"Help With Your New Life Glutenfree"

New life gluten free

2011-04-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I have not been on for a while, and I am very sad that I can not do this for a while. You see I love helping people that has been my thing for the last nine years. Their has been so many people that I had the honer to get to know to have an ear to listen to their story and help them through it. I never asked for any thing but for what ever reason from time to time some people think I am a threat even though I have not done any thing but help. But this time I have to think of my own family first. You see the recession here has hit me and my family hard. We in fact have lost every thing we had our home, cars, and personal belongings. I am the only one who is working at this time and so I have to do what ever it takes to keep my job. And so because of well lets say complications that I am in I can not have anything to do with gluten free. No teaching classes, running the GIG support group, or just helping any that I meet that is new to gluten free I can not even say in public the G F word or I can loose my job and I am not making it now!! Wow this is so hard because this is what has kept me positive through the many hard time I have been through. So again I am so sorry I can not help you any more. I wish you the best on your journey in the gluten free world. I hope I will be back soon!!
Love you
Pamela

Ingredients To Avoid

2011-03-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight some to think about like the ingredients to avoid. For ex sample we all know about wheat,barley,rye but think about breading, cereal, couscous, fillers,hydrolyzed protein, graham also wheat has other names like bulgar, dinkel, durham, farro, kamut, spelt, and their is other names so be where. Also look for any thing that has malt and I mean two words not one like malt vinegar, malt flavoring, malt extract. You always need to be on the look out even farina if it is rice farina it is ok just make sure you look. Have a great night!!
Pamela

Why you need a Medical Follow-Up

2011-03-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hello I know that it has been a week my new job has taken much of my time but it is going well. Tonight the subject is why you may need a medical follow-up and this is why!
After diagnosis, a gastroenterologist will usually defer the follow-up treatment to your family practitioner or internist. However, some prefer to do their own follow-up. Partner with the appropriate doctor on your medical team to achieve and maintain your health. The following tests and practices are commonly used, but ultimately your doctor will determine with you which are appropriate for you and how often they are needed. Post-diagnosis: Establish a baseline for blood levels testing your general health and the levels of commonly malabsorbed nutrients such as: Bone density, blood calcium, iron, folate, B-12, prothrombin time ( vitamin K, blood clotting), liver function, cholesterol, blood count, thyroid function, pancreatic function, hemocult test for blood in stool, flexible sigmoidoscope (every three to five years), colonoscopy (every five to seven years), Celiac antibody tests three to six months after diagnosis. On-going need for repeated testing is an individual medical decision made by the doctor, but you as a patient must assertively work closely with the doctor to assure your own health. Pro-active health practices include gluten-free multivitamin and minerals supplements, annual physicals, vaccinations for flu and pneumonia, monitor cholesterol and body mass index, develop and maintain healthy lifestyle including exercise and a healthy, aggressively-maintained gluten-free diet. Having Celiac disease does not prevent other health problems. But if you do this it will be in your best interests for your health and give you better chances of not having other problems. So some thing to think about. Have a great night.
Pamela

Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders

2011-03-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

Last week with our group was so good Dr. Karnam was amazing I learn some thing new every time I here him. The biggest thing for me was that I learned something new about autoimmune disorders. They are all interconnected that is why they treat them the same way with the gluten free diet. Not all of them but I would say many of them. The autoimmune disorders are growing and their are many that have had problems but just do not known that they have a autoimmune problem. They probley go to their doctor and thought of to having some thing else and so they are miss treated, so the problem keeps going and in many cases gets worse and they get other problems because their immune system is week. Any way it was great information so if you think that you may have other disorders get them checked out, see your doctor and talk to him or her and let them know your concerns. The prevalence of celiac disease occurs at higher rates in groups with associated disorders as goes.
Healthy individuals 1- 133
First-degree relatives of celiac patients 1- 22
Second-degree relatives 1- 39
Type 1 diabetes - 1-23
Autoimmune liver disease 1- 12
Irritable bowel syndrome 1- 23
Osteoporosis 1-39
Down syndrome 1-11
Short stature 1-25
Anemia 1-24
Arthritis 1-33
Fatigue 1-34
Asthma 1-35
Sjogren's syndrome 1-49
Constipation 1-31
Joint pain 1-31
Prevalence worldwide: 1%
So some thing to think about! Have a great night.
Pamela

Tomorrow Night A Doctor In The House

2011-03-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

A quick reminder that tomorrow night is our support group meeting ( G I G ) Gluten Intolerance Group and it is going to be a good one! Dr. Uma Karnam a gastroenterologist, also know as the gut whisper, practices at the wellness center for gut and liver health at Jordan Valley Medical Center. He will give us the latest research and share his analysis so this will be good. The address for Jordan Valley Medical Center is 3580 west 9000 south, West Jordan, UT 84088. Look for meeting room signage inside the out patient tower which is on the northeast end of the hospital complex. So if you have any questions for a doctor please come this is your chance. By the way I have had this question asked me several times lately about the gluten free diet. This is not a diet to lose weight you can eat just as unhealthy as being on gluten. If you can have gluten don't think that gluten is bad. This is not the thing that you need to watch it is your carbs that is the thing you need to watch if you are looking to lose weight or to be healthier. So just remember look at what you eat and eat food that is healthy for you your body what it needs. Have a wonderful night hope to see you tomorrow night.
Pamela

Classic Symptoms of Celiac

2011-02-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

I know that it has been almost a week sines I have posted. I have started a new job and it is really good and fun one you can say it is up my alley because I am working with the gluten free world. Also a quick reminder that this Thursday at 7:00 pm is our support group at Jordan Valley Hospital with Dr. Karnam M.D. that is a specialized gastroenterology/hepatology to address us so you do not want to miss this.
So tonight questions for you that are not diagnosised but think that you may have an intolerance to gluten so ask yourself this?
Do you have ? Diarrhea, Bloating, Weight loss, Anemia, Chronic fatigue, Weakness, Bone pain, Muscle cramps, and many more symptoms so long I can not list all of them. But this is the most common symptoms that people have. I have found that their are many who try the gluten free diet to see if it will help them feel better and many do. So do not give up if the doctor said that gluten is not your problem. Their are many false negatives so if you try the gluten free diet and it works then go for it. You have the right to feel good!! Have a great night.
Pamela

Tonight Tips & Tricks

2011-02-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

Cross- Contamination Tips

First of all void any bulk bins why because the risk of cross-contamination is too great. Many stores will save out a portion of a newly-opened product for you before filling a bin, but I say don't go their it is too risky. Only buy products that are sealed by the manufacturer before purchase.

Cross-contamination at home can occur when storing and preparing your gluten-free foods if you are using food containing gluten for other family members. Any storage, eating, or cooking tool should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized if it has been used for food containing gluten. Porous surfaces such as cast iron, stoneware, wooden or nonstick-coated cannot be considered safe for gluten-free food if they have ever been used for gluten. Any surface that is damaged by chipping, scratches, etc. and previously used for gluten should not be used for gluten-free food. If possible, store gluten-free food separately from other foods. If not, make sure packages are sealed and stored above gluten containing food in the pantry. Gluten-free food preparation and cooking should be done separately from food containing gluten, just as you would separate raw meat from cooked food.

I hope that tonights tips work out fore you or at least gets you thinking about it. Have a great night!!

Pamela

Waffles Tonight

2011-02-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made waffles with the new gluten free Bisquick. They came out so good I was surprised at how perfect they were. They came out golden brown and did not stick to my waffle iron witch has been a problem with the gluten free waffles. So tonight I am telling you this product is a good one to have it passed my test. Have a great night. Pamela

Valentines Day and Chocolate

2011-02-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

One fun thing that goes with Valentines day is chocolate!! I am what some people call a chocoholic I love any thing chocolate. The good thing about chocolate is that it is good for you yes it really is and this is the reason why. Chocolate has antioxidant potential to its protein content, also it has a unique chemistry that when you eat chocolate it does not raise your cholesterol levels. It is also rich in minerals such as magnesium, copper, potassium and iron. So what this means is you do not have to feel bad by eating chocolate because you need it. For example when I am feeling depressed I crave chocolate the high antioxidant level helps me feel better mentally and my body knows it so it crave it. One thing that is good in general about chocolate is that it is gluten free but always you have to check on the package to see if they use wheat flour in their molds. Most use corn starch also make sure they do not put malt flavoring in it some may but very few. So when you get your heart shape box of chocolates you go right a head and enjoy them. The heart shape cake picture I just posted is the valentine I gave to my husband it is a gluten free black forest cake but I did not make it. The women that made it has what I call the magic that I do not have but it is amazing you can not tell that it is gluten free. Now it is my family's new favorite cake.So have a happy valentines day!! And enjoy your chocolate!!
Pamela

Diabetes and Celiac.

2011-02-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

Last night was our support group at St. Marks Hospital. Our dietitian Megen gave our presentation on diabetes and celiac. How to count carbohydrates and what they are, what food they are in, and how many servings you can have. It was very good information. A new world to me that I did not know and their was allot of it. So I will give you just a portion of it this time.
1. Which food have carbohydrates, Breads, crackers, and cereals, pasta, rice, and grains.
Also starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, and peas. Beans, and legumes, milk, soy milk, yogurt, fruit and fruit juices, sweets, such as cake, cookies, ice cream, jam, and jelly.
Carbohydrates. are in more then what you think Counting carbohydrate servings may help you to control your blood glucose level so you feel better. In diabetes meal planning 1 serving of a food with carbohydrate has about 15 grams of carbohydrate. So in a nut shell for many adults, eating 3 to 5 servings of carbohydrate foods at each meal and 1 to 2 carbohydrate servings for each snack works well. I know their is so much more but I will have to give it at a latter time so stay tune. Next month we have a GI doctor coming to Jordan Vally Hospital on March 3, 2011 at 7:00 pm it will be another real good meeting. Have a good night.
Pamela

Tax Deductions for Gluten-Free!!

2011-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have to first say sorry that it has been 5 days since my last post. I have been under the weather like way down so now that it is over I am back!! One thing that is a big advantage to us celiacs is tax deduction yes it is true and this is why. People with celiac disease on a medically prescribed gluten free diet, you may be able to deduct some of your costs for GF food. Also education and other resources necessary to maintain the diet, lifestyle, as a medical deduction on your taxes. Some things you need to know
1. Have available a letter from your doctor that states you have been diagnosed with celiac disease and must adhere to a strict gluten free diet for life as treatment for the disease. Without a medical diagnosis you may not be able to claim the GF diet as a medical expense.
2. You can claim only the difference between a similar wheat based product and the gluten free product. For example, if wheat flour costs $ 3 per 5lb, and rice flour is $ 5 per 5lbs, the difference of $ 2 is tax deductible.
3. You may also claim mileage expense for the extra trip to the health-food store and shipping costs for mail orderer cookbooks, and a portion of the cost to attend educational programs on managing your disease.
4. Specialty items, such as xanthan gum used in gluten free home baked goods is not an item normally purchased for home baking and so the total cost of it can be claimed.
5. Keep your receipts as documentation. It is important to add to your documentation a list of similar products that contain wheat and the cost of those items. Keep with your records to document how arrived at the difference in costs.
6. Of course, your total medical expenses, including those for your GF foods, must meet the percentage of income guidelines according to the IRS rules order to be able to deduct your GF foods.
I know it may seem like to much work but it is not really and be leave me you will reach your percentage amount. We all know this is not a cheep diet.
If the IRS should question your ability to take these deductions. you may want to give the IRS representative the following citations that IRS has ruled that the deduction can be taken.
. RevenueRuling 55-261, . Cohen 38TC 387, . RevenueRuling 76-80, 67 TC 481, . FlemmingTC MEMO 1980 583, . Van Kalb TC MEMO 1978 366.

I hope this information will help you out on your taxes. Also just a reminder our support group meets this Tuesday February 8th at St. Marks hospital at 7:00 pm please come we would love to have you there. Have a great night.
Pamela

For your information what is coming up!

2011-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

The up coming support group at St. Marks hospital February 8 at 7:00 pm . We are having our dietitian will be doing a presentation on doing the gluten free diet right the healthy way and also doing the diet with diabetes. The reason we are doing this is because diabetes and celiac are on the same gene strand meaning if you have celiac you have a high chance of getting ether type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Now if you just have diabetes but not celiac you may not have the gene for celiac. I know it is confusing but that is how it is. I am sorry to say most people with celiac do have diabetes but it is very workable know matter what you do it will be OK. So remember next Tuesday February 8th at 7:00 pm. I will of course be there if you have any questions feel free to ask me so I can help you with what you need or you can ask the dietitian also. This is free and we are with GIG a national support group. Have a great night.
Pamela

Grocery shopping the easy gluten free way!!

2011-01-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

Many times when we start a new diet it is not as overwhelming as the gluten free diet. So here is a simple way to do this. The first thing is do not get overwhelmed or what I mean is think of what you can have and not what you can't have. This will keep you positive so you will think more clearly. Their is so many thing you can get at any grocery store. The awareness of the gluten free diet is becoming well known. That means that many of the grocery stores do have gluten free items like, pasta, cookies, cake mixes, breads and many frozen items too. Just look for it! Just last week I was shopping at Smiths grocery store and I always check out there clearance items at the back of the store in odd places I do have to say. But I find many times gluten free items. Last week I got a whole case of the new gluten free Bisquick by Betty Crocker for $ 1.99 a box and it was not expired. Talk about a great deal. Also many time I get Pamela's cookies or cookies from Glutino, Kinnikinnick or even Ener-G products. Also there is all kinds of mixes and so on. I love to get a great deal on gluten free stuff because it is so expensive. So in short think of what you can have and be positive just look around, take your time you will be surprised at what you will find. Have a great night. Pamela

Tonight tips on dining out!

2011-01-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

When we are new to this diet most people wonder if they can still eat out? The answer to that is yes. Here is what you do.
1. Do not be afraid to speak up and ask for a gluten free menu.
2.Explain your needs fully and if you feel that they do not under stand you ask for the kitchen manager or head chef.
3. Do not be afraid to bring your own salad dressing, bread or rolls, or crackers. No one will care and it takes the pressure off of the restaurant people to make sure that every thing is OK and not cross-contaminated with gluten. Remember they want your money and for you to come back again and have a good experience.
Their is so many places to eat out and most of them have a gluten free menu. Every one is getting on board and it is becoming big and that is good for you. From fast food restaurants like McDonald's to fine dining restaurants. You will not be alone. Be leave it or not I have found that Italian restaurants have the biggest menu options than any other type of restaurants. So go out enjoy, try some thing new and think positive it will be OK. Remember also that know matter if you eat out or in you always have a chance of getting cross-contamination that is a part of life with this diet. Eat to live, rather than live to eat. Take the chance!! Have a great night. Pamela

How to start a teenager on a gluten free diet!

2011-01-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

I know that when you look at the gluten free diet at first you may think that no way I can not do that! Thinking that this diet is the death of me I have to eat to live and I will never enjoy food again. My girl Lexi at the time was 16 and knew she needed to do the gluten free diet but did not want to give up the gluten. Of course she was always sick with tummy pain and acid reflex and had no energy and very grumpy. But to her it looked like she would never be normal and do normal things like going out to eat on a date. I knew that I had to help her to see that she would feel better and be happier if she would just try it. So one day when she was sick and in pain I gave her a challenge to give me one week of a gluten free diet. I told her I would cook all the things that she liked, pizza, brownies ,pasta, and I even made her a marble cheesecake her favorite. It only took three days she could see that it was not so bad and she felt really good and had more energy. She even went out on a date and it was not a problem at all. Most eating places have a gluten free menu and it was no big deal. So just give it a try. Needless to say she never cheats because it is not worth it. I just had to take little steps with her and let her do the rest. I told her that life is to short to feel not good all the time. This is her time to learn and make choices that will affect the rest of her life and this time will go fast! She is now in her second year in collage and lives with room mates doing great and even cooking gluten free. She has even educated her friends on her diet. So she has no problems everyone understands why she has to be gluten free. Just remember little steps and their will be a time that you can go for it to help them get started. Have a good night.
Pamela

Here is some more help for you!

2011-01-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

Books are a good way to learn and get started. Here is some of my suggestions.

Why you need protein!!

2011-01-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

Protein is very important and your body will tell you when you need it. Before you were on the gluten free diet your body was starving and you just did not know it. You were lacking protein and fiber because you could not feed your body cell through the normal way. That is your intestines for what ever reason that you have to be eating gluten free. When you do the diet right your body needs to get back to a healthy state meaning it starts with your blood since that is how your body feeds the cells throughout your body. So you will crave protein so listen to your body!! Eat more eggs, peanut butter,or any thing that you like that has high protein. My husband has on him always protein bars so when he needs it he has it. How he can tell when he needs it is he gets light headed, shaky, and not feel good at all and it comes on quick! It takes 20 minutes after he eats his protein bar to feel good again. So remember protein every day will do your body good. Have a great night.
Pamela

Something to think about

2011-01-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year that we start to think about what we want to accomplish in the up coming year. One thing that many think about is 72 hour kits and food storage. I would say that this is number one from what I here. I can help you with that. I have a great program I just don't have enough space or time to put it in my blog. So if you are interested in this please contact me. Leave me a comment on my blog along with your contact number and I will get back to you. I will not give out or post any of your information it will be just between you and me. I am a consultant on gluten free and I have been doing this for years. I am also a co-founder of the support group GIG at St. Marks hospital in Salt Lake City Utah.We have a very large group and our numbers go up every month. I also teach gluten free cooking classes and have been for seven years. I have been their! When I started doing the gluten free thing it was in the dark ages I call it. There was nothing out there and that was in January 2002. I think I did every thing the hard way and I would not want any one to go through what I went through. That is why I do what I do. So let me help you!
Pamela

A quick review

2011-01-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

I think it is good to review this subject on Carmel color, vinegar, and modified food starch. I get this question asked many times. So here it is. Carmel color is OK in less after it on the label it says from wheat. Most of the time it comes from corn. Vinegar, all vinegar is OK except for malt vinegar it is processed different and it is the only one processed that way. Modified food starch is OK in less behind it says from wheat. Wheat is one of the top food that people are intolerant of and it has to be stated on the label if it is in it. On the other hand barley they do not have to state. Their is only one other name that barley is under and that is malt. So any thing that has malt with it and it is two words is not OK . What I mean is it has to be also two words not one. For example malt flavoring, malt extract, malt vinegar, malt syrup, malted milk. If it is one word with malt in it it is some thing different like maltodextrin. This is OK it comes from corn, potato, and rice. So just remember one word OK, two words, no way! Simple to remember. If you have any questions please let me know. Have a great day.
Pamela

Tonight a recipe Hello Dollys

2011-01-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup ( 1 stick ) margarine
1 cup crushed GF cereal or cookies or even pie crust cooked
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
6 oz ( 1/2 package ) chocolate chips
6 oz ( 1/2 package ) butterscotch chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 325
In a 9" x 13" pan, melt the margarine. Add in cereal, cookie, or what you want to use and press in bottom to form crust or bottom layer. Add in layers the rest of the ingredients in the order listed. Bake for 30 minutes. When cool, cut in 1- to 11/2- inch squares. Makes 41/2 to 5 dozen cookies.

This is a very simple and good. This is for you Cindy good luck!!
Pamela

What is xanthan gum?

2011-01-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

I know that every one wonders why do we have to use xantan gum in all our baking. Here is the reason. Xantan gum is your binder in simple form. What it is made from? When the tiny microorganism called Xanthomonas Campestris is allowed to grow under the right conditions, it builds a protective covering around itself, a cell coat that possesses very special properties. If the organism is grown in a laboratory, large amounts of this cell coat can be removed by a chemical process ,dried, and milled to form a powder called Xanthan gum. The cell coat of the organism is somewhat similar to the protective shell surrounding a peanut. Both are polysaccharides, which means that they are long chains of simple sugars linked together. But they are joined by links that the human intestine cannot split apart. This means that they are not readily absorbed and that very few of the sugar units can be used by our cells for energy. Thus, the caloric value of xanthan gum is very low. It provides only 0.5 kcal per gram, one eighth of the amount provided by sugars that our bodies can fully utilize. Each tablespoon contains about eight calories. OK that is allot to say in big words so if you look at the ingredients on what you have all ready precooked ready to eat. You will see that xantan gum is in it. It is commonly used in cakes, breads, baked goods, sauces,and even soups. Amazing what this expensive powder can do. I hope that this will help you see why we have to use xantan gum. have a great night.
Pamela

A New Year A New Diet !!

2010-12-31T20:26:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to you. This is your year to feel better and be happier . If you are new to the diet you probable have know tis that your not so depressed as you feel better. Depression is common when you do not know why you were feeling so bad before you get your diagnosis. When you get diagnose you really see that you are depressed because you are lets face it in shock of having to change your diet to gluten free. After a short while you will see that this is not a bad diet. Food is different but good you don't have to miss out on a thing. It is still there every thing that you like to eat just gluten free. Soon you will know tis that life is great again and you are happy and most importantly you feel GOOD and have energy like you never had before. So hay have a Happy New Year.
Pamela

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

I have been on holiday so it has been several days. I hope you all had a great Christmas. My advice tonight is freezing is your friend . The reason why is what ever you have left over freeze it!! Baked goodies, Main dishes, or what ever you have left from Christmas. Gluten free doe's not stay good very long because it is different all the way around. It will go bad fast even in your refrigerator. Freezing will keep it fresher longer. Trust me it works.So just remember freezing is your friend. Have a good night.
Pamela

Information for you

2010-12-21T20:41:00.000-08:00

A little about me. In 2003 I co-founded a support group at St. Marks Hospital. A year latter we affiliated with GIG ( Gluten Intolerance Group ) . The group meets every second Tuesday of every month. It has been a great experience for me and believe it or not it grows every month. This is free for you just come. We can help you and get you on your way to the gluten free diet. I also have been teaching gluten free cooking classes since 2003 an tell today. I also work at a gluten free store called Against the grain a great place to shop at. You don't have to read labels just enjoy you can look at every thing and buy what you want knowing that it is OK . You see my life is gluten free helping people that is what I love to do! I am in Salt Lake City Utah the address for the store is 2292 west 5400 south. If you live close come in and see me I would love to talk to you. Have a great night!
Pamela

This is the big Christmas week

2010-12-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

I know that every one is running trying to get ready for Christmas. I here you me too. Christmas eve is at my brothers house and my assignment is funeral potatoes. So I just need to convert recipe to gluten free. Not a problem just think about it. All I have to change is the cream of chicken soup. This is simple make your own cream of chicken soup! You use chicken broth and thicken it with cornstarch, potato starch or tapioca starch then add milk and what ever seasonings you want and wa la you are there. Oh and on top gluten free corn flakes. I think they come out better this way more flavor and know one can tell. You are the best cook and definitely take the praise you deserve it. Have a great evening.
Pamela

About Last Night

2010-12-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

We had our support group GIG last night at St.Marks Hospital. It was fun to try out so many different kinds of cookies. Thank you all for your support!! The cookies that I made came out good also a new recipe from Tom Sawyer gluten free flour. It was so easy so I am going to post it for you to try. Remember that if there is some thing that you can not have change what you need to make it to work for you.

Chocolate Topped Cherry Cookies

2 1/4 cups Tom's flour blend
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup chopped, maraschino cherries
1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven 350 F

In a large bowl combine all ingredients, except cherries and pecans. Blend well at low speed. Stir in cherries and pecans; mix throughly. using a teaspoonful, shape into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Cookies will spread slightly. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool. Top with chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Frosting

2 Tbsp. cocoa
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. melted butter
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
3 cups powdered sugar

Mix first 4 ingredients till cocoa is dissolved. Mix in cherry juice. Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with enough HOT water until it is of spreading consistency. Frost cookies.
I also put some sprinkles on top. They were cute. This is very easy I hope you will try it. Have a good night.
Pamela

Did something new

2010-12-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I tried a new recipe from Namaste foods. It came our really good you need to try this!

Brownie Mint Ice Cream Cake
1 Namaste foods brownie mix
1/2 gallon mint chocolate chip ice cream - softened
1 container whipped topping - softened
15 crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
chocolate syrup

Bake brownies according to package directions in a 9x13 pan.
Spread softened ice cream in an even layer over brownies.
Spread even layer of whipped topping over ice cream.
Drizzle chocolate syrup over cake.
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly on top.
Refreeze for at least one hour before serving.

I have to say very easy! fun and very very good. My family loved it. Take a chance you will love it to!
Have a great night.
Pamela

Fast and simple!

2010-12-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

As I promised here is the rolo caramel pretzel recipe.

One bag rolo candies
A bag of pretzels twists, Glutino or Ener-G
A bag of pecans
Put some parchment paper on a cookie sheet . Put the pretzels down and put a rolo on top of it. Put as many on the cookie sheet as you can. Heat the oven to 200. Place the pretzels in the oven and cook for 7 minutes. The rolos will look shiny pull them out and press a pecan on top smashing the warm rolo on to the pretzel. Then enjoy! simple and fast. Have a great night.
Pamela

Some thing fun

2010-12-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

Ok so you may want to show people that gluten free foods are good, I mean look good ,taste good. So no one can tell it is gluten free. Maybe you don't want to cook OK! You really don't have to. There are great products out there. Glutino is very good with cookies, chocolate pretzels or even yogurt pretzels or just a simple pretzel and you can put a Rollo candy on top and melt it a little in the oven and it comes out great. Also there is Udi's they have great muffins, pizza crust,and cinnamon rolls. you can also get cookie dough WOW and Glutenfreedas are the best I think. There are so many Product out there. You just have to look and you will be amazed and so will they. Have fun with it.
Pamela

Going to holiday party's

2010-12-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

The last four nights I have been at holiday dinner party's. Tis the time to have the gluten free challenge. So far my husband has not had any good luck. In fact Saturday he got really sick on a gluten free menu item that we have had before. The reason I tell you this is that if you get through this season with out getting sick your doing great. You never know when some one that does not under stand what they are doing. Like for instance I think that they put croutons on my husbands salad. Then seeing that his order was with out croutons because his order was off the gluten free menu they just picked them off instead of remaking it. But I do not know fore sure that is just a possibility's. Just don't get discouraged this will happen from time to time. You still need to be normal and do things just like every one else. Remember this will not happen every time. So enjoy your holiday season, YOU will make it through. Have a great night.
Pamela

Baking tip tonight

2010-12-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

I know many of you are new to this diet and the shock of how much it cost to buy gluten free food is really hard to swallow. You might think that doing your recipes from scratch is cheaper. Sorry to say, You may be a great baker but gluten free is a whole different ball game in every way. By the time you buy all of the different flours and starches and add on other things like ultra gel, egg replacer, gelatin, and xanthan gum a must, and so on. The cost becomes very big. You want it to look good and taste good. Also you always have a big chance it will just not work out and I mean not at all. It will go in to the garbage and you will cry at the money you lost.This still happens to me and I have been doing this since the dark ages. Trust me start easy buy it all ready done get a feel on the taste and texture first.When you feel like you want to make some thing use a simple and I mean simple mix get how it works and feels and bakes out. It will be different! Take your time. Then after some time if you want to do recipes than go for it .This will be a cheaper way for you. And you will do better. And be happier with what you make.Good luck and good night.
Pamela

Something fun to do with leftovers

2010-11-30T19:42:00.000-08:00

One thing that we always have after Thanksgiving is leftovers. So how do use them and not get really sick of them? This is how! I used the leftover turkey, gravy and pie crust dough and made a turkey pot pie.I added diced potatoes, carrots, onions and celery. It came out great and it was some thing different that everyone loved. It only took 20 minutes to prepare and cooking time was 1 1/2 hour. Not to bad for a gluten free dinner. Coming up with ideas for dinner well can not be so fun at times. But just think of what you have on hand and go from there. Tonights dinner I used leftover pork roast and made pork and rice noodles very good also.Think and do. Have a great night.
Pamela

A almost success

2010-11-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made another attempt at donuts. I have been working on this for three years and they always turn to mush in the oil and burn and make a mess. This has been the hardest thing for me to figure out and it has cost me the most money at my fallers. So yes I do fell at things. Gluten free is not easy even though I have been cooking gluten free for years. I am still working on figuring out different baking things. So I am getting closer to my donuts I will not give up till I get it.This time they come out pretty good closest yet but I am still not their.When I do than you will know. I tell you this because I want you to not give up on your fallers. Keep working on it tell you get it and you will ! Have a great night.
Pamela

I hope every one had a good Thanksgiving.

2010-11-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

I hope that you had a good Thanksgiving and that you did get to eat every thing that you wanted to eat. Just think of it this way. If this is your first year at doing the gluten free diet you made it through it. Also hopefully it was not so bad! You did it. It will just get better and better. You will feel good and not be sick and be more happy. You will also know that Christmas wont be bad at all! Keep moving foreword. Your doing it.
Pamela

Just have a great day!!

2010-11-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight when you are getting ready to cook your turkey remember to make sure that the turkey is not injected with gluten to juice up your turkey. It is common that some of the turkey companies will do that. So just be where and have a great Thanksgiving.
Pamela

Tonight a fast and easy stuffing recipe

2010-11-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

I love this recipe we have used it for years. When we found out that we had to go gluten free. I just converted it to gluten free. It is easy and good. So here we go!
Pamela's own stuffing
4 cups dried cubed gf bread and I like to toast them in my oven but you don't need to do that it's your choice.
2 cups chicken broth
1 apple diced
1 onion diced
2 large carrots grated
1 cup fresh mushrooms chopped
1 cup celery chopped
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
Beat the egg and add it to your broth. Put all ingredients in a bowl. Mix together and put it in a turkey or in a baking dish. If in a dish cook at 350 for 50 minutes.
Have a good evening!
Pamela

We are now in the Thanksgiving week

2010-11-20T22:09:00.000-08:00

I know that we spend this time with our family to celebrate and give thanks for our freedom. Some thing you my consider is to share with your family about the odds of them having Celiac are very high. There is a 1 out of 10 chance they can end up with this to. Don't be afraid to do this! Show them that it is not so bad these days it is much easer to do the diet and not really that hard to fined gluten free food, and that it can taste good too. If they do not listen then you did your part. The rest they will in time or should I say see that you were right. I have seen this many times in many family's.So hay good luck and have a good evening.
Pamela

A small note tonight

2010-11-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

I know that their is old information out their. So just in case you have seen the old stuff and you are new. The three things that will not go away no madder how hard we try, I mean I work with GIG ( Gluten Intolerance Group) as a co-chair,and am a co- founder of the branch of the St Marks Hospital support group. 1 .Is Carmel color is OK unless it states it comes from wheat. 2. modified food starch is OK again unless it states it is from wheat. 3 All vinegars are also OK except for malt vinegar. Just a simple thing tonight good luck and I hope this makes life easer on you.
Pamela

New comer
All vinegars are processed in a way that no matter what it comes from it will be OK. But malt vinegar is not processed much so it is different and it comes from barley.

A look at the positive

2010-11-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Many times after you are diagnosis you wonder if I am doing the diet right? This is how you can tell. When you start the diet and you do it right your body is wondering where is the gluten. It needs to reacting to it so it get more sensitive. That means you will get sick if your body even scenes that your food you ate touched gluten or had a little gluten you will know general after about 30 minutes. Take this as a good sine because you are healing that is why your body is reacting this way.After about one year every thing will settle down and not be so sensitive but don't take me wrong you will still need to be on the diet but your body will be more use to it.There is a small percent of you that will no matter what you eat you will not get sick but most of you will. Always look for the positive you will adjust to the diet easer and will be more happy. Have a good night.
Pamela

If you are interested in a privet consultant I can help you

2010-11-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

I can help you with ...
The new diet change
Cooking
Setting up a duel kitchen
Shopping
Health benefits
Tricks to the cooking
How to do the diet while traveling
Eating out
How to convert your favorite recipes
Extra
My price is $25.00
Call me at 801-842-2180
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I hope you had a great weekend!

2010-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

Now that we are a week and half away from Thanksgiving I know that getting a turkey is on your mind. Please make sure that it is not injected with gluten to juice up the turkey. This is a common thing so read your labels. Look for Wheat, Malt or Barley. I do not want you to have a not so fun day like spending it in the bathroom. Just remember that thees company's like to not make any sense like putting gluten in it.There are many turkeys brands that are just fine not a big deal. Just remember to read your labels. Have a great evening!
Pamela

OK you made it another day

2010-11-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

I know that the holidays are coming so tonights tip is do not panic just remember chocolate. It is really good for you and most of it is gluten free.The most popular brands are. So just make sure their are no malt flavoring or malt of any kind and that they don't flour their molds with wheat flour.Most of them make sure that they are gluten free because this is a big issue now. So this time of year it is very stressful and this has been proven to help. So if you need it you need it and no one can say that you don't!
Also tonight one thing to remember about malt and the difference between maltodextrin and malt if it is one word like maltodextrin it is OK because that comes from corn,rice and potatoes. Malt sugar or two words malt what ever is from barley and not OK. So one word yes two words no. Have a great night!!
Pamela

Here is my promise to you

2010-11-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

I said that I would give a recipe and here it is. I hope this will help you on Thanksgiving!
Pie Crust Pam's own
2 1/2 cups gluten free flour mix
1 tea. baking powder
1 tea xanthan gum
1/2 tea salt
2 tea brown sugar
1 tbs almond meal
2/3 cup shortening
1 egg
1 tbs vinegar
2/3 cup cold water

In a medium bowl mix all dry ingredients together. Then cut in shortening to the size of a Lima bean. In a bowl put the egg vinegar and water mix together and add to the dry ingredients. You can mix by hand that is what I do or you can use a heavy mixer with a dough hook. mix all you gluten free are different from gluten. Press in to pie pans it makes three 9" crusts. cook the same way as regular pie crusts. If no filling just shell cook at 350 for 12 to 14 minutes until crust is lightly brown. Enjoy and have fun and if you need to change any of ingredients because you may not be able to have something that is in it do it!. It will be OK

Here we go!!

2010-11-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

To day is my first day. So I am going to tell you that I am going to do a demo at our support group tomorrow night at St. Marks Hospital 7:00 pm. Come and learn how to do pie crusts. My own recipe and it is very easy you can do it just come and see.