February event
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Magic Kitchen ; http://www.magickitch.com/ Pre-made meals
PatsyPie; http://www.patsypie.com/ 100% gluten free bakery
Aunt Gussies; http://www.auntgussies.com/
Order online and receive $1.00 Off per unit coupon code; delicious
Read our Newsletter
Label reading
Article from Kraft foods; Choosing Gluten-Free Foods
This information about label reading is designed to provide tips for choosing gluten-free foods.
Read the full article: Choosing gluten free foods
FDA’s Pending Legislation of a “Gluten-Free” Claim
To provide consistency among food products labeled gluten-free, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of developing rules that would apply to all gluten-free products in the market. Creating standard rules for all food companies to follow will assist consumers looking for gluten-free foods. To learn more about the new FDA proposed rule and for updates on its status, visit: “Gluten-Free”
Sharing
Friday, February 19, 2010
cakes
Monday, February 15, 2010
The cake mix I used was: Betty Crocker Gluten Free Devil's Food Cake Mix
The toppings I used were: Enjoy life GF Snack Bars
Recipe for frosting and "some" tips and tricks on making a great tasting gluten free cake from a "box".
7 Minute Frosting Recipe
2 egg whites
6 tbs cold water
1 ½ c granulated sugar
½ tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla extract.
Directions
1. In the cold top to a double boiler (I use a metal bowl set in a small pan on the stove), put egg whites, water, granulated sugar, cream of tartar and beat until well mixed.
2. Then put the bowl over boiling water and start to beat with electric mixer. You must beat continuously.
3. The more you beat the whiter and fluffier it gets. You want to mix on medium speed, as the mix will start to get thicker and will form soft waves out from the beaters. Stop the beater and lift them up, when it’s ready, it will form peaks which will stand. Take off the heat, so it can start to cool.
4. Add the vanilla and mix until the frosting becomes white again. You can add other flavorings at this time.
5. Let sit until it is almost room temperature before you use. You can also color it at this time.
Notes
1. It will take about seven minutes, hence the name.
2. It is best to use a medium or medium-high speed, not low.
3. Do not get any yolk in white. The fat in the yolk keeps the whites from doing their job.
4. Use a metal bowl of some type for the mixing. Don’t let the bowl come in contact with the boiling water or you’ll have sweet scramble egg whites, umm yummy, not!!
5. This will make enough frosting for two-two layer cakes, 8-9 inch diameter.
6. You can separate the whites and yolks by, over a separate bowl, pouring the whites from one part of the shell to another.
7. Save the yolks.
Cake mix
1. Add the extra yolks from above in addition to the eggs called for from the box.
2. Add about 1 tsp of double acting baking powder to the mix.
3. When I get all the cake batter well mixed, I turn the mixer up to the fastest speed I have and beat the tar out of it for 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Then pour the mixture into the pan with out banging the mix too much. You’ve put a whole lot of air into the mix, banging it around makes the air come out, lowering the rise.
4. While baking, start checking the cake for doneness about 5 min before the receipe says it should be done. I use the tooth pick method; stick it in the highest part of the cake, when it comes out clean take the cake out of the oven. You can also test for doneness by pressing lightly on the surface, if it spring back, its done. This takes a lot of careful attention for about the last 5-10 minutes, but for me it is worth it. Better to have the cake just a tad on the done side, then dried and hard.
5. If you feel really adventuresome, put in maybe a teaspoon or so more water than the receipt calls for. But be very careful with this one.
6. Another thing you could add is a 1/4th cup yogurt or sour cream.
Autism
Monday, February 8, 2010
Gluten-restricted diets have become increasingly popular among parents
seeking treatment for children diagnosed with autism. Some of the reported response to celiac diets in children with autism may be related to amelioration of nutritional deficiency resulting from undiagnosed gluten sensitivity and consequent malabsorption.A case is presented of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with severe autism at
a specialty clinic for autistic spectrum disorders. After initial investigation
suggested underlying celiac disease and varied nutrient deficiencies, a
gluten-free diet was instituted along with dietary and supplemental measures to secure nutritional sufficiency.The patient’s gastrointestinal symptoms rapidly resolved, and signs and
symptoms suggestive of autism progressively abated.This case is an example of a common malabsorption syndrome associated with central nervous system dysfunction and suggests that in some contexts, nutritional deficiency may be a determinant of developmental delay.
It is recommended that all children with neurodevelopmental problems be assessed for nutritional deficiency and malabsorption syndromes
- By gluten free Society
Source:
J Child Neurol. 2010 Jan;25(1):114-9. Epub 2009 Jun 29.
Gluten Free Society’s Stance
This is a great case study example of gluten associated autism. The authors make an excellent recommendation in testing all children with abnormal neurodevelopment for nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption related diseases. This type of testing can be performed by Spectracell laboratories in Houston, TX – http://www.spectracell.com/