As 2008 wraps up, I am happy to say that my first full year at the helm of a gluten-free kitchen is over. It was a learning experience and a test of my will and might. But in the end, I feel a large sense of accomplishment as I watch my picky eater gain weight and take on a healthier glow. I can see that without gluten in his belly, he is able to concentrate more in school and take on new challenges.

As our family met for some holiday gatherings, questions were brought up. People are often asking me what happens if someone with celiac ingests gluten. And because my son has limited communication abilities, it's still quite a mystery. I do explain what celiac is often (definition here), and reiterate that ingesting any amount of gluten will damage his small intestines.

Here are immediate symptoms I can see:

1. He will have what appears to be intense stomach pain. He holds his belly and groans.
2. He has a lack of appetite.
3. He is more withdrawn and lacks concentration.

And these symptoms don't go away after a few days. It often takes weeks to get him back on track.

In the long term, the results of ingesting gluten can be life-threatening. I am thankful that we caught this disease early. Many people do not. One in 133 have celiac disease, but very few are diagnosed with it. Those who have it and remain eating a diet with gluten run a strong risk of developing certain kinds of cancers that begin in the intestines (such as lymphoma), as well as depression, infertility and joint pain.

Some other diseases those with long-term celiac disease are at risk for (according to the Celiac Disease Foundation):

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
  
• Vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for hemorrhaging
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Central and peripheral nervous system disorders - usually due to unsuspected nutrient deficiencies
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Intestinal lymphomas and other GI cancers (malignancies)
• Neurological manifestations
• Gall bladder malfunction

It's no small feat to rid anyone's diet of gluten, and the results are not always something we can see and evaluate. But in the end, someone with celiac is absorbing vital nutrients and healing. Their immune systems are gradually building up to healthy levels and their tummies are feeling a whole lot better.

This year, my resolution is to continue to advocate for my son so he can continue to feel better and get the most out of the world around him. And with a stronger likelihood that immediate family members also have celiac, I will resolve to make some appointments so we can try to avoid these long-term affects, as well.

Tip: I like this link to describe celiac to other kids.

Sometimes I get a little help from the most unexpected sources.

As my kids were holed up inside during the recent deep freeze, we hunkered down in front of the TV and watched a little preschool-friendly programming. It's not my favorite show, but sometimes "Barney" can reach my kids and teach them a lesson or two.

In this particular episode, a group of kids dressed in Western and cowboy garb mixed up a big batch of chili. The kids took turns dumping in different ingredients: Beans, chili powder, onions, etc. Aha! I thought. Chili can be gluten free, and since Barney made it, they may actually try it.

I set the ground work by putting out a big pot and started prepping the ingredients. The kids had fun helping me. When we were done, we had a healthy gluten- and casein-free dinner that warmed us up on such a chilly evening.

Heinz brand canned tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce and even some "chili" tomatoes are gluten free. Click here for the company's list of gluten-free products.

I wrote down the recipe, although you can let your little cowboys gather up the fixin's of their choice!

Barney's Chili for Chilly Days
1 pound of hamburger, browned and drained
2 cans (15 ounces) stewed tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cans red kidney beans, or beans of your choice
1 small onion chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon pepper
1 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoons garlic
2 teaspoons salt

Mix tomatoes, tomato sauce and hamburger in large stew pot. Mix in veggies and spices, or have your little helpers dump them in. Simmer for 45 minutes. Great with Gluten-Free Pantry's Cornbread muffins or a slice of gluten-free bread.

As if preparing gluten-free meals, planning ahead and shopping for special diets didn't eat up enough of my time, the holiday season is now in full swing. And as I'm scurrying around looking for the best deal for my picky eaters and last-minute gifts for teachers and friends, I pause and remember those little things that have made my life a little easier.

Right before Thanksgiving, I stumbled upon a group called Door-to-Door Organics. Not only is the produce fresh and organic, it is delivered right to my door! I am surprised every other week with a box of fresh produce on my doorstep. The boring gluten-free spaghetti or grilled chicken tastes a little better with roasted red potatoes and garlic cloves tossed with olive oil, or with grilled mushrooms fresh from the farm. I recommend this handy service. It takes the guess work out of grocery shopping for produce and saves a trip to the market. Click here for more information.

Something else I can't live without this season are the handy cookie dough recipes from one of my favorite cookbooks, "Gluten Free Quick and Easy" by Carol Fenster. In her book, Fenster offers many recipes for flour "mixes." I prepare the basic cookie mix and store in a canister. When it's time to make cookies, I scoop and add butter, eggs, etc. and have dough ready to go for holiday cutout cookies. She has many suggestions for think-ahead cooking and I for one am grateful for the shortcuts!

Prepared foods, such as Ian's Fish Sticks, Van's gluten-free waffles and Boar's Head lunch meats fill my freezer. I have had my eye on sales, and find these brands are often reduced in price or offer coupons. When I buy Van's waffles at Meijer (and they're usually on sale), I often get a coupon at the checkout.

Any chance to sample new products and get new information is also vital. Be sure to check out Hiller's Gluten-free Food Fair Dec. 13-Dec. 14 in Commerce Township. Click here for more information.

So, stock up, make cooking simple and try to make meal time a little less daunting with some of these gluten-free favorites. Holidays are supposed to be fun, after all.

Tip: Be careful before you unwrap a candy cane. Some say candy canes are dusted with flour to avoid sticking to the wrapper. Others say that's an urban myth. I say my son got really sick last year about eight hours after snacking on a few candy canes. Bob's Candy Canes (Farley's and Sather's), Lifesaver and Spangler brands all claim to be gluten-free.