Gluten Free Sensations

Driving south from Grand Rapids at the crack of dawn, I noticed a sign on the side of the road: "Gluten Free Sensations." When I finally had access to the internet, I Googled the name and discovered a line of g-f products found mostly in Michigan, though some stores in Indiana and Wisconsin carry them as well. Made with bean, sorghum, rice, and corn flours, Gluten Free Sensations features pancake, waffle, and cookie mixes, cream of brown rice hot cereal and also a variety of gluten-free granolas. Shipping is available if you don't happen to live near any of the locations that are listed on the website.

For more information, as well as a list of stores, go to their website at www.glutenfreesensations.com.

Do you know a good source for gluten-free products in the Michiana area? Please share!

Surfing the 'net

• How Ginger Soothes Muscles, Fights Cramps Some of the many uses of ginger, from Health.com (as seen in the latest issue of Health magazine). I always travel with candied ginger to ease the nausea from motion sickness, and adding a slice or two to a tea of lemon, honey, and cayenne is a warming way to relieve the cough and chill of colds and flus.

• Exploring a Low-Acid Diet for Bone Health (from the New York Times) Not that we need another reason to eat our veggies. Low-acid diets high in fruits and vegetables may be more beneficial for bone health than one high in dairy and meat. Be sure to also read about the best exercises for healthy bones.

• Thinking About Diabetes With Every Bite An insightful blog entry about living with diabetes. From the New York Times.

Gluten-free Pumpkin Cheesecake

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and if you're anything like me you've already planned your holiday menu, ordered your turkey, and getting super crafty with the place settings. Last year I made a wheat-free dinner, using spelt breadcrumbs from New Seasons for stuffing and a gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake that was the hit of the night. It's so good, well, even my friend who doesn't like pumpkin pie raved about the cheesecake. This recipe isn't my own original, I found it on allrecipes.com, just used Trader Joe's Gluten-free Ginger Snaps instead of regular. Easy peasy.

For those of you in the Portland area who are looking for a more traditional gluten-free pumpkin pie, go to New Cascadia Bakery on SE 6th and Market. Their pumpkin tart is absolutely delish, with a flaky I-can't-believe-it's-not-gluten-laden crust. Not sure if you can special order pies for Thanksgiving, but give them a call and ask. Don't forget to pick up some crusty bread for gf stuffing!

GF Pumpkin Marbled Cheesecake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F°

* 1 1/2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies - Trader Joe’s Gluten-free
* 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
* 1/3 cup butter, melted

* 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
* 3/4 cup white sugar, divided
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 eggs
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed gingersnap cookies, pecans, and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9" springform pan, going up the sides about 1". Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Set it aside to cool.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla just until smooth. Mix in eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture. Blend 1/4 cup sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the remaining mixture.

3. Spread the pumpkin flavored batter into the crust, and drop the plain batter by spoonfuls onto the top. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.

4. Bake 55 minutes in the preheated oven, or until filling is set. Run a knife around the edge of the pan. Allow to cool before removing pan rim. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Allrecipes.com/Recipe/Marbled-Pumpkin-Cheesecake/
New Cascadia Bakery

November First Friday Wellness at Holistica

It's time for First Friday Wellness at Holistica Healthcare! Not only will we be featuring our now-famous mini-massages with Dr. Anya Chang (be one of the lucky ones to get an appointment!), but our featured artist this month is...me! That's right, I've decided to show a collection of my drawings from way back in the art school days (that's the '80s, folks) to just a few months ago. I mean, I run the clinic/gallery space, why not show off my own work? All of the drawings are figure studies in charcoal, conté crayon, and pencil.

Stop on by the clinic this Friday, November 6th from 6 - 9:30PM!