Celiac Awareness Month–May ’22

Strawberry plantsIt’s still just barely still Celiac awareness month. So…may I recommend (request?) you do something to support the gluten-free community?

The FDA has issued draft guidance indicating that they will only consider labeling for food allergens. This is problematic on oh so many fronts. Obviously, foods foods can cause health problems via means other than allergy, and that’s well-documented. And, as many of you know, the FDA does a pretty poor job enforcing the (voluntary) labeling for gluten as is, so closing the door to changes preemptively is…well…a huge step backward for the gluten-free community at large.

This is where you all come in. Please submit your comments to the FDA. Tricia Thompson has sample comments or you can do what I did and start with her comments and add your own flavor with your own story and concerns. But PLEASE add your voice.  

Quick takes:

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax, VA.  She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease, digestive issues, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

 

Strawberry Meringue Tarts

AKA Kitchen therapy

I don’t know about you, but when I am stressed, I retreat to my kitchen. I have had enough of COVID. I am not a fan of cold weather. So I needed a mental health afternoon. Normally I play with strawberries most during June when we have them in the garden, but this is what was calling to me, and I adapted a few of our standard recipes and is what happened.

Strawberry meringue tart

These are adorable, gluten and dairy-free, lactose-free and as a bonus, they are low FODMAP. They do not transport or keep very well—but they should disappear quickly, so that point should be entirely moot.

Enjoy.

Makes 6, 4-inch tarts

Tart crust
1 1/4 cups GF all purpose flour (I’ve used Jules GF and also King Arthur measure for measure)

2 TBSP almond flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
8 tbsp. (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1 egg yolk
2 tbsp. very cold water
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Strawberry Meringue Tart inside
Strawberries inside!

Pulse dry ingredients with butter, then add yolk, vanilla and cold water. Chill dough for at least an hour in wax paper, can be done left in the fridge overnight as well.

Roll out on wax paper, press into tart pans. Prick with a fork in several places. Bake at 375

8 min covered, using pie weights (anything metal and sturdy works). Then bake for another 7 minutes. It may need 1-2 minutes more, until it is a *light* golden brown.

Filling

  • 4 cups =2 cups pureed strawberries + 2 cups sliced (separated)
  • 2 T cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2/3 cup sugar

Puree 2 cups strawberries. Whisk water and cornstarch, add in strawberry puree. Heat on medium, whisking well, until boiling. Boil for 1 minute, whisking the whole time. Remove from heat. Allow to cool.

Place the other sliced strawberries in the tart shells, pour the strawberry filling evenly on top.

Meringue

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1/8 tsp cream of tartar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Bring egg whites to room temp. Whip the egg whites and the cream of tartar until soft peaks form, ~5 min on high speed. Add sugar 1 TBSP at a time until you have stiff peaks, ~ 2 min more, then add vanilla. Pipe out in circles onto the tarts.

Bake for 12 minutes at 350 in the middle of the oven, or until the tops are nicely browning.

Enjoy right away. This is the easiest step.

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