Kids Corner

Empower Your Children To Live In A Gluten World!

After speaking with numerous parents about the different ways they are teaching their children to live in our gluten filled world, I decided to look for some key points that may help everyone with this necessary, yet daunting task.  It is more difficult for children in my opinion than adults to grasp the concept that they can't have "normal" birthday cake or treats at school.  It is a bad day when you tell your child that they will always have to read labels and ask questions before they put anything into their mouths.  After all, everything always looks SO good!  I came across a great article that I found informative and inspiring and I'd really like to share it with all of you.  It shows ways to empower our children to live without gluten and deal with life in a world that doesn't cater their special needs diet. 

This article is titled Kids and the Gluten-Free Diet and it was written by Mary K. Sharrett and Pam Cureton from the February 2007 issue of Practical Gastroenterology.

Empower Your Gluten Free Children!

I hope you enjoy it and take some great tips and information from it.  I really spend a lot of time with my kids in the kitchen, role playing for hard situations where "taboo foods" are bound to be, and reviewing labels.  It really can become part of your day and life without much hassle if you have the support to do so. 

If you haven't already, please sign up for The Pipeline, The Celiac Shack's monthly newsletter.  We offer something different each month, including contests, gluten free recipes, and gluten free information. 

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments!

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Kids Corner

Gluten Free Silly Putty

Here is a fabulous Gluten Free Silly Putty recipe that my kids love to make.  We always appreciate gluten free crafts and activities, so here is one for your craft box! 

Silly Putty - (Grade - Great/Good) Not edible ~ Adult supervision is strongly recommended.

1 cup water
6 Tbsp Mule Team Borax
1/2 cup (4 oz bottle) white school glue
optional: food coloring

1.) Pour 1/2 cup water into a small bowl. Add the Borax and stir until dissolved. Set aside.

2.) Pour the other 1/2 cup of water in a medium-sized glass or metal bowl. Add the glue and stir until combined. Optional: add food coloring and stir to achieve the desired color.

3.) Pour the Borax mixture into the glue mixture. Knead with hands until most of the water is absorbed and the putty can form a ball in your hands. Lift the putty from the bowl and discard the remaining water mixture. Return the putty to the bowl and allow to sit, uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until fairly firm.

4.) Store any unused silly putty in an airtight container.

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Kids' Corner

Cheeseburgers In Paradise

Ok, so I am aware that my kids LOVE to go out to eat and it's more difficult for us to do so than for other families, so when I came across the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant, my kids were thrilled.

It is a fun place with a great island feel and my kids could order off the menu like "normal" kids. They offer a full gluten free menu including cheeseburgers without the buns (My kids really don't mind cause they don't like the buns anyway). They were able to order french fried potatos, and even got dessert!!! What an amazing place for kids!

If you're looking for a special place to go out to, Cheeseburger in Paradise offers a great place for the little ones. We used to go to another hamburger joint that is very well known, but since they haven't gotten on the gluten free wagon, we now have offered Cheeseburger in Paradise our gluten free business.

Listed below is the link to their site, and they have locations all over the country:

Cheeseburger In Paradise

They have created their gluten free menu in cooperation with the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), so that makes me feel really good to know that it has been double checked with professionals!

If you have any questions or comments, we'd love to hear them!

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
Making gluten free fun one day at a time!