Blog Profile: Gluten Free--Casein Free--Soy Free

The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net. I recently got to ask Erin of GFCFSF Diet some questions about her blog:

What is your blog about?

Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free: Recipes, Tips and Helpful Hints for those on a GFCFSF Diet

The blog offers helpful hints and recipe ideas for those on a diet free of wheat, dairy and soy.

How long has your blog been up?

It has been up for 2 months. My other site, $5 Dinners.com, has been up for 6 months.

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

Wanting to help people who are thinking about trying the GFCFSF diet to help their kids heal so they can develop more quickly and appropriately. I've talked to many parents who are afraid to try the diet because "what is left to eat." Plenty! And I'll share with you what!

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?

I love blogging and knowing that I can help others who are experiencing the same things we have. That is a real blessing!

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

GFCFSF 3 week diet trial plan http://www.gfcfsf.net/2008/12/gfcfsf-diet-3-week-trial-plan.html

Cream of Rice Hot Cereal http://www.gfcfsf.net/2009/02/cream-of-rice-hot-cereal.html

Mashed Red Potatoes http://www.gfcfsf.net/2009/01/mashed-red-potatoes.html

Here is Erin's other fabulous blog:

www.5dollardinners.com

Dinner is served every night on Twitter...
www.twitter.com/5dollardinners

Blog Profile: Spectrum Hope

The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net. I recently got to ask Chrissy of Spectrum Hope some questions about her blog:

What is your blog about? I use my blog, Spectrum Hope, to chronicle our adventures in autism and post my GFCFSF recipes. I know we all face unique struggles as parents of children with special needs, so I like add some humor to my posts whenever possible. We could all use a good laugh from time to time.

How long has your blog been up? Since July 2008

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog? My son was diagnosed with autism in June of 2007. I live in a small town with very little information or resources to assist families coping with ASD. At times, my experience in dealing with autism has been extraordinarily lonely and frightening. I started this blog to help other parents coping with the same feelings and to provide some help navigating the GFCF diet.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog? Though my intention was to help other parents, I have found that my readers help me immensely. I love to read their comments and it is absolutely thrilling to know that I made someone laugh or helped them find a new recipe that their kids enjoy. I thoroughly enjoy the online friendships that I have developed with my readers and other bloggers. The autism experience is not so lonely anymore.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

POP Syndrome http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2008/11/pop-syndrome.html

What Not To Say To A Special Needs Mom http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-not-to-say-to-special-needs-mom.html

Wow Moments http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2009/01/wow-moments.html

Breaking Point http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2009/01/breaking-point.html

Anything else you would like to share?

I love to hear from my readers. If you stop by Spectrum Hope, feel free to leave a comment. By reaching out to each other, either online or in person, we can have a tremendous positive impact on a personal level. And, the more connected we are as a community, the better equipped we are to create the changes needed to improve our children's lives.

GFCF Right to Your Door!

GFCF Ruminations & Cold Weather Potato Soup Recipe

by Christopher Connallon
Soft Blog Contributor

With Thanksgiving feasting on my mind, I've been reading up lately about the Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet (or GFCF Diet). Being otherwise relatively ignorant of the specifics surrounding how gluten and casein are irritants, I was forced to begin from the ground up and fortunately was able to find a couple very informative websites to establish a foundation.

I was fascinated to find that undigested proteins from gluten and casein act in a similar fashion to opiates, evidently altering mood and perception, and amplifying some of the outward behaviors associated with autism. I also noted how apparently young this information is; it reminds me of the seemingly increasing number of food allergies and intolerances in children throughout the 80's and 90's, but with an apparent link to the presence of autism. Additionally the amount and type of food products that contain casein and gluten are incredible and cover the entire spectrum of processed foods.

Two of the sites that I consulted and found particularly informative for the lay-person were Autismweb.com and Autism-Nutrition.com. There are a variety of information sites about the GFCF diet, for a parent considering implementing GFCF for their child, begin with the two linked above.

In the spirit of feasting and wintry weather, I'd like to share a very simple vegan 'comfort food' potato soup recipe I made last week that also happens to be GFCF (and delicious):

POTATO SOUP

6 large potatoes
3 smaller potatoes
bunch scallions
4 cloves garlic
salt
pepper

With water boiling in large pot, add salt and large potatoes cubed to roughly 1". Cook until very soft, at which point partially drain until water is just below the top of the cubed potatoes. While still in the pot, mash with potato masher, then whip until smooth; if necessary add water until liquid in consistency. Return to burner on low-med, add small potatoes cut relatively small (so as to cook faster), chopped scallions, garlic minced super-fine, and salt & pepper (to taste). Stir often to avoid scorching, add water if necessary. Soup is finished when small potato pieces are cooked. This soup should be slightly garlicky, salty, and peppery and thick (like a chowder). Additional spices to taste: turmeric; ginger. Enjoy!

GFCF Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving

From Kimmy Krocker:

GFCF Hummus!

Homemade Hummus Recipe

2 cups chickpeas, cooked or canned
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup tahini
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/4 cup or more water
salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Place in a blender or food processor with the lemon juice, tahini, and minced garlic. Blend well, adding water as needed to form a smooth paste. (Add less water to make a thicker hummus for sandwich spread.) Add salt to taste.

2. Scrape hummus into a covered container and refrigerate overnight or at least three hours before serving.

3. Remove hummus from refrigerator 1/2 hour before serving. Spread onto a shallow plate, swirling top with the back of a spoon. Drizzle olive oil and paprika over top. Serve with pita chips or bread triangles and raw vegetable for dipping.

4. Makes about 3 cups, enough to serve at least eight as a party dip or to fill 6-8 sandwiches.

[source]

GFCF Daily Recipe: French Toast

Another awesome recipe from a personal fave, Kimmy Krocker on YouTube.

Gluten Free Trading Company

I am constantly searching for new places to shop locally for Gluten free-Casein free, and even though I live it New York, it is not always easy to find what I need, which is why I tend to look online to fill in the cracks of my shopping list. I recently came across Milwakee-based "Gluten-Free Trading Company," who are "strongly committed to the idea that although the gluten free diet can sometimes be a nuisance, it should not be a burden." Explore their online shop here.

GFCF BBQ Sauce (with apron)

Spring is peeking through the cracks of winter. Its almost time to fire up the grill. Here is a great recipe for your GFCF kids who love BBQ, and need some sauce:

BBQ Sauce

1 cup gfcf ketchup ( Heinz Organic)
¼ cup vinegar (Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar)
½ cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon gfcf soy sauce (San-J Organic Tamari Wheat Free Soy Sauce)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch celery salt
Pinch mustard powder

Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Store in a glass jar.

source

The Soft BBQ Apron (pictured above) is one of our promotional products, which helps to support our development. All proceeds from the Soft Shop go towards funding market research, which helps us tailor our clothing line to meet the individual needs of children with sensory disorders.


To get a closer look at the Soft BBQ Apron, click here.

GFCF PlayDoh

Another great GFCF recipe from Kimmy Krocker:



Remember, PlayDoh is a great sensory activity, which also helps to develop fine motor skills and muscles.

GFCF Lunch ideas

Gluten free Casein free Lunch ideas from Woggle Bug:

• Daily GFCF Lunchbox formula
• Protein ideas
• Fruit/Vegetables ideas
• Sandwich ideas
• Dip recipes
• Sneaky food:
  (what they don’t know might help them)
• What’s in my gfcf lunch?
• Recipes

Browse cookbooks and gfcf ingredients in the Soft Sensory Shop.

GFCF Daily Recipe: Kimmy Krockers Beef and Veggie Burgers

I love Kimmy Krocker's You Tube Channel. Here is another one of her great GFCF ideas:

GFCF Daily Recipe: Mashed Potatoes - how to video!

GFCF Diet should be carefully designed

From a recent NIH study:

"Thin Bones Seen In Boys with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Results of an early study suggest that dairy-free diets and unconventional food preferences could put boys with autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at higher than normal risk for thinner, less dense bones when compared to a group of boys the same age who do not have autism.

The study, by researchers from the National Institutes of Health and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, was published online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

The researchers believe that boys with autism and ASD are at risk for poor bone development for a number of reasons. These factors are lack of exercise, a reluctance to eat a varied diet, lack of vitamin D, digestive problems, and diets that exclude casein, a protein found in milk and milk products. Dairy products provide a significant source of calcium and vitamin D. Casein-free diets are a controversial treatment thought by some to lessen the symptoms of autism."

To read the full study, click here.

To read the comments and responses to this study on About.com, click here.

For resources on carefully designing a proper and nutritious GFCF diet, click here.

Autism Network for Dietary Intervention

A great reference for those considering the "Autism Diet":

Current research shows that many cases of autism result from an immune-system dysfunction that affects the body's ability to break down certain proteins and combat yeasts and bacteria.

Many parents are convinced of the validity of dietary intervention for autistic individuals, but do not have the resources to try it themselves, especially those with picky eaters and skeptical spouses.

ANDI was established by parent researchers, Lisa Lewis and Karyn Seroussi, to help families around the world get started on, and maintain an appropriate diet. The ANDI mission is simple:

To help parents understand, implement and maintain dietary intervention for their autistic children.

Gluten Solutions

For those looking for a one stop shop for their Gluten free-Casein free diet needs, this seems like the place. It's user friendly, and Autism Diet aware. They claim to "offer the broadest selection of hard-to-find gluten-free foods you won't find anywhere else." Gluten-free diets are for people with:

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Celiac Sprue Disease

Gluten Intolerance/Wheat Allergies

GFCF Daily Recipe: Lemon Poppyseed Cake

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Ingredients

• 1c. gf/cf margarine
• 1 3/4c. sugar
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 T lemon peel
• 1 tsp. lemon extract
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1c. milk substitute mixed with 1 T lemon juice
• 2 3/4c. gf flour blend ( I combined the bean blend, sorghum blend, and rice blend)
• 1 T. guar or xanthum gum
• 2 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4c. poppyseeds

Directions

1. Cream margarine for 3min.
2. Add sugar and beat well.
3. Add egg yolks and beat.
4. Beat in lemon peel and extracts.
5. Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with the milk sub.
6. Stir in poppyseeds.
7. Beat egg whites to soft peaks, adding a pinch of salt when foamy.
8. Fold in.
9. Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan.
10. Bake 350° for about 45 min. or until tests done.
11. Turn out onto serving plate.
12. Dust with powdered sugar or
13. Glaze with a mix of powdered sugar, lemon extract and water.

Source

GFCF Daily Recipe: Mac and Cheese!

Macaroni & Cheese

2 tablespoons butter ( You can use ghee--clarified casein free butter)

2 tablespoons flour (You can use gluten free pantry's all-purpose baking flour mix)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup rice milk

Dash of onion powder to taste

Butternut squash

You'll also need gluten-free elbow macaroni noodles

Cut up butternut squash and cook by boiling in water.

While butternut squash is cooking begin basic white sauce.

Melt butter in saucepan over low heat.

Blend in flour and salt, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly.

Remove from heat. Stir in the milk and onion powder; return to heat and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, until thickened.

Once butternut squash is cooked. Drain it and mash it. Then add the squash to the thick white sauce. The more squash you add the more yellow it gets. Just keep adding until you get the color you want.

Pour the yellow sauce over cooked brown rice elbow macaroni and there you'll have

macaroni and cheese (WITHOUT THE CHEESE!)

GFCF Daily Recipe: American Bento Boxes

Laptop Lunches are American-style bento boxes designed to help families pack nutritious, environment-friendly lunches for school, work, and travel. Their sustainable lunch containers--which come with a book of healthy lunch ideas and lunchmaking recipes--are reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher safe. And all of their lunchboxes are lead-free.

Since many GFCF school options are finger-foody, I thought the bento box idea would make packing and presentation that much easier. The way that the boxes are organized can also be helpful for children with self-help/adaptive skills delays.

Here are some GFCF school lunch ideas from newdiets.com:

"Main" courses

• cut up pieces of bologna
• soy or "other" cheese slices
• cooked bacon pieces
• homemade chicken nuggets
• Meat slices rolled up
• Hot dog
• Ham, turkey, or chicken in slices, chunks, strips
• Peanut butter or other nut butters
• Rice muffins - split in two for sandwiches or jelly
• Vans GF waffles used for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• GF pancake/waffle made really thick, sliced into strips with syrup to dip
• Homemade chicken nuggets with ketchup to dip
• Oreda fries or tater tots heated in the morning with ketchup to dip (they are room temp by lunch)
• pasta with tomato/meat sauce or pasta salads
• tofu
• Tortillas with filling
• Sausage links
• GFCF Waffles or pancakes used as a bread for sandwiches or jelly roll
• Tuna fish or fish sticks
• Peanut butter on crackers, on apples, in rice krispie treats
• mini tacos (bearitos seasoning and mini shells from the grocery store, not sure of the brand)
• mini gfcf pancakes and shelton sausage patties
• gfcf *pizza*
• hotdogs cut up and cooked and sent in a thermos
• chili in a thermos with corn chips to *scoop*
• Hard or Soft shell tacos (no cheese or a little fake stuff, I use a dab of Tofutti's fake cream cheese)
• Mini-homemade corndog nuggets with sauce to dip
• Roast beef strips
• Corn bread sticks or muffins
• the little circle Tostito bites make nice platforms for sandwiches and fillings
• cubed chicken mixed with honey in a plastic bowl

For recipes and ready made GFCF snacks, click here to browse the Soft Sensory Shop.

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Gluten free ready to eat treats for Valentine's Day.

Wondering what you can possibly give you gluten-free kids for Valentines Day that is easy and right off the shelf? According to the labels, these two classic sweet treats are also gluten-free:

Necco Conversation Hearts are gluten free! (Check it out yourself at Necco.com. )












The Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolate Flavor are gluten free. Note this is milk chocolate flavor only.

























(please always double check the labels!)