Food Stamps!

[isiskingdom]

Does Anyone know if there is a gluten free store or site that takes food stamps? I am in Wisconsin and have not been able to work since last June due to health problems and gluten-free food is so pricey so, if I can find a gluten-free store or site that takes food stamps it would be a BIG help. I went to a dietitan where I live and they don't know a whole lot she said I can still eat a gluten products as long as it does not bother me.So, now I'm confussed.

[Lisa]

You don't have to buy those pricey gluten free items. Just stick to meats, rice, potatoes, rice, veggies and fruit, nuts, etc...

If you need some suggestion for meals, many of us would be glad to help.

[ravenwoodglass]

Does Anyone know if there is a gluten free store or site that takes food stamps? I am in Wisconsin and have not been able to work since last June due to health problems and gluten-free food is so pricey so, if I can find a gluten-free store or site that takes food stamps it would be a BIG help. I went to a dietitan where I live and they don't know a whole lot she said I can still eat a gluten products as long as it does not bother me.So, now I'm confussed.

I can't answer about the food stamps on line but I do know most 'health food stores' would take them. If you don't go with a lot of specialty foods you can eat gluten free relatively cheaply. I purchase little processed food and go with rice, potatoes, fresh fruit and veggies and frozen fresh, I eat little meat, even less now with the melamine concern and go with nut butters, beans and fish or fresh seafood. We do a lot of stews and soups also. I ususally buy bread and other specialty gluten foods only on rare occasions. I have found I actually spend less money at the grocery store now because I can't rely on all those convience type foods.

I don't know why your dietican is such an idiot. Unfortunately most of us find we educate them not the other way around. This board is such a help I wish I had found it when first diagnosed, the folks here seem to know much more than any of my local doctors or any dietician I have seen.

[isiskingdom]

You don't have to buy those pricey gluten free items. Just stick to meats, rice, potatoes, rice, veggies and fruit, nuts, etc...

If you need some suggestion for meals, many of us would be glad to help.

Yes, I need some help!!! Milk seems to bother me quite a bit right now and that sucks because I love milk products would it help to take the lactaid tabs before I have dairy? I also can not have Pork or Fish so that leaves me with Chicken ,Turkey and Beef. Is it true that Carl Budding lunch meat is safe? Right now my lunch is sugar snap peas w/ lots of salt and a slice of gluten-free bread.

[Mj25]

I had the same problem with my dietitian when I met with her. She told me to take it slow and not jump into it, to just make sure that I stay away from gluten for the most part but if I had a little it is no big deal. This really bothered me for the simple fact that, if gluten is what is damaging my intestines and making me this ill then it IS a big deal to stay away completely not-just a little bit!

My whole though about this, is that if I am going to do it then I need to do it full force and not just half a!@ so I can feel better quicker. It makes me wonder how some of these people got degrees.

When I met with my family physician, she told me that because most doctors consider celiac disease to be so uncommon they don't really know a whole lot about the disease. She said that pretty soon I will be more of an expert on it than most doctors. After joining this site, I can see how that it very true. Everyone here is so knowledgeable and helpful. I never even thought not to use my old toaster bc of cc until I read it here and thank goodness I did!

I am still working on the whole diet thing myself and I agree the gluten free food is way too expensive so I try to avoid buying it as much as possible. For breakfast I usually have gluten free cornbread muffins that I make myself (I just use the recipe on the cornmeal container but substitute brown rice flower for regular flower and I add extra sugar), Bob's Gluten free hot cereal (which is actually very good) or a banana with peanut butter. I really don't like eggs that much and still can't have dairy so this is basically what I eat. For lunch I usually take a baked potato with veggies or left overs from dinner the night before and dinner is always a meat (usually chicken 100% natural) or fish with rice or potatoes and veggies and sometimes cornbread muffins because they are soooo good.

[kbabe1968]

Hi there. I feel your plight. How are you supposed to be gluten free if you can't afford the foods! UGH!

Anyway...I agree with others, stick to fresh fruits, veggies & meats. Rice & Potatos (not the rice a roni type stuff, obviously).

I actually just found a puffed rice cereal at our Giant that was only $1.55/bag and it says gluten free right on the bag. They also had a corn puff one. Big enough for me to eat breakfast for a week.

Our Giant also has soy milk A LOT cheaper than most grocery stores.

Do you have a Giant near you?

ALSO...Super Walmarts are starting to carry more gluten free foods and labelling thier brand when it's a gluten free item.

My splurges are the flours for baking (which if you have an indian or asian grocery near you it can be purchased MUCH MUCH cheaper) and Waffles. I get Van's or Trader Joes.

You could do some calling around to your local grocery store.

I eat A LOT of chicken, salad, fruit and rice.

Hope you find answers. You deserve good health.

[isiskingdom]

This is my daily foods.....Breakfast is dry cocoa or berry pebbles sometime with lactaid free milk......Lunch is fresh sugar snap peas with lots of salt,( B/C my very low BP) 2 pieces of gluten-free bread w/ honey and butter.......Dinner is most of the time Chicken, frozen corn, and sometime gluten-free noddles. I have tryed to eat salads and I don't feel so good after it so I'm not sure what else to eat at this point but, I'm bored of the food I'm eating I would rather not eat at ALL

[Guhlia]

Making your own breads could potentially save you a lot of money. I buy my flours through www.kinnikinnick.com and then freeze what I don't need right away. Many recipes can use soy or lactose free milk, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. There are tons of good recipes floating around this site. You definitely don't need a bread machine to make good bread.

Is there any way for you to add some fruit into your diet? It sounds like you're not getting any fruit right now. You may find you feel better with a more well rounded diet.

[isiskingdom]

Making your own breads could potentially save you a lot of money. I buy my flours through www.kinnikinnick.com and then freeze what I don't need right away. Many recipes can use soy or lactose free milk, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. There are tons of good recipes floating around this site. You definitely don't need a bread machine to make good bread.

Is there any way for you to add some fruit into your diet? It sounds like you're not getting any fruit right now. You may find you feel better with a more well rounded diet.

I have been making the gluten-free pantry mix. How do you make your bread? I have been craving banana bread do you ever make that?

[isiskingdom]

I have been making the gluten-free pantry mix. How do you make your bread? I have been craving banana bread do you ever make that?

Also my husband and I are coming up on our 1yr anniversary and I would love to go out to eat but do not know where we can go. We are kinda plaining on going to Door County but, I feel like we have to get a room with a kitchen just so I can eat and they are Not cheap. Is this what I am going to have to do? How can I enjoy my Anniverary with out worry?

[Guhlia]

Also my husband and I are coming up on our 1yr anniversary and I would love to go out to eat but do not know where we can go. We are kinda plaining on going to Door County but, I feel like we have to get a room with a kitchen just so I can eat and they are Not cheap. Is this what I am going to have to do? How can I enjoy my Anniverary with out worry?

I have an excellent recipe for banana bread from the Incredible Edible Gluten Free Food for Kids cookbook by Shari L. Sanderson. I'll post it when I get a chance if someone else doesn't beat me to it. My white bread recipe is also from the same cookbook.

You don't need to get a hotel room with a kitchen, but a refrigerator in the room would certainly help. You can take a one or two burner unit along and use that to cook meals. I have also taken a small George Foreman grill on trips to make grilled meats. Yum! There are also a few places where you could eat out: Outback, PF Changs, Carrabas, Bonefish Grill, etc. Of course, you do risk CC every time you eat out. That's up to you whether or not you're willing to take those risks. For lunches on a weekend trip, peanut butter sandwiches require no kitchen. You can even take a toaster along for good bread. Your bread should last a day or two without growing mold. I generally cut my bread, wrap each slice in a paper towel to absorb moisture, and carry it like that. No hassle dinners can be made with Tinkyada pasta and red sauce OR you can do the easy way out and just take a few Thai Kitchen bowls for the dinner or two you will have away from home. They're inexpensive and tasty.

[isiskingdom]

I have an excellent recipe for banana bread from the Incredible Edible Gluten Free Food for Kids cookbook by Shari L. Sanderson. I'll post it when I get a chance if someone else doesn't beat me to it. My white bread recipe is also from the same cookbook.

You don't need to get a hotel room with a kitchen, but a refrigerator in the room would certainly help. You can take a one or two burner unit along and use that to cook meals. I have also taken a small George Foreman grill on trips to make grilled meats. Yum! There are also a few places where you could eat out: Outback, PF Changs, Carrabas, Bonefish Grill, etc. Of course, you do risk CC every time you eat out. That's up to you whether or not you're willing to take those risks. For lunches on a weekend trip, peanut butter sandwiches require no kitchen. You can even take a toaster along for good bread. Your bread should last a day or two without growing mold. I generally cut my bread, wrap each slice in a paper towel to absorb moisture, and carry it like that. No hassle dinners can be made with Tinkyada pasta and red sauce OR you can do the easy way out and just take a few Thai Kitchen bowls for the dinner or two you will have away from home. They're inexpensive and tasty.

I would apprecaite any recepies u could give me. I do need to gain weight so if its a little fatty thats good for me. Thai Kitchen wherecan I get those?

[lovegrov]

Carl Buddig meats are gluten-free.

richard

[NoGluGirl]

I would apprecaite any recepies u could give me. I do need to gain weight so if its a little fatty thats good for me. Thai Kitchen wherecan I get those?

Dear isiskingdom,

I have a present for you! I have a list that should really help. This is overwhelming. I went through this with myself six months ago. You spend most of your day cooking and cleaning obsessively. The rest you are on the phone with reps from companies trying to find out what is safe. I decided to save you the trouble!

1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.

2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.

3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.

4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.

Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:

Condiments:

Smart Balance Margerine*

Crisco Shortening

Crisco Oil

Pompeiian Olive Oil

Great Value soy sauce

Heinz Ketchup

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce (all Lea & Perrins Products are safe)

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Pace Picante Sauce

Ortega Salsa

All Classico Red and *White sauces

All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations

Welch's Grape Jelly

Cool Whip*

Philadelphia Cream Cheese*

Miracle Whip

Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)*

Snack Foods:

Utz Potato Chips (Found at Sam

[chocolatelover]

Isiskingdom,

I noticed you are eating cocoa pebbles sometimes. I have read here on this site that they are no longer gluten free, so be sure you double check the package to make sure before you buy them again!

Also, Thai Kitchen bowls can be found in any grocery store.

Good luck and happy anniversary!

CL

[Guhlia]

Cocoa Pebbles are still gluten free. Cocoa Puffs are not.

Thai Kitchen bowls are oriental style noodle bowls, similar to Ramen noodles, that are usually found with the ethnic foods in mainstream grocery stores. Be sure to look for "gluten free" on the label as some are not gluten free.

Here's my hot dog bun recipe. It's actually a bread recipe, so modify as needed for bread loaves. This recipe is modified from a recipe by Shari L. Sanderson in the Incredible Edible Gluten Free Food For Kids cookbook. I highly recommend picking up a copy. It's an awesome cookbook.

Classic White Bread

INGREDIENTS

2 cups white rice flour

1 cup potato starch flour

1/2 cup tapioca flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon xanthan gum

1/1-2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup nonfat dry milk

2-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package - I used quick rise)

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (optional- but I highly recommend it)

1-1/2 cups water

2 tablespoons margarine or butter (I used butter)

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

3 large eggs

***NOTE: I also added a little bit of milk to my batter, you may or may not want to try this.***

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine rice, potato starch, and tapioca flours, sugar, xanthan gum, salt, milk powder, yeast, and unflavored gelatin in a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a heavy duter mixer with a flat beater).

2. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

3. Melt the margarine in the water until the water is 120-130 degrees with a candy thermometer. (I used hot tap water and then stuck it in the microwave for 33 seconds to melt the butter.

4. With an electric mixer on low speed (or a heavy-duty mixer on slow), slowly add the water/butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Add the vinegar and the eggs, one at a time. Beat at highest speed of the mixer for three minutes (or medium in a heavy-duty mixer). The dough will look like thick cake batter.

5. Pour the dough into three or four greased loaf pans, fill about 1" in each pan. Put the filled pans into the pre-heated oven; turn the oven off. Let the dough rise until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes. (Mine rose for about half an hour)

6. Turn oven on (with bread still in it) to 375 degrees and bake until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. I believe mine went about 25 minutes, but I could be wrong. I never set a timer.

7. Remove loaves from oven and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pans and cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.

8. Slice into 1-1/2" buns, wrap, and freeze or use immediately. Do not make the internal cuts until ready to use.

9. When ready to use, slice each bun about 3/4 of the way down and put hot dog in.

***To Prepare without milk: Replace water with milk substitute (like Mocha Mix), delete the powdered milk, and use shortening or milk-free margarine (like Nucoa). Continue as above.***

[Guhlia]

Banana Bread - This recipe is also from the Incredible Edible Gluten Free Food for Kids by Shari L. Sanderson

1/2 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup white rice flour

1/2 cup tapioca flour (or tapioca starch, same thing)

1/4 cup potato starch flour

2/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup shortening

2 tablespoons milk (or milk substitute)

2 eggs

1 cup mashed bananas (2-3 medium)

1/3 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine brown rice flour, rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly.

2. In another bowl, combine the milk and eggs, beating slightly.

3. Add half of the milk mixture. With an electric mixer, beat to combine. Add half the mashed banana and beat to combine. Repeat with the remaining milk mixture and banana, beating between additions.

4. Beat the batter on medium speed for three minutes. Add nuts, if desired, and combine.

5. Pour into a greased loaf pan or three greased mini-loaf pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes for a large loaf or 40-50 minutes for mini loaves or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the loaf comes out clean.

6. Cool for 10 minutes on wire rack. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.

7. Slice and store in an air-tight container or zip style bag in the refrigerator for a week to ten days.

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Guhlia,

Thank you for the recipes! I copied and pasted them into a Word document. Now I have them when I need them! I wondered if there were any recipes I could use to base my own foods from.

I cannot have yeast either.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[loco-ladi]

I made the most delisious coffee cake yesterday!

From "living gluten free for dummies" by danna korn

1/4 cup canola oil

2 eggs (beaten)

1/2 cup milk (sorry guys but maybe a milk substitute of some kind?)

1 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (I used bobs red mill)

1 1/2 tsp xanthan gum

1 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

nonstick spray (I used crisco shortning instead as I HATE nonstick sprays in general)

Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 TBsp gluten-free flour

2 tsp cinnamon

2 TBsp melted butter

1) mix eggs, oil and milk (beat)

2) sift remaining into wet mixture and mix well

3) topping: mix together and sprinkle on top of batter

Oven 375 for 25 minutes

9 inch square pan

I used an 8 inch as its all I had on hand, came out pretty good too! The tile guys working on my bathroom loved it and hubby stole the much desired center piece this morning before I woke up!

The milk didnt bother me "to badly" but still think I will play the milk slowly for a while longer.

[babygirl1234]

yes if you are lacktose intertent then you need to take the lacktat pills everytime you eat diary

[isiskingdom]

Thank you for the recipes I saved them and when we have a little $ I will look for the cookbooks. If anyone else has a recipe Please share!!!!!

[Karen B.]

Does Anyone know if there is a gluten free store or site that takes food stamps? I am in Wisconsin and have not been able to work since last June due to health problems and gluten-free food is so pricey so, if I can find a gluten-free store or site that takes food stamps it would be a BIG help. I went to a dietitan where I live and they don't know a whole lot she said I can still eat a gluten products as long as it does not bother me.So, now I'm confussed.

Would it help to vary your main dishes too, maybe? I find doing dishes like chicken fried rice or sweet & sour chicken (with pineapple, not the gooey red sauce stuff) add a nice zing to things and the ingredients are not that unusual, you can find them in most grocery stores. Cabbage rolls, stuffed tomatos, stuffed zuccini are all gluten-free dishes that you can make from fresh foods.

I don't know how the corn tortilla supply runs in your area but enchiladas are cheap to make. I can post the recipe for enchilada sauce I received from a friend. It's her family recipe and just happened to be gluten-free. I had to add some extra spick because it wasn't zippy enough (but I'm a pepperhead).

One of my favorite quickies I nicknamed "Pizza tacos" (started a fad at work) basically corn tortillas with mozzarella and pepperoni in them, microwave until the cheese is melted and eat with heated pizza or spaghetti sauce. Hormel pepperoni is gluten-free and cheap.

And have you tried the rice paper wraps? I can get them at my regular gorcery store now (but I have to check ingredients because some have wheat now). Chicken, rice noodles, shredded carrots and some green leafy stuff rolled up in a rice paper wrap and dipped in a sweet vinagrette dressing is a real treat in the summer.

Hope this gives you some ideas to help get some variety going with what's available in the local grocery.

[NoGluGirl]

Dear loco_ladi,

Thanks for sharing the coffee cake recipe! It sounds delicious! I put that in my gluten-free foods file. Newbies and seasoned Celiacs can share on this site. That is what makes it so great!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[isiskingdom]

Does anyone have a recipes for gluten-free lasagna?? I'm craving it Soooooooooo bad

[happygirl]

Use tinkyada noodles (gluten free) and use your favorite recipe...you should be fine.