Taste it Tuesday: Finding Dessert Alternatives For a Gluten-Free Child

9:31 AM  Nacia Walsh  5 comments

When my middle son was an infant during our trips to the supermarket, doctors office, or playground we would often encounter quizzical looks, or not-so-discrete stares. One time my son was even told, "Go back over to your babysitter".

Bryson at 6 months with my oldest son
 I think it was Bryson's blue eyes and white skin that might've confused people into thinking I was the nanny.

You see my son initially reflected a lot a features from my Irish-American husband. Thankfully 6 years of sunshine and my irrepressible genes, have finally turned him into someone who looks like they came from me, not like a baby I stole from Ireland.

My son in kindergarten & me in kindergarten
Unfortunately for Bryson, he inherited something from my hubby that can be dangerous for a gluten-intolerant kid...his massive sweet tooth.

I mean what human being DOESN'T like cake, cookies, or donuts? Even though we all know too much of these wheat based products can create havoc in our immune systems, we all still love to indulge. So how do you tell a 6 year old, who's already allergic to dairy (yup that means no birthday ice cream cake), that all other baked deliciousness is off limits too?

Welcome to my world.

Gluten is in nearly everything. It's not enough to just avoid wheat based items, because there's gluten in things I would have never guessed. Here's a "short" list from the Mayo Clinic:
In general, avoid the following foods unless they're labeled as gluten-free or made with corn, rice, soy or other gluten-free grain:
Beer
Breads
Cakes and pies
Candies
Cereals
Cookies and crackers
Croutons
French fries
Gravies
Imitation meat or seafood
Matzo
Pastas
Processed luncheon meats
Salad dressings
Sauces, including soy sauce
Seasoned rice mixes
Seasoned snack foods, such as potato and tortilla chips
Self-basting poultry
Soups and soup bases
Vegetables in sauce
    So as you can see the choices are pretty limited for yummy desserts, or are they??

    With an estimated 2 million people with Celiac disease  and a growing number who are being diagnosed with a nonceliac gluten sensitivity, the market has responded with full-force.

    There are dozens of companies now catering too those stricken with this serious autoimmune disease or have seen then benefits of removing gluten from their diet. Bob's Red Mill, Simply Organic, and Udi's all have a decent selection of choices of everything from rice-based flour, cookies, cakes, and baking mixes.

    The great thing about all of these products is that you can recreate your kids most beloved desserts without sacrificing the taste. Granted, very few of them are high in nutritional value...but we are talking about desserts, so taste and consistency are paramount.

    Here are few of my son's favorite gluten-free desserts :

     Simply Organic Gluten Free Carrot Cupcakes

    Just add 2 eggs or 1/4 cup applesauce if you want them to be vegan, 1 cup of grated carrots (I use a food processor) and 1/2 cup water. I make non dairy icing for Bryson first, using 1 cup confectioners sugar, a drop of vanilla extract, pinch of nutmeg and 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Mix until creamy. I take half of that and add 4 tablespoons of cream cheese to make icing for the rest of us. Everyone loves these!


     Gluten Free Pantry Apple-Blueberry Gluten Free Muffins

    This one is easy, just follow the directions on the back of the box and add 1/2 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup blueberries. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top once done and you have a tasty and semi-healthy dessert.

     

    If you are not in the mood for baking Kinnikinnick has a cinnamon sugar donut that is to DIE for! I actually have to stop myself from eating these. They come frozen, but only take about 30 seconds to heat in the microwave.


    My son has thankfully accepted these alternatives to their gluteny counterparts, they taste just as good as traditional desserts without the tummy troubles.

    Have you tried any gluten-free desserts, what's your favorite?

    Still Eating Sweets in Granolaville,



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    5 comments:

    I have been dairy and gluten free for at least 15 years and find it has gotten so much easier. The magazine called Living Without is great if it is still around. Also the blog Glutn Free Girl. Good luck with it all.I know what a struggle it can be.

    Thanks Mimi, I will definitely check out that site. There is so much more information now, its comforting to know other people are going through the same thing.

    How do you combat the cost of gluten free meals. Do you make him separate meals? The pre mixes are so expensive.

    I sometimes will make him gf chicken nuggets with a side if we are eating something with cheese in it, but otherwise we all eat gf. I stick to a meat 2 veg most days (unless it a hambuger hot dog kind of day in that case we leave the bun out. The boxed products can be WAY more expensive but I have found pasta, breadcrumbs, flour reasonably priced. Also gluten can affect everyone in varying degrees. If the whole family cuts it out you'll only have 1 meal to make and you'll all see health changes. My son isn't a fan of sauces so I just make the same meals we have but plain...like spaghetti and meatballs. Hope this helps.

    Thanks for the information.. Our Pediatrician just told us next time we go in the want to check my 1 year old to see if she had the gene for gluten intolerance..

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