Living Without is inviting you to a FEST.

We’re throwing a party and you’re invited! Celebrate gluten-free, allergy friendly living at one of Living Without’s Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fests:

San Diego, CA, May 3-4 Indianapolis, IN, August 23-24 Portland, OR, September 6-7 More locations scheduled for next year

   

Ticket Prices:

• Adult (One Day) – $15.00
• Adult (Both Days) – $25.00
• Child (One Day) – $5.00
• Child (Both Days) – $7.50
• Ages 5 and under – Free

   

You won’t want to miss the fun. Here are 7 reasons for attending:

Storing Gluten-Free Flours

I am often asked how to store gluten-free flours and what their shelf life is.

1. It is recommended that all gluten-free flour be stored in a air-tight glass container, once it is opened.
2. Opinions vary on whether all gluten-free flour should be stored in the refrigerator. Considered the weather and how quickly you will be using it.
3. Chef Beth Hillson from Living Without Magazine,August/September 2013 issue recommends:
a. White Flours and Starches have very little oil, so they can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for several months.
b. Whole Grain flours have more oil, so store them in an airtight container:
     In the refrigerator 6 months or     
     In the freezer for 9-12 months.  
              
     Example of Whole Gain Flours:
              Amaranth Flour
              Millet Flour
              Brown Rice Flour

              Quinoa Flour
              Sorghum Flour
              Garbanzo Bean Flour
 
c. Nut flours are very high in fat content and can go rancid quickly. Store in  an air tight container:  
      Examples of Nut Flours: 
              Almond Flour
              Hazelnut Flour
              Coconut Flour

   In the refrigerator 3 months or In the freezer for up to 6 months.    
 
 4. Chef Beth Hillson suggests always bringing your flour to room temperature before using.

Happy Baking!

Holiday Temptations

During the holiday's people are often tempted to justify eating foods they are not supposed to eat. This includes people who are supposed to be gluten-free for health reasons, Celiacs included. Do not let the temptations of the holiday derail your health. 

I know how difficult it is to walk into someplace that is filled with the fragrance of wonderful foods and know that I cannot eat them. I have gotten past the temptations because I have suffered too much in the past, from eating gluten or dairy. Now I enjoy the aromas and sights. I love looking at a beautifully made meal or a gorgeous chocolate mouse pie. 

Try to find the joy in the experience. For me, the holiday has always been about the people and the food is a delightful addition. Now those foods have changed, but I am so thankful to still have so many people I love with me on the holidays.

I just read a 6 part article on the Living Without site called, "Why Celiacs Cheat?" by Erica Dermer. Though the article addresses Celiacs, it could easily be titled, "Why People Cheat When They are on a Restricted Diet?" It is worth reading and may help you stay on course through this holiday season.