Jim Coleman | Wife can't eat wheat, so what can she eat?
Q. I am a retired cook, so I am interested in your articles, which I read regularly. I am writing to get your opinion.
My wife has celiac disease (can't eat wheat products), and we are trying so hard to find gluten-free food products, but have only come across a limited supply.
Any idea about where I can find more variety? My wife also cannot eat seafood or meat, so she is really limited in her diet.
She sticks to salad, Mexican (only cheese enchiladas or tacos with no meat), Chinese rice noodles or some vegetables.
I make gluten-free pasta and cheese lasagna, among other things, for her. I would like a better selection for her and some gluten-free ideas. Some of the specialty stores charge such outrageous prices that we can't even go there to shop.
Any help or books you can suggest? Thanks so much.
- Patrick G.
A. I hear your frustrations and hope I can help with some new suggestions, or at least share a recipe that I think your wife will enjoy.
Celiac disease, as your wife knows, is not a joke. She is treating it with the correct diet, but the long-term effect of the disease if left untreated can be life-threatening.
Once thought of as a rare childhood disorder, it is now known that celiac disease can be diagnosed at any age. Recent studies show that one out of every 133 Americans could be diagnosed with celiac disease. If those were the odds for the lottery, then I would be at 7-11 as much as possible.
You know, as important as it is to know about the do's and don'ts with ingredients, and not to take the condition lightly, it is also important to keep a sense of humor when dealing with it day to day.
The number of people who suffer from celiac disease has created a demand for gluten-free products. And as I learned in ninth-grade economics (ninth grade was a long three years for me), when there is a demand, someone will supply it.
I know that the little bit of information I got from talking to others who are knowledgeable about this disease is just the tip of a very large iceberg.
But I've learned that the more you discuss things with other people, the more avenues that open up and pretty soon you are surrounded with helpful facts. I hope this small list of stores and support groups helps.
By the way, Patrick, where is the line I need to stand in for "Retired Cooks?" Right now I'm just in a long line for "Tired Cooks." Let me know, Mr. Retired Cook, and enjoy cooking the recipe at home. *
Support groups
The Food Allergy Network
11781 Lee Jackson Highway,
Suite 160
Fairfax, Va. 22033
800-929-4040
American Celiac Society
P.O. Box 23455
New Orleans, La. 70183
504-737-3293
Celiac Disease Foundation
13251 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1
Studio City, Calif. 91604
818-990-2354
Gluten Intolerance Group
15110 10th Ave. SW, Suite A
Seattle, Wash. 98166
206-246-6652
Celiac Disease Foundation-National Celiac Disease Support Group
Wynnewood-Resource
Contact: Rita M. Herskovitz
52 Rockglen Road
Wynnewood, Pa. 19096
215-642-9351
Philadelphia-Support Group
Contact: Karen Dalrymple
Greater Philadelphia Area Celiac Sprue Support Group
583 Valley View Road
Langhorne, Pa. 19047
Stores
The Dietary Shoppe Inc.
4436 Ridge Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19129
215-242-5302
Enter-G Foods Inc.
5960 1st Ave., S.
P.O. Box 84487
Seattle, Wash. 98124
206-767-6660; 800-331-5222
Gluten Free Pantry
P. O. Box 840
Glastonbury, Conn. 06033
860-633-3826
The Really Great Food Co.
P.O. Box 2239
St. James, N.Y. 11780
800-593-5377
Online store: www.celiac.com.
