What's Going on in Sacramento?

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Aug 7th: Save the Date!

Meet the Author of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook
SAVE THE DATE! The Sacramento area chapter of the Celiac Sprue Association, in conjunction with the Davis subchapter, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, welcomes Elana Amsterdam, to the combined support group meeting August 7th, held at the Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 317 East 8th Street, Davis, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Elana Amsterdam is the author of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook and a popular blog, Elanaspantry.com. Elana switched career paths from an environmental consultant with her own firm, to a gluten-free chef when her son was diagnosed with celiac disease. With a three-year study of ayurvedic cooking, Elana utilized her knowledge to make gluten-free food that tasted like regular food. Elana’s cooking might not be complex, but actually taste good and is good for you. This passion led her from blog to book, with the publication of The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook.

Come prepared. Pick up one or more copies of Elana’s cookbook to be autographed during the meeting at Gluten Free Specialty (2612 J Street, Sacramento, CA 916-442-5241). Phone orders are welcome. If you can’t make it to the store, you may preorder and prepay over the phone and have the book delivered to you at the meeting. Elana’s flour of choice, pure almond flour from blanched almonds (not almond meal), is also available. With both in hand, be inspired and head home to start cooking.

Experienced celiacs are welcome to bring snacks to share at the meeting. And if you’re able to pick up the cookbook ahead of time, why not try your hand with one of her recipes, and bring some tasty treats to share. Please bring a copy of your recipe for those with multiple allergies.

Gluten Free Dining July 10

Looking to have a nice gluten free meal out? Here are 2 options for you on Saturday July 10:
  • Gluten-Free Italian Lunch at Pasta Bella. Author Jacqueline Mallorca will discuss her new book Gluten-Free Italian: Over 150 Irresistible Recipes without Wheat — from Crostini to Tiramisu and sign copies. The meal is $15 per person, including salads, entrees and dessert (tip and drinks are extra). This event is hosted by North Bay Celiacs.
  • Dining Excursion: BJ"S Brewhouse, organized by the Sacramento Celiac Sprue Association. Once a month, on the second Saturday, the CSA sponsors a dining meeting in the Sacramento area. RSVP is greatly encouraged and very much appreciated. More details can be found on the CSA Sacramento blog.

Cookie Sampling July 3rd!

In honor of the holiday weekend Gluten Free Specialty is having a cookie sampling on July 3rd. They will be offering 1 free cookie per customer to the first 300 guests! What kind of cookies will you be tasting, you ask? The generous people at Pure Pantry in Escondido, CA have donated both dairy (contain eggs and butter) and non dairy (Spectrum Shortening and egg substitute) chocolate chip cookies for everyone to try. All of the companies products are gluten, dairy, casein, soy, nut and refined sugar free.

In addition the receive fresh bread delivery comes in Saturday morning around 11 am. Pick up a baguette, grab a container of fresh chicken or tuna salad from Confluence Kitchen in the fridge and have a delicious lunch downtown. Their pasta and green salads are delicious too!

Gluten Free Specialty will be open regular business hours on July 3 from 10-6pm, and is located at 2612 Street Suite 1, Sacramento, Ca 95816. Street parking- don't forget to pay the meter- if you're not familiar with the area you'll need to locate a green kiosk. The store will also be open limited hours on the 4th of July- 12pm-4pm- just in case you forgot something for your barbecue.