Thanksgiving Recipes Needed!

The Thanksgiving recipe handout is in need of being updated. If you have any great GF recipes that should be included please send them to us so they can be included. Any tips surviving Thanksgiving or for creating a delicious, gluten-free Thanksgiving would also be appreciated! Everyone will receive a copy of the updated handout at the November meeting.

Please email the information to us or leave a post in the comments. Thanks!

The Poor UPS Guy!

When Tracy excitedly commented to the unhappy UPS guy that "It seems like Christmas." He responded by saying "I hate Christmas!" Since last week he has delivered 7 HUGE boxes! Of course, Tracy didn't have the heart to tell him she would be seeing much more of him in the coming days.

Just so you know the content of the boxes will be distributed at November 3rd meeting!

How Has GF Wikaduke Helped?

A few weeks ago when Mary and I were discussing our plans for our first anniversary meeting, Mary was wondering how our little group has helped those of you with Celiac Disease and those who are the caregivers to a Celiac. If you would kindly take a few minutes to let us know how the group has impacted your lives we would be most appreciative!

CNN's Heidi Collins & Celiac Disease Reports

Because October is Celiac Awareness month, last week Heidi Collins, a celiac anchor on CNN aired a series of reports on Celiac Disease. The first of the series can be viewed at the Celiac Central website.

Whole Foods and Namaste

As many of you are probably aware, Whole Foods has recently discontinued carrying Namaste mixes in the Midwest region. In fact, as of last weekend Namaste mixes were no longer available at Whole Foods on 63rd Street in Willowbrook.

When I spoke to Judy Butler, the owner of Namaste, last week she seemed extremely concerned about the implications. When I asked how we could help she asked that we fill out a comment card requesting that Whole Foods carry the Namaste brand once again. In addition, she emailed me a letter that could be left at Whole Foods. A copy of the letter will be distributed at the meeting on November 3rd along with some samples that Judy sent.

Party Food!

As you know, we'll be celebrating the completion of Gluten Free Wikaduke's first year at the November 3rd meeting. We've managed to procure lots of samples and giveaways but no party is complete without food, delicious gluten-free food.

Ways to contribute:
1. If you feel comfortable providing safe gluten-free food for the group, please post a note in the comments section listing your name, the dish you'll be bringing and the type of dish (appetizer, dessert, baked good, breakfast dish, salad, etc.).

Please bring one copy of the recipe with the brand names of each ingredients listed in case anyone has any questions. There's no need to make photocopies for everyone, we'll gladly post the recipes on the blog if they are emailed to us.

2. If you are NOT comfortable preparing gluten-free food for the group, please feel free to to contribute by bringing other items. We'll also need serving products (napkins, plates, forks, knives, etc.) and beverages (coffee, juice, etc.). Premade gluten-free food can even be shared. It would also be nice if some would contribute by agreeing to take some photos, bring a table decoration or provide a raffle item. The options are limitless. Please post a comment telling us what you will be bringing!

Many hands make for light work! Thanks for your help.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

As some of you may or may not know, Gluten-Free Wikaduke's first anniversary is November 3rd. It seems like just yesterday that we had our first meeting with only 5 people in attendance. Now we regularly have over 25! It's been a great and informative year for both Mary and me. We hope it's been the same for you!

To commemorate our first anniversary, we have decided to have a party in lieu of a meeting on the 3rd. We're planing on having lots of eats (will you bring a dish to share?), tons of raffles and if we can make our schedules mesh and the stars align a certain blogger will make an appearance. Keep your fingers crossed!

Stay tuned for more information and a food sign up sheet. If you have any suggestions for making this a great celebration, please let us know.

GF Candy List

Trina asked me to share with each of you a list of gluten-free Halloween candy she found at the Glutenfreeda site. Please remember that lists are outdated as soon as they are created, so it's always wise to contact the manufacturer for the latest information.

For what it's worth, I have a neighbor who always appreciates it when people pass out plain Hershey bars because they are tree nut and peanut free thus safe for her son.

Information on Products from Aldi

I recently inquired whether or not an Aldi product was gluten free. Unfortunately, I learned that Aldi does not keep a list of gluten-free products. The representative with whom I spoke said the only way to get the gluten status of a product is to send a letter requesting the information. The representative said the more detailed the information we provide, the more likely they are to get the accurate answers from the various manufacturers. She suggested including the exact name, flavor or variety, size, UPC code, price, date of purchase, etc.

All product inquiries should be mailed to:
Aldi Consumer Relations
1200 North Kirk Road
Batavia, Illinois 60510

October and November Upcoming Events

This information has been taken directly from the CSAGC and GIG websites.

October 6, 2007, 10AM to 3PM
Village of Wheeling Health Fair
Wheeling Park District Recreation Center
333 W. Dundee Road

Representatives from area businesses and the state, county, township and village organizations will provide information on their services. CSAGC will be represented. This event is co-sponsored by both the Village of Wheeling and Wheeling Park District. CSAGC will host a booth to talk to attendees about the gluten-free diet and have our Celiac Organization information there.

October 7, 2007, 3:30 - 5:30PM
Gluten Free Gang Carousel / Jumps and Jiggles Party Party
Elk Grove Park District - Jack A. Claes Pavilion
1000 Wellington Avenue at Biesterfield Road

Because of the nature of this party there is a required nominal donation to attend. All monies collected will be used to purchase a book for school nurses libraries about a child with celiac disease. What a great tool for teaching tolerance and understanding for classmates and all people with allergies and food intolerances. Other donations in addition to the nominal amount will be gratefully accepted and books will be purchased at bulk rate. Your donation can help create an Book Avalanche! For Reservation and more information please see Gluten Free Gang Page.

October 16, 2007, 7PM
The Second Opinion Health Food Store
Gluten-Free Taste Classes

October 28, 2007, 11AM to 4PM
Food Fair
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Cafeteria
3815 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove

CSAGC is joining forces with Parents of Children with Allergies (POCA) and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital for the gluten free and food allergy resource Food Fair. MANY vendors will be available displaying their products. Information on allergies, and gluten free foods.
Samples and products for sale. Rare opportunity to discuss products of interest with those most able to help meet dietary need. Cooking Class if space is available.

November 11, 2007, 1 to 5 PM
26th Annual Meeting and Holiday Dinner
Doubletree Hotel Chicago
1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook

Gluten Free Food, Fun, and Festivities! Italian gluten-free entrees prepared by Chef Aaron Flores. Find out what we have planned for 2008. Reservations required RSVP by November 1st. Late reservations will not be accepted.

June 6-7, 2008
Annual GIG Conference
Dallas/Fort Worth