My Initial List of GFCF Menus

I’ve been reading with a voracious appetite this past week. My libraries seem to be well stocked with gluten-free information, but only a few books on gluten-free, casein-free. They have a couple of others on the topic but they’re currently checked out. I am not ashamed to say that I have brought home 20+ books on Celiac and GF and have devoured them for information. I have a pretty good handle on how to do my first shopping trip. I’ve learned to read all labels. Also, there is a law that started (or starts) this year, requiring manufacturers to clearly list any ingredients from the 8 main causes of allergies-wheat, milk, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, peanuts & fish. Apparently these 8 account for 90% of America’s food allergies.

I’ve chosen familiar, well-liked menu items for our first 2 weeks. The menus are incomplete. I’ll add meats, fruits & veggies as available, to fill the menus out. I wanted to know what Tom would be eating specifically, so these are mostly geared towards his taste choices. I’ve read that after implementing the diet, children who self-limit their food choices, like Tom does, become more willing to exand their horizons. I would really enjoy that, cause it would make him much eaiser to cook for.

BREAKFAST OPTIONS

• Grits

• Chocolate Soymilk & Protein Drink Mix Smoothie

• GFCF Pancakes & Syrup

• GFCF Toast with Vegan Margarine & Bacon

• Rice Chex with Soymilk

LUNCHES

• Refried Beans & Corn Chips

• Pasta with Spaghetti Sauce

• Mashed Potatoes & Vegan Cheese

• Bean Burritos (corn tortillas)

• Caesar Salad with Bacon Bits (no cheese & no croutons)

• GF Macaroni & Vegan Cheese

• TVP Sloppy Joes

• CF Cheese Sandwiches & GFCF Tomato Soup

DINNERS

• Pinto Beans & GF Cornbread or Muffins

• Lentils & Rice—Mexican

• Lentils & Rice—Italian

• TVP Tacos

• Taco Salad

• GFCF Lasagna—Add veggies & tofu

• GFCF Pizza—Add pepperoni

• Fried Rice

• Stir Fried Veggies, Rice & Shrimp (maybe)

SNACKS

• Preacher Cookies (Quinoa or Kamut or Rice flakes instead of Oats or GF Oats if available)

• Brownies (Rice flour)

• Muffins—Blueberry

• Fruit Juice Gigglers

• Fruit—Lots

• Veggies—Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers etc.

• Vegan Ranch Style Dip for Veggies

• Celery Stuffed with Peanut Butter

• Soy Yogurt

• Cookies as I experiment

• Vegan Gourmet Cheese & Other Vegan Cheeses as available

• Marshmallow Rice Chex Bars (like Rice Crispy Bars)

• Maybe Carrot Juice (from juicer)

When shopping I’ll get lots of fresh fruit, because that’s a family favorite. I’ll also look at the GFCF pre-packaged snacks to see just how expensive they are. I’m almost afraid to find out. Meanwhile I’m looking though my library books to get some simple baking recipes like for pizza crust, muffins, yeast bread, cornbread, brownies & pancakes. I’m also looking for GFCF cookie recipes, which seem to be in abundant supply online.

 

I have a few fears about Vegan Cheese. last time I tried them they were rubbery and tasted more like ill-prepared tofu than cheese. I have a couple of cookbooks in my collection with some Vegan Cheese recipes, and I plan on experimenting with them too, until I can find a cheese substitute that works for macaroni & cheese. I’ve read good things about Vegan Gourmet cheese and hope it turns out as good as described. If not, I’ll just keep looking.

 

For shopping I’m looking at 3 sources–My local Natural Foods Co-Op. They have a lot of really interesting foods there. Also GNC which has a moderate selection of gluten-free items. And finally Kroger, we have 3 of them within 3 miles, and they all have well-stocked natural and dietetic food sections. I’ll also do my regular shopping on Tuesday at Wal-Mart, but probably won’t be buying too much there. Luckily the GNC and Krogers are all very close together so it won’t take much gasoline. The Co-Op is about 15 minutes away, which will eat into my gas some, but they have the best prices and are likely to have the best selection, so it’s worth the trip.

 

The reason I’m willing to shop 3 stores (and maybe 5) is because this excursion is for educating myself just as much as for purchasing actual products. I’m intend to limit the number of items I buy to those needed for our 2 week experiment. Then, if the experiment is working, I’ll consider making other purchases.

 

Oh, I just remembered, we have a UKrops (local to VA) and they have massive variety of hard to find items. I may go there and the Co-op on one day. Then Kroger(s) and GNC on the second day. I’m afraid of the sticker shock waiting for me, but am moving forward with faith. I have prayed that the Lord stop me if any of this is’t His will. I’ve also prayed for a clear understanding of His desire for me to keep heading in this direction.

 

I’ve explained to the kids that they may get headaches the first few days of the experiment, and that they may feel anxious or unhappy, but that these are symptoms of letting go of the gluten and casein. My oldest is still cooperative. My youngest is a little leary, but since everyone in the family is doing it, he’s not going to complain yet.

 

This afternoon I visit with my Mom and Granny and will explain the situation to them and my Dad. I’ll need their cooperation and I’m not sure how I’ll handle the meal that the Boys eat with them on Wednesday Nights. Maybe pre-make a couple of pizzas and take them with me, with instructions on how to bake them for Mom. I’ll also bring some snacks like candy-cookie things. Mom already buys soymilk, so that’s a plus.

 

Tomorrow Mom and Granny are coming over to help with the boy’s room some more. We’re about half-way into it, and hope to start painting tomorrow.