Three New GF Cookbooks to Try - FOR FREE!

Amazon.com has three new cookbooks from Martha McBride available today for FREE! Yup, my favorite price...free for Kindle. Now, if you don't have a Kindle, don't despair. You can download the free Kindle for PC or Kindle for Mac application, and read them on your computer. I've downloaded other GF cookbooks as well (for FREE). Free downloads include: "Delicious and Nutritious: Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes," "Delicious and Nutritious: Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes," and "Delicious and Nutritious: Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes," all by Martha McBride; "50 Gluten Free Recipes," by Caroline Russell; and a book targeted towards needs of newly-diagnosed celiac patients, also by Russell, entitled "Gluten Free for Life: A Guide to Celiac Disease." I download free cookbooks and resource books as often as I can, and check them out when I get a free minute.

Video: Stuff People Say To Celiacs

This is so true to life...sadly so. How many well-meaning people have said these things to you? Please comment and tell me your version of this story...

Pumpkin-Maple Scones

Tried out another recipe today from Carole Kicinski's "Simply... Gluten-free Desserts": Pumpkin Maple Scones. It was also the first time I used my new food processor (see above), which ROCKS! The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves infused my kitchen. The glaze is made with real maple syrup, and anyone who knows me know that if it's maple or caramel, I'm in! The recipe was based on Kicinski's trademark sweet rice flour blend. (see Recipe tab) Easy to make, yummy to eat! (And if you were wondering about my funky chicken apron...it's from KayDee Designs in Hope Valley, Rhode Island.) kaydeedesigns.com

Gluten Free Mac 'N' Cheese featured on local TV

Well, shut my mouth! Chef Frank Terranova of Johnson & Wales University has a video segment on turnto10.com with a recipe for - wait for it - Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese. Yes, folks, we finally made it to local mainstream TV. A photo, video and recipe are posted here: http://www2.turnto10.com/lifestyles/2012/feb/20/gluten-free-macraroni-and-cheese-ar-938914/

If you try the recipe, let me know how it comes out...I'll do the same.

Camp Celiac for Kids in Rhode Island

Someone on Twitter mentioned that they would like information on a camp for kids with celiac disease in Rhode Island. CAMP CELIAC, located at the site of Camp Aldersgate in North Scituate, Rhode Island, is scheduled for August 12 - 17, 2012. This specialized summer camp, open to children ages 8 through 16, offers all the things kids want in a camp - arts and crafts, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, field games, swimming, canoeing, sports, singing, and campfires- but with the added security of knowing that your child will be eating meals provided by people who are knowledgeable in gluten-free food and its preparation. Healthy Havens in Tiverton, RI, is providing gluten-free products for the camp. There are a limited number of spots left, so register as soon as possible. There are also a limited number of scholarships available. www.campceliac.org

My GF day in Tiverton RI

I went to visit dear old Dad today at Sakonnet Bay Retirement Living on Main Road in Tiverton, and I had to stop at Alice's Diner on Main Rd., Tiverton, for lunch. They were serving GF fish and chips, and I hear that they will be open later than usual on Fridays in Lent...but you MUST call first to reserve your spot. From there, I went to Healthy Havens, also on Main Rd.,  and had a chat with Kathi Thiboutot, the owner. Thiboutot was diagnosed with CD 21 years ago, before GF food was readily available. Her store offers GF...and ONLY gluten-free! No stopping to read labels or worry: every item in the store is gluten-free! While we were discussing all things GF, one of the "regulars" to the store, Jo Ann Faris, a nutrition consultant, joined in the conversation. We will be talking nutrition for celiacs with Ms. Faris in a future blog post. All in all, I made some great contacts today, and everyone seemed ecstatic that a new resource was available in the CeliacGirlRI blog, and everyone promised to spread the word.

Gluten-free Chocolate Chunk Coconut Macaroons

I tried a recipe today from "Simply...Gluten-free Desserts," by Carol Kicinski. The ingredients include sugar, sweetened flaked coconut, egg whites, vanilla extract, seas salt, and semi-sweet chocolate. I like the combination of tastes, but I think I undercooked them just a little - the coconut was a little too chewy for my taste. I wouldn't have minded kicking up the taste a notch, but not quite sure what I would add to achieve that. All in all, not a bad cookie - just not quite what I expected. 

Next, I'm trying the recipe for Pumpkin-Maple Scones...

Food Pantry in Norwood, MA offers gluten-free food

According to the Norwood Patch, an online news source, a food pantry in Norwood is offering gluten-free food. The Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood has partnered with Pierce’s Pantry to offer help to those following a celiac diet. Approximately 4,500 pounds of shelf-stable gluten-free foods, including cereal, pasta, bread, baking mixes, protein bars, cookies have been distributed to seven local food pantries, from 24 manufacturers and distributors as sponsors, including such well known names as Cabot Cheese, King Arthur Flour, and Market Basket. To see the full article, click http://tinyurl.com/828j5e4. I'd love to see a food pantry in Rhode Island that offers GF food - what do you think?

New Classification system for gluten-related disorders?

Interesting article online at the Wall Street Journal site. Experts are proposing a new classification system for gluten-related disorders.

A&J Bakery...can you say zeppole?

Joe Hitzemann from A&J Bakery told me today that zeppoles should be out this coming Wednesday. For those of you who haven't tried these GF treats, DO IT!

Also, Joe says that they are in the process of redoing their website professionally. In response to customer demand, they are listing ingredients in their products, as well as some new food photos. Looking forward to it...

Great Deal on Pizza at "Back to Basics" in East Greenwich, RI

Bob Hartman at Back to Basics has offered a great deal on gluten free pizza. Visit them in East Greenwich and get 20% off this month on gluten free pizza. 

Quinoa Salad

QUINOA (pronounced "KEEN-wa) is a staple of many gluten-free and vegetarian diets. While it is in fact a seed, quinoa is prepared and used like a grain. Originally grown in the Andean region of Central and South America by the Inca Indians, quinoa is nutty in flavor, rich in amino acids,  and has the highest protein content of all grains. It is also high in unsaturated fat and lower in carbohydrates than most grains. My favorite quinoa recipe is based on one found in "Bon Appetit" magazine.

QUINOA SALAD
Ingredients

1 tbsp. sherry vinegar

1 sm. clove garlic, minced

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. fresh ground pepper

½ sm. shallot, minced

3 medium-size tomatoes (about 1 lb.), cut into 1-inch cubes

1/3 cup yellow or orange bell pepper, cut into ½ inch squares

¼ English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into ¼ inch half moons

4 (6 oz.) skinless halibut fillets

2 cups cooked quinoa (prepared according to package directions and drizzled with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste), at room temperature

1 cup whole basil leaves

½ pound mozzarella, cut into ½ inch cubes, lightly salted

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together first five ingredients. Add shallot, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber and lightly toss. To the tomato mixture, add quinoa, basil and mozzarella cubes and toss. Can be served room temperature or cold. Serves approx. 4

Dr. William Chen has agreed to an interview!

Just got off the phone with Dr. William Chen, of University Gastroenterology in Providence, RI. He has agreed to an interview about the medical aspects of celiac disease. I am preparing a list of questions, ranging from "what are the signs of celiac disease?" to "what type of follow-up medical testing do I need, and how often?" Dr. Chen diagnosed me several years ago, and was a wonderful resource throughout the entire process. I'm so excited that he has agreed to an interview...stay tuned for more info.  http://www.universitygi.com/

Simply...Gluten-Free Desserts by Carol Kicinski

My local library notified me today that their copy of "Simply...Gluten-Free Desserts" by Carol Kicinski was available for pickup. I've been eagerly awaiting this one, so I'll test drive some recipes and let you know what I think. If anyone has prepared any desserts from this book, give me a shout out!

Cupcake Happy Hour at West End Bakery and Dinner at the Laughing Seed Cafe, Asheville, NC

The West End Bakery in Asheville, NC, hosts a "Cupcake Happy Hour" on Fridays from 3-6 p.m. I had some yummy GF cupcakes there with my sister-in-law Jackie, her son Brandon, and his two buddies, Zane and Justin. These boys are a hoot! If you're ever in Asheville, check this place out! www.westendbakery.com

I also visited the Laughing Seed Cafe with Jackie, and had a great dinner. I ordered the Carolina Shiitake Corn Cakes, Southern style corn cakes with chunks of fresh corn, Shiitake mushrooms, cilantro, scallions
and red peppers served on a bed of mixed greens, topped off with house smoked tomato jam and cashew cream sauce. They are both gluten-free and vegan, and were extremely tasty. It felt good to go out to eat and enjoy my food, now worrying about whether or not it would make me sick later. http://laughingseed.jackofthewood.com/

Westerly and the Interview

I went on a job interview today to the Westerly Sun, in Westerly, RI, for an editorial assistant position. While looking around town to see if there was a shop that served gluten-free food, I was pointed in the direction of Ten Sandwiches, at 7 Commerce St. The folks were plenty helpful, and said that all their in-house sauces were GF, as well as their Boar's Head deli meats. However, there was no GF bread choice. They said that most GF folks supply their own bread, and Ten Sandwiches makes them their lunch. Good to know, in case I get the job! Wish me luck! (I've been unemployed since June, when I was laid off from the Providence Journal.)

Also on Commerce St., I passed a cool window display, and had to check it out. Mary D's Antiques. They had a huge assortment of collectibles and antiques. The owner, Lois, was very friendly and helpful. I especially liked a collection of old tools, and they had a great supply of vintage kitchen items as well.

All in all, Westerly seems like a nice town to work in, even if it is a helluva drive! (50 mins.) We'll see how it goes...

Welcome to the blog!

Welcome to the CeliacGirlRI blog!  I created this to hopefully fill a tiny bit of the vacuum left by the Rhode Island Celiac Support Group, which closed after 17 years of service.

Feel welcome to share information and reviews on products, restaurants, and recipes. I'm hoping to post an interview with A&J Bakery, an allergy-free bakery in Cranston, RI, as well as chatting with the folks who run Gray's Grist Mill in Adamsville, RI, where Narragansett Flint Corn is ground on a dedicated stone wheel and facility to avoid contamination. I'll also talk with the folks at Healthy Haven in Tiverton, RI, who are an extremely good resource,  and run a natural food store which specializes in gluten-free. Let me know if there are any subjects you would like to see, or any products or places you'd like to see showcased. Share and enjoy!