Special Diets for Special Kids

Although Special Diets for Special Kids by Lisa Lewis, PHd, was not written specifically for kids with CD, it provides a tremendous amount of information pertaining to the gut, absorption and metabolization of food.  Special Diets is specifically aimed at understanding dietary intervention for children with autism. The brain-gut connection is explored in great detail and the author cites several medical studies in support of her theory for the removal of gluten and casein from the diets of children with autism to help improve behavior.
If your child has autism, Special Diets is a wonderful resource offering a deep analysis of the benefits of a gluten free/casein free diet.  An entire chapter discusses vitamin and mineral deficiencies that are often lacking in children with autism.  Since the gf/cf diet can be somewhat limiting, supplements are often necessary.  However, make sure those supplements are gf and cf.
Special Diets provides over 200 kid friendly gf and cf recipes ranging from muffins and smoothies to holiday and ethnic fare.  
We are looking forward to making the Kiddie Colada and the Panda Puff Chocolate Crisps.  We'll let you know how they turn out!

Product Review: Kids One Gluten-Free Probiotic

Unfortunately, our family does not like this "kid friendly" chewable multi-vitamin with pro-biotics.  I wish I could say we like them, because I like the values this company promotes.  Rainbow Light has a program called Vitamin Angels and to date, they have donated over 25,000,000 vitamins globally.  Rainbow Light offers 75 Gluten-Free products and they are also guaranteed to be free of yeast, milk, eggs, soy, nuts, and fish/shellfish.  My kids and I find the Chewable Multivitamin/Mineral to be chalky, gritty and bitter tasting.  My toughest critic actually spit it out and refuses to try another one - sigh.  I did try a second, and it was just as bad as the first:(  And at roughly $13 a bottle, I feel somewhat bitter about throwing them in the trash:(  If you'd like to support the company or try this product - click on the link below.

Carmelized Brussel Sprouts and Prosciutto

Brussel Sprouts and Prosciutto

approx 1 lb. brussel sprouts
4 TBSP sun dried tomatoes julienne cut
1 medium red onion
approx. 2-3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1/2 lb. prosciutto
2 TBSP fresh chopped garlic
1 1/2 cups organic vegetable broth
fresh basil leaves
wedge of Parmesan
Prepared rice or quinoa

Pour EVOO into a medium sized saucepan - just to cover the bottom of the pan.
Dice the red onion & saute over low heat 20-25 minutes until the onions begin to carmalize.
While onion is sauteing - rinse the sprouts, trim off the ends, cut in half & steam for 3 minutes to tenderize.
Trim prosciutto into large bite sized pieces.
Add prosciutto to red onion & brown.
Add garlic and saute 1 minute.
Add sun dried tomatoes & brussel sprouts.
Add the veggie broth & heat through.
Season with fresh cracked pepper.
Serve over rice or quinoa topped with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan.