ready, set, go

Either you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease or someone you love has. Perhaps you have non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. Don't panic. Don't think your food life is over. There is plenty to eat that is delicious! The best part is that you won't feel bloated, have cramps, or suffer from headaches! Your body will thank you.  Follow the steps below to get your kitchen in tiptop GF shape and make it a safe zone.

Once you are ready to use your kitchen, visit your local grocery store to learn where the gluten-free items are kept. Some have their own aisle and some are mixed in with non gluten-free food, but may have a label identifying it as GF. A list of grocery stores are listed below. Then, go to the MENUS button to learn which GF products we recommend and taste the best.  You can also find many of these items online and may order in bulk.   

---

step 1

As soon as possible, go through your refrigerator and pantry. You must read every label and separate foods that contain wheat, barley, malt, rye, and modified food starch from those foods that do not. 

step 2

If you have family members that can still eat food with gluten, then designate refrigerator and pantry areas for GF food and non-GF foods so that no one is confused. Make stickers that say "gluten-free" on them to make it easy. For example, in my refrigerator there are two mayonnaise jars. One with a sticker and one without.

step 3

Wash all of your cook and bakeware, including bowls, pans, baking sheets, etc. Don't forget your cooking spoons, spatulas, cooling racks, etc. If you have family that is still eating foods with gluten, then buy separate baking and cooking dishes and put them in a designated area so there is no risk of food contamination.

step 4

Buy a new toaster oven.  It is important to have a toaster that is completely gluten-free. if you have family that is still eating food with gluten, then have two toasters so you will never risk cross-contamination.

step 5

Start teaching your family how to identify food with gluten and how to read labels. It's better to start now, especially with young children.  Take your child to the store with you and find gluten-free food products together. Many foods have gluten-free written on  the packaging, incorporate GF symbols, or are in one section of the market.

step 6

Always have GF choices in your freezer so that you can go wherever, whenever, with little thought and effort. The freezer will become your best friend! Make cupcakes, brownies, and small cakes, and store in airtight, labeled, freezer containers. This is perfect for spontaneous party invites - a dessert you give to the host that you are confident eating as a guest.  Make sure to keep GF bread rolls in the freezer that you can bring along to a restaurant on a moment's notice.

---

grocery stores

Uncle Guiseppe's
Port Washington, Port Jefferson
Separate section for GF products, separate freezer section for GF food. Employees willing to order food upon request.

Whole Foods
Manhasset, Jericho, Lake Grove, Port Chester, NYC, various locations
Large selection of GF products shelved among non-GF items. Look for green labels to identify.

Stop n' Shop
Various locations
Separate section for large selection of GF products. 

King Kullen
Various locations
Separate section for GF products

Wild by Nature 
Huntington, Oceanside, Hampton Bays, East Setauket, West Islip
Store filled with GF and organic food! Shelved among non-GF items and separate aisle, as well.

Citerella 
NYC, Hamptons, various locations
Limited but carries Udi's brand GF breads and Bell & Evans GF chicken nuggets and tenders

Holiday Farms
Roslyn, Glen Head
Separate section for GF products

Grace's Market
Greenvale, NYC
Separate section for GF products

Fairway
Douglaston, Westbury, Plainview, NYC, various locations
Separate section for GF products  

Strictly Gluten Free
East Northport
GF grocery store

Target
various locations
Target's food aisles have GF products