Coping and Support for People with Celiac Disease

It is comforting to be in the same room with people who have similar struggles.  We can learn so much from others.  My sister and I started a support group with this in mind.  We have learned about other gluten-free products from members of our support group, and we have shared recipes and ideas with each other.

I have felt that there are earthly angels who strengthen us, and heavenly angels who support us. 

I heard a quote once that “Good information leads to good inspiration.”  Education and information about our sensitivities will help us in our quest to live healthy lives.  As we learn more about celiac disease and become more comfortable with how to cope with it, we can then move on to helping others with celiac disease or with another medical condition.  

One way we can show support for others is by taking a few minutes to research about  whatever medical issue another person has.  It doesn’t take too long to do…yet it means so much to the person going through it to sense empathy and concern from another person.  I appreciate those who have learned about celiac disease and offer support.  I hope that I can do better at helping others as they go through their afflictions and strive to learn more about their medical condition.

After diagnosis, I realized that my attitude made all of the difference.  If I faced this trial with courage and strength and a positive outlook, my children did the same.  I know we can do this!  

Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Living with celiac disease can be difficult. Every day can be a challenge. Over time, however, managing your disease will become second nature. In the meantime, these suggestions may help you manage more easily:

• Gather information about celiac disease. Talk to your doctor, look for information on the Internet, and read books and pamphlets. Ask your doctor for advice about reliable resources. Find cookbooks featuring gluten-free ingredients. Being informed about your condition can help you take better charge of it.
• Seek out others with celiac disease. Talking to people who know what you're going through can be reassuring and informative. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a celiac disease support group in your community, or you may find one listed on the Internet or in your local paper.
• Don't hesitate to seek guidance. If you're having difficulty coming up with suitable menus, talk to a registered dietitian. A dietitian has extensive knowledge of the nutritional aspects of food and what you can and can't eat. He or she can help you think in more creative ways about your favorite foods.

(Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/DS00319/DSECTION=coping-and-support)

Recipe for Russian Beef Cutlets (Kotleti)

We just finished our first annual immediate family reunion.  It was so fun!
















We went to Yellowstone Park,



Mesa Falls,















 and Henry's Lake.



We also had a great time doing tie-dyed shirts together, and our sons had a great time at the rock and fossil shop at West Yellowstone.







We went to see "Annie Get Your Gun" at Playmill Theater.  It was terrific, except I thought the fudge we bought at intermission was gluten-free and I think it had some cross-contamination because I got a terrible stomach ache.

We took turns being in charge of the brunch and dinner for the day.   Friday was our son and daughter-in-law's turn.  Our daughter-in-law is originally from Russia and she introduced us to Kotleti.  It is tasty!  She served it with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Russian Beef Cutlets (Kotleti)

Gluten-free bread crumbs
1 lb. ground beef
1 large potato, shredded
1/4 cup shredded onion
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic salt

Step 1:  Toast gluten-free bread in a toaster or at 400 degrees until bread is light brown.  Break toast into fine crumbs in a blender.

Step 2:  Combine ground beef, shredded potatoes, shredded onion, egg, and garlic powder and form thin patties.  Fry in cooking oil on medium heat.  Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Review of Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies

When our daughter went to Girls' Camp, we sent along some gluten-free cookies so she would have a delicious gluten-free substitute when the other girls were eating cookies with gluten.  She brought home some leftover cookies, which took some self control, since these are awesome. :)  I would rate these at 9 out of 10.  I like them even better than my memory of the taste of gluten chocolate sandwich cookies from before my diagnosis.



(Photo Source:  http://www.glutino.com/our-products/snacks/cookies/chocolate-vanilla-creme-cookies/)

Alfredo Pizza Recipe

If you cover the delicious creamy Alfredo sauce with enough yummy vegetables, it helps you to forget that you are eating something with cream cheese in it. :)  I like to buy the Neufchatel cream cheese to reduce the guilt, as well.  This is one of our favorite recipes.  You can also find a tasty recipe for regular pizza (which uses the same crust recipe) in a past blog post.

Alfredo Pizza

Prepare Alfredo sauce at least a half hour ahead to allow time for sauce to thicken before beginning pizza.

Crust

2 teaspoons yeast

½ cup lukewarm water  

2 teaspoons sugar

1¼ cups warm milk or soy milk  

2 cups rice flour

1½ cups tapioca flour

2½ teaspoons xanthan gum

½ cup dried potato flakes

1 teaspoon salt

1½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning

¼ cup shortening

2 tablespoons butter

Sauce

4 ounces cream cheese

⅛ cup butter

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup milk

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon pepper

Toppings

5 pieces bacon, fried

2 chicken breasts, fried or grilled

¼ teaspoon seasoned salt

1 cup grated cheese

Additional toppings could include artichoke hearts, green onions, sliced banana peppers, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, olives, yellow summer squash, and extra Parmesan cheese

1. Combine cream cheese, butter, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, and pepper in medium saucepan and cook until smooth and warm. Refrigerate for ½ hour or more.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F.
3. Pour warm water into a small bowl, and sprinkle yeast and sugar on top of water.
4. Microwave milk until warm.
5. Combine dry ingredients-rice flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, potato flakes and seasoning- in a heavy-duty kitchen mixer bowl.
6. Mix yeast mixture, warm milk, shortening, and butter into dry ingredients. Beat at high speed for 3 minutes.
7. Spray or grease 2 large pizza pans. Divide dough into 2 equal portions.
8. Place hands in plastic bags and press dough evenly onto pans until thin. Bake 10 minutes on middle shelf of oven.
9. Cut cooked bacon and chicken into small pieces. Add seasoned salt to chicken and stir well. Spread sauce over pizza crusts. Top with cooked bacon, cooked chicken, grated cheese and desired additional toppings. Bake for approximately 10 minutes.

Serves 9 to 14