mbrookes

(Off topic)

Larry,

I just saw your quote about sobriety and laughed out loud. My feelings exactly. I had rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

Marilyn

Just wash the precut vegetables (I did before I knew I was celiac) and they should be fine.

Most canned beans should be ok. Read the label. It takes me FOREVER to grocery shop, because after over two years I still read every label. You do get to a point after a while that you can scan a label and quickly spot any questionable ingredients.

Congratulations on your diagnosis. I know that sounds wierd, but when you see how much better you feel you will praise the day you stopped eating gluten.

King Arthur Flour, Betty Crocker... looks like some of the main line companies are beginning to realize that there are a lot of us and we spend a lot of money. That's great news!

mbrookes, Have you had any trouble getting the Udi bread? Here in Dallas, the Whole Foods are out of the bread and bagels because they say there is a packaging issue and don't know when it will come back. I was just wondering where you are?

I'm in Jackson, MS, where there is no Whole Foods. In fact, there is precious little in the way of gluten free food offered.

I order my Udi's from their web site. The shipping is expensive, but I order 8 loaves at a time and freeze it, so prorated it is not so bad. Ten seconds on defrost in the microwave cures it of having been frozen.

Just a suggestion... Thai Kitchen makes several dishes that are gluten free. They do not have to be refrigerated, so you can do like I do... keep a couple in a desk drawer and when everyone orders pizza (or whatever) microwave your Thai lunch and enjoy the comraderie at lunch.

Wow! You are having a rough time. Let me tell you something that has helped me through some rough spots. "I cannot control what happens to me. I can only control the way I react to it."

When people make stupid comments, try to realize that they just don't understand, and may never understand. This celiac is something we live with and know. They don't. A good answer (if you don't mind ruffling feathers) is "Would you encourage a recovering alcoholic to have just a little drink? Well, my situation is just as serious."

By all means, do get counseling. If money is a problem, check with your local mental health center. Most of them charge on a sliding scale. You may need just one good session, or it may be ongoing for a while, but the feelings you have now will slow down your recovery. Try to find a support group in your area. If there is not one, try to meet at least another person who has celiac.

I have been angry, depressed, sad... all of that. But not any more. After a little more than two years I know how important my health is. I also know I have not felt this good in many years. (I'm 65, but I look and feel much younger.)

Please check back with us on a regular basis so we can keep up with you.

I don't know about other fish, but catfish coated in cornmeal with Cajun seasoning and deep fried or pan fried is great.It should work on any firm white fish. Good luck with Lent.

My first Lent without peanut butter sandwhiches was rough, but now I eat the peanut butter on Udi's bread.

Beware of the book by the American Culinary (whatever)After spending my money I found out many of the ingredients are not easily available and the recipes are really complex. There are too many good easy things to eat!

Thanks. I'll sure keep that in mind. One sad thing... no more Vanelli's Pizza for me, and I did love it!

Jackson has a wealth of good restaurants, and all that I've tried have been very cooperative, but a few deserve special notice:

Sal and Phil's (New orleans style seafood) has a killer grilled redfish which they will do without coating in flour if you ask. The seasonings and sauce are safe.

Tony's Tamales uses only masa harina (corn) I have eaten them repeatedly with no bad effects. Try them at

Fat Tuesday's covered with chili and cheese. Fat Tuesday's red beans and rice is also gluten free.

Jerry's catfish (The big dome on Hwy 49 S) I have not eaten there but I stopped in and talked to the manager. Don't eat the hushpuppies, but the catfish and fries are safe.

The Mayflower (traditional Jackson) will grill or broil any of their fish without flour. If you remind them, they will clean off your corner of the grill.

There are more, and I will add them later as I make sure of my information. Happy eating, and y'all come down South for a visit!

Hey, thanks. I come to Hattiesburg (from Jackson) to go "junking." You've given me some new options. (I had been settling for a Wendy's baked potato!)I love anything connected with Robert St. John.

Don't y'all have a new Wentzel's Oyster there? Have you tried it?

And since you are so close, do y'all have a support group?

I was diagnosed in Jan, 2008, so I have been gluten free for a little over two years. I go to my regular dentist and my regular peridontist (gum diseae can be a direct result of Celiac) I have never had a problem with either one.

Of course, if you are prescribed medicine you will want to make sure it is gluten free.

Why not go for the real thing?

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk and then shake in a bag with flour(I use rice flour with a little Gluten Free Pantry flour blend added) lots of salt and black pepper.

Fry in enough oil to come half way up the chicken. Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350-370)Don't crowd the pan. Keep turning every 5 or so minutes until golden brown and chicken is done. Drain on brown paper bags.

Try it!

I use John's Red Mill pizza crust mix. My husband (non-celiac) and I both like it. Of course, if you put enough good stuff on, the crust becomes just a way to get the good stuff from the pan to your mouth.

Any left-over dough makes good bread sticks with the addition of garlic and sesame seeds.

Not only did I survive junion high myself, but I taught 7th grade for many years. You wouldn't believe how cruel kids that age can be. If he needs complexion help, by all means provide it. As for the side effects, check with your dermatologist by phone if you can't get to the office. Often side effects of many medicines are made to sound worse than they are. Also, ask how prevalent the side effects that worry you actually are. It may be extremely rare.

I was a Saints fan during the years we called them the "Aints" and wore paper bags on our heads to the games. It Feels GOOD to finally win. I'm so proud of our team and our fans.

WHO DAT?

The romantic menu will depend on your finances and culinary skill. A grilled steak,potato & salad (all gluten free) is always good, and a very masculine menu.

Lobster, grilled fish anything. A lady LOVES to be cooked for.

I hope y'all both have a good time!

If you are just starting, let me warn you. There is a lot of conflicting information floating around. Common sense is one of your best weapons. Some canned meats do have gluten added (of course, the meat it self is gluten free). Read all labels.

I eat Member's Mark chicken all the time with no ill effects. I use it in chicken a la king, pot pies, casseroles etc.

I have been happy with the John's Red Mill mix. Am I missing out? I guess since all the pizza I'm used to is chain take out I don't know really good pizza. I see the crust as a way to get the good stuff from the plate to my mouth. And I load on the good stuff!

I have been gluten free for a little over two years. I can't imagine having to share my kitchen with gluten. My husband eats gluten free (he has no reason to except that he loves me) and I have learned to prepare almost eveerything we have always eaten in a gluten free way.

He does have one loaf of regular bread, but he is very careful with it. Anything else he craves he eats when we go out or when he is out at lunch.

Really, wouldn't you give up something that made him sick?

La Choy soy sauce doesn't have wheat and I have used it with no problem. It's also cheaper than most other brands.

I'm so glad to know the onion soup is safe. It must have been something else. I love this place. So much info!

I can't find any poison ingredients listed, but I think it got me. Does anyone know about this redipe stand-by?

That does sound good. Jerseyangel's advice is sound. When a recipe uses flour to thicken I generally use an all purpose gluten free blend. Beware... it will probably take a little less for the desired thickness.

For the bread, if you have access to Udi's use it. That is the only one I have found that doesn't get gummy when it is damp.

Let's make that "Geaux Saints!" (Sorry, Yankees, it's a Cajun thing)