It’s often hard to get meals during the holiday due to our increased activities. We are doing extra shopping, decorating, and attending social activities.  It’s also hard to attend so many social activities knowing that much of the special, yummy party food is off limits for a Celiac.

I’ve compiled a list of Holiday Survival tips for anyone newly diagnosed. My first Gluten free Holiday was very emotional for me and the holidays still can be sometimes. I wasn’t able to have all the special comfort foods I grew up with and it really hurt. I felt really deprived.  No one around me understood how I felt, either. It never occurred to anyone around me that it would be hard for me to get through the holidays without the foods that they take for granted. Now I have my own set of coping preparations (more…)

If you are tired of being bound to the kitchen and need a break, there is a new place to dine in the Chicago area. The Balanced Kitchen, a gluten-free vegan restaurant located at 6263 North McCormick Road in Lincolnwood, is now open for business. They feature a state-of-the art dining experience, offering a wide range of main course foods, sides, and appetizers, and they even include a gluten, dairy, and egg-free baked goods case.

The restaurant was the dream-child of New York Culinary Institute graduate and pastry chef, Betty Alper. Shortly after graduation Betty became ill and was subsequently diagnosed with Celiac disease. This spurred her into developing gluten free flour combinations that mimic the fluffy texture of wheat. Over time her dreams and talents became reality and now her dream child, The Balanced Kitchen, is open for lunch, carryout, and weekend brunch by reservation only. (more…)