GLUTEN FREE OATMEAL!!!

Yes, its true. Oatmeal is in the meal plan for Celiacs once again. I found Bob's Red Mill, Gluten Free Oatmeal in the store last week.

I stared at it for three days...there haven't been any oats in my life since 2003 when I first heard the words "Celiac Disease". Could this be true? Since I'm a fairly sensitive Celiac I'm very careful with my diet. Gluten free oats? Could I be so lucky???

Gluten free Oats; That translates into warm bowls of Oatmeal on cold winter mornings, Oatmeal cookies and bars and anything else I could bake those healthy oats into... has Bob's Red Mill answered my prayers?

After the days of staring and hoping it was true we made cookies....and I ate one. Just one. It melted in my mouth and I almost fainted at the bliss. Oh, Yum! I waited a day and ate two more. So far, so good. No stomach pain, nausea, or other less mentionable reactions --NOTHING!

So, of course, I checked out the Bob's Red Mill website and found lots of recipes, too. More things to make from my new found oatmeal. I have to send them a thank you. You can, too. Just check out Bob's wonderful website: https://www.bobsredmill.com/catalog/index.php?action=showdetails&product_ID=681

Bob's Red Mill---I love you! You gave me back one of my favorite foods.

(I'll post my Oatmeal Raisin recipe tomorrow.)

HOLIDAY EATING STRESS

One of the most difficult things to deal with when first diagnosed with Celiac Disease is eating anywhere else but home. At home you're safe, you know what you're eating and how it was prepared. But out there-- in the real world-- there is no telling what might be creeping onto your plate! So, what are your choices?
Here's my way of coping:
1. Eat before I go.
2. Bring something safe and gluten free to share with everyone. I usually try to make this extra special so everyone will love it. (Proving safe, gluten free food tastes great is my mission in life!)
3. Make my own individual meal that I can eat when everyone else eats.
4. If its in a restaurant; call ahead to insure they can cook a gluten free meal. (Lots of places have gluten free menus now so you might be pleasently surprized!)

Depending on the type of place you are invited to, one of these might work for you. The most important thing to know is that its not about the food--its about the people! Enjoy the season, your friends and family and remember food doesn't make the party--people do!
If you have other ideas please post them!
Happy Holidays!
Jeannie