Having My Cake And Eating It Too, Celiac Specialties

Imagine for a moment, a table, laden with the tastiest, loveliest foods you can imagine.  All of your favorite things sitting there, waiting to be savored and enjoyed.  Your mouth waters...the serving spoon poised.  Your stomach is growling, and you can't wait to take your turn with family and friends at the table.

Then, imagine that you know these foods are poison to your system. Put the spoon down and walk away. Thud. There goes the celebration.

Welcome to the world of food allergies.  Over 10 years ago I was diagnosed with allergies to wheat, gluten and dairy.  I remember being handed a diet and going home, feeling desperate. Desperate to feel better, desperate to get over what ailed me and desperate to have lunch at the same time.  For days I lived on nothing I wanted, because what I really craved was a grilled cheese sandwich with Campbell's Cream of Tomato soup. ugh.  I wanted that piece of leftover birthday cake with the sprinkles and roses and I wanted to eat french toast.  In fact, everything I wanted I couldn't have and that made me want it even more.

Going out to eat, or travelling became a nightmare.  I cautiously reviewed menus and honestly tried to act naturally and not look hungry with other people. Everyone felt sorry, everyone suffered and eventually I stopped trying to pretend that it didn't matter.  I bought special bread, took a bite and tossed it in the trash, doused gluten free waffles in maple syrup until they swam away and fought with my bread maker. 

Well, I am happy to report that thanks to places like in Fenton, Whole Foods in various locations, and in Fenton,  eating with limitations is a pleasure.  Living Without magazine and a wealth of on-line vendors, blogs from cooks and bakers have filled the void really well.

I eat at many restaurants, that actually have a special menu of safe choices, and the wait staff smiles at me. in Fenton, , in Fenton are both places we go to often.  My favorite, by far is , in Fenton. That was the first restaurant I ate at when moving to Fenton and the place where we gather round the table to celebrate holidays. Still, if I want a piece of bread or dessert following a meal, I have to go home without it.

Happily ever after...with a groan.  Enter...stage left...or right, whichever way you have to turn to get to Celiac Specialties LLC in Auburn Hills. I am talking about Bumpy Cake, Pumpkin Pie, gorgeous breads and buns, sandwich wraps and cupcakes in the case at the front counter. It's like Disney World for food allergies...only closer. Let me just rave about Aglut Tagliatorre pasta that has that...stretch and croissants that put a beret on your head.

I feel like I am at a 12 step meeting here, because I am one of the original Wonder Bread kids.  I confess to love sqwooshy bread that gums up on the roof of my mouth, and I adore really good tasting, but not very nutritional bakery foods.  I know, don't judge, just enjoy my joy.  I truly appreciate being able to microwave something quick and salad feels too cold in the winter.  I offer this as...a party when you want it and an escape from the health food store.

I have never had one thing from Celiac Specialties that I didn't roll my eyes, smile and believe I could serve  that to anyone, without them leaving half of it on the plate. It puts me back on the normal...hate myself a little bit for not eating healthier track of the weight loss treadmill.  I like it. 

I eat responsibly as much as possible. Marjie at Marjie's Gluten Free Pantry will save your life. Celiac Specialties in Auburn Hills, will definitely give you back your childhood delights. When leaving there...keep one hand on the wheel of your car, don't text your glee as you eat a cupcake on the way home.

.....and she lived, happily ever after,

Mary