Article by Lauren Hoover-West, Chef, Author and Cooking Instructor of Gluten-free, Dairy-free Classes
Gluten is a set of proteins in wheat, rye, barley and spelt. Unfortunately, due to hybridization and chemical processing, gluten is now more concentrated and allergenic. This is likely why we are seeing a dramatic rise in people who are sensitized to gluten-containing foods. Combined with overexposure and crossreactions with similar food proteins (dairy, corn, etc), gluten can trigger a cascade or spectrum of dysfunctions and symptoms.
When the body becomes sensitive or allergic to a food such as gluten, it responds by releasing chemicals in the body that can cause many health issues including the wearing away of the intestinal lining that absorb nutrients. This can manifest as signs or symptoms on the skin, in the nervous, digestive and immune systems, or it can be totally asymptomatic. Evidence is mounting that shows undetected or non-compliant cases can significantly increase a person’s risk of autoimmune disease and premature death. People who suffer from inflammation, autoimmune disease or aforementioned symptoms can possibly benefit from eating a gluten-free diet. Many gluten-free packaged products are high in carbohydrates, starches and gums, which can cause weight gain and are low in nutritional value. gluten-free oat or sorghum flours are healthier alternatives.
Try these gluten-free brews!
Green’s Dubbel Ale
Belgium
Vegetarian Times 2011 Foodie Awards: Top gluten-free beer. The dubbel style originated in Belgium, as an ale offered for sale by monastic breweries. Green’s Endeavour Dubbel is the world’s first version of this style made with no barley. In the classic dubbel fashion, a hint of dark-sugar and toffee flavor; and a traditional Belgian yeast bouquet. Makes a fine aperitif; also great with traditional Italian antipasto, soft cheeses and gluten-free baked goods.
$6.99 16.9 oz bottle
Fox Barrel Blackcurrant Cider
Colfax, California
This Blackcurrant Cider is deliciously light, but not too sweet. Made with pure pear juice using U.S. west coast pears, this cider is naturally elegant, and has
a mouthwatering juice complexity. America’s first cider line using 100% pear juice, rather than pear uice concentrate.
$8.99 6 pack
New Planet Off Grid Pale Ale
Boulder, Colorado
This excellent gluten-free pale ale is a wonderful interpretation of the classic pale ale style. It has a distinctly deep amber color and great character and body. Three varieties of hops provide a wonderful aroma and a citrus and spicy hop flavor. This smooth ale is made from sorghum and brown rice extract, molasses, hops, and yeast.
$8.99 6 pack


Kevita Probiotic Drink KeVita™ contains a proprietary blend of live probiotics and is made with the finest organic ingredients. This thirst-quenching refreshment comes in Mango Coconut, Lemon Ginger or Green Tea flavors.
Garden of Life Probiotics has introduced RAW Probiotics™. They go beyond probiotics with whole-food probiotic formulas providing 30+ powerful probiotic strains, along with probiotic-created cofactors including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and prebiotics. RAW means they are uncooked, untreated, unadulterated; with no binders or fillers.
Orchard Gate Gold
Fireside Chat
“My favorite way to entertain is antipasti — a quick trip to the olive bar, cheese, salume, olive oil, nuts and bread. This means I get to use my cool little bowls and platters I have collected over the years too! I love to eat this way and it makes for easy entertaining. If there is one thing you have to try it’s the new organic Potter’s Crackers. The rye and caraway with Saint Agur blue cheese and of course my all-time favorite Dalmatia Fig Spread. I love this combination because it goes great with beer or red wine.”
“At any time of the year, our home is likely to be stocked with a number of curious foods and libations. Spontaneity and contrast in flavor is how we like it! La Tur, is a dense and creamy blend of pasteurized cow, goat and sheep milk. Let it set out for an hour before spreading liberal amounts on Rustic Bakery’s Handmade Sourdough Flatbread. This cheese rarely finds its way back to the fridge.
“I love cheese, especially when served as a dessert course. My new favorite is Potter’s Organic Orange Graham Crackers with Calabro Fresh Hand Packed Ricotta, topped with a light drizzle of Savannah Bee Cheese Honey and a thin slice of organic pear. I couple it with a bright and bubbly dry Prosecco — the perfect after-dinner dessert.”
Not only are nuts the perfect alternative to sugary treats, they are also a major source of nutrients our bodies depend on – plus they contain plenty of good fats and protein. Display nuts instead of candy this holiday season for a healthy snack, add to cheese platters for a crunchy addition or gift wrap in a fun bag or cute box with a ribbon to give to neighbors, friends or co-workers. With endless possibilities, you might now be wondering which nuts are which? We’ll break it down for you, simply read on below:

“My sister gave me this veggie-licious recipe because she knew I would love it. She puts a lot of balasmic vinegar in it and we adore it, so here you go! From her to me to you!”