, I was interested in trying other ethnic foods. As I was trying to get over my “food fear” I wanted to embrace and enjoy the flavors foods had to offer.

Saffron Road, is a company who makes all natural products which allows others to experience cuisine from around the world. Additionally they make 12 products that are certified gluten-free ranging from frozen foods to simmer sauces and crunchy chickpeas.

Saffron Road products are great because they not only allow you to experience a wide variety of flavors such as Tia Lemon Grass Basil and Moroccan Tagine, but their products allow you to have Read More »

Gluten Free New Year’s Resolution 2013

Being gluten free means adapting a whole new relationship to food, something that shapes our every day lives, holidays and traditions. Considering how complicated and challenging being gluten free can be, it seems appropriate to make our New Year’s Resolutions at least related to improving our health and gluten free lifestyle.

gluten free new year resolutions

Last year I had a slue of NYRs all about improving my gluten free lifestyle. You can check out last year’s list here but in summary, I decided to:

1. Be (even more) gluten free – this means making smart, safe choices at restaurants like getting a salad instead of french fries due to risk of cross contamination.

2. Become informed — I vowed to start following GF blogs so that I can stay current on what other GF advocates are up to.

3. Get techy — there are many phone apps out there that make being gluten free much simpler. I decided to start Read More »

Easy Gluten-Free Peppermint Bark Recipe

I may have. just discovered the BEST or the WORST thing ever.

Did you know peppermint bark is one of the easiest things to make? Why didn’t I ever know this? I thought the fact that you had to melt then cool…then melt…then crack and sprinkle toppings on, meant that I would be running around screaming What’s the next step?! before the chocolate hardened, like it was some type of rocket science.

Turns out I was totally wrong.

This recipe, given to me by Kathleen over at Celiac Baby, is one of the easiest things to make. It looks pretty fancy too, if I must say. I hope you like candy canes and chocolate, because it’s.about.to.go.down. Read More »

Don’t Be a Gluten-Free Grinch…Be Like the Who’s!

“And he himself carved the roast beef”

Although none of us live in a microscopic, snowflake world, we can all learn a little something from the Who’s of Who-ville. You know, the characters of that one movie about that green guy that steals everyone’s gifts with the help of his adorable dog, Max.

I know you’ve read the book, or have seen the movie (and if you haven’t, you can probably catch it on TV sometime in the next couple of days). The Who’s of Who-ville LOVE Christmas, with their singing, decorating, and all-around holiday spirit. Then of course there’s The Grinch, a Read More »

Honey Spritz Cookies

(Taken from Food Network and Adapted)

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour ( I used Jules Gluten Free)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (Omit if you use Earth Balance Butter Sticks)
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature (I used Earth Balance)
1/3 cup evaporated cane juice
1 large egg
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Make Sure GF) Read More »

Gluten Free Works Launches Celiac Disease e-Newsletter for Support Group Leaders

celiac disease today newsletter

December 7, 2012: Port Charlotte, Florida. Gluten Free Works Inc. announced the launch of its newest online publication, Celiac Disease Today.

In our ongoing efforts to help people get well and stay healthy, living gluten free, Gluten Free Works is proud to distribute the first issue of Celiac Disease Today, a special new monthly e-newsletter for gluten-free support group leaders. 

As the name suggests, Celiac Disease Today focuses on the health and wellness aspects of celiac disease, complete with accurate and up-to-date information regarding symptoms, research, diagnosis and Read More »

Santa Hat Cupcakes

gluten free Christmas cupcakes

Santa Hat Cupcakes courtesy of Lauryn Cohen

I know you might think I’m clever, but really, I’m not. Full credit goes to Lauryn Cohen, aka Bella Baker, who came up with this cute concept. Lauren is the queen of sweet and is known for her uniquely creative treats and crafts. She recently launched a holiday baking guide (entitled Sweet Gifts Holiday Baking and Crafting Guide– available nationwide) filled with innovative and delicious recipes for the holidays.

Lauryn was nice enough to share one of her creations with The Family Chef. In this recipe, she calls for a red velvet cupcake (you will find a gluten-free, no-dye recipe in my upcoming cookbook). You can always use a basic vanilla (gluten-free).

Here is her technique for making super cute holiday cupcakes for your friends or family. Read More »

How the Gluten-Free Diet is like a Zombie Apocalypse

Going gluten-free is a battle. A battle of the many emotions involved with learning an entire new way of eating. The battlefield is similar to the one that Rick, Carl, Maggie, Daryl and the others face on every episode of The Walking Dead. How do the two journeys relate? Well, let me explain…

1. What the ______?

When Rick woke up in the hospital he had no idea what was going on. Where was his family? Were they infected with this new ‘disease’? What just happened to life as he knew it? These feelings are similar to the ones someone experiences when diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance. They are confused about their new condition. How did this happen to them?

2. Stay Away!!

On The Walking Dead, the group did not know exactly what the zombies were or how they got that way, but Read More »