Mesquita Bread, Gluten-Free Artisan Bread/Rolls from Portugal

Mesquita Bread, Gluten-Free Artisan Bread/Rolls from Portugal

Ok...so this isn't actually about Gluten-Free Travel.  But this is about a really great Gluten-Free bread or roll recipe from Portugal.  So that counts as travel right?

DRY INGREDIENTS

2  Cps Gluten Free Baking Flour Blend (extra for dusting)

½  Cp Potato Starch

½  Cp Tapioca Flour

1/3  Cp Cornstarch

½  Tbl Xanthan Gum

1 ½  Tsp Salt

3  Tbls Granulated Sugar

1  Tbl Active Dry Yeast

LIQUIDS

2 Large Eggs

4 Egg Whites

4 Tbls Oil

1 Tsp Cider Vinegar

1 ¼ Cps Water

BAKING DIRECTIONS

1. In a med sized bowl, measure all of the dry ingredients, except the Yeast.

2. Stir or whisk dry ingredients well.

3. Combine liquids in a separate bowl and mix or whisk well.

4 Warm liquids to about 120 Degrees, (20 to 30 seconds in Microwave)

BEFORE mixing the dry and wet ingredients together:

5. Lightly grease cookie sheet, use a Paper towel. Wipe off any excess.  If making bread then lightly oil loaf pan.

6. Coat a large cutting board or smooth surface with some additional Gluten-Free Baking Flour. Be generous, the dough is sticky to touch.  Skip this step when making the loaf of bread.

7. Sprinkle yeast over the top of the dry ingredients and pour liquid mixture over the top and mix with a wire whisk till it thickens, and then use a rubber spatula to finish folding it in 2-3 minutes until it is smooth. It will be soft and sticky to the touch.

8. With the spatula form the dough into a ball in the bowl you mixed it in using the spatula to slide the dough onto the floured smooth surface.

9. Sprinkle a generous amount of Gluten-Free Baking Flour on top of the dough ball.

10. Use some of the flour on your hands and push down, and smooth out the dough ball to about ½ to ¾ of an inch thick.  This does not need to be perfect and you do not want to handle the dough too much at this stage

11. Choose a glass or a plastic cup that has an opening about the size of the roll you want.

12. Use the glass or cup like a cookie cutter and press it into the dough, then place the cut outs on your oiled cookie sheet. Lightly cover the cookie sheet with Saran Wrap to prevent any drafts on the dough. Place cookie sheet in a warm area. Let rise until double in size,

13. Preheat oven to 375, remove plastic wrap from cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Rolls should be light brown on top surface and crusty when you tap on it.

14. Remove from oven and place rolls on a wire rack to cool.  Makes about a dozen depending on the size you choose.  Maybe only 11 if you can't resist a nice freshly baked roll with butter

TO MAKE BREAD:

1. Lightly oil a 9-x-5-inch loaf pan.

2. Scrape Dough ball into loaf pan, lightly cover with plastic wrap, and let rise to double in size. This takes about an hour. You do not need to coat the dough ball in flour for this method.

3. Pre heat oven to 375

4. Bake 40-45 minutes or until lightly browned and it should sound a little hollow when tapped on. If it is browning too fast then lightly place a piece of aluminum on the top.

5. Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Or at least cool enough that you do not burn yourself when eating it off the rack :-)  

Carolanne LeBlanc

Website:  http://glutenfreeforlifeexpo1.blogspot.com

Email:  GlutenFreeforLifeExpo@Gmail.com

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida

Meeting:  4th Saturday of every month except December

               Imperial Palms, East Clubhouse

               101 Imperial Palm Drive

               Largo, Florida  33771

Gluten-Free & Allergen Friendly Wellness Event, Jacksonville FL

Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event

Just recently, a friend and I drove 4 hours to go to the Gluten-Free Allergen Friendly Wellness event in Jacksonville Florida.  I normally like to make it a get-away weekend…get a hotel room for two nights, drive over on Friday and then home again on Sunday.  Then I relax and spend the entire day Saturday at the event, wandering the Vendors tables, listening to the Speakers, making new connections, wandering the Vendors tables again :-)  If I can, I leave Saturday night open to getting together with others from the event for dinner.  People that I’ve chatted with, Speakers, even an occasional Vendor…we’ve all got to eat! lol

If you’ve ever asked if it was worth it to travel to one of these Gluten-Free Events my answer is always a resounding ‘yes’!  Personally, I love going to the events.  Mostly to be able to stand in a room filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of people who totally understand what I live through every day.  They get it!  And I get to talk to them, meet people face to face who know what it’s like to monitor every bite, read every label, research every new product. I’m not a shy person, I love to start a conversation.

If you ever see me at an event please stop and say hi!  I would love to talk with you.  I remember my very first Gluten-Free event…I had no clue what to expect.  When I saw the convention hall filled with nearly 1,500 people I was in awe! I spent so much time talking to people that I never even got around to trying any of the samples.  Thank goodness my daughter was with me…she filled my bag with all kinds of goodies for me to try later.  Back in the hotel room it was like opening up a treasure when she dumped the bag out so we could go through it.

This past event had some great speakers too!  Jenna Drew (DoTerra), Jennifer Cuevas (Gluten & Grain Free Gourmet), Dana Martin (ABC Gluten-Free), Julia Mcrae, (Certified Nutritionist), Beth Mincher (Elemental Wellness), Jennifer Eccleston (Jen Tilly Tea), and Nikki Everett (GFAF Wellness Events)  Real people who walk and talk my lifestyle.  Real people who are available to have a conversation with, or join for dinner, or ask questions of and receive honest, down to earth answers in simple English.

Another reason for going to a Gluten-Free event is of course the new products and services!  Even those huge national manufacturers will often use these events to introduce new, never been seen in stores, product. Brand new, small, local businesses looking for loyal customers will be there eager to show off their ideas.  In Jacksonville I found several, new to me companies, with products I just love!  Cookies from Caly’sKitchen, sauces from H & B Gourmet Foods, paleo snacks from InBite, simmer sauces from Saffron Road, burger buns from SmartBaking, and gravies from ZiZi’s Gourmet Gravy…a company so new they don’t even have a website yet.  

So at the end of the day I wandered the tables again, picking up anything I might have missed and buying products that I truly wanted to try at home. And if you purchase in bulk you can often get the best deal around. Vendors are more than happy to see you carrying out all their product just so they don’t have to!



If you're looking for a Celiac Friendly or Gluten-Free event in your area check here:  Gluten-Free for Life Expo  And don't be afraid to travel a bit to attend one of these great events!

CarolAnne Le Blanc

Gluten-Free Naturally: https://glutenfreeforlife1.blogspot.com

Gluten-Free Travel:  https://glutenfreeinflorida2.blogspot.com

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida

Gluten-Free for Life is a section 501(c)3 charitable organization.

All gifts and donations are tax deductible in accordance with law

"A Copy of the Official Registration and Financial Information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state."  

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Let's talk Toilets! Gluten-Free Travel

Let's talk Toilets!  Gluten-Free Travel

Before I leave on any vacation I do a little research first.  Of course, what can I eat is always a big one…especially since we enjoy experiencing the foods particular to wherever we roam.  I do draw the line at bugs and raw proteins though, even if two of my travel mates occasionally enjoy a taste.  I also research toilets and bathroom etiquette. My travel mates think that’s pretty funny…but they’re not ashamed to take advantage of my research, trust me. Am I obsessed with toilets? No, I’m not.  But living with Celiac Disease all my life, two pregnancies and being born without ‘outdoor plumbing’ as my Mom called it, I’ve learned to pay attention to where the toilets are.

Here in the States public restrooms are pretty easy to find.  There are rest stops along the highways…and Fast Food places are always an easy stop.  Grocery Stores are too. Gas stations…if the doors are outside you’ll need to go inside and ask for the key. Stores and Shops…you may see little signs in the front window stating restrooms are for customers…just become a customer and you’re good.  Hotels and Motels are options for emergency stops…the bathrooms are usually right off the main lobby…perhaps near the pool area.

PAY TOILETS:  I can’t remember the last time I saw a pay to go bathroom here in the States.  But I’m certain there are still a few around. They used to be just simple coin meters placed right on the stall doors.  At large festivals and fairs you’ll often see Bathroom Attendants with tip jars.  Show them you’re glad to have a clean place to stop by putting something in their tip jar.  And don’t be too surprised if you see them put their hand out for you.  They’re actually trying to earn a living by cleaning up after you. And trust me, at some of these large events that's a lot tougher than you might realize.

In other countries you may be asked to pay a few coins to use the facilities…don’t be a stingy tourist.  It’s possible that attendant is trying to earn a living to put food on the table at home.  If you see little packets of paper offered…take one.  Toilet Paper or Paper Towels…it generally means that item is not available inside.  These are the times when it becomes very important to carry your own toilet paper and antibacterial wipes.  Depending on the country you’re visiting you may be able to find a toilet…but on occasion not much else.  Be prepared.

CRUISE SHIPS:  Their main goal is your comfort and safety…they want you back…so clean, easily accessible, toilets are just about everywhere.  On board, in customs, in port, on excursions…finding a bathroom is generally not a problem.  The further you get away from the ship things may begin to change a bit…but don’t be afraid to ask.  Touristy areas can be very accommodating…again, they want you back.

TO FLUSH OR NOT TO FLUSH:  That is the question. There are still many places in the world where the indoor plumbing is not designed to handle anything more than human waste. So flushing the used paper is taboo.  If that’s the case you’ll often see a small sign on the door (if there is a door) and a trash bin right near the toilet. If you forget to toss the used paper and end up flushing it instead, don't panic. But do try to remember the next time.

ALWAYS GO BEFORE YOU GO:  In many countries businesses frown on people wandering through just to use the bathroom.  So a good rule of thumb whether you’ve been shopping, eating or drinking at an establishment is to always use the facilities before you leave.

SQUAT OR SIT:  Yes, this is the option depending on the country you’re visiting. I remember as a child wondering about the footprints I’d occasionally see on the toilet seats at the Shopping Mall.  Some countries use raised commodes, or toilets, while others still prefer squat toilets that are truly not much more than a hole in the floor with places on either side for your feet.  Even if you’re lucky enough to find a familiar raised commode don’t count on there being a toilet seat. We spent two weeks in Peru from Lima, to Cusco, to Aqua Caliente, to Puerto Maldonado, and back to Lima. Everywhere we went it was the same...no toilet seats...in restaurants, in market places, in stores, even in the eco lodges. It didn’t matter the quality of the establishment – we were taking our chances when visiting the restrooms.

So remember…just because you’re comfortable using whatever system you may have grown up with, doesn’t mean the rest of the world is the same.  Be prepared to be flexible, make adjustments as needed and certainly don’t let any minor inconveniences spoil your trip.  You’re on vacation to enjoy yourself…not worry about potty time.  With two bad knees I’ll never use one of those squat toilets…so you won’t see me traveling to any country that uses them.  But that would certainly never stop me from traveling to any other country…and yes, I actually used that toilet in the Amazon Jungle. Notice the small trash bin nearby? And no I did not forget to flush...we were in the middle of the Amazon Jungle.  No plumbing...just an occasional bucket of water to clear the pipes.  And in spite of that it was an absolutely amazing trip!  Next year I guess I'm going to learn how to use a Bidet.  I've never used one before but apparently they're in the house we rented in Portugal.

I remember visiting a friend once who was very proud that her home had indoor plumbing.  On the second floor no less!  Turned out it wasn’t much more that a toilet with a piping system that connected to the outhouse in the back yard…and a bucket of water!

Now if you really want to talk to someone who is obsessed with toilets check out the Toilet Guru!

Carolanne LeBlanc

Website:  http://glutenfreeforlifeexpo1.blogspot.com

Email:  GlutenFreeforLifeExpo@Gmail.com

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida

Meeting:  4th Saturday of every month except December
               Imperial Palms, East Clubhouse
               101 Imperial Palm Drive

               Largo, Florida  33771

Safe Travel Kit, Gluten-Free Travel

Safe Travel Kit, Gluten-Free Travel

JET LAG:  This trick makes your first day seem endless, but it’s so worth the effort.  Where ever you’re going, no matter how long it takes to get there, no matter what time you arrive…DO NOT go to sleep until at least 9:pm the evening of whatever time zone you end up in. We use our first day to settle in, find our rentals, locate the house, unpack our luggage, do a bit of grocery shopping, and talk about our plans for our visit.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: is very effective adsorbent for diarrhea resulting from getting glutened, food poisoning, bacterial infection, or virus.  If you’re taking any medications please be certain to take them at least 2 hours apart from the charcoal.  Also, make sure you hydrate well to prevent constipation after taking activated charcoal.  In addition, be careful to avoid activated charcoal that’s been combined with sorbitol. Sorbitol can act as a laxative!

ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES:  I’m not a big fan of antibacterial anything…I feel many of us fear germs far more than necessary.  It may sound contradictory, but exposure to germs is necessary to strengthen our immune systems. HOWEVER, when it comes to using strange toilets I’ve discovered the value of Antibacterial Wipes.  Buy those travel packets, make certain they’re the antibacterial type, then keep some in your purse or backpack, more in the rental car, and the rest in your luggage for future use.

ELECTROLYTE MIX:   Sea Salt, Baking Soda, Raw Sugar added to a glass of Lemonade is great for replacing any electrolytes lost during a ‘bad’ day on vacation. And if you can find those dried lemon crystals even better! Mix equal portions (salt/soda/sugar/crystals) in a small container and toss them into your travel bag.  Then simply add 1 tsp (1/2 tsp for children) of the mix in your bottled water and sip throughout the day.

GINGER:  Any way you like it, capsules or candy, it’s great for nausea and sea-sickness. You can also order ginger ale to drink as often as you like.  Ginger has a long history of being used to treat nausea, stomachaches, and diarrhea.

GRAPEFUIT SEED EXTRACT:  Works wonders for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections including yeast infections as well as those nasty little stomach bugs you occasionally find when drinking strange water.  When I picked up that bug in Peru, this was a vacation saver for me.  I have the liquid concentrate in my bath kit.  All it takes is a few drops in some bottled water.  And apparently now you can even purchase it as a capsule…which is exactly what I plan to do next trip. 

IMODIUM:  Yes, it’s a permanent item in my bath kit. No, I don’t take it any more often than is absolutely necessary. If your system is trying to expel something it doesn’t want inside it’s foolish to try and stop that process. It does come in handy on occasion if a long travel trip is planned and you’re feeling a bit iffy.  Or after you’ve already spent the day getting rid of whatever was bothering you and you want to venture out the next day.

LATEX-FREE BAND AIDES:  Before I got my Dermatitis Herpetiformis under control I went through hundreds of these. Not so much any longer, but they’re still in my bag every trip. My fingers used to crack and bleed something awful. I used these little babies to 'stitch' things up many times. They saved me from a lot of pain and discomfort. If the bandage is too wide for the area...simply cut one in half lengthwise...then wrap as usual.  This little trick worked great if I had to apply one around a toe or between two knuckles. 

PEPPERMINT:  I love Peppermint, tea or candy they both work great for many tummy issues.  Thanks to its calming and numbing effect, peppermint relaxes your stomach muscles so that bile can break down fats and food can move through the stomach quickly.  However, if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should not use peppermint. 

TOILET PAPER:  Yes, Toilet Paper. Just because you love your comforts of home, doesn’t mean you’ll find them everywhere you travel. Get a roll of your favorite Toilet Tissue, unroll it, and break it down into 3 or 4 packets and put them into Ziploc baggies. Keep one in your purse or backpack, another in the rental car, and the rest in your luggage for future use.

VITAMIN C:  Great for burns…even sunburns.  Make certain you pack the capsule form…not the chewable ones.  Dissolve a capsule or two in cool water and apply generously. Try to use distilled or filtered water only…remember you’ll be applying it to damaged skin so you honestly don’t want to be introducing more germs than necessary. 

Carolanne LeBlanc

Website:  http://glutenfreeforlifeexpo1.blogspot.com

Email:  GlutenFreeforLifeExpo@Gmail.com

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida

Meeting:  4th Saturday of every month except December
               Imperial Palms, East Clubhouse
               101 Imperial Palm Drive

               Largo, Florida  33771

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Gluten-Free Friendly

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Gluten-Free 

http://www.lowryparkzoo.org

Winner of 4.5 stars from TripAdvisor, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern US, with over 800,000 visitors annually. The mission of the Zoo is "to connect people with the living earth." One of its most important conservation programs is the Manatee Hospital, the only nonprofit critical care facility of its kind in Florida.

I love the Zoo…and the Aquarium.  I think it’s left over memories of days spent with my Dad.  And we’re lucky to have a really nice Zoo right here in Tampa.  It’s not a huge Zoo, so spending a full day is not difficult and not exhausting. The Zoo emphasizes endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from climates similar to that of the Tampa Bay region, with park areas devoted to Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida.  Which is actually pretty smart since it cuts down on enclosed, climate-controlled spaces and allows the animals and birds to be kept in comfortable open air environments.  And I love that even though the entire place is outdoors, there are tons of shady areas with plenty of places to sit and enjoy.

September was a ‘freebie’ entrance fee for us so after 3 weekends of rain we decided to take the plunge on our last Sunday and attempt a day at the Zoo. Now when I say ‘comfortable’ don’t be misled…this is Florida after all…it’s the sub-tropics. That means the Zoo is one place you won’t normally find me during the summer.  With temps in the 90’s and humidity in the 80’s I’m definitely spending my time some place with air-conditioning.  This trip wasn’t too bad because it was overcast and grey all day while we were there.  So the animals were out, doing their animal thing, and much more interactive then they are when they’re sleeping in the shade away from the intense heat of the Florida sun. 

As we were leaving the driveway for the day I had told my daughter that I was going to walk on the wild side and I wasn’t bringing any Gluten-Free snacks.  She understands that can be a real challenge for me, but I figured we’d only be a few hours and home was only minutes away…I would survive.  Bringing food into the Zoo is not difficult…but it does pay to be discreet. They do frown on any disposable plastics because they can endanger the animals.  And most certainly bring something that won’t melt in the Florida heat…because you will be outside. 

First stop for us was to pick up a Scooter for me.  I have a mild walking disability and one of those electric Scooters means I can keep up with my girls and not be a drag.  And for $25.00 for the entire day it’s a lot cheaper than the ones at those big parks.  Our next stop was to feed the Lorikeets…that’s always a favorite!  Except perhaps when one lands on my head!  Bird poop in the hair is not a pleasant way to spend the day. The Lorikeets are hand fed a mixture of juice/honey/water and they absolutely love it.

After wandering around for a bit, the girls got hungry & thirsty so they stopped for some chocolate milk and a doughnut.  I knew they wouldn’t have anything there for me so I didn’t even ask. I figured I’d get a cold soda later…so when we stopped for them to ride the Carousel I wandered over to the Sweet Shop to investigate.  I was totally surprised to find they had a whole cabinet with Gluten-Free treats!  Rice Krispy Bars, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brownies and Peanut Butter Cookies…nice :-)  By the time the girls got off the Carousel they found me happily enjoying a brownie while I waited.  I did share though.

We skipped over lunch, the Safari Grill was closed for a private party and the Garden Grill was over at the Main Gate and we weren’t ready to leave.  It’s my understanding that Gluten-free menu options are available at the Zoo restaurants but you’ll need to speak to a Food and Beverage team member for assistance.  We were more interested in stopping at Chili’s Restaurant on the way home for what the kids like to call L’inner.  So after the Giraffe’s they settled for some nachos and cheese to hold them over and I simply got a bag of chips and a drink.

We ended up spending the entire day wandering the Zoo and enjoying some great family time together.  The weather held out for us…we didn’t even need sunscreen this trip…and we left late in the afternoon just before the thunderstorms began.

Carolanne LeBlanc

Website:  http://glutenfreeforlifeexpo1.blogspot.com

Email:  GlutenFreeforLifeExpo@Gmail.com

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida

Meeting:  4th Saturday of every month except December
               Imperial Palms, East Clubhouse
               101 Imperial Palm Drive
               Largo, Florida  33771

Carnival Cruising Gluten-Free

Carnival Cruising Gluten-Free

http://www.carnival.com/

Hello everyone! Just thought I'd put my 2cents in on cruising. I've been taking cruises for years...on just about every line.  I have to say that for the price Carnival is probably my favorite.  It seems to be younger cruisers...activity is planned pretty much around the clock if you want to participate...and I honestly find the rooms to be some of the most comfortable.

Which is why we booked Carnival last Spring for a little Family Reunion on board Carnival Sensation. And I did the whole thing GlutenFree with no problems at all…starting with dinner at Port Canaveral. We arrived the night before departure and went out to dinner at Fish Lips in port. They had a GF menu with quite a bit of selection.  They even had a most incredible dessert that I ordered to go...just because I could...and enjoyed it later that evening in my hotel room.

The cruise was easy. There is a form you'll need to fill out when you book your cruise. It's really simple and you can get it online or from your travel agent. I got mine from my travel agent…filled it out…and emailed it in...a copy to the cruise line, and a copy to my travel agent just to be certain.

Once on board I checked in with the main dining room just to warn them I was there and would need a GF meal plan. They told me to come back at dinner time and speak with the Matre'd…which I did. She was great!! She handled all my meals from then on. The first night my choices were limited to what was already prepared and would be GF…but she knew what was available. Then each night she would bring me the menu for the following evening and I could choose ANYTHING that I wanted and it would be prepared GF just for me. Anything!!  Oh joy!!  I even ordered Crab Cakes one night.  I haven't had a decent Crab Cake in years.  Heaven :-)  The only thing I didn't enjoy was the bread…it was that white rice cardboard that most of us have tried at least once since going GF. I'm pretty certain no Chef has ever actually tasted that stuff...or they'd be using it to scrub down the sinks instead of serving it with their wonderful meals.  Dessert was no choice…but different every night and delicious!!

Breakfast in the morning was in the Main Dining Room again and totally Gluten-Free. We discovered some time ago that the Food Services on ship are all done under some incredibly strict rules and guidelines and the food and service in the Main Dining Room make it the safest place to eat.  So every morning we met at the Dining Room for breakfast and I got the fluffiest GF pancakes every day with fresh fruit, eggs and bacon. I didn't bother with the bread.  In fact…as soon as I got home I wrote them a letter introducing both Udi’s & Rudi’s breads and baked goods.  I’ve since heard back that they would consider them…but nothing since.

Lunch on the Lido deck was a bit more challenging…since I had no-one to guide me or ask questions of. As always the Wait Staff were all very knowledgeable and understanding even though their options were much narrower. But when I wanted something more than breakfast or dinner it really worked out pretty good. I just had to be a little more selective and careful.

Carolanne LeBlanc

Website:  http://glutenfreeforlifeexpo1.blogspot.com

Email:  GlutenFreeforLifeExpo@Gmail.com

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida

Meeting:  4th Saturday of every month except December
               Imperial Palms, East Clubhouse
               101 Imperial Palm Drive
               Largo, Florida  33771

Keeping it clean...and Gluten-Free

Keeping it clean...and Gluten-Free

People often ask me what the best way to get started is.  My house is 100% Gluten-Free and has been for many years.  Some families maintain that without going 100% they can still keep a safe environment.  I’m afraid I have a hard time believing this and truly can’t recommend it.  I have Potluck Dinners every month in my home, and large Potluck Parties 3-4 times a year at my house, and those are the only times gluten might find its way into my house. My friends and family know my needs, and they’re truly, extremely careful in my home.  But there have been occasions after an event where I’ve found myself spending the next few days sick.

After which I go back to the beginning and clean my kitchen from top to bottom once again.  If you're transitioning from eating gluten to a gluten-free/wheat-free life the first thing to do is clean, clean, clean. Empty all the cabinets and wipe down all surfaces…I like to use those anti-bacterial wipes only because I know it may be quite a while before I ever do anything like that again. I may even sprinkle a little borax into the corners just because I live in Florida and bugs like to share everything. Overhead cabinets, and underneath cabinets, all counter tops…everything should be pulled out and every surface wiped down. Don't forget to clean the fridge and freezer too. It's going to take time…so I suggest you handle one major area a day and don't feel like you have to handle it all at once.

Use the dishwasher…a lot. In fact I have a rule in my home…if it doesn't fit into the dishwasher it goes into the trash. So run as much as possible through the dishwasher before putting it back into the cabinets. There are times when I’ll even wash the same load twice, letting is run through an entire cycle.  The second time I don’t use any soap but add about 2 cups of white vinegar instead.  Hand wash everything else and rinse, rinse, rinse. As you're putting things away do a quick inspection of anything that might be tough to clean…like those pots and pans…anything with cracks and crevices. Run your fingers over the surfaces…any bumps or lumps are suspect and need to be cleaned off or you may need to consider tossing the items. If you can see any metal through the scratches on non-stick surfaces those will need to be tossed anyway…so don't waste your time cleaning them. Deep non-stick scratches are great hiding places for gluten and every time you use the pan you're poisoning yourself with the exposed metal anyway.

You’ll need to replace your toaster, and perhaps anything plastic or wood.  I kept my first toaster oven, but scoured it clean and then ran everything removable through the dishwasher.  Keep in mind the more smooth, and less porous the surface the better when replacing your kitchen tools.  Personally, I love glass and use that as often as possible for prep, cooking, baking and storage.  Glass cleans up beautifully and I have no worries when others borrow something for their glutenous foods. I only use wood cutting boards and spoons, even those get thrown in the washer, then get treated with oil before being put away. 

Read the labels of all food items as you're putting them away. If you're feeling ambitious go ahead and give the packages a wipe down with one of those anti-bacterial wipes too. Sort out any suspect items and set them aside to be donated to a food pantry. If you really can't part with a favorite item…then Google it. Go to Google.com and type in the name of the product along with the words "Gluten-Free" and then see what comes up. You can make your decision then as to whether you should keep it or give it up. I generally have a rule that if I can't read the ingredients or pronounce the words I don't buy it and don't use it. For me the fewer ingredients the better; I avoid processed foods as much as possible.

Going Gluten-Free can seem so overwhelming and you feel like you're losing many of your favorite foods. After 25 years I still look at a good donut and just sigh…ah well. I have many friends who keep a Gluten-Free home, and save their glutenous desires for when they eat out or visit friends :-)

Carolanne LeBlanc

Website:  http://glutenfreeforlifeexpo1.blogspot.com

Email:  GlutenFreeforLifeExpo@Gmail.com

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida

Meeting:  4th Saturday of every month except December
               Imperial Palms, East Clubhouse
               101 Imperial Palm Drive
               Largo, Florida  33771