Archive for April, 2009
Farmers Market Season Begins!
This weekend marks the beginning of Farmers Market season! Markets all over Illinois will be open to the public and ripe with local fruits, veggies, baked goods, and other wares. Farmers markets are a great way to connect with local growers and businesses, as well as individuals in the community.
Here’s are two of Peoria’s own farmers markets:
- Peoria Farmers Market at Metro Centre (opening tomorrow!)
4700 N University St
Open May 1 to October 31, 2009
Monday-Saturday, 8:00 am - 02:00 pm - Peoria’s RiverFront Market
Liberty Park
Open June to September
Saturdays, 8:00 am - Noon
Countless other farmers markets are in the surrounding cities and counties. Chicago, alone, has over 100 farmers markets! For a handy directory, visit the Farm Direct website.
Spring Holidays and Celiac Disease
Spring holidays are all about renewal and growth. As a Celiac, I think about this from several aspects: from the initial allergies of spring to the “Do I have enough gluten-free flour on hand to make a cake or another spring treat?” Eggs are always a good gluten-free food and meringues are also gluten-free (as well as tasty when served with berries). Then there are other traditional dishes that, as of yet, have no GF equivalent. Matzoh for one (the unleavened bread traditionally served at the Jewish holiday Passover). So I have found another cracker that works and have adapted it.
But it seems that some traditional spring holiday foods cannot be adapted. They just seem to need gluten! However, what I can adapt is my perspective and my imagination…so I will adapt, improvise, and overcome this issue! So far so good. Maybe I will make some hot Cross buns with currants…tasty. And those chocolate Easter bunnies are always safe!
-Estelle
Thrive Allergy & Gluten-Free Expo a Success!
We had a great time at the Thrive Allergy & Gluten-Free Expo this past weekend. We took our Apple’s Bakery Gluten Free Kitchen on the road, along with 10,000 gluten-free cookies (!), and participated in the well-attended event at McCormick Place. Here I am with our booth (and a few of our satisfied customers).
Chicagoist.com and the Chicago Tribune gave the event great reviews.
Click here for a write-up of the event from Chicagoist.com and here for a review in the Tribune’s The Stew column. and see a video of the event here.
Allergy Awareness Month?
Spring seems to be the start of allergy season, when plants are starting to bloom and grow. Granted, I am excited for the little green shoots poking up from the ground, but it’s also a reminder that soon I’ll be taking several allergy medications. More when the plants first start to grow and even more when the pollen hits the breezes.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America sponsors National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month each May. And several organizations, such as the Celiac Sprue Association, sponsor Celiac Disease Awareness Month. But it’d also be nice to have a general allergy awareness month. I see it as an opportunity for celebrities with an allergy or celiac disease to step up to the plate and share their stories. It’d be a “who’s who of allergies and sensitivities.” Word travels fast when someone famous has a condition. Plus, the awareness month could encourage new labeling laws and allergy menus in every restaurant in America!
-Estelle
Enterprising Women
Last month I traveled to Lake Buena Vista, Florida to be honored at the 2009 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards. The magazine recognizes entrepreneurial women from all over North America, and I was given an award in the “Up to $1 Million in Annual Revenues” category. Here I am pictured with other award winners Laura Lee Williams, Ann Kayman, and Patricia Massey.
