Jennifer's Way Breads!

[user001]

So we were visiting friends in the brookyln and I had to be a pain and insist on visiting jennifers way on E 10th in nyc. a 20 minute subway ride from 36th st and like a 20 minute walk from the 8th street station and we were there! I was a bit meh over the small selection. It was my dad to have some treats since I have been eating well with all the chicken and veggies lately. I had a chocolate chip cookie (pretty good) a thumbprint cookie with raspberry jam  (amazing) and we got a small loaf of a yeasty rosemary and sea salt crusty bread (also amazing). I was really impressed! They use quinoa and millet flours, which i think are much more nutritious than the potato and rice flours that a lot of replacement foods use. It was definitely a treat for me that kept my tummy happy. I had some of the bread with hummus dip that i had to bring to the bbq.

 

Oh and how annoying when u dont eat beef or pork and you go to a BBQ thinking there will be chicken!? There was like one side dish i could eat and not even veggies for dipping. I would have come much better prepared if i knew!

 

In short. I love the bread and cookies and they made my weekend.

[BlessedMommy]

Isn't it great?

 

When I go to the exclusively gluten-free places, I feel like I can finally let my guard down and relax and be able to eat out without worries. It's very nice! I'm glad that you found a place that you liked.

[kareng]

So we were visiting friends in the brookyln and I had to be a pain and insist on visiting jennifers way on E 10th in nyc. a 20 minute subway ride from 36th st and like a 20 minute walk from the 8th street station and we were there! I was a bit meh over the small selection. It was my dad to have some treats since I have been eating well with all the chicken and veggies lately. I had a chocolate chip cookie (pretty good) a thumbprint cookie with raspberry jam  (amazing) and we got a small loaf of a yeasty rosemary and sea salt crusty bread (also amazing). I was reallyOpen Original Shared Link They use quinoa and millet flours, which i think are much more nutritious than the potato and rice flours that a lot of replacement foods use. It was definitely a treat for me that kept my tummy happy. I had some of the bread with hummus dip that i had to bring to the bbq.

 

Oh and how annoying when u dont eat beef or pork and you go to a BBQ thinking there will be chicken!? There was like one side dish i could eat and not even veggies for dipping. I would have come much better prepared if i knew!

 

In short. I love the bread and cookies and they made my weekend.

You go to all the trouble to get gluten-free products but will eat whatever people cook at a BBQ? Do you have Celiac disease? If you do, you have to stop depending on other people who haven't a clue about gluten or could care less about your health to make food for you. You are going to have to be much more careful. You can't assume BBQ chicken or a side dish or even veggies and dip are safe foods. You have to stop assuming that, just because the tator tots or BBQ chicken that you make at home is gluten-free, the tator tots or chicken someone else makes are made the exact same way with the exact same ingredients.

[user001]

The only thing I ate at the bbq was a rice salad made by another celiac. I went assuming there would be nothing, that's why I brought my own hummus and went out of my way to get some safe bread. Its very difficult some days. I know I can't trust dips, but I usually show up early saying I will help set up, but then If I bring my own veggies or crackers I can be the first to get into the dip before it gets touched by gluten. I am recently diagnosed and still learning, no reason to be harsh and make me feel unwelcome. If I wanted to be criticized, I would try to eat dinner with my ignorant, hyper critical family.

[kareng]

The only thing I ate at the bbq was a rice salad made by another celiac. I went assuming there would be nothing, that's why I brought my own hummus and went out of my way to get some safe bread. Its very difficult some days. I know I can't trust dips, but I usually show up early saying I will help set up, but then If I bring my own veggies or crackers I can be the first to get into the dip before it gets touched by gluten. I am recently diagnosed and still learning, no reason to be harsh and make me feel unwelcome. If I wanted to be criticized, I would try to eat dinner with my ignorant, hyper critical family.

I am trying to get you to think and to take some responsibility for yourself. You seemed mad that they didn't have any food for you. And it surprised me that a Celiac would eat what others made. Also, on your other thread, you seem to be eating at fast food places and assuming it must be gluten-free if that is how you make it at home. I just want you to be healthy. So maybe I am giving you a little kick in the butt, but I am doing it with love.

[user001]

Like I said, I'm still learning. I have no clue why a grill would have anything with gluten on it? Because I'm new to this. Guidance, not criticism would be appreciated. Also we traveled over an hour to a bbq with the host saying how prepared he is for cooking for celiac people and how he understands because his whatever has celiac. How about telling me how I can better prepare for things like this instead of criticisms. I can't afford to buy a cooler and the hummus was the only thing that would fit in my cooler bag. I think I'm doing pretty good less than 1 month post diagnosis, but I guess no celiac ever made a mistake since their first day diagnosed.

[kareng]

Like I said, I'm still learning. I have no clue why a grill would have anything with gluten on it? Because I'm new to this. Guidance, not criticism would be appreciated. Also we traveled over an hour to a bbq with the host saying how prepared he is for cooking for celiac people and how he understands because his whatever has celiac. How about telling me how I can better prepare for things like this instead of criticisms. I can't afford to buy a cooler and the hummus was the only thing that would fit in my cooler bag. I think I'm doing pretty good less than 1 month post diagnosis, but I guess no celiac ever made a mistake since their first day diagnosed.

That's not it at all. How could a grill be glutened? - people grill bread on it , grill pizza, use marinades with soy sauce or malt vinegar or who knows what else.

The basic rule of Celiac is - don't eat it if you don't know the ingredients and how it was prepared. Bring your own food, just in case.

I thought you had been gluten free for longer than 1 month? I thought you said since March in your signature. Doesn't matter. The basic rule applies.

[LauraTX]

The only thing I ate at the bbq was a rice salad made by another celiac. I went assuming there would be nothing, that's why I brought my own hummus and went out of my way to get some safe bread. Its very difficult some days. I know I can't trust dips, but I usually show up early saying I will help set up, but then If I bring my own veggies or crackers I can be the first to get into the dip before it gets touched by gluten. I am recently diagnosed and still learning, no reason to be harsh and make me feel unwelcome. If I wanted to be criticized, I would try to eat dinner with my ignorant, hyper critical family.

 

Jules, we aren't anything like an ignorant family, we are the opposite.   There are seasoned gluten-free veterans here who are seeing you get sick when you get accidental gluten consumption, and we are trying to bless you with our knowledge so you don't become ill.  There are countless threads here where people have asked "What do I do at this event?", so use the search function to read through some of those, they can be incredibly helpful.  People may sound harsh, but the reality of a Celiac consuming gluten is a harsh one.  Surely it is a good trade-off to hear concisely worded statement and not be ill from something you would have consumed had you not read it.

 

Also, even though a meal host claims to be privy to cooking for Celiacs, still be wary of what they prepare.  Unless they actually have a spouse or child they cook for every day that becomes ill upon consuming gluten, they may have great intentions, but still slip up.  It is great that you stopped by a gluten-free bakery and filled up on yummies before hand, and brought something you could carry.  After a while things will become easier and you will become more comfortable with just enjoying the company at food based gatherings.

[IrishHeart]

So we were visiting friends in the brookyln and I had to be a pain and insist on visiting jennifers way on E 10th in nyc. a 20 minute subway ride from 36th st and like a 20 minute walk from the 8th street station and we were there! I was a bit meh over the small selection. It was my dad to have some treats since I have been eating well with all the chicken and veggies lately. I had a chocolate chip cookie (pretty good) a thumbprint cookie with raspberry jam  (amazing) and we got a small loaf of a yeasty rosemary and sea salt crusty bread (also amazing). I was really impressed! They use quinoa and millet flours, which i think are much more nutritious than the potato and rice flours that a lot of replacement foods use. It was definitely a treat for me that kept my tummy happy. I had some of the bread with hummus dip that i had to bring to the bbq.

 

Oh and how annoying when u dont eat beef or pork and you go to a BBQ thinking there will be chicken!? There was like one side dish i could eat and not even veggies for dipping. I would have come much better prepared if i knew!

 

In short. I love the bread and cookies and they made my weekend.

 

I think you mean yeast-free bread. I think Jennifer omits yeast. 

You were a bit "meh over the small selection"? well, many people are grateful to have a selection at all. She works hard to put out safe items and I happen to know the struggle she has had to keep the place running while she recovers from celiac damage herself. But I digress. 

 

I know you are relatively new at this, but you seem to think everyone should accomodate you,. That's just not going to happen, hon.

Unless you called and spoke to the person hosting the party, I am not sure why you would assume there would be chicken. You can't get annoyed at someone about food being served and you are going to have to face the reality that is celiac: you have to prepare your own food.

 

While reading some of your posts, I can see that you are assuming too much about what is safe and what isn't and then, getting mad at other people when you get sick. This isn't your grandmother's fault, or the BBQ host's fault or the people at the fast food place's fault--because it's not their responsibility to make sure you are not getting glutened.That's all on you, hon. This is life with celiac. 

 

Fast food joints are not a celiac's best friend. I do not care how many people say they can get something safe in one, all it takes is one bored teenager and your "meal' can be CCed in a heartbeat. Choose places that other celiacs say are safe: chipotle's, PF Chang's, that sort of thing. 

Places without dedicated fry baskets = disaster.

 

One of the first things I learned was this: I am in charge of my recovery and my health. I did educate a few friends who were truly interested in learning how to cook safely for me, but I did not bother with some people--even some of my own family members-- because they were not going to adapt the entire holiday meal over to G F just for me. In some people's houses, I bring my own food. In others' homes, i know I am going to be okay because they work with me to plan the meal and to prepare it with me helping out. They are very gracious about it.

 

I suggest you read some information about cross contamination and come to accept that other people simply cannot---and should not--accommodate

us.  if I were invited to a BBQ, I would ask "what can I bring"? meaning a dish we can all share, but I would eat from it first. When I attended a cousin's wedding last year, I called the caterer and they were wonderful about answering questions. Turns out, there were 8 other G F ers attending and everything went fine. 

 

Read the book Real Life with Celiac Disease by Melinda Dennis and Daniel Leffler. It will give you more information and help you to see why this disease requires a lifelong commitment towards self-advocacy, yes..... but it is not a license for any of us to be angry at others just because we *think* we deserve special treatment,

We don't. 

 

I sense a deep frustration in your posts. While I can understand being initially upset by a celiac DX, I think it would be in your best interest to learn

more about what you should be doing on your own behalf to stay healthy. Soon, this will become the "new normal".

Hang in there. 

 

All the best to you! 

[beth01]

Remember your first job?  How you were new, didn't know exactly how things were done (even after reading a procedure manual), made mistakes, and felt stupid all the time?  The same sort of applies here.  The OP and I are like that only we weren't handed a procedure manual on the way out the doctor's door following our diagnosis. I was given a small pamphlet ( it was two pages) explaining what celiac was and where gluten was to be found.  Some of us "newbies" had never heard of gluten or celiac. I believe the OP stated in previous posts that she was gluten "light" before diagnosis, wasn't as strict without that " you have celiac" statement.

 

When we go into our first gluten free place " feeling meh over the selection" is more like "damn I wish there was more", followed by gratitude and rejoicing that there is cookies, breads, cupcakes, and such that is completely safe. All of which the OP stated.  Some just choose to focus on the negatives.

 

My parents had a cook out for Mother's Day and I was reluctant to go.  My mom then went into a rant about how she did all this research just to make sure I would be safe: she had washed the grill, kept all her dishes in the dishwasher until right before dinner, had cleaned her kitchen from top to bottom, used only salt and pepper for seasoning ( she even went as far as buying new) all the right things she needed to do. Where she figured this out, the internet.  People are more informed now than they used to be.  Yes, we have to be hyper vigilant putting our health into other's hands when eating out,  but we don't know how close of a friend had the BBQ or what the OP talked with them about before hand.  Filling in the blanks doesn't work.

 

I am grateful for this website, it has been so useful.  I can't imagine being diagnosed before all this information was at the tips of our fingers.  Those of you that have many years under your belt I am in awe of. I can't imagine the anguish of shopping before all the new regulations and people actually placing "wheat" as an ingredient and having to look for all the hidden sources.

 

That being said, this is our new job. Some people have a tactful way of teaching and others do not. Some people post positives to boost other's shortcomings while trying to teach them what they are doing wrong and other just bluntly point out your shortcomings. I am not saying this specifically just from this post, I have seen it on others too.  I can see where some get discouraged and only post here a few times and then move on. We don't need to be made to feel stupid, we already feel this way.  We are only on the first pages of the manual, we haven't read the whole thing. I am not saying this to discourage people from people posting on my threads, just giving the point of view as a "newbie" and how others might take overly harsh criticism.  That was the one thing I tried to remember training new employees, what it was like to be new.  It's a frustrating thing and so very hard to understand/remember when you have been doing this for years.

[IrishHeart]

Remember your first job?  How you were new, didn't know exactly how things were done (even after reading a procedure manual), made mistakes, and felt stupid all the time?  The same sort of applies here.  The OP and I are like that only we weren't handed a procedure manual on the way out the doctor's door following our diagnosis. I was given a small pamphlet ( it was two pages) explaining what celiac was and where gluten was to be found.  Some of us "newbies" had never heard of gluten or celiac. I believe the OP stated in previous posts that she was gluten "light" before diagnosis, wasn't as strict without that " you have celiac" statement.

 

When we go into our first gluten free place " feeling meh over the selection" is more like "damn I wish there was more", followed by gratitude and rejoicing that there is cookies, breads, cupcakes, and such that is completely safe. All of which the OP stated.  Some just choose to focus on the negatives.

 

My parents had a cook out for Mother's Day and I was reluctant to go.  My mom then went into a rant about how she did all this research just to make sure I would be safe: she had washed the grill, kept all her dishes in the dishwasher until right before dinner, had cleaned her kitchen from top to bottom, used only salt and pepper for seasoning ( she even went as far as buying new) all the right things she needed to do. Where she figured this out, the internet.  People are more informed now than they used to be.  Yes, we have to be hyper vigilant putting our health into other's hands when eating out,  but we don't know how close of a friend had the BBQ or what the OP talked with them about before hand.  Filling in the blanks doesn't work.

 

I am grateful for this website, it has been so useful.  I can't imagine being diagnosed before all this information was at the tips of our fingers.  Those of you that have many years under your belt I am in awe of. I can't imagine the anguish of shopping before all the new regulations and people actually placing "wheat" as an ingredient and having to look for all the hidden sources.

 

That being said, this is our new job. Some people have a tactful way of teaching and others do not. Some people post positives to boost other's shortcomings while trying to teach them what they are doing wrong and other just bluntly point out your shortcomings. I am not saying this specifically just from this post, I have seen it on others too.  I can see where some get discouraged and only post here a few times and then move on. We don't need to be made to feel stupid, we already feel this way.  We are only on the first pages of the manual, we haven't read the whole thing. I am not saying this to discourage people from people posting on my threads, just giving the point of view as a "newbie" and how others might take overly harsh criticism.  That was the one thing I tried to remember training new employees, what it was like to be new.  It's a frustrating thing and so very hard to understand/remember when you have been doing this for years.

 

 

There is no manual for celiac.

There is only advice and support from fellow celiacs, some excellent books and celiac disease centers as resources. 

 

No one makes anyone feel "stupid" here, Beth.  This is disturbing to me to read. Where did you get that impression?

 

We support everyone who walks in the same shoes.

 

And you are correct about this: some just do choose to focus on the negatives.  And it was not me, which is what you are implying.  I was pointing out that we are to be grateful for anyone who makes safe, dedicated food for us.  The OP had been consistently negative and complaining about others who are not sensitive to her needs. I am trying to get her to see that she has to think positively and be proactive.

 

That's all. 

 

I will speak for myself here, but I have spent the last 3 +years helping people and nurturing newbies and I took great pains to write the Newbie 101 thread just because I care so much about helping people. And many of us have become a family. We all care very much. Not sure why I have to defend myself here, but there it is.

 

I am sorry if you or the OP does not like the response I gave for whatever reason, but it does not mean it was not given with love and care. That's always my intention--to give support and care.

 

 

Best wishes, IH

[beth01]

There were four people that replied to this post besides me.  I can't multi-quote, the function just does not work for me no matter how hard I try.  I try to be tactful in everything I say.  I take time in what I write trying not to offend anyone. Obviously not everyone feels that way.  Jules is obviously feeling discouraged and it's understandable. I was trying to give my thoughts just like others but from a newbie perspective.

 

I know there isn't a "manual", I was trying to think of the best reference I could.  And yes, the way some things are worded can make someone feel stupid no matter if you are trying to be helpful or not. Some people give the "tough love" approach while others do not.  I guess the point I was trying to make is what works for some doesn't work for others and others might take it the wrong way.

 

I by no means want to start a huge fight and by no means want to offend anyone. Everyone that has responded to this thread has responded to mine and I have thanked each and everyone one of you and meant it. Things that are common sense to you ( and by you I mean anyone that has more than 60 days experience being a celiac) are kind of like a new job to us, it's foreign. You guys try and give us the best advice, some just have a better delivery service. It's like UPS versus FedEx - they both get the package delivered, they just drive a different truck.

[IrishHeart]

There were four people that replied to this post besides me.  I can't multi-quote, the function just does not work for me no matter how hard I try.  I try to be tactful in everything I say.  I take time in what I write trying not to offend anyone. Obviously not everyone feels that way.  Jules is obviously feeling discouraged and it's understandable. I was trying to give my thoughts just like others but from a newbie perspective.

 

I know there isn't a "manual", I was trying to think of the best reference I could.  And yes, the way some things are worded can make someone feel stupid no matter if you are trying to be helpful or not. Some people give the "tough love" approach while others do not.  I guess the point I was trying to make is what works for some doesn't work for others and others might take it the wrong way.

 

I by no means want to start a huge fight and by no means want to offend anyone. Everyone that has responded to this thread has responded to mine and I have thanked each and everyone one of you and meant it. Things that are common sense to you ( and by you I mean anyone that has more than 60 days experience being a celiac) are kind of like a new job to us, it's foreign. You guys try and give us the best advice, some just have a better delivery service. It's like UPS versus FedEx - they both get the package delivered, they just drive a different truck.

 

 

I thought about this  a bit more after you PMed me with your thoughts....and I guess what you are saying is:

 

you  may not like  way the message is delivered, but you still appreciate the message? 

 

What readers of the thread can't see is that Jules wrote a really angry reply that was deleted afterwards. I do not see it here anymore.

 

You also have to take into account that the receiver has to be open and accepting of the message, right? Let's consider that Jules has been glutened and she may be feeling off right now, possibly defensive and irritated. I know when I am glutened accidentally, I am not my usual cheery and reasonable self. And we all understand this. 

 

We are on her side! Hopefully, in time, she will come to see this is true.

 

Just want to add: 60 days is not "experience", trust me. This is all still a learning experience even for me after 3.5 years.  Common sense is not really learned, we are all supposedly born with it.... and I promise you, this all really does get easier as you go along.

 

I'm done explaining why I said the things I said..... Best to you!

[mommida]

Hello Newbie User! 

 

Everyone has their own way of saying things.

 

I would have told you....

You are going to learn a lot, quickly.  The first thing is a lot of people are too ignorant about a gluten free diet and cross contamination to keep you 'safe".  Sadly some well meaning people will accidentally poison you if you let them.

 

i.e.  Look a nice flourless chocolate torte!  (too bad they sprinkled the spring form pan with FLOUR to prevent sticking)  Her have this "white" bread.  (what do you mean it has gluten in it?)  "Just pick the croutons out of the salad.)

 

You are learning, and this is a great place to do that.  I do want to warn about People that "just don't understand" but try to make you eat something.

 

By the way I can't eat anything at my sister-in-law's house.  Her spotless looking house is so cross contaminated it makes me sick every time!   (I kid you not my brother-in-law took the Sangria ladle out of the punch bowl, used it to get turkey juices for making gray with it, barely rinsed it, and stuck it back in the punchbowl.  YUCK!)

[Serielda]

I have been planning a trip to New York, and that deli/bakery is on my to do list when I get to go. I also wonder does the Jennifer's Way bakery do shipping and if so do they ship across the nation. Here in LA, choices can be kind of slim. Granted we do have a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's(bit iffy on them I have heard stories of mislabeling) and The Fresh Market, but nothing beats fresh bakery things.  

So we were visiting friends in the brookyln and I had to be a pain and insist on visiting jennifers way on E 10th in nyc. a 20 minute subway ride from 36th st and like a 20 minute walk from the 8th street station and we were there! I was a bit meh over the small selection. It was my dad to have some treats since I have been eating well with all the chicken and veggies lately. I had a chocolate chip cookie (pretty good) a thumbprint cookie with raspberry jam  (amazing) and we got a small loaf of a yeasty rosemary and sea salt crusty bread (also amazing). I was really impressed! They use quinoa and millet flours, which i think are much more nutritious than the potato and rice flours that a lot of replacement foods use. It was definitely a treat for me that kept my tummy happy. I had some of the bread with hummus dip that i had to bring to the bbq.

 

Oh and how annoying when u dont eat beef or pork and you go to a BBQ thinking there will be chicken!? There was like one side dish i could eat and not even veggies for dipping. I would have come much better prepared if i knew!

 

In short. I love the bread and cookies and they made my weekend.

 

[kareng]

I have been planning a trip to New York, and that deli/bakery is on my to do list when I get to go. I also wonder does the Jennifer's Way bakery do shipping and if so do they ship across the nation. Here in LA, choices can be kind of slim. Granted we do have a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's(bit iffy on them I have heard stories of mislabeling) and The Fresh Market, but nothing beats fresh bakery things.

I bet there are lots of them in Los Angeles! Or do you mean Louisiana?

[Serielda]

Louisiana , We have a  small and select few gluten free places, and even smaller that do both gluten free and vegan. We have one place that does food and deserts that has signs on the windows banning outside food and drink explaining its to prevent cc . My hubby took me there when he heard about it to cheer me up after my hissy fit about changes. Being new I was extremely nervous, but upon seeing the signs again on  No outside food or drinks due to CC issues, and speaking with my server and learning there is no eggs, dairy or  any form of wheat or gluten in the food I was stoked to see what I call OMG amazing pizza.  Now in  New Orleans, well a sub burb called Metairie, there is a desert shop that is just as strict on things and I had went there before when I had went vegan 2 yrs ago as it was the only place I could find that did things the right way vegan with deserts. I hope  more stuff comes here that makes life a bit easier .

I bet there are lots of them in Los Angeles! Or do you mean Louisiana?