This week at The Alasia

Hi there foodie fans of anything and everything gluten free...

What a wonderful week of new findings - from sausages to lasagne, news cake recipes and more.

THE BLACK FARMER...

Let's head straight to The Black Farmer. Based in Devon, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones is The Black Farmer produces British gluten free sausages and bacon to supermarkets. I find these sausages as a packet of six in Sainsbury's.


INTERVIEW WITH HOTEL BABYLON STAR ON COELIAC DISEASE...
Make sure you look at this link to an interview on the BBC with Michael Obiora from Hotel Babylon and a recent appearance in Eastenders as Chelsea's Footballer boyfriend.

Michael is 22 and was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease two yeas ago. The interview hightlights that this condition can effect anyone young or old, and also in men. It is hard when you are on the go with a lifestyle that doesn't allow you to have a lot of time to think about what you are going to eat.

I was a party planner for 12 years, and on the go every single day in a car, on the London Underground, on a flight to France. There wasn't a lot of time to think about food. I grabbed what I could when I could and this is not a healthy way to exist.

Foodie finds & information

Carluccios has hit Bristol. You will find one at Cribbs Causeway Mall on the 2nd level and opposite Raymond Blanc in Cabot Circus.

We adore Mr Carluccio, and the most fabulous discovery is that they offer a gluten free menu. All you have to do is ask.

We love it so much, we bought one of his books and will be going to his book signing on Tuesday next week. xx


THE SPELT CONFUSION...
Over the past few weeks we've had a lot of customers coming to The Alasia wanting to enjoy a gluten free diet for health benefits.
After chatting to lots of people, there seems to be confusion over what is and what isn't gluten free on the shelves of our supermarkets and health food shops.
One of the confusing items which keeps coming up is SPELT.

Spelt is an ancient grain that traces its heritage back long before many wheat hybrids. You will find spelt pasta and spelt bread, BUT spelt is NOT GLUTEN FREE.
If you are following a wheat free diet, then spelt may be a better grain to go for as it seems that it doesn't cause the sensitivities which normal wheat causes, however if you have Coeliac Disease or a following a gluten free diet, then spelt is NOT for you.

IS GLUTEN FREE THE SAME AS WHEAT FREE?
A gluten free diet is not the same as a wheat free diet, and sometimes gluten free may not necessarily be wheat free.
If you have Coeliac Disease please ensure you become a member of Coeliac UK and visit their web site regularly for food and drink updates, news and information.