IN SEASON
Free-From FOODS
For many people, terms like ‘gluten-free’ and ‘raw food’ may seem like passing trends; but that’s far from the truth for those who live with food allergies and intolerances. That’s why FOODLOVER caught up with gluten-free blogger, Vicki Montague who specialize in free-from products and recipes...
Free-From Fairy
Vicki Montague started her blog ‘The Free From Fairy’ back in August 2012. Her daughter was only 2 years old when she was diagnosed with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition necessitating a strict and lifelong gluten free diet. With her degree in biochemistry and certificate in nutrition, Vicki now uses her blog to share family friendly free-from recipes that anyone can enjoy.
What are the tell-tale signs that someone may have coeliac disease? The classic sides of coeliac disease are abdominal bloating and/or pain, diarrhoea or constipation, fatigue and weight loss. However, depression, mouth ulcers, skin rashes, tooth enamel problems and neurological problems like ataxia are also symptoms to look out for.
Some people think that free-from food means free-from flavour. What would you say in response to this?
It certainly can do! If you buy ready-made products from the supermarket they aren't always that nice. However, things are getting better and if you make your own food from scratch you never have this problem.
Is it difficult to cook balanced free- from meals for children? You certainly have to think more
14 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
about what you cook when various ingredients can't be consumed. However, I am pretty careful about making sure we all get a balanced diet. It's a good idea to cook meals from scratch with a focus on fresh fruit and vegetables, beans, pulses, nuts, eggs, dairy products and a little fish and meat.
Since giving up sugar, what health benefits have you noticed? Be warned - giving up sugar is really hard. I eradicated it completely (except for fresh fruit) for a while and I felt amazing. However, it isn't easy to stay away from. The benefits to giving it up are well-documented. Personally, I had more energy, I was less bloated (from my IBS) and I slept really well.
If you know someone with coeliac disease and would like to try making gluten-free meals, you can find Vicki’s recipes at
freefromfairy.com
ONE-POT GLUTEN-FREE PECAN-CRUSTED CHICKEN
SERVES 6
150g chopped pecans 0.5 tsp kosher salt 0.5 tsp lemon pepper
3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, divided
4 chicken breast cutlets, about 1.3cm thick 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 lemons
240ml white wine, or chicken broth
2 tbsp capers, drained 2 tsp arrowroot starch, plus 2
tsp water
5g chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 Heat a large skillet over a medium heat. While the skillet is heating up, pulse the pecans, salt and lemon pepper in a food processor or blender for about 5-10 seconds until it resembles a coarse texture.
2 Place the pecan mixture into a shallow bowl near the stovetop. Add 2 tbsp of oil to the skillet. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the pecan mixture, covering all sides evenly, then place in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
