Catching Up

Oh, hello there.  It's been awhile since I've seen you.  How have you been?  So much has happened since we last communicated in January, 2020.  Is that an understatement, or what?!  

So, I'll catch you up a bit on what has happened in my world in the past few years.  First, Covid happened to EVERYONE.  Wow did that shake things up and wreak havoc on the world!  As everyone was still trying to figure out how to stay safe during the pandemic, we were dealing with work as usual as the company my husband and I worked for (he's now retired, but I am still working for this company) is considered an essential business as we furnish farm and ranch supplies as well as essential items for home, gardens, automotive, hardware, etc.  While it made many of us nervous to have to still go to work every day because most of our jobs could not be done remotely, we were still very grateful that we weren't dealing with the isolation that so many had to endure.  I won't go into the difficulties we had during the pandemic because they were pretty universal.  Everyone endured hardships, loss and much more during this time.

We're coming up on two years since my husband was diagnosed with Stage II tonsil cancer.  After his treatment began, the oncologist called it, more accurately, neck cancer, as his tonsils didn't have any cancer.  Anyone who has gone through having a loved one with cancer or having cancer themselves knows that the next months were very difficult.  It has been over a year and a half since he finished his cancer treatments, but he still has effects from the radiation, though they are becoming less all the time.  His treatment consisted of radiation five days per week for seven weeks and then chemo once a week for the duration.  The radiation was on his neck so it affected his ability to swallow in a big way.  Much of his taste has returned, though some things still don't taste quite right to him and spicy food, which he has always loved, has been problematic.  He is getting to the point finally, where he can eat a little bit of spicy again.

We are very blessed that every check up he has had since finishing his treatment has been great!  He remains cancer free and we expect that to continue.  Going through cancer during the pandemic was extremely challenging and isolating.  Dave was out of work for about half of his treatment and for around 8 weeks after it ended.  The only places he went was the cancer center and home.  I fought to stay healthy so that I wouldn't bring any germs to him that could be devastating due to his compromised immune system.  We actually did really well as neither of us got Covid - until this past July.  I was worried how it would affect him, but as it turned out, it hit me MUCH harder than it hit him!  But, we are both doing well at this time.  I have had some larger flare ups of some of my Celiac symptoms simply from the stress of everything.  But I am working hard to take care of myself and have learned the benefits of rest and relaxation.

So, now that we have caught up a bit, I'm curious to hear from you and how you have been doing through the past couple of years.  If you have had Covid and have autoimmune issues, how did it affect you?

On to some fun stuff now.  Even though I haven't written a blog post for far too long, I have continued to post content on my Siouxland Celiac Facebook and Instagram accounts.  These posts include many gluten free recipes that I've been making.  One of my most recent recipes that I have made is a spin-off from my Great-Aunt Jean's quiche recipe.  This breakfast casserole is delicious and hearty and makes a big batch.  Allergen Alert: contains eggs and dairy

Hearty Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

6 large eggs

3 C milk or milk substitute (I used unsweetened cashew milk)

1 C Gluten Free Bisquick

1/2 C + 2 T Canola Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

Salt & pepper to taste

1 pound gluten free bacon - fried or baked (I baked mine - see notes below), then cut into bite-sized pieces

1 C shredded sharp cheddar

1 small package of frozen hash browns, thawed

1 small onion, diced

1 T dried parsley

1 T dried basil

1/3 C Feta cheese crumbles

For your bacon, preheat the oven to 400 and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (I didn't have any so I just placed it directly on the pan - parchment makes for easier cleanup and cooks the bacon more evenly).  Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on desired crispness.  This will be used in a casserole, so it doesn't need to be very crispy for that.

While the bacon is cooking, combine eggs, milk, GF Bisquick, oil and seasonings in a medium mixing bowl.  Mix together with a wire whisk until blended.  The batter will be a bit lumpy.  In a 9x13 casserole dish, use a tablespoon of oil to grease the bottom and sides of the dish.  Place the thawed hash browns in the bottom of the dish and spread them evenly.  Sprinkle feta crumbles and diced onion on top of the hash browns.  Pour the egg mixture on top of the potatoes, onion and feta crumbles.  After the bacon is finished cooking remove and drain on a plate with paper towels.  Let the bacon cool enough to cut into bite-sized pieces and then place them on top of the mixture so the bacon is even across the entire casserole.  Top with cheddar.

Lower the oven temp to 350 once the bacon is finished cooking.  Place casserole on middle rack in the oven and cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes.  Cut and serve.  My husband loves this topped with some salsa for a little bit of a kick.

This casserole makes some pretty tasty leftovers, too.  I've enjoyed it for lunch a couple of days this week! 

Now it is time for the Catching Up Giveaway!!!  Yay!  I have help from a friend who is sponsoring this giveaway, Kallie at Fantastically Florida!  She has given me several items that she makes for the Awareness part of her online shop.  Here are the items offered in the giveaway.

Celiac Disease Awareness lapel pin, key chain and luggage tag are all provided by Fantastically Florida.  The necklace holds a small ball for essential oil therapy and is from my own label, Margo Makes.  In time for the cooler weather is a tall travel mug with herbal tea bags.  To enter:

1. Like and Share this post

2. Follow Siouxland Celiac on Facebook and/or Instagram (whichever you are on)

2. Tag 3 or more friends.  Every friend you tag is an extra chance to win.

Giveaway offer is open to only those in the continental United States.  Winner will be announced next Wednesday night, November 2nd.

 

Surviving the Holidays When You are Gluten Free

It is a very brisk Autumn day here in Iowa.  With the arrival of November, the holiday season is fast approaching.  It seems that especially this time of year can get very discouraging and frustrating for those of us who have to be gluten free due to Celiac Disease or other health issues that require a gluten free lifestyle.  Here are some ways I have found to survive the holidays being gluten free.  (read all the way to the end for the Giveaway Winner announcement!)

Just because we are gluten free doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves along with our family, friends and co-workers at holiday get-togethers and events!  One thing I learned during my first holiday season after my Celiac diagnosis is not to expect others to cater to my dietary needs.  It isn't fair to them and you will only be disappointed and probably end up sick.  I try really hard not to call attention to my being gluten free other than when I have to.  I have never enjoyed being the focus of attention and this is no exception.  My sister-in-law, having the most space in her home, always graciously hosts the family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We do it potluck style, with everyone bringing something for the meal.  At Thanksgiving, I completely prepare an entire Thanksgiving meal for myself at home, including the turkey (even with meat, you have to watch to see if anything was added to make sure it is safe for consumption when you have to be gluten free).  Yes, my sister-in-law and her husband usually make a turkey, but I don't mind making my own, as well.  I can control what I am getting and I know exactly what has been used in preparing it and my husband and I have left-overs that we wouldn't if I didn't make my own.  My sister-in-law usually provides potatoes, so I don't make those, though I do make my own gluten free gravy and stuffing at home and take just what I need for myself.  Actually, I end up taking a little bit more, as well, because my mom likes to try the gluten free foods I make, even though she doesn't have to be gluten free.  I always try to make a gluten free desert to share with everyone there and on Black Friday - otherwise known as Iowa Hawkeye Game Day to our family, I always bring a snack that everyone can enjoy (including me).  A favorite that is requested of me each year is my spinach, artichoke dip.  Yum!  The nice thing about making my own meal that is safe for me to eat is that, anymore, it is just commonplace and no one thinks anything of it.  I am not the center of attention because of my limitations and I get to enjoy delicious, gluten free foods that I know are perfectly safe.

On my dad's side of the family, there are quite a few of us living with Celiac Disease or non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, so there are always plenty of delicious gluten free options at these family gatherings!  And, we don't have to worry about cross-contact because everything is labeled with separate utensils and kept away from the gluten-full foods.  While it is sad that so many of us have to avoid gluten on this side of the family, it also feels like I can just enjoy a normal family gathering because I'm not alone.

There are many things you can do to be safe and yet still be a part of the festivities.  Eating ahead of time can help and then just enjoy a glass of wine or a hot cider and good conversation with everyone else at the event, or bring your own food.  The first couple of years after my diagnosis I found kind of depressing as I focused on all of the things I couldn't have instead of focusing on just being with family and friends and enjoying the moment.  Concentrate on the joy and fun of the event and don't let what you can't have get you down.  Be thankful that you know what has caused your health issues and that you are in control as much as you can be.  

At any event where you bring your own food or, if catered and the caterer will provide a gluten free meal for you, there may be some people who ask you questions about your health and about being gluten free.  I've learned to give short, but accurate answers to these questions unless someone really is interested in learning more about Celiac Disease and being gluten free.  Many people, while curious, don't want to know the entire history of gluten, Celiac Disease, etc.  Most are asking to be polite.  Generally, I try to give a short answer and then turn the topic of conversation to something else that everyone can participate in.  That way, I'm not on the spot and the conversation doesn't become all about me and my health issues.  I want to enjoy the festivities as much as the next person.

The holidays can be very intimidating and isolating if you let them.  For me, being able to prepare and take my own food to get-togethers cuts out the intimidation factor and keeps me from being isolated.  I can say yes and attend and be a part of the event and know that I am safe because I've prepared my own meal.  Even though most holiday events center around food, remember that there is so much more to enjoy about life than just the food!  After all, the best things in life are free (gluten free, that is!).  Take a moment this holiday season to really notice and appreciate all of the naturally gluten free things in your life.  Some of my favorites are the sound of children laughing, joyful holiday music, the colorful Autumn leaves, warm sweaters, snuggling with my favorite someone - there are so many beautiful things in this life that have nothing to do with food, but are naturally gluten free.  Enjoy them this holiday season!

Now for the winner of the Autumn Giveaway co-sponsored with my friend, Kallie at S2 Soaps...

ANDREA KESSLER @skessler28

Congratulations, Andrea!!

Recipe: Grandma's Peach Cobbler

When I was a little girl my favorite dessert was my Grandma Orris's peach cobbler.  Truth be told, it remains my favorite dessert!  Flaky pie crust on top of sweet, tender peach slices - this is my ultimate comfort food.  Not only does it taste wonderful, but it transports me back to my childhood and happy memories with my grandma and then my mom, who also made this recipe a lot through the years.

💚🎉 Read all the way down for a special Giveaway contest!🎉💚

Since my Celiac diagnosis and going gluten free I've learned to adjust many of my favorite recipes from gluteny to gluten free by substituting, often just one ingredient.  There are many great cup for cup gluten free flour blends out there that you can use.  I'm fortunate to have some of my friend, Tina's flour blend from her former brand, Better For You Bakery still in my freezer.  While this brand is no longer available, there are many other baking and all-purpose gluten free flour blends out there that work well.  Any of them could be used for this recipe.  It is a simple recipe with tasty results.

Gluten Free Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

Filling:

2 cans or  jars of sliced peaches in natural juice (Grandma's recipe used the cans with syrup)

Cobbler:

2 C gluten free all purpose or baking flour blend (use a cup for cup brand)

1 tsp salt

2/3 C + 2 T shortening (solid coconut oil would work well for this, also)

1/4 C water

Sugar or Splenda

Mix gf flour blend and salt in a medium sized mixing bowl.  Cut in shortening.  Add water, 1 T at a time, mixing with fork until flour is moistened.  Add sugar or Splenda to taste to sweeten slightly.  Take dough and pat into approx. 2 inch round patties and approx. 3/4 inch thick.  Place peaches along with the juice in a 9 x 13 baking dish, evenly distributed.  Top peaches with the cobbler patties.  Cobbler recipe can be doubled if more of the cobbler is desired.  Bake at 350° until cobbler is golden brown on top, approximately 35 - 40 minutes.  Check if cobbler is baked through by poking with a toothpick.  Toothpick should come out clean.  Cooking time depends on how thick the cobbler patties are.  Serve warm topped with your favorite ice cream, whipped topping or just as is.

Gluten Free Flour Blends:

Gluten Free Mama

Bob's Red Mill

King Arthur Gluten Free Flour Blend

Pamela's Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend

Namaste Foods Perfect Flour Blend

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes and I'm so happy to be able to share it with you.  It is a great recipe for fall.  To kick it up a notch, you could add a pinch of cardamom in the cobbler dough or maybe a bit of nutmeg to the peaches to really give it an Autumn taste.

I'm teaming up with my friend, Kallie at S2Soaps for a special Fall giveaway!

🎉🎉To enter this giveaway:🎉🎉

1. Follow @siouxlandceliac AND @s2soaps on Instagram
2. Like the post about this blog and giveaway on Instagram
3. Tag a friend

**Only those in the continental USA are eligible to enter.  Unlimited entries.  Each tagged friend counts as a separate entry.  All entries must be submitted no later than midnight November 1st. Winner will be announced with my November 2nd blog post.** 

Holiday Season - The Gift of Giving

Yesterday marked the countdown to Christmas as we said good-bye to November and welcomed December in with a snowstorm!  Well, there was a snowstorm in my area, anyway.

In the spirit of giving that abounds especially during the month of December, I will be doing a special giveaway.  Read through to the end of this post to find out how to enter.

Before I get to the entry rules I want to share with you a post that a friend of mine shared on Facebook that I love and I am doing throughout this month.  It comes from the Passionate Penny Pincher and I think it would be awesome if many of my readers would do this along with me.  On the Passionate Penny Pincher's Facebook page, this Reverse Advent Calendar can be found.  I plan to make all of mine gluten free with as much being free from the top 8 food allergens as possible.  People who are gluten free for health reasons or have food allergies can also fall on financial hard times, not just people who can eat anything.  That's why whenever I donate food for food banks now, I always make my donations gluten free and allergen free as much as possible.  For instance, to avoid peanut allergies, you can substitute something non-nut related.

Many people become especially generous at this time of the year, but it is important to remember to be charitable and generous all year through.  This doesn't mean just in giving gifts or donations, but also other things that matter - your time, your talent, your compassion, your kindness.  These things can't be bought with money and end up meaning the world to the person receiving them.

Now, in the spirit of this holiday season, here is my last giveaway of 2018 (the first through this blog - all of the rest have been through my Facebook and Instagram pages).  This giveaway will include several fun items - though, since it is the holidays, I am not telling what they are because that would ruin the surprise!  

To enter:

1. Follow www.siouxlandceliac.blogspot.com

2. Like @siouxlandceliac on Instagram and/or Facebook (not everyone does both, so you only need to follow on one in order to be entered into the contest)

3. Tag 3 friends on the giveaway post on Instagram and/or Facebook

Only those living in the continental US are eligible to enter.  All entries must be received no later than noon Central Time on Saturday, December 15th.  The winner will be announced in my blog post on Sunday, December 16th.