Living with celiac disease is challenging on many levels. One such challenge is eating out. There can be a lot of anxiety around being able to eat out and not be sick afterwards. In response to the needs of those requring special diets, the National Restaurant Association has taken steps to train restaurant personnel in proper food handling techniques for allergy-sensitive individuals. Some restaurants are making a concerted effort to accommodate people who have special dietary needs. This includes cleaning the grill prior to cooking the food and taking measures to ensure that no cross-contamination of food ingredients will occur. Even so, eating out continues to be challenging for those with celiac disease.

Some tips for having a more successful gluten-free dining experience include choosing restaurants according to the type of food generally prepared in the establishment. For example, avoid places that would tend to have a lot of flour in the air. It also helps to call ahead and speak to the manager or chef. June, from the Sioux Falls Area Celiac Suppport Group, says that she has the best results if she calls the chef the day before she plans on visiting a restaurant. She explains her dietary needs and then faxes the chef a list of acceptable foods. There are many tips and additional resource information in a downloadable article, by Pam Cureton, RD, LDN, titled “Gluten-Free Dining Out: Is it Safe?” One tip provided by Cureton is to bring your own packets of salad dressing to the restaurant, and crackers to snack on while waiting for your dinner. A tasty cracker choice is Glutino’s gluten-free ritz-style cracker.

The following Sioux Falls, SD, restaurants have gluten-free menus:

• Outback Steakhouse
• Chili’s Bar & Grill
• Chevy’s Fresh Mex 
• Timber Lodge Steakhouse  

This list is provided by Grace, from the Sioux Falls Area Celiac Support Group. Grace notes that not all wait staff are familiar with gluten-free menus, and suggests that you inquire with the kitchen manager or the chef regarding the availabilty of the menus. I invite you to add to this list, if you are aware of other eating establishments that accomodate those needing to eat gluten free. Eating out gluten free continues to be challenging, even within restaurants that are striving to accomodate the demand for gluten free meals. Please also share your tips for a successful gluten-free dining experience. 

For those who are interested in attending a local support group, the Sioux Falls Area Celiac Support group meets at 7:00 p.m., on the second Monday of every month, at the Veterans Administration Hospital, in Sioux Falls, SD. The Veterans Administration Hospital is located at 2501 West 22nd Street. Please call June at 605-528-6189 or Grace at 605-582-7194 for further information regarding the group.

Calling all seasoned gluten-free cooks! Are you willing to share a favorite holiday recipe or some secret to cooking and baking gluten free? If so, please post it here. Give the gift of your experience to someone who is newly diagnosed. Help them to have a healthy holiday season!

The following tip and recipe is provided by Nikki Ver Steeg, RD, LN. Nikki is a dietitian at Singaram Gastroenterology and is the South Dakota Dietetic Association East River Media Representative. She can be contacted at (605) 310-2000 or by e-mail nikkigi@midconetwork.com.

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• Baking tip

     Add 1 rounded teaspoon xanthan gum for every 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour used

     in a recipe.

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• Recipe

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

    2 cups all purpose gluten-free flour

    1 rounded teaspoon xanthan gum

    2 cups sugar

    ¾ cups cocoa sifted

    1 teaspoon soda

    Dash of salt

    Mix very well! Add 1 cup lukewarm water, 1 cup fat-free or lite sour cream, and

    2 omega eggs. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

   

    Frosting

   1 cup sugar

   ¼ cup butter

   ¼ cup skim milk

   Boil x 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla,

   ½ cup gluten-free semisweet chocolate chips.

   Spread and cool.