Holiday Recipes: Gluten-Free

I am doing this post in honor of my younger brother, Andy Crooke. When he was four years old, he got very ill. He would vomit repeatedly almost immediately after every meal. My family was very concerned. We went to multiple doctor's appointments and kept getting told "it's just a virus, it will pass." Well, after months of this virus not passing, my mom was at her wits end. She took him to Nemours in Orlando, FL and they finally were able to perform an endoscope on Andy and find the cause of the problem. Andy was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and was told to follow a gluten-free diet.

A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye).
 
A gluten-free diet is used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications.

Andy has been following this diet for 6 years now and is symptom free.

For more information on Celiac Disease or Gluten-Free Diets go to: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140

Here is an example of Thanksgiving meal at The Crooke Residence:

Appetizer:

Cheddar and Bacon Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe
http://www.preparedpantry.com/recipes/gluten-free-cornbread.htm
 
Photo courtesy of: google.com
Recipe courtesy of: preparedpantry.com

Main Course:

Roasted Garlic & Meyer Lemon-Rubbed Turkey
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/garlic_lemon_roast_turkey.html


Photo and recipe courtesy of: eatingwell.com

Side Dish:


Lemon Dijon Mustard Honey Baby Carrots
http://www.food.com/recipe/lemon-dijon-mustard-honey-baby-carrots-12756

Photo and recipe courtest of: food.com







Dessert:


Gluten-Free Pecan Pie
http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/820756/Gluten-free-Thanksgiving-pecan-pie

 Photo and recipe courtesy of: sheknows.com






Celiac Disease has had a big impact on my family at meal time, but as you can see, many recipes can be altered to fit the guidelines and keep everyone happy and healthy.
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
-Ashley Crooke
Twitter: @ashcrooke