Gluten Free Love

The words gluten-free and love rarely go together.  In fact - when I was diagnosed with Celiac disease fifteen years ago I was sure those two words could not even be in the same solar system.   "Your significant weight loss is due to gluten" blandly reported my doctor.  

Gluten, a natural protein found in wheat, rye and barley is in everything.  What specifically you ask?  Cakes, cookies, pretzels, bread, cheeses, gum and even hair products include wheat.  In fact in the early days - the I had coined the phrase "The ENTIRE WORLD is made of gluten".   

Battered but not broken I dusted myself off and decided that if that was to be my fate - than my elaborate and dramatic (yet *ahem “unaired”) nightly cooking shows with my mother would now be gluten free.  Spectacular dinner and cocktail parties?  Well gluten-free of course!  You see, gluten-free is not just a way of eating, it is truly a lifestyle.  

I did not begin this diet for enjoyment, but I now am consumed with a fiery passion for the food and the gluten intolerant.  Fluffy rice bread with cream cheese and lox have become a mid-morning staple. The ever elusive spectacular tasting Indian curry dishes roll off my wooden spoon with the ease of a professional chef.  I now love everything about food; the taste, texture and the feel.  

Gluten-free, which used to be cruel and angry adjectives, have now grown soft, tender and graceful words I say with respect and reverence. I speak lovingly about the food that nourishes my body and soul with, and therefore every bite has become something to think about, relish, enjoy and share.  

And that my friends, is true gluten-free love.