5 Part Gluten-Free Christmas Dinner Series
With Christmas just around the corner, many who are G-free may be wondering how to create a full-bodied Christmas meal, that will leave everyone’s taste buds jumping with joy. The transition to a G-free Christmas can be tricky since wheat flour is traditionally used to thicken sauces and bread based stuffing has been used for turkeys. My favourite recipes have been compiled into this 5 part series to help ease this transition and to demonstrate that a G-free Christmas meal can be just as delicious as the ones you enjoyed prior to diagnosis. Everything in the 5 part series is made from scratch, just like at Gramma’s house, minus the gluten.
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Part 12 Of 12 Part Series: Celiac Disease Symptom Checklist
This is the twelfth post in the 12 part series discussing the variety of symptoms that can be caused by undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD). In this post, a list of CD symptoms is included in a PDF format. As you review the symptoms, keep in mind that some individuals will only have one or two symptoms (for example, anemia and night blindness) and others may have many symptoms. Celiac Disease can be quite elusive, which makes it difficult to diagnose.
“Celiac Disease Symptom Checklist”
Part 11 of 12 Part Series: List of Diseases/Syndromes Associated With Celiac Disease
This is the eleventh in a series of posts discussing the variety of symptoms that can be caused by undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD). In this post, a list of associated diseases/syndromes will be included. Individuals with Celiac Disease have a higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases. This may be due to genetic influences or the heightened permeability of the intestine may allow other environmental antigens access to the immune system. This could lead to an autoimmune response that triggers the development of other autoimmune diseases (5,69). Delayed diagnosis appears to increase the risk as well. Therefore, early recognition and diagnosis is important for primary prevention.
Part 10 Of 12 Part Series: Heart and Lung Symptoms In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease
This is the tenth in a series of posts discussing the variety of symptoms that can be caused by undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD). In this post, heart and lung symptoms will be discussed. There are studies, articles, and books identifying an association between CD, cardiac (heart), and pulmonary (lung) symptoms. The pathogenesis is likely due to autoimmune reactions (to ingested gluten), causing inflammation and damage to the cardiopulmonary system, in genetically predisposed individuals (1-39,44,45,61).
Gluten-Free, Corn-Free Chocolate Fudge Birthday Cake
For birthdays, my children and I enjoy decorating cakes. We add real (non-toxic) flowers and various toys to dress the cakes up. A theme is selected, then we buy our decorations and pick up flowers from the market. Once we are home, the cake is prepared, cooled, iced, and then the fun begins. Inspired, my children proceed with their creation. My family and guests really enjoy the chocolate fudge flavor of this cake combined with the melt in your mouth creamy icing. Enjoy!
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Part 9 Of 12 Part Series: Psychological And Cognitive Symptoms With Undiagnosed Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance or Sensitivities
This is the ninth in a series of posts discussing the variety of symptoms that can be caused by undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD). In this post, psychological and cognitive symptoms will be discussed. There are studies, articles, and books identifying an association between CD/gluten sensitivities, psychological and cognitive symptoms The pathogenesis is thought to be due to autoimmune reactions (to ingested gluten) causing inflammation and damage in the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract in genetically predisposed individuals. With gastrointestinal involvement, nutrient deficiencies (common in CD), can add to the symptoms (1,5,6,10-12-14,15,19,20,23-29,32-34,37,38,41,42,55-57).
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Gluten-Free, Corn-Free Banana Pancakes
When I was initially diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I craved light fluffy pancakes. After making several rubbery Frisbee-like pancakes that my Australian Sheppard enjoyed chasing across the yard, my husband managed to make these light pancakes that everyone else can enjoy too (not just our canine friend). We have served these pancakes to many other children and visitors who have said that the texture is similar to wheat pancakes.
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Part 8 Of 12 Part Series: Neurological Symptoms (Ataxia, Neuropathies, Seizures, Strokes, Migraines, Myopathies, Dementia) With Undiagnosed Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance or Sensitivities
This is the eighth in a series of posts discussing the variety of symptoms that can be caused by undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD). In this post, neurological symptoms will be discussed. There are studies, articles, and books identifying an association between gluten intolerance/CD, gluten sensitivities, and neurological symptoms (1-3,5-13,16-110,115,117,119,120,136-144,148,151-153). The pathogenesis is thought to be due to autoimmune reactions (to ingested gluten) causing inflammation and damage in the central and peripheral nervous systems in genetically predisposed individuals (1,17,18,21,23,24,29,30,71,83,110,117,118,123,152,153,155).
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Gluten-Free, Corn-Free Bread Recipe
Once diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I began looking for gluten-free bread recipes. Slowly, my first attempts, loaves of bricks, became edible, light, loaves that I was proud to serve guests, even those not eating gluten-free. It only stays fresh for a day or two due to the lack of preservatives. After 2 days, the slices of bread can be made into French toast for breakfast, grill cheese for lunch, or broken up into bread crumbs for other recipes. I add flax seed for extra fiber and dulse seaweed flakes (optional) for extra nutrients. This recipe requires a 2 lb bread maker, I use the “Breadman Ultimate”. This recipe is for 1 loaf. I make two at a time since I am cooking gluten-free for my entire family. To begin, take 3 bowls (large, medium, and small)
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Gluten-Free, Grain-Free Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Every fall, the kids and I pick out small baking pumpkins from the market. Once home, I cut the pumpkins in half and my children happily scoop out the stringy pulp and seeds knowing that one of their favorite desserts is in progress. They use the seeds for various Halloween crafts at home and school. Sometimes we dye the seeds different colors with food dye to add interest to their crafts. Once all the pulp and seeds are removed, we put about 6 halves on each cookie sheet and roast them (cut side up) for 1 hour at 350 Fahrenheit. I love the smell of pumpkin that fills the house as we putter around doing other activities. Once baked, I sit the halves on the stove top to cool, then I scoop out the pumpkin pulp (minus the skin) and put it in in a food processor. The pumpkin is blended until smooth. Once the pumpkin is completely processed, I proceed with the recipe. I usually cook 3 pies at a time since we are huge pumpkin pie fans.
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