Saturday, December 5, 2009

Holiday Market a success!


Just wanted to say a special thank you to everyone who came out to the Holiday Market last weekend. I met a lot of wonderful people with gluten, dairy, and/or soy sensitivities (and some without), and all were very supportive of my efforts to increase our locally-made, allergen-free/allergen-aware food options.

The Ginger-Sorghum cookies, Maple Hazelnut Sunflower bars and Orange Cranberry loaves were a big hit, so thank you!

Now's the time to place orders for GFCF baked goods or gift baskets for the holidays. Order now through December 12 for pickup/delivery by December 20. (Email me for order forms.)

If you have any questions about ingredients, products, special or combo orders, etc, I'll be happy to send you more information or a price quote.

Be sure to subscribe by email or RSS feed to receive future updates, or send me an email to be friended on Facebook or Myspace.

Thanks again for your support!

be well,
Kat

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Holiday Market this Saturday!

Once your Thanksgiving food coma has worn off, come on out on Saturday to the Bloomington Holiday Market for some great gluten-free sweets and treats.

Where: Showers Plaza, near 8th and Morton
When: 10am-3pm, Saturday November 28

Look for my "Gluten-Free!" sign at the Bloomington Kitchen Incubator booth. Expect to find Orange Cranberry Bread, sorghum cookies, rich chocolate brownies, and apple muffins. (And maybe some surprises!) Full product and price list to be posted here before the event.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Celiac supplement in today's USA Today!

Media Planet and the Celiac Disease Foundation put out an excellent 12-page supplement on Celiac Disease signs, diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, and dining in today's USA Today. Check out this "Gluten Free Optimist" post, which contains a link to a pdf version available for download.

Gluten Free Optimist: USA Today Celiac Disease Supplement

(Just in case, here's the direct link to the pdf on the CDF website: "Celiac Disease, Your Guide to Living Gluten-Free")

*Remember, you could have Celiac Disease and not know it - not everyone has obvious (GI) signs. If you do suspect any kind of gluten sensitivity, please get tested for CD before removing gluten from your diet, to avoid incorrect diagnoses in the future.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

GF bread takes 2nd place!


The winners have been announced!

Kat's Orange-Cranberry Bread took 2nd place at the Fifth Annual Bread Fest, a baking contest and fundraiser supporting the Community Justice and Mediation Center of Bloomington. Over 25 breads were entered by professional and amateur bakers in three categories: quick, yeast, and celebration. My two entries were the only gluten-free options at the event!

I'm very excited about the recognition of this brand-new recipe, which pairs fresh cranberries with dried and candied orange peel for a tangy taste of autumn.

I'm especially pleased at the positive reception for a gluten-free entry -- it's thrilling to place over so many traditional wheat-based breads.

If you want to try some "award-winning" gluten-free bread for yourself, please come find me at the Bloomington Kitchen Incubator's booth at the upcoming Holiday Market on November 28. We'll be outside at Showers Plaza (next to the Saturday Farmer's Market) from 10am-3pm. I will have Orange-Cranberry mini-loaves and other gluten-free/dairy-free/soy-free items available for sale and sampling. (I'll post a full product list once I've decided on it :)

So dress warm... and come hungry! And thanks to everyone who came out to support CJAM tonight. Check out what they do at http://www.cjam.org/.

be well,
Kat

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Lemon-Olive One Pot Pasta

This is my favorite go-to meal whenever I am feeling a bit off, have had trouble eating that day, or just don't feel much like eating anything else: I can always eat this simple pasta dish.

The ingredients are few, and as with many of my other recipes you can switch out some ingredients if you don't care for them, or just want a little variety. I make this most often with mushrooms and Cerignola olives (the big green kind), but you can substite artichokes or white asparagus for the mushrooms if you wish. Seasonings are simple: cracked pepper, a little garlic salt, lemon juice, and Vegan Topping, if soy is not a problem for you.

I'm calling it a "one pot" pasta because you can cook all the ingredients in the pot you boiled the pasta in. Really, you need just a pot and a colander.

I'm going to leave the serving size and quantities up to you on this one -- I just measure it by eye.


Lemon-Olive One Pot Pasta

Ingredients:

rice vermicelli (I use the Medium size of a Chinese brand called "Guilin Vermicelli Just As Fresh One" - no kidding, it's a great name!)

Cerignola or other flavorful green olives

fresh white mushrooms (may substitute artichoke hearts or chopped white asparagus)

extra virgin olive oil

lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

Vegan Topping (optional)

garlic salt (optional)

cracked pepper (optional)


Cook the rice vermicelli according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, cut the olive flesh from the pits and slice the mushrooms.

After the pasta is done, leave it to one side and gently saute the olives and mushrooms in olive oil in the pot you cooked the pasta in.

When the olives and mushrooms have softened, add the pasta back to the pot, adding lemon juice to taste and olive oil to coat. (If you don't add enough oil, the pasta will burn.) Add Vegan Topping, if using, and adjust liquids as needed - the Vegan Topping will cause the lemon juice to thicken noticeably.

Add cracked pepper and a dash of garlic salt to taste. Serve hot.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Celiac symptoms checklist

Here's an interesting checklist for Celiac symptoms, put up by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness:

http://www.celiaccentral.org/disease-symptoms-checklist/

Please note that this list may not contain all symptoms or related medical conditions that may indicate gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, and/or Celiac Disease.

If you suspect Celiac Disease as a cause for your symptoms, it is important to get tested before eliminating gluten from your diet. Always check with your doctor.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

What grains are safe for Celiacs?

Ever wished you had a comprehensive list of all the safe and unsafe grains to give to friends and family members? Here's a good one put together by the Celiac Sprue Association.

Each grain (or term) on the list is described and coded: with a green symbol if it's considered gluten-free; a red symbol if it is considered unsafe; and a yellow symbol if there is some uncertainty or debate about the grain, or a high risk of cross-contamination.

http://www.csaceliacs.org/gluten_grains.php