Gluten Free Hurricane Preparation ~

I realize that it would have been helpful for Celiacs caught in Hurricane Sandy, myself being one of them, to perhaps have read this blog prior to the actual hurricane and all the devastation that's been left in its wake, however, that would have required the electricity still being turned on! And as millions of us know, we've been without power for quite some time...and millions are still without. Here in Portsmouth, Rhode Island (just a few miles inland from Newport), we were lucky enough to have the lights back on this evening - a small miracle given the scale of this monstrous and damaging storm.

In the days leading up to this huge storm, it was truly hard to know which direction it was heading and which states/areas would truly be effected by its wrath. Having just arrived in Rhode Island this past Thursday night to visit family, we still weren't sure if this part of New England would be hit, so for the first 36 hours we were taking things with a grain of salt. As Sandy continued on her northbound path we started making lists of what non-perishable food and supplies we might need in the event the situation turned dire, or we were out of power for three-plus days. It all seemed rather straightforward until I was starkly reminded (duh!) that I'm the only Celiac in the family - out of seven family members, I'm it! That means I can't eat boxed whatever or survive on cold Spaghetti-O's or any of the other 'typical' unhealthy products that tend to rule when the elimination of stoves, refrigerators, and the use of kitchen supplies goes out the window. And being in this more rural, small city I was so relieved to remember that the Green Grocer, a delightful little market loaded with gluten-free products just down the road, would be my saving grace...and it has been!

I seriously thought about what I could safely eat after a few days when all perishable items have passed their prime and I'm left with only gluten-free products that can't expire, but would still offer some kind of nutritional value - - not so easy but here's the list I put together and supplies I've had on hand all week and still snacking on tonight as the rain is steadily falling. Fortunately, our situation did not turn dire...scary, yes and a very long night of super-high winds and pelting rain with the fear of trees falling on to my brother's home, but thankfully we were spared from any rising flood waters or other severe dangers.

The idea at this point is to be prepared, knowing that you can never be sure what life's going to throw at you or where you might find yourself -- be it a natural disaster or (as I can also thoroughly attest to) days of unexpected travel delays on foreign soil with nothing more than Larabars to sustain you!

Gluten-Free Hurricane Survival List:

First priority - Tons of bottled water!!

Fresh:
- Buy as many fruits as you know you can consume within a 72 hour period that don't require that much (if any) refrigeration: Bananas, apples, oranges, raspberries, blueberries.

- Same (obvious) rule applies for veggies and chopping and bagging will also make them more manageable: carrots, cucumber (slices), zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower.

Nutritional Bars: These little beauties can sustain me for days, assuming that I'm also drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated, while adding in some fresh fruit and bits of additional protein.
- LaraBar
- KindBar - LOVE the Cranberry + Almond
- thinkThin - Peanut Butter bars
- Nogii Bars

Granola: This is always a staple - can serve as breakfast, lunch or dinner or a great snack. I use almond milk with my granolas, which can be left un-refridgerated for several days without issue.
- Udi's 
- Trader Joe's
- Bakery on Main

Dried Fruits & Raw Nuts:
- I always keep bags of assorted fresh almonds, cashews, pecans, and pistachios loaded with dried cranberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, name your favorite and mix. They can maintain their freshness for weeks and provide a body with a good amount of fiber, omega 3's and protein. 

Chips, salsas and hummus: Though hummus is usually refrigerated, it can be left out for a day or two and remain edible and fresh. 
- Food Should Taste Good - I love all of their chip/crackers
- Blue Diamond Nut Thins - Delicious and fulfilling - can be used as mini-sandwhiches instead of bread
- Kettle Potato Chips
- Organic popcorn - can make in advance or buy bags that are prepared with olive oil and sea salt

I've been reminded once again that living a 100% gluten-free existence is a challenge. But never has it been more true than this week finding myself in the middle of my first full-fleged hurricane, with the fear of being dependent solely upon my own thorough preparedness. Though I didn't have to go for days on end without power or clean water, my gluten-free supplies I stocked up on were indeed good choices, and I felt secure knowing I could sustain all week, eating safely without any cross-contamination from the other six family members' crumbs!

I hope this blog and list will serve as helpful in the future for you in the event it's needed.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of our fellow countrymen here on the east coast who are in the midst of such peril and facing unbelievable challenges that lie ahead.

Be safe.

Sandy, please go away now!

Gluten-Free Risotto ~

~ Delicious gluten-free cherry tomato & zucchini Risotto ~

I love Risotto, like a lot! Whenever I've spent time in Italy this dish, in its many varieties, has always been my 'safe' and staple meal that's always gluten-free and delicious. I mean if you can't eat amazing  risotto in Italia, then where on earth can you eat it, right?!

As summer's end slowly transitioned into a gorgeous fall out here in the west, the crisp and cooler mornings give way to warm, auburn-lit afternoons, that in turn melt into cool nights. This barometric transition seems to have a distinct effect on my taste buds causing them to long for warmer dishes, giving salads a deserved respite. So when my mom passed along this simple and colorful risotto recipe loaded with the colors of fall, I was very happy to oblige and bust out the saucepans and olive oil.

The beauty of this risotto is in the simplicity of ingredients and the fact that it's not ladened with creams or butter...okay, it only calls for 1tbsp of butter, but it's optional. The other treat that comes from cooking this dish is that it also calls for a 1/4 of white wine (not optionl!), which means that since you are required to open the bottle for cooking sake, it's almost a sin not to pour yourself a glass while actually cooking - are you following me here?...and who doesn't enjoy cooking and drinking, I mean really.

Now that there are some decent and semi-tasty gluten-free breads on the market, it's easy to accompany this dish with a simple yet perfect, bruschetta. Easy to make and just the right amount of crunch and flavor to accompany this heartier dish.

Cherry Tomato & Zucchini Gluten-Free Risotto ~

Makes about 7 cups:

In a saucepan heat and keep warm 4 3/4 cups gluten-free, low sodium (organic) chicken broth.
In another larger saucepan heat 1 tbsp of good Italian or Portuguese olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small minced shallot, 1 1/2 cups arborio rice and 1/4 cup white wine and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup warm broth; cook, stirring, until almost all liquid has been absorbed. Repeat until all broth has been added. With the last addition of broth stir in 10 oz of halved cherry tomatoes; cook, stirring, until thick and creamy, about 6-8 min. Stir in 1 tbsp butter (optional), 1/2 tsp sea salt and 2/3 cup of shredded fresh Parmigiano Regianno; serve immediately.

Gluten-Free Bruschetta ~ 

Bruschetta is made up of very simple flavors, and is, therefore, best if you make it with the highest quality and freshest ingredients you can find, but that's always the case when cooking! 

- 2 lbs. fresh tomatoes (roma, heirloom, beefsteak...whatever is in season is best) 
- 1/2 fresh onion
- 4 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper
- Gluten-free bread (I recommend Udi's whole grain or Rudi's...or if you're fortunate enough to live in the vicinity of Sun Valley/Ketchum, I'd stop by Cristina's for the BEST gluten-free focaccia you've ever eaten! P.S...she ships!)

Using a sharp knife, dice the tomatoes as small as you can. I try to aim for 1/4" cubes and try to mush or break the tomatoes as little as possible. *If you're opposed to using raw onions, you can also lightly sauté the chopped onion in a frying pan with a little bit of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper - that's what I do. It adds a sweeter deeper flavor to the bruschetta, and is an excellent variation to this recipe. Next, chop the fresh garlic and add it onto the growing pile of deliciousness. Add in some fresh basil to taste.  I used 3-4 large leaves, but there's no "right" amount. Add in the (good) extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper and mix the ingredients thoroughly.  

*If you've got the time, let the mixture setup for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, if you don't it's also delicious when eaten immediately. It's best to time it around the risotto and prepare ahead. 

Depending upon what type of GF bread you've chosen, determines what size you slice the pieces...if it's Udi's or Rudi's, I suggest 'halving' the slices. A proper bruschetta would use real hot coals to toast the bread, but it's perfectly understandable if don't have access to a slow burning fire moments before serving dinner - you need to be in Italy for that! Toast the bread in a toaster, or under the broiler if you've got a big batch. Once the bread is good and toasted, remove it from the oven and use a pastry brush to paint each slice of bread with olive oil. Finally, pile as much of the bruschetta as possible onto the freshly toasted bread, serve, and enjoy!


Buon Appetito!!

The Perfect Fall Day...

"I envy the tree,

how it reaches

but never holds." 

- Mark Nepo 

Rarely do I choose to use the word "perfect" when I write or speak, as it conjures up so many illusions of unattainable circumstances or outcomes...however, when it comes to using this word in reference to the gifts and works created by Mother Nature, it feels quite substantiated!

Today is one of those fall days which makes you beg, wish, pray, hope for duplication. The light has changed and the stillness of tree branches has arrived. It's a brief respite before fall begins to slip into winter, bringing cold gusts of wind and darkness...so capturing the exquisite "light" that's ascended upon us all for these precious few remaining weeks is a gift.

I carry my iPhone with me everywhere I go - it's the downside of the work I do but on the upside, my camera is always a swipe away, allowing me to capture moments in image that are worth keeping...
and sharing!

Happy Fall!

Vapor Trails....

The Grand Canyon is in view. I sat on the correct side of the plane this particular evening, grateful for the vista of such a work of art, personalized by Mother Nature, herself. 

What does it say about one's spirit or true character if they are to admit that some of their most enlightened and/or awe-inspired moments happen for them (okay, me) at 35,000 + feet above the earth? 

I'm lucky enough on this particular flight to be writing this post from the more comfortable front section of this flying vessel, a place called business class. Yes, I am drinking a cup of Chardonnay that's enlighten my mood a bit, on the tails of having to say goodbye to all whom I love the most this afternoon in So. California. As we speed past some of the most gorgeous cloud formations I've seen in a very long time I'm in congruence with the understanding of why a legend, such as Hemingway, experienced elations and inspiration in his writing endeavors via the tool and use of various forms of alcohol! At 35,000 feet, one simple glass of wine turns my own writer's brain on hi-speed...creating feelings of grandeur and effervescence for written words. Simple forms of beauty, such as thunderclouds and a view of the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, remind me of our planet's magnificence and splendor!

Flying in a plane is a privilege. It's a blessing in a sense, to view our planet from this elevated altitude and vantage point. Towering thunderstorms appear out my window like giant volcanos in the sky...as we swoop by I find myself mesmerized and starring at them as their formations twist and turn before my eyes, seemingly tempting us with their turbulence. But the jarring and shaking they throw at our airplane is no comparison to this thing called LIFE, which inevitably awaits our impending arrival far below. I've found out the hard way that bumps in the air are no match for the bumps that life inevitably offers up with gusto and enthusiasm. Though the same can be said for the beauty you see while flying as it relates to the beauty experienced throughout life...

A big jolt shakes me back into the present moment where I'm reminded, once again, soaring alone on this vessel through the sky, how thoroughly at peace I feel in these fleeting  moments of joy. The simple pleasures of a window seat.

A temporary "high" created by the likes of God, Mother Nature and yes...that cheap glass of Chardonnay. 

Bon voyage!

* On a gluten-free side note, I wanted to mention a great restaurant, LuLu California Bistro, located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, CA. We discovered this eatery on the way to the airport, realizing they offered a full gluten-free menu! The atmosphere is a mix of hip and retro, offering more glamorous dining inside, and a huge outside patio (with mist-ers for those roasting Desert days). The food was very good and I indulged in a bowl of GF pasta - such a treat. Everything in their kitchen is separated to ensure no cross-contamination and the wait staff is knowledgeable. The menu offerings are abundant and it's a restaurant I'll definitely visit again. 

Be sure to check out LuLu California Bistro the next time you find yourself in the Palm Springs area. 

Heirlooms...

I Heart Heirlooms! 

Did you eat your share of Heirloom tomatoes this summer, or maybe still eating them?! They have been simply fantastic and I haven't been able to get enough of them! Every Saturday I've found myself carrying home a brown paper bag filled with the most beautiful, imperfect and vibrant little jewels just begging to be paired with fresh mozzarella and basil, fresh from the garden, of course. 

Honestly, I had never really paid much attention to Heirloom tomatoes prior to spending a lot of time in Italy over the past decade. Growing up and living in California for most of my life, you would think I might have had more knowledge of this famous fruit (yes, a fruit). But until the flourishing of local, sustainable farmers markets came onto the scene over the past years, finding heirlooms was more of a treasure hunt rather than a profuse "find." 

When it comes to taste...I discovered this fact - "Heirloom tomatoes lack a genetic mutation that gives tomatoes an appealing, uniform red color while sacrificing the fruit's sweet taste. Varieties bearing this mutation, which have been favored by industry since the 1940s, feature fruits with lower levels of carotenoids and a decreased ability to make sugar within the fruit."

It's also important to realize there's a very serious movement around and behind the preserving of seeds given the tragic influx of GMO crops, plants, etc. taking over our Nation's food source. I have a definite and strong opinion about my food and it's origins, but I'll save that story for a future blog post!

Here's a wonderful and simple recipe for a delicious Heirloom and feta cheese salad that's still perfect for these "dog days of summer"...it's still summer in the west, so enjoy! 

Heirlooms with Feta and Fresh Chives:

Preparation:

Cut tomatoes into thick wedges and serve with your favorite feta cheese,  some snipped chives, and plenty of cracked pepper. I also love to drizzle this salad with a great olive oil and some fig balsamic - Yum!!

Tomato Fun Fact:

The word tomato derives from a word in the Mexican Nahuatl language, 'tomatl'.

Grateful.

I love the word "grateful." It has more depth and a sense of appreciation to me than say its fellow synonyms, "thankful" or "appreciative." I remind myself often to incorporate this word and its meaning into my heart and vocabulary. This past week has proven especially easy to do just that.

Through a confluence of perfect circumstances (and some persistence), this week I've found myself being welcomed onto the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center Advisory Board! I'm still pinching my arm trying to believe this wonderful occurrence and opportunity are really taking place, though all of the board's warm and welcoming emails and phone calls should have convinced me by now this is my new reality. I couldn't be happier or more humbled or...thrilled! This group is truly doing amazing, ground-breaking work in the Celiac Disease world. Just this week they were honored by US News & World Report ranking Dr. Stefano Guandalini as one of the Top 50 (Top 1%) pediatric GIs in the country! And according to Executive Director, Carol Shilson, "the GI Section (which Dr. Guandalini runs) was ranked again among the Top 52 in the country (out of more than 400) at position #37."

Impressive beyond words. I have my work cut out for me but I feel I've finally found my place amongst such passionate and amazing advocates who are changing the Celiac world each and every day, bringing us all closer to finding a cure one day.

My role on the board is still to be determined, as I will serve as their first remote member, meaning that every other member is more-or-less based in or near Chicago. I applaud Lisa Aiken, the amazing board chair and Carol Shilson, brilliant executive director, for broadening their vision to include a west coast gal like myself, with the intention of bringing their fabulous work and awareness to this part of the country. It's a lofty task but I couldn't be more excited about all of the possibilities and of what's next...

I'M GRATEFUL!

There's another significant reason I'm writing this post and expressing my gratitude. You see, last Thursday I was involved in a scary situation while driving my car. It was nearly my last day on earth had it not been for the two seconds of time I was granted to look to my right and hit my brakes, avoiding what would have surely been a horrendous accident. No exaggeration necessary; only the truth. You see, I was driving on a normal city side street and this jackass-of-a guy completely ran his red light and came barreling into the intersection where I had the green light and was proceeding directly into his oncoming path. He was driving a large white utility truck with a big piece of equipment in tow...so between the speed he had gathered in order to race through the red light, combined with the weight of his vehicle + trailer, had he T-boned my car, I had the most profound feeling in that instant (while blaring my horn along with a variety of swear words) I would have surely been killed or horribly injured. No question.

In an split second he passed before my car and I was left stunned. As I pulled over to the curb, trying to compose myself and stop shaking, I was overcome by the realization that my life had just been spared. One person's very poor decision, most-likely made instantaneously and without thought of the repercussions, could have determined my last moments alive.

Clarity prevailed that afternoon as I sat in a church I stumbled into, finding the doors open and perfectly empty. For a long time I thanked God (and my Guardian Angel, Shanel...whom by the way, my sister-in-law commented has most likely become a chain smoker by now) for protecting me in that moment. I have so much more life to live, people to love and support, a world to see and let's not forget, my Celiac work that's really only begun. It wasn't my day to depart from the planet and I know it. Things have refocused for me very quickly and every day since last Thursday I've awakened saying, "thank you." I'm reminded of what's truly important and what to just let go of.

The flowers (above) were sent to me from my amazing parents. The card spoke of their gratitude for me "still being here." The truth is, I'm the grateful one, not only to have parents who would lovingly grace me with such generosity but for knowing that I have much work to still do, life to be lived, and all be damned, I'm NOT leaving yet!

If I might suggest or gently remind...tell everyone you love how you feel today before they leave for work, or even head out for a bicycle ride. We live on a fabulous spinning planet where every day is yet to be determined and every moment truly is precious.

I intend to continue changing my world with gratitude, so I'll be sticking around as long as possible ;)

GRATEFUL.

GlutenFreeTravelSite Has Big News to Share!

GlutenFreeTravelSite Announces New, Updated Website with Added Content, 

Enhanced Design, and Expanded Navigation

Features of Popular Gluten Free Dining and Travel Review Site Now Include College Reviews, Expanded Resources Section, and Guidance on Cruise Ships and Air Travel

GlutenFreeTravelSite, the #1 source for all things related to Gluten Free Dining and Travel, today unveiled their newly re-designed website with a fresh look, expanded content, and new features. Visitors to the site will be pleased to find the same user-friendly functionality that allows them to search for “gluten-free friendly” businesses wherever they live or travel. User-submitted reviews of restaurants, bakeries, stores, hotels, resorts, and cruises can be accessed via a broad search by state or country – or a more narrow search by town or zip code.

GlutenFreeTravelSite Founder and President Karen Broussard said, “We are thrilled to introduce the added content of this site to our users. Whether it’s our expanded Gluten Free Resources section, our new page devoted to gluten free travel on Cruise Ships, our list detailing gluten free meals offered by Major Airlines, our page listing Camps geared to gluten free kids, or our new Top Reviewers page, visitors to our site will find so many helpful resources, in addition to the detailed gluten free dining and travel reviews for which we're known.“

Launched over four years ago, GlutenFreeTravelSite is the original and most robust source of user-submitted online dining and travel reviews. Recently, they announced a partnership with the Celiac Sprue Association, which will use the site’s review platform as a way for their members to share their valuable gluten free dining and travel feedback with the wider gluten free community. GlutenFreeTravelSite also has begun encouraging gluten free college students to submit reviews of their colleges’ dining services. This database of gluten free college reviews will help prospective students with Celiac gather the facts they need when evaluating colleges.

DC Metro Celiacs President Jerry Malitz commented, "The GlutenFreeTravelSite is a must-view whether I am planning a trip or dining locally. It is extremely helpful when I am trying to get a handle on my “gluten-free friendly” options for dining out. And I would never think about arriving in any city without first checking out the GF possibilities that can be found on this site. Having a place to share detailed feedback from all my own domestic and international travels with fellow GF diners is a value-add that I find helps build our community awareness.”

All reviews on GlutenFreeTravelSite – as well the site’s helpful listing of restaurant chains offering Gluten Free Menus – are also accessible via GlutenFreeTravelSite’s Mobile Version. There’s no cost and no need to “download” anything. Smart phone users (iPhone, Android, or Blackberry) are automatically routed to the mobile version of the site where they can easily navigate the site “on the go,” searching reviews by town or zip code – and then linking to the user-submitted reviews.


About GlutenFreeTravelSite
GlutenFreeTravelSite was founded in 2008 to give people on gluten free diets a place to share personal feedback on “gluten free friendly” restaurants and travel destinations in the U.S. – and around the world. GlutenFreeTravelSite holds monthly contests to select a particularly helpful review, which they showcase on their Featured Review page, as well as an annual contest to select the “World’s Most Celiac-Friendly Destination.” Past winners include New York, Florida, Washington DC, and California. You can keep up with the latest gluten free dining and travel news by subscribing to GlutenFreeTravelSite’s free monthly e-letter, subscribing to their Blog feed, and following them on Facebook,Twitter (@gftravelsite) and Google+.