Allergen-free holiday cooking can present many questions if you are new to label reading. Here are some common additives found in packaged foods that may contain gluten: modified starch, hydrolyzed proteins, flavoring, and malt (i.e. maltodextrin, malt syrup). Also, be aware that products claiming to be wheat-free may contain barley, rye or oats.

It is still controversial whether distilled products, like vinegar and vanilla extracts made from gluten-containing grains, retain gluten after the distillation process.  Luckily, holiday bakers can err on the side of caution without compromising taste. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Vanilla is the finest quality natural vanilla. Experienced bakers know the difference a quality vanilla makes in those holiday goodies, but best of all, Nielsen-Massey was one of the first major ingredient suppliers in the US to be certified gluten free. Enjoy holiday treats worry free this season!

Meadowsweet Market was recently featured in the Life section of the Argus Leader newspaper for our knowledge of the many uses of Acai berry juice and supplements.  We have received an enthusiastic response to the article and hope that it provides customers with more information on healthy food choices.  If you’d like to learn more about this nutrient packed little berry, check out the article that ran last week:

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812030301

by Nikki Ver Steeg RD, LN

Registered Dietitian and Certified Wellness Coach

Singaram Gastroenterology

When learning how to cook gluten free it is a good idea to use your resources.  A book that I found interesting is “The Gluten Free Diet:  A Comprehensive Resource Guide” by Shelley Case.  This book includes information regarding the gluten free diet and recipes.  Other options would be to contact local support groups and visit health food stores for additional product ideas.  To join the Sioux Falls Area Celiac Support Group please contact Grace at 605-582-7194 or June at 605-528-6189.

Singaram Gastroenterology maintains the highest level of specialized treatment in the region with exceptional patient-focused care. For an independent clinic with a personalized focus for your specific condition,call Singaram Gastroenterology at 605-310-2000.

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by Dr. Singaram

Gastroenterologist, Singaram Gastroenterology

Owner of Midwest Medical Care, PC.

Celiac disease or Non-tropical Sprue is a disorder of the small intestine where people have difficulty to process Gluten.

The diagnosis of Celiac disease is made when one or more of the following is present:                                                       

1.  After eating gluten (mostly from wheat) food materials, if one develops abdominal pain, bloating, or altered bowel movements;

2.   A Specific blood tests for gluten sensitivity comes back positive. Also, a recent blood test (by Prometheus Laboratories, San Diego, CA) can detect genes that may be contributing in the development of Celiac disease. This will be of great importance in children, specifically children of parents with Celiac disease. 

3.   Have your Celiac doctor take a biopsy of the small intestine using endoscopy. This option is considered as the gold standard test to diagnose Celiac disease. 

Singaram Gastroenterology maintains the highest level of specialized treatment in the region with exceptional patient-focused care. For an independent clinic with a personalized focus for your specific condition,call Singaram Gastroenterology at 605-310-2000.

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Thanks to all our wonderful customers who made Meadowsweet’s Holiday Allergen-Free Food Fest so much fun! Many delicious treats were sampled, five bags of groceries were given away, and attendees shared ideas for allergen-free alternatives to traditional holiday staples. Patsy’s cranberry salsa was a big hit, and customers tried it while voting for their favorite gluten-free cracker.  Schar table crackers won the contest by a wide margin, and we also received requests for a new cracker line to bring in–Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers. We appreciate your feedback!

Special thanks goes out to chef Sanaa for her wonderful and informative cooking demo. Over 20 customers attended the free demo and we look forward to having similar educational demos in the future!  Meadowsweet now carries Sanaa’s new cookbook:  Gluten Free Mediterranean.