So, this past year I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and my youngest DS with a lactose allergy. He already had an allergy to shellfish (and cats. And seasonal. And he's getting tested to see what all else he is allergic to). I have been blessed with friends who keep an eye out for GF (gluten-free) items when they see it, where they see it and usually the price too. One amazing woman even sent me a HUGE box with her favourite GF items in it. My biggest problem? GF is considered a "fad diet" by many, and not an actual "disease" or "allergy" or anything. A lot of the stuff is hard to find, except at specialty stores or online, and they are typically very PRICEY. Price used to be less of an issue, but I recently "quit" my job, so to speak, to stay home with the children. (We were paying over $1800 a month in childcare and with #4 on the way, that number would go up to over $2400. We couldn't afford that.) So, we are down to one paycheck (not a big one, thank you Uncle Sam!) and left with dietary constrictions that are difficult and expensive.
I try to do GF when able (can find and afford) but more often than not, I'll eat something different or suffer through the consequences of eating something with gluten in it. However, I HATE fixing more than one meal at a time. (My DD would be quick to point out I used a naughty word. However, there is no other word to describe it!) The lactose thing is much more recent; not even 2 months "old" yet. His is a bit easier. Sharp/extra sharp cheeses are lactose-free due to how they are processed or aged. Luckily, we don't like mild cheese. The downside has been, he is two. And he LOVES yoghurt. Talk about impossible to find?! His reaction to dairy is the same as mine is to gluten, only nastier in my opinion, since I can make it to the toilet.
I don't plan on getting on here all that often (every two weeks or so), but when I do, I plan to post the recipes that we tried that were GF and/or DF. I don't even allow shellfish in my house, so all the recipes will be shellfish free. ;) Not just the recipes, but our family's thoughts on them. Luckily, I'm a girl from Texas. A lot of the GF that we have tried is horribly bland. But, due to my raising, I'm not afraid of my spices. They are afraid of ME! That being said, I will also post below the original recipe any changes I have made and why.
