Celiac Support Group Meeting

Tonight was my first time attending the State College Celiac Support Group.  I am just so excited to see a local group is now present because the next closest group is in Harrisburg, PA and that is just too far to drive.

Heidi Watson is the group organizer / contact person.  Kudos to her for getting the local support group started!  I enjoyed the meeting agenda.  I especially enjoyed the meeting's inclusion of two local business owners: Natures Pantry Owner and Corrinado's Pizza Owner. I have been to Natures Pantry a few times before, but it was nice to hear from the owner about some of the efforts she was taking to make it easier to find gluten-free products in her store.   I have heard of Corrinado's Pizza before from friends, but never actually tried their pizza.  Well, the owner brought 3 of his pizzas for sampling by the group and they were very good.  He also explained in great detail the efforts that his staff goes through to ensure that their gluten-free pizzas are not contaminated.  Bravo to him and his staff for making this comfort food gluten free for the local community!  Casey and I will definitely have to stop there sometime and get a pizza when we are in a rush.

The group is very friendly and social which made for great discussions about all things celiac related.  I was especially interested to hear about doctor issues that almost everyone in the group had experienced.  The fact that most doctors just don't have any experience when it comes to celiac disease.  This brought back the memories of Casey's horrible dietician experience.

I am looking forward to the next meeting and hope that Casey can also attend.  I think I will also make something delicious for the group to enjoy at the next meeting since they seemed very excited about some of the foods I have made for Casey.

For those of you that were in the meeting and happen to visit my site, here are a few of our favorites:

Favorite Books:

• Gluten-Free Baking Classics - This is by far my favorite book we own ( We have the first edition).  We use it to make blueberry muffins, pizza, and submarine rolls.  It shows you how to make the normal foods that celiacs miss.  Everything we have made out of this book is delicious.  It also shows you have to make fool proof flour mixes to various types of baked goods.


• The Gluten-Free Kitchen - This is another book we own.  We use this book for cheese cake w/ cookie crumb crust and corn bread.


• The Gluten-free Bible - This is a super good book for dealing with celiac disease.  The author is super motivating and spunky.  She tells you how it is, how to deal with it, and how to tell people about it.

Favorite Products:

• Pamela's Products - Ultimate Baking & Pancake Mix (makes excellent waffles/pancakes we eat them every weekend).


• Bob's Red Mills - Various Gluten Free Flours/Mixes


• Pasta - Corn based is by far the best tasting and textured, De Boles, Glutano (german product), Dr. Sharr’s Gluten-Free Pasta is our FAVORITE and best priced (italian product).


• EnviroKidz Products - Peanut Butter Panda Puffs, Peanut Butter Crips Bars


• Kinnikinnick - Makes all kinds of gluten free products.


• Wegman's Products (look for the G icon)


• Dr Sharr's Products - They make more than just pasta( bread, cookies, crackers)

Favorite WebSites:s

• http://simplygluten-free.blogspot.com/


• http://glutenfreepost.com/


• http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/


• http://celiacchicks.typepad.com/celiacchicks/


• http://glutenfreeday.com/

Restaurants:

• Outback - Gluten free menu, gluten-free beer, and extremely educated staff.


• Carrabba Italian Grill - Gluten free menu (pdf) and well educated staff.


• Zolas - State College Bistro style, they make all their own stuff and Casey has never had any issues with their food.


• The Tavern - State College tradition, they have been very accommodating to Casey's needs, but they have informed us of items that could be cross contaminated.