This post is linked to The Gluten-Free Lifestyle Blog Carnival.
Caveat: I’m not sharing these photos because they are of great quality (some are actually of pretty poor quality), but I’m sharing them because I thought you might enjoy seeing them just for the content!
All of these folks were attendees at the Health Fair I supported yesterday at Stafford Elementary School (SES) in Stafford, VA. (Side note … I did my student teaching at SES long, long ago.) They came to my exhibit for information on eating gluten free and/or to sample my Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies. I made one batch with part creamy peanut butter and part creamy sunbutter. Another batch was made with chunky peanut butter and mini chocolate chips. By the way, Chaya just featured a similar recipe for flourless cookies made with almond butter for Passover (or as she rightly says, any time of the year!). You can check them out here.
There were the very young. (She wouldn’t try the cookie until mom had a bite and liked it.) 
The SES students … 
The few, the proud, the Marines (above) … One (below) even came back for another cookie. (Another asked if he could have a banana from my “real,” naturally gluten-free food display. Of course, I said yes. I’m always happy to share real food!)
The Zumba instructor for this event stopped by after leading several lively sessions on stage. Many joined in … even some of the stoic Marines.
The youngest son of one of the health fair organizers came by when the cookie tins were starting to get low. Notice Elana’s (Elana’s Pantry) Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook on the table. Elana graciously donated several cookbooks to me recently. She told me to use them as I wished. So, I’ve been sharing them as door prizes at my outreach events. The winners have, of course, been thrilled.
This young lady had stopped by one exhibit that was offering “glow” necklaces and bracelets. I wonder if the idea to use the bracelets to modify her earrings was hers. No matter. She looked so cute.
After running to my table with his sister, this little guy turned very serious when I took his photo.
This high-energy fellow was all over the place during the event, but finally came by for a cookie.
The local law enforcement (who also had an exhibit) stopped by. When this deputy sheriff agreed to have her photo taken for my blog, she said, “At least I’m not eating a doughnut, right?” 
I will be the first to admit it … I lure people into my awareness efforts with my flourless cookies. I’ll share more on my community awareness/outreach efforts another time, but the easiest way to spread awareness is to feed people great gluten-free food. Make it yourself and make it the gfe way—naturally gluten free (as these flourless cookies are) or easily made gluten free with a simple substitute here and there. And, real food always works best! I will mention that if you are interested in attending an event, you can always find info on upcoming (and past) events by clicking on the Support Group and Events tab at the top of the page. (Be sure to scroll down to see all events.)
Oh, and here I am … showing off other gluten-free books and cookbooks by my favorite authors (all available through Amazon via my Books tab at the top of the page, if you wish). If you follow my blog and know which giveaways I’ve already done, look at the photo closely and you’ll see which giveaway is still to come … for another fantastic cookbook … and very soon.
Don’t forget to join me tomorrow for the start of three days of March Muffin Madness.
Shirley
Not just gf, but gfe!
WendyGK says
Looks like you’ve converted the entire community with your cookies. Good work. Going gluten free one cookie at a time. The more people hear about it and know about it, the safer those of us who have to avoid gluten will be.
Shirley says
Hi there, Wendy!–Thanks so much! It was such fun to take those photos even if I had to snap them quickly. I’ve been taking these cookies to every event (three this month!) and they really do work. Several other exhibitors said enviously to me, “your table was always busy!” I told them not to feel bad … that it was the cookies. I usually just think about how I can help others avoid or resolve health issues. But, you’re right the more awareness also works to protect those of us who are already! 🙂
Shirley
Karen@Cook4Seasons says
No kidding…an army of cookie monsters, loving them flour-free! After my month long GF baking adventure, I have decided flour products in general – even the ‘healthy ones’ – are what contribute to the bloat and inevitable weight gain.
As I head to Europe, at least I’m a tad relieved that Spain isn’t known for its pastries!
Shirley says
Hey Karen–Everyone who tastes them are always amazed they contain no flour. I love flourless and crustless. It’s interesting that you have made that determination, Karen. I know what you’ve said is true … at least for me. I do better grain free. Just another transition I need to make …
Woohoo on heading to Europe! I’m wondering if you’ve left already. If not, have a wonderful, wonderful time! Can’t wait to hear a report when you get back. 🙂
Shirley
Chaya says
I love the photos of the kids. It is nice to have a face to think of you as.
What about doing this for cupcakes. Check this out. It is unbelievable. I overflowed so it was not that pretty but it was real cupcakes but better, fudgier and with strawberried, the best.
http://sweetsav.blogspot.com/2010/03/flourless-chocolate-strawberry-cupcakes.html#comments
Shirley says
Hey Chaya–My photo has always been on my About page. I wish I was as happy about having my photo taken as those kids were. LOL I’m wondering if your photo is up on your site now. Will have to take a look. It does help to have a face to keep all our blogging friends straight. 🙂
The kids weren’t too tuned in on the fact that the cookies were flourless, but the parents were impressed. They all kept asking me to recite the ingredients and then still were very surprised! I understand though.
Okay, off to check out your link …
Shirley
Chaya says
Shirley, what was the comments from these kids when they knew these were flourless?
Alta says
Way to get the word out with cookies!
Shirley says
Alta–I was so glad I had just enough for everyone! I’m convinced that treats like those cookies help folks know they can enjoy going gluten free. Treats are one of the things folks fear they’ll have to do with out. Once they go gf, they can learn to eat them occasionally, but initially tasty gf treats seem to be very important.
Thanks!
Shirley
Kim says
Seems like you have quite the following! 🙂 I think what you are doing is awesome!
Shirley says
Awww, thanks, Kim! I’ve done three events this month and in many ways that health fair was the most fun because of all the different folks and the enthusiasm of the “cookie monsters,” especially the kids. 🙂
Shirley
Mikki says
I didn’t know you were going to be there! I would have come by… I live and teach in Stafford. Now I am sad that I missed you. I vaguely recall hearing something about the event, but the 27th was a busy busy busy day, so I didn’t try to fit it in.
Oh, well. Glad to hear it went well!
Shirley says
Hi Mikki–So sorry you didn’t know. It would have been so good to meet you! Of course, we can meet up any time in F’burg if you’d like. 🙂 Since you are a local person, would you like me to add you to my email newsletter which talks about our meetings, local events, and all the latest in gf news (well, stuff I think is important anyway!)? I’d be happy to do that!
Everyone told me that the 27th was a busy day. I think folks were trying to fit stuff in before Easter. 😉 I got confused looking at your blog the other day … I thought I saw your location there as Florida. ?
Shirley
Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says
Shirley – what a fabulous idea!! I am so touched. It’s so neat that you’re reaching out and trying to help people understand that it’s really not that different. In fact, it’s often much better!! (Can I have a cookie too??)
Shirley says
Hi Amy–Thank you, dear! 🙂 My flourless cookies do exactly what you say and are the first step in showing folks my gfe approach, too. Ideally, after that, they will attend one of our meetings. I’ve had several of my members tell me that it was attending one of our meetings and eating our great food that convinced them they “could do this.” I’d gladly give you a cookie and take your photo! 😉 I can’t look at these photos without smiling. Spreading awareness is key … many more people are figuring out their gluten issues on their own, from various resources, than from the guidance of their doctors.
Shirley