Making Your Kitchen A Gluten-Free Haven

Is it really possible to have a kitchen that can function for both gluten and gluten-free food preparation, baking and cooking?

Yes, it’s possible; but it will take a lot of effort and determination to keep your kitchen safe from gluten contamination.

Have you ever tried to put a cup of flour into a mixing bowl, only to find it suddenly poofing magically through the air? Soon it will cover your counter, and everything else in sight; everything. This flour dust in the air is easy to breath without even realizing what you have done, and to make matters worse it can float into the tiniest cracks and contaminate things even hidden. In your now-contaminated work space, counters, and kitchen appliances, those with a gluten allergy don’t stand a chance.

For the many people living with Celiac Disease who try to have a ‘dual kitchen‘ (one that functions as gluten and gluten-free), the biggest problem to deal with when trying to stay safe from gluten is ‘what-you-don’t know’.

For years I thought that if I just washed a bowl or a spoon after it touched wheat flour, then I would be ok. What I am finding out now is that the gluten can hide in the cracks and crevices of many kitchen appliances, porous pots and pans, wooden spoons and other kitchen items. These small traces of gluten can be very harmful to someone with Celiac Disease.

If you or someone you love has Coeliac Disease (Celiac, or Sprue), then make sure you read everything you can get your hands on about how to deal with this frustrating problem. It is a struggle sometimes, I know, but keep at it.

The good news is that Celiac Disease can be managed. If you find you are still sick when you think you are doing everything you should to avoid gluten, then look at what you are doing again. Maybe it’s one of the little things you didn’t realize would be a problem; are your kids double-dipping the butter when they make regular toast? Just be diligent and hang in there.

A little knowledge can go a long way in helping you stay on track with your gluten-free goals. For more gluten-free information, as well as recipes, tips about gluten-free stores and restaurants, visit my blog, Gluten-free Flower Girl.