Monday, October 8, 2012

Lifestyle Change

Hubby is home sick, a stomach bug--we think.  As I have mentioned before, he has Celiac's Disease so it could be gluten contamination, but he doesn't think so.  He was diagnosed about a year and a half ago.  I was thinking this past weekend how much that diagnosis has changed our lives.  We eat differently of course, but we also shop in different stores, we eat at different restaurants, we do not get invited to dinner at friends' homes anymore, we attend fewer social events that involve eating, we travel differently, I buy different magazines--ones without a bunch of recipes like Better Homes and Garden has, we go to fewer movies because he misses the popcorn, medicines and home remedy cures for common ailments are different, yadda, yadda, yadda. 

I am not trying to evoke sympathy from you, it is all good and the new normal for us and just part of our life now.  Had you told me a year and half ago that so many things would change because of a gluten "allergy" (Celiac's is more than an allergy, it is an autoimmune disease) or that it would all seem normal I would not have believed you.  Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.  Here is a favorite gluten free recipe in our house.  Keep in mind, for it to truly be gluten free, you have to make sure all of your ingredients are gluten free--some sugar is processed on equipment that processes flour, etc.

Gluten Free Monster Cookies
Cream together:
1 stick softened butter
2/3 C. white sugar
1 C. brown sugar
Add:
2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
Mix well and then add:
1 and 1/3 C. peanut butter
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
4 and 1/2 C. gluten free oats (I use Bob's Red Mill old fashioned oats)
a few handfuls of chocolate chips
a few handfuls of plain MnM's
(typical Becky fashion--nothing is precise--just go with what you feel)

Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes--longer than typical cookies.  I love to cook them on parchment paper, come out very nice.  Enjoy!!

PS--It is Celiac Awareness month--do yourself a favor and check out the signs and symptoms of this life changing disease.

10 comments:

  1. Thanks for the recipe. I found out a week ago that I have Celiac Disease with my problems being upset stomach and itching. These cookies look amazing. I am already feeling better going gluten free. New world.

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  2. Oh boy, do I hear you!! My hubby was diagnosed 5 years ago and although the choices are getting better and better, he is finding out that he is becoming more sensitive as time passes. Frustratingly he cannot eat oats either - it becomes like an attack of severe food poisoning if he does!
    It can be difficult at times - not being able to stop for a quick sandwich when you're out and about but there are worse ailments and as long as we are vigilant, he doesn't suffer too much. As for me, I try and adapt 'normal' recipes as much as I can - it's always fun to try new things :)

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  3. Hi there,
    I found your blog through "life...just sayin"

    I "tried" to be gluten free for a few weeks. It lasted...maybe one day? A gluten free lifestyle is definitely difficult! My girlfriend is also gluten free and I always forget! So when I invite her over has to remind me. Haha

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  4. I have a teenager that was diagnosed a few years ago. Life pretty much sucks for a teen who has celiac disease. However, most of his friends have been pretty accommodating (when it occurs to them). He is not one to complain, but when someone goes out of their way for him, he is appreciative - but cautious, since most people don't get the cross-contamination thing. ANYWAY - thank you for this recipe! He will be so excited!

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  5. I'm unable to eat any grain (including oats and rice), dairy or sugar. When I first found out what I all had to stay away from, I thought I would fade away from starvation.
    It has amazed me how much a diet change can affect your life, but I have to say it hasn't been as bad or as hard as one might think. You just have to look at it as an adventure!

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  6. Popped in to say hi! I have to stay away from a lot of grains and miss cookies---these look wonderful. Thank you so much!

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  7. Thanks for sharing those cookies looked amazing!!

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  8. This is the biggest cookie I've ever seen. I'll try that and suggest this to my friends. It'll be a gigantic party with gigantic cookies.

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  9. I get confused when I see oats listed as "gluten-free". Aren't all oats gluten-free by nature? I'd like to try this recipe. Thanks.

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  10. Thank you so much not only for this recipe but sharing your family's journey. I have been gluten free for almost a year and it has helped SO much. Hugs & blessings to you and your family :)

    xoxo, Tanya

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!