Growing up Celiac - and the Sibling Experience

My little brother Paul was 2 when I was diagnosed with celiac disease. It only occurred to me much later in life that growing up gluten-free had an effect on his life too. My mom wasn't one to have much in way of processed foods in the house, but let's just say he probably saw considerably less Oreos and baked goods in general than the average kid of his day, because his big sister was a "celiac". 

I'm sure that my "special" diet, and the fact that it often required additional attention meant that Paul (and my parents, of course) got to eat what I was having, in a time when substitutes for flour-filled goodies just didn't exist. 

Today is Paul's 44th birthday, and I'd like to give a shout out to a kid who never complained (to me anyway!) that we didn't order in pizza or eat McDonalds or Duncan Hines cakes at our house, in part - because I couldn't eat them. 

I think it's important to acknowledge that often, the entire family makes sacrifices when one family member needs to alter their food. The person with the "needs" often overshadows the ones without. Sending out vibes of gratitude today - and extra special thanks to that cute little kid who never made me feel bad or ate things I wish I could indulge in (in front of me). Love you Paul!

25,000 + Visitors :) Grazie! Merci! Gracias! Danke!….

I was pretty excited to see the speedometer roll over on this blog as the new year unfurled. There are days when you post and wonder if anyone is actually getting anything from your efforts. 

For those who are regular visitors, you've probably noticed that posts have been pretty sparse over the last 6 months. I've been knee deep in a special project that is finally wrapping up after more than 8 years of incubation. I look forward to sharing more about it here sooooon!!!

For now, I hope you'll poke around the blog and check out some older posts through the tags on the bottom right side, or by hitting the banner to get the last 12 posts. I'll be back again on a regular basis in February to continue the adventure with you :)

Thanks so much for keeping me company here!!

gluten-free gifts... to my heart through my stomach

who could eat so much at one pot-luck?!

We recently had a team meeting at my manager's house. The idea is to get away from the office for a day of creative thinking. For such events, our team pulls together serious pot-luck lunches. 

Last year I was blown away by everyone's consideration of my needs, and this year did not disappoint. When I showed up in Adrian's kitchen - this basket was waiting on the counter. It put one heck of a gluten-free grin on my face.

I shared the gf love... even if I wanted to eat them all!

A couple of months ago I posted a review of Queen B Pastry's CROWNIE. Any product I review unsolicited and based on my desire to share (vs paid promotion). 

A week after posting on the CROWNIE, owner David had a box of the delicious treats delivered to my home in thanks. Queen B now sells these and a number of other divine treats down the street from us at Crema Coffee (you must try the Olive Oil Orange Cakelettes!). 

This blog is called gluten free gift because I am constantly reminded of the kindness of others. My life is full of such gifts, for which I'm overwhelmed with gratitude.

visiting friends; the gluten-free guest

"brown paper packages tied up with string... these are a few of my favourite things!"

Gluten-free gifts are not typically wrapped in butcher paper - I thought that this one deserved special mention. 

Angela, who is a gluten-free gal 99% of the time, will occasionally partake in a stuffed chicken breast containing bread crumbs. She knew, however, that I did not have the same flexibility. So this weekend, when hitting the butcher in prep for my visit to their cottage, Angela picked up a couple of chicken skewers that the butcher could assure were safe. Don't you just love that they were waiting in the fridge when I arrived with my name on them? 

Never mind that there were also homemade gf breakfast bars presented with my tea upon arrival on Saturday morning and that lunch included mini pizza's served on rice paper wraps. I've said it many times here... friends show me the greatest affection through these gluten-free gifts. Thank you Angela!!

Check out this later post for more practical information on this topic HERE.  

Check out a post on an invitation to dinner at the home of someone you've only just met HERE. 

www.claudinecrangle.com

gluten-free loving kindness

lee's rendition of william & claudine

This weekend my dear friend Lee married a lovely fella named Dave. Their ceremony was moving, and their reception was stylish, fresh and and full of love. The radiant bride had considered every detail, delighting all of their guests. 

About a month earlier, Lee had made a gorgeous wedding cake for Bill and I. This was a delivery on a promise that she had made to me many, many years ago. When she announced that she'd make me a gluten-free wedding cake. I'd had to remind her that I didn't even have a boyfriend at the time. 

The cake was presented at a house party we had weeks after we were wed. It was spectacular - and delicious, seriously impressing all of our guests. Lee had made the cake pictured on the right panel of this blog for my 40th. Our friends still talk about that cake. The girl knows how to bake. I was so moved by the love that Lee had put into this gift for us. 

Back to Lee & Dave's wedding. The dinner plates are being cleared,  when a young man places a chocolate cupcake in front of me. I looked up at him and say "Oh, thank you but I can't have that" - practically waving it away. He asked if I was the lady who ate gluten free. I said I was, and remembering Lee's attention to detail, I thought that perhaps there was some fruit put aside for me. Nope.

gf cupcake photo courtesy of Sharon :)

Not only was this cupcake for me, it turns out that the bride had baked it herself. It was made from the gluten-free batter from the wedding cake that she had made for us just weeks before and frozen in anticipation of this evening. I could have wept. 

"gluten free gift" was given it's name because I often think that the most profound acts of kindness I have experienced have been related to people taking care of me with food. This was a gift, and a memory that I will always cherish as part of Lee & Dave's beautiful wedding. Grazie mille Lee!

gluten-free groom

waiting outside the Chapel at Toronto City Hall

Forgive the indulgence, but I'd like to use this blog to give a big shout out to my amazing 'gluten-free groom'. Thursday afternoon Bill and I took the plunge and tied the knot at a tiny ceremony for two. To find out more about why he is the ultimate gluten-free gift... you can check out the homage I wrote to him HERE. 

I'll be posting about any pending celebratory gf events related to our nuptials in the not too distant future.

lonely gluten free moments - that don't need to be

Ok, I know that this image of my brother's dog has little to do with gluten-free anything... but what illustrates sadness like the big brown eyes of a golden retriever puppy?

I've been thinking about the situations in which I haven't felt so full of bravado about living with celiac disease. Examples might include:

• The Awards Dinner - last minute work commitment with no time to prepare. Preset dinner serving over 500 people in a room so big you have no idea where the food is arriving from. Even the vegetables are floating in some kind of "sauce".
  
• The Road Trip - nothing but the same crap highway food for 16 hours. You are tired, hungry and have eaten nothing but potato chips. Being stuck in an airport is a close tie.

Life will deal you some bad days that can't always be avoided... but some situations are made bad, not from lack of planning - but from lack of sensitivity:

• The Dinner Party. You've advised... but they didn't get it (or want to). You find yourself staring at an empty plate.
  
• Ordering In. Everyone is hungry and there is a decision to order take-out. Your needs are diminished with a comment like - "don't worry, I think they make a salad". Meanwhile you watch you friends drool over pizza and lasagna.

What would be really sad, is if we actually thought that such people were our friends. I'm rarely hurt by people's thoughtless behaviour twice... because I don't tolerate it any more than I do the gluten!

Living WELL on a gluten-free diet has a lot more to do with sharing food with people that you enjoy being with - than finding a replacement recipe for cinnamon buns. I'm rarely sad about my diet - and am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have good friends who consider me as they'd consider themselves. 

May the new year ahead be full of feasts with your real friends.


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free gluten free greeting cards - win the give away!

www.claudinecrangle.com

I'm more than just an opinionated celiac :) I'm also a printmaker - and I have a line of greeting cards under the banner "claudine's calling". This hand printed card was designed for people like us, and to thank people who take good care of us!

I am loving spending time in our beautiful studio... and hope to find to find time to do lots of new creative projects over the winter. If you are interested in seeing more - take a look at the cards & prints link at the side.

www.claudinecrangle.com

A set of 5 peanut butter cookie cards posted above will be given away to two lucky winners drawn on Wednesday December 14th. 

Simply leave a comment below for your chance to win! 

gluten free workplace heaven

Warning: this post could make you wish that you worked somewhere else.

I'll begin by stating that my job comes complete with all of the ups and downs that any office workplace does - including internal meetings that drag on, umpteen spreadsheets to study, crazy deadlines, and the like.... What makes the difference, is that the people I work with are often exceedingly kind to me. 

This past month in particular, I've had a couple of "gluten free gift" moments. By this I mean situations where someone has been particularly thoughtful and shown me kindness through food. 

First, there was the dreaded fundraiser bake sale at the office. Lori showed up with a batch of gluten free brownies for me and a fellow gluten-intolerant colleague to share. 

She even brought in the bag from the mix she used to calm any anxiety we might have about ingredients. Lori's husband is a 'lifer' celiac like me (diagnosed as a child)... she gets it.

Second, the dreaded lunch n' learn training session... with, you guessed it - take out pizza. 

I couldn't wait! Why? Because Denise had heard that Pizza Nova delivered gluten free and opted to choose this chain for our order so that I could partake. She even sent me a link to the site to validate that I was comfortable with this choice. It brought tears to my eyes. 

You should have seen my face when I lifted the lid of this box... pizza with my peers. A very rare occasion indeed.

Hey, I don't live in a dream world. I have bad days... and sometimes I still sulk a little and feel left out. I'm one of many here, and I certainly can't expect to be considered every time there is food. We're human. We're busy. But man... when someone goes out of their way to consider my gluten free needs... I can hear violins. Thank you to my team mates.

I believe that the onus is on me to return the favour for others. Would be great to hear your "gluten free gift" stories and ideas on how we might "be the change" and spread the reciprocal love. 

gluten-free gratitude

some shameless self promotion... cards are from claudine's calling -click on the link in the sidebar to see more!

An attitude of gratitude...

The waiter comes back with more questions from the kitchen? 

You get invited to dinner and the host takes good care of you?

A friend sends you a link to an article about a new gluten-free bakery in your city?

Your office mate brings an intentionally gluten-free item to the potluck? 

• A verbal thank you with a great big smile.
• A great tip.
• A hug. 
• A thank you note in the mail.
• A reciprocal gesture.