SGFA Weekly Roundup!

Thank you to De Puma Gluten Free Pasta!

Our last monthly meeting was an amazing event with over 40 people in attendance. Thank you to John and all of you for making it such a special day!

Yummy GF Pasta!

Enjoying Lunch!

Talking with John

As a result of our luncheon with John DePuma, you will soon be able to order DePuma's products at the Illiano's retaurants in New London, Middletown and Old Lyme. Watch for news! You may also purchase DePuma's products at his store front in North Haven. Your membership card will entitle you to 10% discount on the total order. Food Works in Old Saybrook has the products, and will soon be carrying the cavatelli we enjoyed at the event.

Restaurant Suggestions

• Have you tried Four Seasons Market in Branford? They have a nice cafeteria to have lunch and wonderful GF baked goods. They also have natural and organic foods and produce and abundant GF products, including a great selection of The Grainless Bakery Breads, including pumpernickle. The GF baked goods are handcrafted by their own baker who also makes GF Birthday Cakes to order! An SGFA member recently had an amazing pumpkin/blueberry muffin and coffee and enjoyed it overlooking their patio.
  They are also a great supporter of SGFA. (875 W Main St, Branford, CT 06405; fourseasonsmarketllc@yahoo.com)

Board Update

• First Selectmen's Meeting: All agreed to get behind the idea that gluten intolerance is a public health issue and have pledged to support our efforts with proclamations for the month of May being "Celiac Awareness Month". (Old Saybrook, Deep River, Clinton, Essex.)
  
• Local Convalescent Homes: Celiac patients living at local convalescent homes will soon not have to worry about their meals. Nutritionist Alessyana Quimby, a member of SGFA, will be training the staff at Gladeview during the month of March, a program which will become a model for other Homes in the area. As we suspected, the problem is not so much the food but the cross- contamination issues, but the lack of dedicated toasters and utensils and properly- trained staff. The owner of Gladeview has offered to allow us to hold a HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR at their facility also on a Saturday in early MAY, complete with GF vendors, and the VNA present to help us further the goal in getting more people tested. This is only in the discussion stages. Would you be interested in volunteering on this event? Contact Sybil.
  
• Lots of great events in the works for the spring including a Chili Fest and Positive Living Conference! See below for more details!
  

News and Links

Diagnosing Celiac

• Celiac Becoming Easier to Diagnose: After years of being misdiagnosed and even having her gallbladder removed, Harriet Harter finally found out she had celiac disease. Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Narayanachar S. Murali, says it is becoming easier for doctors to pinpoint celiac disease. "Refinements in diagnosis and higher suspicion of the disease by doctors is leading to more frequent diagnosis of the problem in people with atypical symptoms or no external manifestations of the disease.
  
• New IBS Guidelines: On December 18, 2008, The American College of Gastroenterology issued new guidelines for management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The new guidelines now include: "IBS patients with diarrhea or a mixture of diarrhea and constipation should be screened with blood tests for celiac disease, a condition in which one cannot tolerate the gluten protein found in wheat and other grains." It is often difficult to differentiate between IBS and celiac disease, so this recommendation to test all IBS patients with CD symptoms is an important milestone.

Living Gluten Free Videos and Photographs

• WebMd - A nice introduction to living GF - with photographs and tips
  
• GFCentral.com - A new video site with short videos reviewing products and tips for cooking
• From Karina's Kitchen - Recently diagnosed? Blue about living gluten-free? Taste this is a gluten-free slide show featuring over one hundred juicy photographs of tempting gluten-free recipes.

Helpful Links (from one of our members!)

• Natl Foundation for Celiac Awareness
• Dr Peter Green's site : Updates on research, testing etc. and they have a fantastic nutrionist there!
  
• Gluten Free Travel
• GF in Connecticut
  

Upcoming SGFA Events & Membership

Saturday, March 21st, 12PM: Chili Cookoff - Family Day @ The Westbrook Library
We would like both meat and veggie chili, at least 3 of each, donations of corn bread, side dishes and favorite easter desserts. Let Sybil know if you would be interested in cooking for this event.

Saturday, April 25th, 8:30AM: Positive Living Conference. Watch for publicity! Event will include speakers, workshops, special keynote address by Cynthia Kupper, Executive Director of GIG, with GF catered luncheon. Old saybrook location, small charge for members.

Are you a member yet? Learn about the latest news on the research front, hear about the newest products, meet a group of wonderful people who share your world - raffles & free goodies! We encourage a positive, healthy approach to leading a gluten-free lifestyle, so why not join? Try us out!

Please send membership dues to: Sybil Nassau, Founder, SGFA, 25 Hunters Ridge, Westbrook, Ct 06498. Cost: $10 For Individuals, $15 For Families.

SGFA Monthly Meeting - February 21st

We are VERY excited about our upcoming monthly SGFA meeting - our February meeting will be a treat for YOUR taste buds-- SAT. FEB. 21, 2009, 12 NOON - at the Westbrook Library. We are serving a complete BUFFET luncheon featuring products by DePuma's (of New Haven) -- including SALAD, BREAD, DESSERT AND BEVERAGE.

Exec. Chef John DePuma will bring his products for us to try!

He will talk briefly about his restaurant in New Haven. Following lunch, we will gather in small groups, and talk about what makes YOU feel GOOD!

This meeting only: $2.00 for paid members, $5 for non-members. NO WALKINS, PLEASE!

RSVP A MUST! BY 2/19/09, EMAIL OR PHONE (860-399-3410)

Please bring a side dish or dessert to share (4)

“A POSITIVELY DELICIOUS MEETING”

For reservations: Email shoreglutenfree@ sbcglobal.net

WHY BELONG TO SGFA? Learn about the latest news on the research front, hear about the newest products, meet a group of wonderful people who share your world - raffles & free goodies! We encourage a positive, healthy approach to leading a gluten-free lifestyle, so why not join? Try us out!

Please send membership dues to: Sybil Nassau, Founder, SGFA, 25 Hunters Ridge, Westbrook, Ct 06498. Cost: $10 For Individuals, $15 For Families.

SGFA Weekly Roundup!

Welcome to this week's roundup - lots of yummy news and updates!

Restaurant Updates

We are very happy to report that John De Puma, maker of De Puma Pasta, has started another role as Executive Chef at dolci (a new modern, New York style lounge) in New Haven, CT. dolci is located at 932 State Street. Here you can have DePuma's Cavatelli tossed with wild mushrooms, arugula and truffle essence. John has other gluten free options on the menu so please come down and taste some great gluten free food! Check out a recent review here.

Product Updates - Cereals

Have you tried the new Rice Chex? This tidbit comes from a reader of glutenfree.com - the recipes look great! Maybe for today's big game?

"Hi, Beth, I just wanted to mention that the box of Rice Chex that I bought just a few days ago was indeed gluten free but was not labeled on the front as the previous boxes I had purchased were. On the front, there was no mention that it was GF, however on the side of the box was a wonderful write-up about Celiac Disease and the Celiac Disease Foundation which they are partners with. I thought it was a nice way for the company to present it and wonderful that it is in a main stream market. I hope non-GF people read it and become aware of this disease. Rice Chex also has a website with gluten free recipes. They look fun and I’m looking forward to trying some for my 8 year old daughter. Here’s the website: www.chex.com/glutenfree. Thanks, Camille"

Do you have a little one with gluten intolerance that likes Dora the Explorer? This tip also comes from a reader of glutenfree.com.

"Hi Beth, My GFCF 2 1/2 year old is a huge Dora the Explorer fan and at a recent grocery trip I found a cereal with her on the box. While hiding the box cover from my son, I quickly scanned the ingredients and found no gluten or dairy sources. I bought it and later confirmed on the phone with General Mills that it is, in fact, gluten-free and casein-free. In fact the representative stated that General Mills discloses not only wheat, but gluten as well, if a product of theirs contains these allergens. WOW was our son excited when I showed him the box later that day. It's a handy take along snack for us now that he really enjoys. Molly"

I also found this blog with a nice listing of mainstream GF cereals - it's a bit dated - but is a good overview. As always - check the ingredients before you purchase! Happy breakfast!

Do you have other recommendations? Post your ideas here on the blog!

A Heartwarming GF Story

Another wonderful story from SGFA Board Member, Liz. Grab the tissues!

"I just have to share the day Alex and I had Monday with you all. I wanted to take her out to lunch with my Mom after we went shopping for me, which was obviously VERY boring for Alex. We decided to try the Paperback Cafe, although I was hesitant, because I am always a bit worried that going out will be a disappointment for her. So, we went, and it was booming. All tables were full, and there were three parties to be seated in front of us. The wait was not too long, and it was definitely worth it.

Alex ordered the cheeseburger, and let me tell you it was like a light shone down from Heaven and angels began singing when the waitress put the plate down in front of her! It was a beautiful cheeseburger perched atop a gorgeous GF bun surrounded by glistening lightly seasoned baked fries. After sufficient smooshing so that it might fit, Alex wrapped her mouth around that incredible burger, and began beaming. She was only able to eat half, as it was huge, but she enjoyed every bite! While the price was a bit higher than I would have liked to have paid (atleast for "regular food"), I don't think you can put a price on that type of reaction from your child, especially one who usually is met with bitter disappointment when it comes to food.

Then, we decided to run into Food Works to get a loaf of Kinnickinick. We have only ever gone to the FW in Guilford, and it is a different world!! We were trying to find the freezer case when we came upon a huge sign that said, "Gluten Free Food". The freezer was packed with all kinds of items and even multiple brands of certain items. Then we turned and saw a huge rack with another sign above it, full of GF offerings, and then yet another! By the time we perused everything and made our way up to the register, both Alex and I had armfuls of GF foods. Included in our bounty were 8 packages of Ian's chicken nugget meals on sale for $2.49 instead of the $5.00 to $7.00 price tag we usually pay! At the register we then met Paul, the gracious owner, who was delightful. He was so friendly and enthusiastic about the GF community that I could have cried. The icing on the cake (gf of course!) was when he gave Alex a mood ring that she was eyeing, on the house! She was literally dancing and skipping down Main Street as we made our way back to the car.

For people who don't face dietary restrictions, they might have thought us crazy, but for those who have faced the sometimes daunting and disappointing GF frontier, I am sure they can identify with our excitment and joy at such a rare glorious day of delicious restaurant fare and successful grocery shopping!"

Upcoming SGFA Events & Membership

We are equally excited about our upcoming monthly SGFA meeting - our February meeting will be a treat for YOUR taste buds-- SAT. FEB. 21, 2009, 12 NOON - at the Westbrook Library. We are serving a complete BUFFET luncheon featuring products by DePuma's (of New Haven)! If you haven't yet tried DePuma's Ravioli, in the freezer case at Food Works, now is your chance-!

John will talk about his business and how he came to start it. Paid members ONLY will be given a discount coupon to visit his restaurant in New Haven, ONLY if you attend this meeting and have paid dues for this year! You need an official membership card! We will also share news about other restaurants with gluten-free menus who will soon be offering discounts to paid members! RSVP to Sybil -- shoreglutenfree @ sbcglobal.net.

WHY BELONG TO SGFA? Learn about the latest news on the research front, hear about the newest products, meet a group of wonderful people who share your world - raffles & free goodies! We encourage a positive, healthy approach to leading a gluten-free lifestyle, so why not join? Try us out!

Please send membership dues to: Sybil Nassau, Founder, SGFA, 25 Hunters Ridge, Westbrook, Ct 06498. Cost: $10 For Individuals, $15 For Families.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who attended the January meeting of the Shoreline Gluten Free Association - we had a wonderful group, including many new faces! We enjoyed two amazing soups donated by Kettle Cuisine - clam chowder and roasted vegetable - and they were... AMAZING! Everyone raved about the chowder - which had fresh clams and a thick, tasty creamy base - a huge hit! You can purchase these soups locally at Foodworks II in Old Saybrook -- but also at these locations - listed on their website. Definitely check them out on the next cold day when you've got hankering for soup! We were also treated to yummy gf desserts brought by our members - and a special thanks to Jennifer for the carrot cake - brilliant!

To kick off the meeting, we did a round-robin - the theme was "your favorite product/tip/find/observation" of the week! Here's what some of our members shared:

• Learning that Hershey's kisses are gluten free.
• Using brown rice flour in cooking - specifically in gravies and soups; there was also a suggestion that potato starch works well for soups as it does not coagulate like other GF flours or cornstarch do
  
• Glutino pizza crust from Foodworks and Glutino's sesame bagels.
• A breakfast suggestion... plain yogurt with fruit, nuts, dried berries and/or gf cereal
• A restaurant find...Bell Amici in Guilford is offering GF pizza and amazing GF canolis.
• Aleia's products, specifically the breadcrumbs!
• The GF line of baked goods Whole Foods and the Taste of Thai brand of soups and noodles
  
• Another restaurant find...Elizabeth's restaurant in Cromwell - when you arrive, let them know you are GF and would like to order the cheese rolls!
• We learned that one of our members was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 18 years ago!
• Bob's Red Mill gluten free rolled oats being good but somewhat hard to find.
• San-J Soy sauce from Foodworks - also can be found at Adams in Deep River.
  
• A product find...Pamela's white bread mix made in a previously-underutilized, now cherished bread machine that actually makes something that resembles bread! :-)

Thank you to everyone for sharing!

The meeting also included a brief talk by Susan McCall, our health consultant, who was kind enough to step in for the speaker that unable to join us. She spoke on the subject of "Leaky Gut Syndrome." With Leaky Gut, large food, bacteria or toxin molecules get through the small intestine and into the bloodstream. They can attach to body parts and may be attacked by antibodies causing inflammation, allergic reaction and other problems. Many serious conditions are thought to be caused in part by Leaky Gut Syndrome. She mentioned the supplements, el glutamine and Jerusalem artichoke as being helpful in "tightening up that gut." Susan also discussed some of the causes of Leaky Gut which include alcohol, NSAIDS such as Advil, naproxen, and aspirin, too much yeast. Most importantly, Susan explained that when Celiacs' intestines heal, it is possible for the intestinal environment to swing to the other end of the spectrum and lead to Leaky Gut.

Susan also talked about health and beauty issues. She passed on some thoughts from Liz Comstock from Food Works II and suggested that Celiacs need to be most concerned with lipstick and shampoo. Lipstick is a concern because it can be ingested, and shampoo is worrisome because of the possibility of hair getting in your mouth. Susan also told the group about http://www. glutenfreedrugs.com and let the group know that there is a list of GF products available at Walgreen's Pharmacies.

It was a great meeting - thanks to everyone who joined us - and for those who could not - we look forward to seeing you at our next get-together!