If you or a member of your family has been recently diagnosed with Coeliac Disease then I encourage you to join your state branch of Coeliac Australia.

Your membership will keep you up-to-date on all things  gluten free  as well as keep you informed on the research into Coeliac Disease. Most importantly your state branch  is your “go to” contact for when you are feeling challenged by the transition to a gluten free diet or for having your questions answered about Coeliac Disease.

Your membership is multi-faceted : monthly email newsletters, “Against the Grain” publication and “The Australian Coeliac” magazine.  As well, your membership gives you access to travel information, fact sheets, recipes and a Coles Discount Card.

Take advantage of the experience of other members with their recommendations for places to eat in Queensland  and their cooking and kitchen tips.

A couple of tips that I have found useful:

When cooking pasta, ensure that you strictly follow the recommended cooking times on the packet to avoid a mushy mess! Look for a corn based pasta as this is more stable than the rice based versions.

Recipes with less flour content will convert to gluten free better than recipes that rely on high amounts of flour. eg. fruit cakes and carrot cakes.

Baking recipes with oil/buttermilk convert to gluten free better than those with butter.

Coeliac Queensland has just upgraded their website:  qld.coeliac.org.au  and as well you can find them on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/CoeliacQueensland

Coeliac Queensland also host the Gluten Free Food Expo, which is held in Brisbane each year. What a great way  to  taste test a range of  products and talk with suppliers about their product.

And then there is their  on-line shop which  gives you access to a range of gf food stickers, recipe books, cup cake papers labelled gluten free and heavy duty bread tins.

Support your state branch with your membership and you will be rewarded with ongoing support throughout the year.