April Peveteaux's Blog, page 3

GIMB Presents . . . GF Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies!

Happy minty holidays, everybody! I cannot stop eating these gluten-free cookies made with chocolate mint chips. In fact, I’m eating one right now. THAT IS A TOTALLY TRUE STATEMENT.

A tip for best cookie making. Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour that includes xanathan gum. Go for the expensive stuff since there is so much of it in this recipe. Use a bigger bowl than I did when mixing and get your cookie on.

GIMB Presents . . . Super Duper Potato Skins!

You guys, I love me some potato skins fierce. And they’re so easy to make, and naturally gluten-free, I don’t know why they’re not on the menu every night. Except for that “eating healthy” thing. Check out my very awkward video (someone needs to get her shit together) and learn how to make them your own dang self.

Gluten-Free #GivingTuesday Holiday Gift Guide

*I fostered these puppies, and I LOVED THEM. You could have your heart broken while doing good, too.

Hey gang, the holidays are so right up in our grills. Since I’m not exactly in a super indulgent mood (except when it comes to nachos, of course) I sat down and thought about what I would really want to recommend this holiday season. Of course I adore food boxes, and awesome books, and a Cobalt Valkyrie-X Private Plane in Rose Gold, but I’d rather talk about these things/organizations that are so worth your gifting this season.

This Giving Tuesday (and beyond) consider donating in your giftee’s name, or sending some goodness with your awesome prezzie.

GlobeIn

I’ve talked about GlobeIn baskets before because they’re filled with goodness, and I like goodness. They also spread the goodness, as each part of these handcrafted, artisan boxes are filled with gorgeous products made by farmers, artists, and tradespeople from all corners of the world. Whether you pick a hand woven basket with fair-trade jewelry, chocolate, oils, or yummy spices, you’re helping craftspeople in need from over 40 countries. Sign up for the club and get a new box every month for $10, or fill up a bigger basket with even more goodies based on a theme such as “pamper” or “savour” for $40/month, or as low as $35/month the more months you subscribe.

Celiac Disease Foundation

On this Giving Tuesday, the CDF’s Board of Directors has generously committed to match every dollar, up to $100,000, donated through this year’s Gift of Hope Campaign. Recently my daughter did a classroom project about non-profit organizations and she was shocked to learn (as was I) that the Celiac Disease Foundation was the least funded org out of anyone chose in her class. This bums me out more than never having another real donut again. So let’s give, and hope for a cure.

88 Acres

A dedicated bakery in Massachusetts, 88 acres creates gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, fish- and shellfish-free, soy-free, sesame-free, GMO-free snacks that would make anyone happy all year ’round, including their non-nut butters that are the most creative I’ve seen on the market (pumpkin and vanilla spice sunflower, anyone?). For a special treat, 88 Acres offers holiday boxes whether you want to snack, make smoothies, or go full-comfort with the Danish inspired Hygge box that offers cozy comfort in the winter months. When I was talking with the 88 Acres people I learned that they prioritize giving back to the community by generously donating to a local women’s shelter, as well as offering up delicious food for the gluten-free food pantry in Boston. (Side note: I’ve always wondered if this could happen in real life. It does!!!) 88 Acres is also thoughtful in their hiring practices, and in working with farms that use sustainable practices. It’s the kind of company that you’ll want to support, while getting your allergy-free eat on.

UNICEF

Last year I began asking around as to how we could help Syrian families who were dying as they escaped the hell that was their home. It’s incredibly hard to just adopt a bunch of children from another country (which was totally where I was going with that) but UNICEF has plans and people in place to help the Syrian refugees, as well as many others that we don’t talk about as much. Since 90% of every dollar donated to UNICEF goes to help nourish, educate, and keep children safe, your donation counts for a tremendous amount. You can donate to help a child directly with an Impact gift, or buy a Kid Power Band for the tech loving kiddo on your list, where your kid goes on missions, unlocks food for kids in need, and tallies up points that do good.

WriteGirl

I started volunteering with WriteGirl in Los Angeles this year, and I’ve turned into one of those people who says thing like, “No, the children are teaching ME.” But it’s true. This non-profit organization where professional writers are paired up with young girls as mentors in writing and in pursuing higher education, also reaches out to schools and youth detention centers. Being a volunteer for WriteGirl has made it crystal clear to me the importance of giving a voice to the historically voiceless. To teaching kids who are told to sit down and be quiet, that instead, they need to stand and be heard. The healing power of writing is so incredible, and I’m thrilled to sit with kids in the LA area every week and reinforce this idea, and let them know their words have power. Please give, so we can continue to empower the youth of America, and provide support in the pursuit of education.

ProPublica

Oy, with the fake news of the previous election season! If you want to make sure the links you share aren’t from a Russian hacker, or any other click bait site that isn’t actually the news, donate to ProPublica, a non-profit, independent, investigative journalism group who shine a light on corruption, highlight important news stories that get shuffled aside, and work to expose those in power who are preying on the weak. With resources becoming even more scarce at major publications to fund long-term investigations, ProPublica is quickly becoming one of the only options in the U.S. to provide non-biased, intensive, thorough, fact-checked, investigative journalism. Help them, help us.

 

*I did not keep these puppies even though I really wanted them, but they are at good homes now and I was so happy to foster temporarily. You can get puppies (or kitties, or whatever floats your boat) at your local no-kill animal shelter. Support those guys, too. 

 

 

Gluten-Free Vermont: A Love Story

Some places have the most amazing gluten-free bakeries, and some rock pizza like nowhere else. Vermont, or at least the adorable town of Stowe, Vermont, has none of these.

A quick google search for “gluten-free Stowe, Vermont” did not help this lady much when I was planning my trip this September for an amazing screenwriting lab which I was so honored to be a part of, so I packed my go-bag and hoped for the best. And ya’ know what? Even without dedicated menus, kitchens, or experts on hand—I ate safely, and deliciously, while in the magical kingdom I like to call “Vermont”. Okay, everybody calls it “Vermont” since it has been a state since forever, but you know.

My first night in “Vermont” brought me one of my favorite meals. Doc Ponds is a punk rock/snowboard/comfort food joint that made me wonder why I wasn’t wearing a puffy coat and covered in tattoos (note: next year). Some fellow screenwriters and I took the one cab in town to this Stowe staple and wow, were we blown away. Maybe it was the long trip since all of us had come from California, but my jerk pork chop was the best dinner I had the entire week. The veggie sides were also safe, and made me want to eat more good-for-me foods. Which, if you know me, is quite a feat.

While Doc Ponds isn’t a gluten-free restaurant, or even gluten-free friendly, the server knew exactly what was up and explained to me how my food would be prepared safely. Add a local cider to that meal, and I went back to my adorable B&B full and happy, and without crapping my pants. WIN.

Readers, I did not know from winning until I woke up the next morning at the Brass Lantern Inn where Mary Anne and George were waiting for me, the only gluten-free diner in their adorable, comfortable, and gorgeous bed and breakfast. I should have known I was in for a treat when I received a personalized note when I checked in late night at the B&B, but, hot damn, this family has won me over and I hope you will be able to feel my love for them from your screen. If not, check out these gluten-free breakfasts which include, but are not limited to, gluten-free pumpkin pancakes, gluten-free Belgian waffle, prosciutto frittata, and a stuffed full of good stuff omelet.

ALL WERE PREPARED SEPARATELY FOR MY SAFETY. YOU GUYS!!!!!

Mary Anne had even done research since I told her I had celiac, to make sure I  was eating safely without cross-contact and sneaky ingredients. I love Mary Anne and George SO MUCH. Please stay at the Brass Lantern Inn if you’re doing some Vermont vacationing, you guys. They are amazoids.

Finally, the good people at Stowe Story Labs also had gluten-free bread on hand for the sandwich bars we stuffed in our mouths in between talking film, pitching, and wondering if Vermont could even be ugly if it tried. I mean, maple syrup.

So, yes, even if you don’t have a huge amount of dedicated gluten-free options, you can have considerate, kind, and smart people helping gluten-free you to eat safely, and well. Dang, Stowe. You had me at, “Ayuh.”

 

GIMB Presents . . . Rice Balls with Peas

Oh hi, guys. Anything new?

Instead of spending your weekend screaming, “HOLY FUCKBALLS!!!!” why not try these gluten-free rice balls with peas? Or do both. Honestly, it’s what I’m going to do.

You can find this recipe, and 60 + more in my upcoming book, Bake Sales Are My Bitch: Win the Food Allergy Wars with 60 + Recipes to Keep Kids Safe and Parents Sane.

Be safe out there, my people. And not just with food.

XO, GIMB

GIMB Presents . . . Pumpkin Cheese Fondue

Yes, really. I don’t care if you’re done with pumpkin season, I’m here to make sure it goes on, as long as you can add cheese to the mix. And whooo, did I!

So grab your gluten-free baguette, your vegetable sticks, and I’ll stop the world and melt some cheese with you.

Oh, Goody. A New Celiac Disease Symptom!

image via sarahj-art.tumbler

Gawd, you guys. I hope I haven’t run into any of you in the past few weeks because you probably ran the other way. You see, I’ve been struggling with some crap on my face (not literal, but maybe that would be better since it could be washed away) since early this summer, but it just got so much worse that I was convinced I had leprosy.

 

While one who has celiac disease, and a family history of autoimmune diseases, should always assume that’s the culprit, my GP saw me and was like, “Ahhhh! Infantigo!!!” Or at least that’s what I thought I heard.

So after being treated with horrible antibiotics that made me writhe in pain for the infantigo, and that not helping (and having her repeatedly ask me if I pick my nose, which quite frankly, is none of her business), and then getting some kind of topical steroid that actually made it worse, I’ve discovered another super fun autoimmune response that I’ve never had before! It’s called perioral dermatitis and it’s living on my face.

My dermatologist, who also specializes in autoimmune diseases, called it out and now I’m on a 6 week regimen of anti-inflammatory antibiotics that could also make me writhe in pain if I don’t take them at the exact right time. So that’s going to make for a fun holiday season. I’ve also ditched my beloved Chap-Stick, as I read petroleum can sometimes cause this fun reaction. Not taking any chances, there.

But the real bitch of the situation is that I have to go about my life as if I look totally normal because, as all of us with celiac or other AI problems know; you may be shitting your pants and scaring the children, but you still have to have to show up at work/parent-teacher conferences/that cool networking event where you know everyone will stare at your face and wonder if you’re contagious. I’m also very excited to be living in a new, more social, neighborhood in LA where I can walk and talk to the people all the time. WHILE I HAVE A GIANT RASH OVER MY FACE.

I’m tempted to just tell everyone I have herpes.

My dermatologist did tell me that this will get worse before it gets better, so I do hope I’m in the “worse” phase right now. Because, you guys, it’s really ‘effing bad. And painful. And makeup is not helping, and most likely hurting.

FUCK.

But, yeah, here’s the lesson for all of you who may have a weird skin flare up around your mouth and nose: Don’t use steroid creams. That will make it even worse, to the point where you will wish that the other symptom of perioral dermatitis was a broken leg, so you’d have a good excuse to never leave the house. In fact, I’m advocating for that new symptom, and if the autoimmune gods had any kind of heart (which I know they do not, ‘cuz, autoimmune) they would abide.

See you in six weeks.

XO, GIMB

Gluten-Free Halloween Treats Even I Can Make

My yearly treats tricks are here! They may not be perfect, but monsters are not perfect. Make these gluten-free yums and look like a hero. Then eat them all if your kids aren’t behaving. That’s what you call a “trick.”

Happy Halloween GIMBers!!!

Gluten-Free Halloween Candy to Shove In Your Candy Hole

Hey gang! It’s time to stock up your candy bowls for the kiddos. Yep, the kiddos. Ahem.

While the Celiac Disease Foundation has a big ol’ list of gluten-free candies, as well as indicators of other allergens (they have cute little colored pumpkins designating dairy, fish, shellfish, egg, soy, tree nut, and peanut-free as well), I’m just going to tell you my favorite gluten-free Halloween candies. That way if you see me coming, you’ll know what to give me.

I mean, MY KIDS. You know, because I am an adult and don’t get to trick or treat anymore. Dammit.

So grab some bags of goodness:

Hershey’s Nuggets

Reese’s Peanut Butter Candy (but not seasonal shapes like Santa, Pumpkins, etc.)

Milk Duds

ROLOs

SKOR bars

Jelly Bellys

Tootsie Rolls & Pops

Surf Sweets Gummies

Peeps

Bit-o-Honey

Happy gluten-free candy hunting, you guys.

GIMB Presents…Frito Chili Pie!

I realize we’re having a bit of a heat wave across the nation, but surely it’s going to get cold as crap any second now. When that happens, I recommend you get your Frito Chili Pie on. It’s nice and naturally gluten-free, and unbelievably satisfying. Do it!