Thanks for Trying

Takin' Time on Tuesdays with Joni

When I decided to go off of gluten almost 9 months ago, I had no idea what I was getting into. All I knew was I was sick all the time and I wanted to feel better. Now almost nine months later I feel great and am so grateful I found the solution. Eating gluten free is so easy at home. I can cook yummy foods and feel great. The problem is when I step out my door. Eating out to dinner is almost impossible. Going on vacation is a struggle. Being invited to dinner is embarrassing. And a lot of times I come home sick anyways! But here is my thanks to those who at least have tried to help those who are gluten intolerant!

One of the things about eating Gluten Free is that your food can't even touch the same surfaces that have prepared food with gluten. I don't think this is quite understood unless you or someone you are close to has this problem. A lot of times people will tell me that a restaurant has a gluten free menu and so I decide to try it. Always in fine print at the bottom is the disclaimer "We can't guarantee that this is gluten free. We cook it in our one kitchen, yada yada yada..." To me it feels frustrating that they would go to the time to say something is gluten free but not prepare it gluten free. In the last month I have twice been sick from restaurants claiming gluten free and one stomach ache lasted six days. But thanks for trying!

When Jaron and I were heading out to Disneyland we heard that it offered Gluten Free foods. I was so excited. When I got there, I was given a big packet of foods that were gluten free, but what was written all over the papers? The famous disclaimer of no guarantee. So I didn't eat any of Disneyland's food. I didn't eat the yummy frozen bananas, the hand dipped corn dogs, the giant turkey legs that makes people look barbaric. Nope, I ate my gluten free sandwiches for lunch and dinner. I can't even look at a GF sandwich since then. But, thanks for trying!

I have a very nice neighbor who lives in the apartment downstairs from us. When our fridge broke while we were out of town and we came home to no food and a stinky house from the rotten food, she thought it would be nice to bring us dinner. She thought bringing pizza would be easy. So she pulled out the phone book and started calling pizza restaurants asking if they served Gluten Free pizza. She called one place and they said yes. She loaded up her baby and went there. When she got there, she asked again, "Is this gluten free?" The man said, "Yes, I don't see gluten listed in any of the ingredients." She asked to see the ingredient list and the first thing listed was Wheat FLOUR. She smiled and said, "Flour has gluten in it." I hope that worker learned to not promise something gluten free without understanding. That would have given me a heck of a stomach ache. But a big THANK YOU to my sweet neighbor who really really tried to help. Thanks for trying!

A big thank you needs to go out to my family. My mom is so amazing when she knows I am coming to eat. She cleans her already spotless kitchen, making sure no crumbs of bread are anywhere. She makes yummy food and is always so thoughtful. I have eaten at almost everyone's house in my family and they all have taken such care to understand what food I need to eat and how to prepare it. So a major THANKS FOR TRYING AND SUCCEEDING!

It isn't easy to eat gluten free but it helps when people around you are supportive and really try to help! My husband Jaron is amazing about being supportive. He is thoughtful and never complains about the expensive foods or missing out on some of our favorite restaurants. I have the best family in the world!

Recipe of the Week: Sesame Seed Oil Salad (Gluten Free)

Ingredients:

SALAD:

2 heads of Romaine Lettuce, Chopped

1 chicken breast cooked and chopped up (optional)

1 red pepper chopped up

1 can mandarin oranges drained OR 1 cup strawberries sliced

1 handful of caramelized slivered almonds

1 cup drained cottage cheese (Great Value brand is gluten free)

1 large handful of Maifun noodles fried (optional)

DRESSING:

1/2 C White Vinegar (Great Value brand is gluten free)

1 C white sugar

1/4 C vegetable oil (Great Value brand is gluten free)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 T sesame Oil

Instructions:

1. I mix the dressing first and refrigerate while I prepare the salad.

2. Add all the ingredients to the salad.

3. Right before serving, briskly whisk the salad dressing until it is almost frothy.

4. Slowly add the dressing to the salad and toss. You might not need all of the salad dressing, so add a small amount at a time.

5. Enjoy!