international celiac awareness

October was formerly recognized as North American Celiac Awareness month. In order to be aligned with  the international celiac community, both Canada and the United States recently began recognizing May. It was viewed to be critical that celiac disease be higlighted internationally in May, a month in which other autoimmune diseases linked to celiac (like lupus, arthritis, diabetes, food allergies, etc.) are also noted.

In 2006, the United States Senate designated September 13 as “Celiac Awareness Day.”  Irrespective of when celiac awareness “day” or “month” takes place, it presents itself with an opportune moment to stop, and reflect about how we can spread the word about celiac disease, its symptoms, and how it affects so many unsuspecting Americans. There are a number of ways you can help: talk to your local grocer, media outlets, school districts, local leaders and doctors offices. There is a truly inspiring story about the difference one person can make here. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently launched a website for celiac awareness – a huge step toward promoting a source of information for those affected by the disease.  You’ll find the link here.  It’s good and straightforward information.

mangorita

We were at a wedding in Key West this past summer and upon entering the reception gardens, they served mangoritas. I admit that I was unfamiliar with them until that point. But, they were really delicious and very refreshing on such a hot day. This weekend, I threw my husband a surprise party – and I decided that it would be fitting to serve the Key West mangorita for our guests. Although it’s not exact, I came very close. I suspect the difference is using fresh mango puree versus using mango juice. Since mangoes are out of season, I chose to use juice instead. I prefer Ceres 100% juice.  It’s from South Africa and it’s amazing. I first tasted it on my premier journey to South Africa to visit my husband while we were dating.  It became available in the U.S. about 18 months ago. 

2 oz 100% agave tequila
1 oz Cointreau (orange flavored liqueur)
1 oz orange juice
1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
4 oz mango juice (see headnote)

Mix all ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake for 30 seconds. And pour into a glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

banana pancakes

Where have all the fluffy, delicious pancakes gone?  I have tried most pancake mixes – and, to be honest, I think they have an interesting after-taste.  They also seem to produce really sad, flat pancakes. A while back, I discovered Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free Pancake & Baking Mix. And I have remained faithful to it.  My children requested pancakes this morning. There’s something about pancakes with bananas and a touch of agave nectar on top…it’s delicious.

1 cup Arrowhead Mills Mix
1 egg
1 tblsp coconut oil
1/4 cup non-dairy milk or water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 banana, sliced into rounds
1-2 tblsps agave nectar

Mix egg, oil, milk (or water)  and cinnamon together. Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Let sit for 3-5 minutes while the skillet is pre-heating. Drop 2 tblsp dollops onto the warmed skillet, forming dollar size pancakes.