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Ep 208 February 2022 Roundup
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
It’s the beginning of February, so that may mean Groundhog Day to some, but to me it means a lively conversation with Ellen Bayens of www.theceliacscene.com.
Ellen and I talk about a study looking at a link between atopic dermatitis and celiac disease, along with a publication of a report on increasing prices for gluten free in the UK. We also look at a paper from Turkey about the common myths surrounding celiac disease – most are universal. Ellen brings to my attention that Earth’s Own Oat Beverage will no longer be gluten free and we explore the why’s and how’s of that happening. Ellen highlights a couple of my recent podcasts Ep 207 about Suki the Gluten Detection Dog as well as my Gluten Free Weigh In episodes with Aaron. Every Tuesday, Selena Devries answers questions on her Instagram Story (@celiac_dietitian), but I never knew how to send her a question. Ellen walks us through the process, which is simple, but unless I was ready to do it, wouldn’t have explored. Here are the links to the topics Ellen and I spoke about.
• Significant Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Celiac Disease
• ATTENTION: Gluten-Free Product Labeling Change | Earth’s Own Oat Milks
• Prices Up ⬆️ Selection Down ⬇️ for Celiac Shoppers
• “Inmate with Celiac Disease Starving to Death,” says Attorney
• More Misconceptions About Celiac Disease• Aaron Copes with the Emotions of a Celiac Disease Diagnosis
• Tuesdays Instagram Questions & Answers Session (FREE!)
• Join Selena’s Symptom Relief Facebook GroupSue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
I try not to go down the rabbit hole that is social media when I’m researching a topic, and this is especially true when I consider something like the choices Earth’s Own had to make when switching from gluten free oats to “regular” oats.
It is difficult for us as consumers to step into the minds and boardrooms of the food producers and grocery store chains. I’ve sat in some of those meetings, and they were not what I expected. I particularly remember one meeting when I was presenting a new product to my distributor who would then list it for stores (mostly health food stores) to stock on their shelves or in their freezers. I had prepared some slick product cards with photos and nutritional information, case dimensions, storage instructions etc. As well, I had samples, plates and napkins. I was ready to sell.
The distributor had invited the marketing people and the sales people from my “area” to review the product. I was ready, gave my short talk, handed out the product cards and prepared the samples. It should have all worked perfectly, except they had very little interest in tasting the product. I was completely taken aback. Most attendees didn’t sample the product, and the ones who did, seemed to be doing it out of courtesy. How could this be? It was a great new gluten free offering!
Turns out the interest in the product boiled down to –
- What is the cost at my door?
- Is the packaging appropriate?
- What is the shelf life?
- Does it require freezer space?
- What price are the competitors?
I was able to answer all their questions, but as a gluten free food producer, I was most concerned about taste, texture, shelf life, visual appeal. As a distributor and retailer, they were most concerned about picking up the product, storing it, delivering it, and if it was unique, it would be an easier sell to their stores. Oh yes, their biggest concern was price!
Any large food producer has to walk the fine line between producing a food they are proud to promote, and the acceptance of grocery stores to list it, order it, and shelve it appropriately. And then there’s the price, which regardless of product quality will make or break the wholesale and retail equation. Earth’s Own had difficult decisions to make, ones I’m sure they wish they didn’t have to make, and one they knew would disappoint some customers. I’m sad to lose the brand from our gluten free shelf, but tend to believe that Earth’s Own did their best to alert their gluten free consumers and did the best for their brand in the long run.
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Ep 207 Suki The Gluten Detection Dog
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode I speak with Kendra, the human who trained Suki to be a Gluten Detection Dog. Kendra speaks about how Suki was trained to alert her if any food, drink or medication contains gluten. Kendra trained Suki during Covid, and although Suki is ready to accompany Kendra into restaurants, stores and on public transportation, the training is ongoing. Kendra takes us through some of the interesting instances when Suki was able to detect very small amounts of gluten, which Kendra would not have been able to detect from ingredient lists. I preface and follow up my conversation with Kendra with some general information on working dogs, that you, like me, may not have been aware of. I’m looking forward to a follow-up conversation with Kendra, so if you have any questions for her, please email me at acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
You can follow Suki on Instagram at @sukipwd
Kendra also mentioned her trainer, the website is www.crescentservicedogs.com
Kendra and Suki Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
I find the idea of having a dog that can alert to any gluten in a food, beverage or medication is almost a miracle. I shouldn’t be surprised since we have all seen videos of drug sniffing dogs, finding illegal drugs hidden in well sealed packages, buried in other pungent substances. I will never cease to be amazed at the enhanced sense of smell of our canine companions.
That got me thinking as to how most of us look for gluten in our foods and medications, and thought of some pros and cons for the current options.
Pros and Cons of Different Ways to Detect Gluten
Reading and Understanding Labels – steep learning curve of the suspect ingredients as well as navigating current labelling regulations; time consuming to read every label every time; must research or call the manufacturer if there are unanswered questions; research and ask questions every time a meal is eaten from a restaurant with the more questions you ask, the more you should be able to be assured of the safety of your food; discretion can allow you to keep your diagnosis “private”
Nima Sensor – cannot test food before you buy it; the sensor is only testing for gluten in the small sample used and if negative : ) does not necessarily mean that the entire serving is gluten free, as gluten may be present in another part of the food; cost to purchase the sensor; cost to purchase the individual test strips, there may be a hesitancy to use the costly test strips saving them for the most suspect of foods; testing foods while in a restaurant or out in public may get some questions and stares and is making the diagnosis “public”
Gluten Detection Dog – very long and involved training for both dog and owner; if properly trained the dog can alert to gluten in any form at a store before purchase, at home preparing food and all ingredients, food ordered in restaurants and medications; dog can travel with owner to detect gluten while away from home; a well trained dog can detect very small amounts of gluten under 20ppm; ongoing cost of keeping a pet including food and health care; having to be prepared to deal with public reaction to a dog wearing a “gluten detection dog” vest; training never stops and must be continually re-enforced; owner still has to understand all the rules around gluten free and be vigilant in restaurants when ordering; making the diagnosis “public”
My comparisons are not very scientific, and they do show my bias. I’ve never been a fan of the Nima Sensor, I think it can give a false sense of safety. I’ve learned to read labels and re-learned as regulations changed, and I’ve done it over 25 plus years, so I’m comfortable with that. As a newly diagnosed celiac Kendra saw the diagnosis as a significant problem with her job which involved regular travelling. The decision to purchase and train a gluten detection dog is a major life commitment. Clearly Kendra will reap the rewards of her hard work and decision for many years to come. Just as the Nima Sensor may be the answer for some people, and reading labels is the answer for most of us, wouldn’t it be great to have a cuddly companion who is always watching out for any gluten in your food.
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Ep 206 CCA Dietitians and The New Labelling Guide
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode I’m speaking with Nicole Byrom RD, and Caleigh McAulay, dietitians with the Canadian Celiac Association. At the CCA’s recent virtual conference, Nicole and Caleigh presented the new CCA Labelling Guide, which, although there have not been new regulations on gluten labelling, clarifies many of the questions Nicole and Caleigh regularly receive. We talk about the term “may contain” and levels of risk involved in certain labelling terminology used in Canada. You can access their presentation and print out the guide at –
As well, Caleigh spoke to me about the CCA’s Gluten Free Product Finder, which lists all the foods bearing the gluten free certification from the CCA.
https://www.celiac.ca/living-gluten-free/gf-product-finder/
There is a new app for your phone which will replace the pocket dictionary from CCA to determine if an ingredient is gluten free.
One question that is often asked of both Nicole and Caleigh is about eating out or ordering food for delivery. This subject was well covered by Ellen Bayens of http://www.theceliacscene.com during the recent conference and you can view her presentation at –
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
The Canadian Celiac Association has been trying for many years to secure the services of a dietitian as a resource for both members and the general public. The CCA has been fortunate to have dietitian interns help out at the office in Toronto, prior to Covid. It was wonderful to realize that interns, trained on calls from celiacs and general inquiries would soon be practicing in Canada.
It is more exciting that the CCA now has the services of two dietitians, Nicole on the west coast and Caleigh in the Maritimes. There are many of us who have been volunteering with the CCA for years and much of our volunteer time was taken up with the newly diagnosed. Over time, lots of people have worked hard to train us lay people in the terminology to use when speaking with the newly diagnosed. Understanding the questions as well as the emotional roller coaster of the newly diagnosed takes an empathy, which is difficult to teach.
All of us CCA volunteers can be thrilled that now there is professional help to answer the wide range of questions from celiacs and their families. It’s always been difficult to establish the trust with a new celiac that makes them comfortable to ask any questions – remembering the old adage that there are no stupid questions. Especially now, with staying home and social distancing, they can ask a professional on the other end of the phone. I would be re-miss to not mention that donations from individuals in Canada have allowed the CCA to employ both Nicole and Caleigh. Thanks to everyone who has donated to the CCA and thanks Nicole and Caleigh!
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Ep 204 January 2022 Roundup
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
It’s not only the beginning of a new month, it’s the beginning of a new year. What better way to start the year than an engaging conversation with Ellen Bayens of www.theceliacscene.com. Ellen and I discussed two recent studies –
Celiacs Infected with COVID-19 at No Greater Risk of Complications
Are Celiac Disease & Inflammatory Bowel Disease Linked?
Ellen posed a question regarding the holidays to her Facebook group –
We talked about Stella’s Perogies being available at Walmart in Canada – bit.ly/StellasGFPerogies
For more information on the restaurant we spoke about that was wrongly claiming to be endorsed by Ellen and The Celiac Scene, please see the Facebook post at – https://www.facebook.com/theceliacscene/posts/10161448068918012
You can listen to Aaron’s recent episode 169 of Gluten Free Weigh In on any podcast app or on the podcast website – glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
I spoke about the new blue adult wristbands soon to be available on the website www.celiackidstuff.com.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
I’m not sure there is much more to say about the recent holidays, except that I’m glad it’s over. This may sound negative and harsh, but for those of us on a gluten free diet, it is a complicated time.
In my household, there’s no question that everything for the holidays and family consumption is gluten free and for the most part made from scratch. I suppose I have it easy. Some would say, I set myself up with too much work preparing everything gluten free for everyone, but it doesn’t even occur to me to have two separate dishes/cookies/snacks – one gluten free and one with gluten.
I’ve been making my gluten free pastry for more than 20 years. I’ve been making tourtiere pies for even longer. It doesn’t even occur to me to make my pie filling and put it in “gluten” crusts for my wheat eating friends. My recent delivery of mincemeat pies to my father (not celiac) were gluten free. It didn’t dawn on me that they were “special” until he told me about sharing one with a woman who is celiac living in the same residence.
Holidays, of any sort, normally have special foods and often require baking of family favourites. I can’t think of any family favourites that I haven’t successfully converted to gluten free. The old gluten recipes are, I’m sure, still in my Mom’s stacks of recipes held together with rubber bands. I suppose I’ll see that my gluten eating daughter, or my nieces get those recipes. For my family, I’ve made new traditions and they are all gluten free. Just like you might remember the special taste of your family favourites, it would be odd for any of us to have gluten in our special holiday meals again. Let’s just say, Family and Friends are welcome at our holiday table, but gluten is not invited.
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Ep 203 Catch Up with the Canadian Celiac Association
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode I speak with Melissa Secord, Executive Director of the Canadian Celiac Association to bring us up to date on recent relevant news items. We look more into how the CCA worked with the Ontario government to inform the Ministry of Health about the advantages of covering the cost of the celiac blood panel for the purpose of diagnosis, and the pilot program that has come from those efforts. Recently, a story about a celiac woman held in travel quarantine made the national news as she was denied a gluten free meal for 40 hours. The CCA got involved to help the woman and bring more awareness of this unacceptable situation. Melissa and I also talked about the labelling of “natural” products, including supplements, and natural treatments. Until now, these products did not require labelling that would identify sources of gluten and recently, the CCA has been working with Health Canada to change the regulations. You can find out more at www.celiac.ca/news-events/news/.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
Availability of safe food is something that the Canadian Celiac Association has been working on for many years. This effort takes many forms. Of late, the Save Me For Gluten Free campaign is working to establish local partnerships with food banks to ensure donated gluten free foods get to those who need them.
In years past the CCA has supported efforts from producers of oats to allow them to be labelled gluten free and considered safe for celiacs. Labelling regulations in Canada have been updated periodically, and the CCA has always been involved in the clarity of labels and identification of gluten sources.
The current issues of availability of safe food for a celiac in a quarantine hotel could not even have been imagined prior to the pandemic. Years ago, the issue of gluten free food for those in prison who required it, was solved, and to hear that referenced in a recent commentary on the subject as a comparison to a quarantine hotel is troubling.
What seems most concerning about the quarantine situation is that most commercial kitchens, restaurants and food suppliers are aware of gluten free. Although we research restaurants and avoid ones that can’t provide us a proper meal, it’s still worth noting that a great many restaurants have something, if even a simple salad or plain chicken to offer us. The idea that a contract for the “securing” of travellers would include food, but not take into account special diet requirements, is very much out of line with current awareness of the gluten free diet.
It’s curious to me as to why food cannot be brought in from local restaurants to meet special needs. Most of us are aware of the options in metropolitan areas to order in safe gluten free food. We know more specifics than those working in food service. As well, not allowing food to be brought in from friends of family just makes the policies more extreme. Clearly, the quarantine policies were not as well thought out as any other event that serves food.
As an individual, there isn’t much I can do to voice my concerns, but with the support of the CCA, I can be part of a letter writing campaign to make a real difference. Thanks again CCA.
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Ep 202 CCA Holiday Guide 2021
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
The Canadian Celiac Association has once again produced a Holiday Guide with great recipes and tips to help us cope with our festive holidays in a Gluten Free safe way. Nicole Byrom RD, from the CCA goes through the different articles in the guide and I’m able to tease out a little information from each section. If you are not already on the CCA mailing list, you can download a copy of the guide at – celiac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-CCA-Holiday-Guide.pdf
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
This is now our second December and Holiday Season living under the dark veil of the Covid-19 pandemic. If you’re anything like me, you’ve said to yourself at least a few times – “I already have celiac disease, and now this!” I cope well with the gluten free diet, but there are times when it feels like a burden. For most, those feelings lessen as they get more established with the diet.
Then come the Holidays when family and friends get together, to share good times and familiar foods. The good times, I’m fine with, but the familiar foods take a great deal of work to ensure safety. In my family, I’m not the only celiac, and for the most part everyone is on board with our needs. There will always be times when I feel like an island, all alone in my diagnosis, asking far too many questions about food.
As I said, I’m a well-adjusted celiac, but some situations are isolating. That brings me back to the pandemic (everything seems to these days). At the start of the pandemic we were all just learning about transmission and testing and masks and positivity rate, but there was a sense that we were all in this together. Politicians and health care leaders took up this slogan and tried to impress on everyone to do their part.
A newly diagnosed celiac can learn from great resources like the Canadian Celiac Association. It’s a steep learning curve, but slowly, we all climb the hill of knowledge. The more difficult sentiment to instill is the “we’re all in this together” belief. You may have other family members who are celiac and you can literally stick together to support one another, or you may not know other celiacs, or just have them as acquaintances. The CCA has, for many years, taken on the task of trying to unite celiacs around common issues, and one great way to do that is the Holiday Guide. The CCA has been sending out a holiday guide for as long as I can remember. There was always valuable information in the guide, but more importantly, it made me realize I was not going through these difficult social situations alone. If nothing else, the annual Holiday Guide lets us take comfort in the fact that “we’re all in this together”.
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Ep 201 December 2021 Roundup
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
It’s the beginning of the month, and that means I get to talk with my friend Ellen Bayens about the topics, studies and interesting articles regarding celiac disease and the gluten free diet featured on her website. For more information visit theceliacscene.com and sign up for Ellen’s monthly newsletter.
1900 Gluten-Free Families Care & Share in Private Group – Ask to Join
Migraines More Common Amongst Celiacs
New Research Identifies Who Should be Offered Testing for Celiac Disease
Gluten-Free Hazelnut Torte Taking Costco Shoppers by Storm!• Join Selena for Instagram Questions & Answer Sessions every Tuesday
• Join Selena’s Symptom Relief Facebook Group• Everyday Gluten Free Gourmet Virtual Class Calendar
• Purchase a Gift Certificate for a Gluten-Free Cooking Class!GLUTEN-FREE PRODUCTS & SERVICES • Order Your Basket of Beautiful Wise Bites’ Baking
• Cocoabeans Gourmet Gluten-Free Mixes – Now Available Online!
Hazelnut Torte from Trump Foods sold at Costco in Victoria Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
Those of us living in Ontario have something to celebrate. The CCA has worked hard for many years to educate the powers that be in the Ontario government regarding the coverage of celiac screening tests. Ontario is the only province in Canada that does not cover the costs of the accepted blood testing for celiac disease. There have always been exceptions to this rule, and they mostly included testing done from a hospital emergency department and some other hospital services.
The result of not covering the costs of celiac testing in Ontario was that doctors legitimately saw the celiac bloodwork as something out of the ordinary, and even if they suspected celiac in an initial consultation with a patient, more likely than not, the physician would send the patient for a series of other tests covered by OHIP, before going outside of that bubble with uncovered bloodwork. To add to this, was the discussion the doctor would have with the patient about the cost of the test. Maybe to some it wouldn’t be a problem, maybe some had private insurance that covered it, but there would always be some patients who would turn down the test, because they simply couldn’t afford it. Clearly this put the physician in a difficult situation, and creates a difficult path to diagnosis.
Currently, there is a six-month pilot program underway in Ontario to cover the cost of celiac testing. Our job, as those in the know about celiac testing, is to encourage anyone in Ontario who may require celiac bloodwork, or someone in a family who opts for periodic testing because of a higher risk.
To this point, with me and my oldest daughter diagnosed, my younger daughter is tested periodically. She was due for a re-test. A recent doctor visit highlighted the difficulty the government has in getting their message out. My daughter went armed with both the CCA website description of the new Ontario testing policy, along with the bulletin link provided on the CCA webpage. The doctor did take the time to read the information and was able to write the test requisition – phew! The blood test appointment has been made, so we’ll wait and see – oh yes, and she will be eating lots of gluten prior to the test, as I always inform others to do.
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Ep 200 Ellen’s In Charge
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
It’s finally here – Episode 200 of the Podcast. As promised, I have handed over the podcast to Ellen Bayens of theceliacscene.com to ask me questions, which I didn’t know in advance. This is by far the longest episode of the A Canadian Celiac Podcast. Ellen went out of her way to contact many interesting guests from past episodes to solicit questions and comments. I am humbled by their input and Ellen’s efforts. Thank You to all who participated.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
At over two hours, I’m all talked out – you have all my thoughts. The only other thing I want to say is THANK YOU to my listeners. A podcast isn’t worth the effort if you’re not listening. Thank you for making my efforts worthwhile.
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Ep 199 Gluten Free Blogger to Author
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Taleen Benson blogger and cookbook author. Taleen started her blog after her husband was diagnosed with a condition that required a gluten free, egg free diet. Taleen has a loyal following for her blog called “Just As Tasty”, and she was encouraged to write a cookbook of gluten free, egg free recipes. The book, called “Just as Tasty, Gluten-free and Eggless Baking Through the Seasons” is available for purchase on Amazon. Taleen explained the process of writing her own cookbook as well as having it available with Amazon print on demand. She was kind enough to send along her recipe for Molasses Cookies
Makes about 18 cookies
1 ¾ cups (259g) gluten-free flour blend
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup (133g) light brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup (113g) unsulphured molasses
1 tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer, mixed with 2 tbsp water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, for rolling
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt together. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with the brown sugar until smooth. Add the molasses, prepared egg replacer, and vanilla extract and beat to incorporate. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined.
- Roll balls of cookie dough, measuring about 1 tablespoon per cookie, then roll in the granulated sugar. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Use your hand to press down on each one to flatten slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for at least 10 minutes before removing.
Notes: Once mixed with water, the egg replacer must sit for 1 minute to thicken. If you are not looking to replace eggs, you should be able to use 1 egg instead of the egg replacer.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
Most people have never contemplated writing a cookbook. Getting a publisher, signing a contract, committing to deadlines, working with editors to choose the photos and layout of the content – it all seems like so much work. Yes, money can be made by the author and publisher, depending on the popularity of sales, which depends on many variables and a great deal of effort on everyone’s part.
There has always been an option to self-publish a cookbook. Many of us are familiar with community cookbooks from church or charity organizations or maybe even CCA Chapters. These have always been go-to’s for me as they represented tried and tested family favourite recipes.
The idea that, just like writing a blog and being responsible for content, photography and branding, someone can write a cookbook, and only have it printed as it’s purchased, is revolutionary. In years past, self-publishing meant receiving, storing and selling cases of books from your garage or basement.
Although the technology has made the publish on demand scenario possible, it doesn’t diminish the herculean effort required to bring all the creative aspects together to make a book. There are options to do everything yourself, or employ other creative individuals such as photographers, editors and graphic artists to help with the heavy load. Taleen set an ambitious timeline of publishing in eight months. I can’t imagine how all that work was done in her free time, how all the recipes were tested and re-tested, how all the photos were taken and chosen. Then comes the job of promotion – having something for sale and selling it are two very different things.
Taleen reached out to me as part of her marketing plan for the book. I found her collection of recipes, being both gluten and egg free were unique. The more I found out about her self-publishing journey the more interest I had in speaking with her. Looking back on our conversation, I realize that self-publishing for the on-demand market is something within reach for many, but only a few will actually have the combination of skills to make it successful.
