What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in the grains wheat, rye and barley.

The easy part is yes, we know that includes most breads and pastas, 

but did you realize gluten appears in additives and flavorings used 

in many packaged foods, such as soy sauce?

The "Gluten Free Diet" is not a fad.  

And, it's not a weight loss program. 

In fact, in my opinion it is not a "diet" at all.  

Eating gluten free is a necessity for people like my daughter, Melissa, 

who has Celiac disease, and for those like me who were not diagnosed with 

Celiac disease, but obviously have a huge list of ailments which have been

relieved by stopping eating gluten.  

I have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

also referred to as Gluten Intolerance. 

Yes, my doctor is very much aware of my health issues,

and the relief I have received from stopping gluten.   

~

So, why the photo of the refrigerated Pillsbury Gluten Free Pie Dough above, 

and the refrigerated Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough below? 

In my opinion, 

although processed products like this may not be the most healthy choice,

they certainly have made my Afternoon Teas easier to prepare and more pleasant for me! 

I do not endorse products, but I will continue to share some of my favorites.  

Gluten Free Cookies for Tea

 Today I made a quick stop at HomeGoods while I was in Lexington.

I always look for gluten free food items when I am in HomeGoods,

T.J. Maxx or Marshall's. 

I found a "gold mine" of gluten free cookies, perfect for afternoon tea.

 The brand is Glutennetto™

and they are described as Artisanal Italian Cookies.

Each package was only $3.99. 

What a great and easy addition to gluten free afternoon tea menu!

 I only purchased one package of each cookie, and wish I had purchased more at this price.

I also purchased the Baked Frosted Rice Snacks shown above.

There are 10 packs of 2 in each pack. 

This is a product of Japan.  I can definitely see using these

as a base for fruit tart or other toppings.

I'm already scheming on how to return to Lexington in the next day or so.



Gluten Free Cafe and Bakery

While in Louisville, KY this week, I used the

Find Me Gluten Free phone app to locate

Annie May's Sweet Café on Frankfort Avenue.

 There are only four small tables, but by the time our

lunch was ready, a table for three opened up.

Delicious sandwiches for Glenn and me, pizza and broccoli soup for Austin,

and a box full of cupcakes and sweets to take home.

 



 

Note:  the Find Me Gluten Free app, in my opinion, is a necessity for travel.

 

First Banquet Luncheon

This was a beautiful luncheon, in my 2nd month of being gluten free in 2013.

All I could eat was the salad.  I love salads so it was "ok"



Fortunately, I took my own gluten free crackers and few snack things,

including Dr. Lucy cookies in the Snack 'n Go Packs.

They go great with a nice cup of tea.

~

The event was catered so there was nothing extra in the kitchen.

I learned a lesson!

I always carry gluten free snacks, in an insulated bag.

Carrots and other cut up veggies with GF hummus is a favorite.

I like "munchy-crunchy" rather than "soft and chewy." 

Lesson learned: Always carry gluten free snacks with you.

Note:

All product information is strictly my opinion.

Celiac Disease or Gluten Intol

This photo was taken 5 years ago on my 60th birthday.

Daughter Melissa surprised me with an afternoon tea party

at Greentree Tea Room in Lexington.

This was before she was diagnosed with Celiac.

I had many of the same symptoms, but for years thought

I would just accept them as a way of life.

She was diagnosed and I followed 1 1/2 years

later eating a gluten free diet on my doctor's suggestion that I go wheat free.

  I decided if I was going wheat free, I might as well go Gluten Free.

Oh my goodness! 

What a difference eating gluten free has made in my life! 



 

I had so many of the symptoms on the above chart!