Do you live in the “greater” King George, Virginia area and want to participate in a meeting? Contact Shirley via the email link on the sidebar to get location details and further specifics.
Upcoming Meetings
November 2009–5th Anniversary Celebration/Open House
Sunday, November 14, 2:00 pm
Speaker: Dr. Ron Hoggan, co-author of Dangerous Grains, editor of The Journal of Gluten Sensitivity, author of The Iron Edge, and more
Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, Kobler Hall
Hanover Street (parking in church parking lot on Charlotte Street), Fredericksburg, VA
Naturally gluten-free treats, snacks, and beverages will be served.
Past Meetings
October 2009
Thursday, October 29, 6:00 pm
Shirley’s House
We had another amazing gluten-free potluck together. Many dishes were dairy-free as well, but all were fantastic. Our speaker was Kelly Brozyna of The Spunky Coconut blog and cookbook. She gave a cooking demo; talked about her approach to eating gluten free, dairy free, and mostly raw; and answered several questions from our members. We also planned our 5th anniversary open house celebration in November.
September 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 pm
Shirley’s House
First, Teri, Jennifer R., and Jennifer S. demonstrated making green smoothies and juicing using a Vita-Mix, a Blendtec, and a Champion juicer. We all sampled the various drinks–they varied tremendously in their ingredients, but they all tasted great! We shared a delicious gluten-free potluck of mostly raw foods. Then, Susan B. spoke on Eating Raw based on the instruction she received at the Living Light seminar in CA. Susan, Teri, and the two Jennifers did a fantastic job on showing us the benefits of raw. We also made plans for our October meeting and our 5th anniversary open house celebration in November.
August 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 6:00 pm
Shirley’s House
We had a true potluck this time, and it was good! We decided that our group picnic will be deferred until early next summer.
July 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 pm
Shirley’s House
Guest speaker: Bronwyn Lewis, NP, of Spry Inside Family Medicine
We shared our gluten-free meal together as we always do. The theme was salads, and we had a wide variety of terrific ones. We also had raw key lime pie and quiona pudding. Bronwyn Lewis spoke on Getting Well After Going Gluten Free speaking to a presentation she developed. She also distributed a handout, Some Tips for the Healthy Gut! This was a really informative program and was greatly appreciated by all the attendees.
June 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 6:00 pm
Shirley’s House
King George, VA
We shared a fabulous gluten-free meal together per usual. Then we had a telecon session with Alisa Fleming, author/owner of the comprehensive site, www.godairyfree.org, and “guide” book of the same name (see below). Alisa is also the author/owner of the blog, One Frugal Foodie. Alisa shared her own road to going dairy free, spoke a little on dairy-free options, and answered many questions from our group members.
May 2009
Thursday, May 21, 6:00 pm
Shirley’s House
King George, VA
~~For the impromptu pizza part, I made popover pizza with ground venison topping (similar to hamburger pizza, but upside down … you just flip to eat) and a flourless pepperoni pizza (the crust is made of cheese and eggs—you’d never know!). (Will have these recipes soon on the gfe blog.) We had the great salad we’ve come to love, but we also enjoyed a salad that Doris made from her own fresh spinach. Both went very quickly! Lynne and Bill brought a veggie stir fry (broccoli, red pepper, and more) that was delicious. DeLaura, Steve, Tara, and Maren brought a black bean medley dish that was quite tasty, as well as some beverages and wonderful bread sticks that Tara made. (We made a dipping oil on the spot with olive oil and pizza seasoning that worked great for them.) Susan shared her crispy onion bread (dehydrated) and spicy cauliflower “popcorn.” Our complimentary vendor treats were some really wonderful crackers from Kitchen Table Bakers—-two types of cheese crisps. I feel fairly certain I’ve omitted some participants and their contributions. I know we also had some cheese with Blue Diamond Nut Thins, but can’t recall who brought them–my apologies! Everyone was chipping in on last-minute preparations, too—thanks!
We talked about the options for summer meetings and everyone decided to continue meeting through the summer! July or August we’ll have a group picnic at our mountain property. This event will be held on a Saturday, but the date will be set at a later date. –Shirley
April 2009
Friday, April 17, 6:00 pm
Shirley’s House
King George, VA
~~Jambalaya, oven-fried chicken tenders, great salad, butternut squash risotto, hummus and Mary’s Gone Crackers, Mary’s Gone Crackers “Twigs,” corn muffins, icebox brown sugar cookies, crustless pumpkin pie, grapes, yogurt and blueberries, lemon sponge cake, and banana Kahlua coconut cake … yes, it was a sumptuous feast. Helping us share it were two new folks: new member, Sharon, and a guest of Steve and DeLaura’s, Abby. We were so happy to welcome them and “visit” with everyone else. Folks headed out about 7:30 to see Steve, DeLaura, Tara, and Maren on Wife Swap. Some went to our community center to view with them and some headed home to watch with their families. It was an eye-opening show, that’s for sure. I was disappointed that there was no mention of them eating gluten free in the episode (when they did the editing, why did that important detail have to be cut?), but I’m sure the show raised awareness about going green and living simply. 🙂 –Shirley
March 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 6:00
Shirley’s House
King George, VA
~~In March, another great and informative time was had by all! We enjoyed vegetarian chili, cornbread (both dairy and non-dairy), spinach cheese pie, quinoa salad, avocados, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, Mediterranean chocolate cake, flourless peanut butter cookies, pear cake, caramel bars, Orgran wild raspberry biscuits, and Trader Joe’s gluten-free English muffins. Oh my goodness, it was a wonderful feast!
We talked about one member family’s upcoming appearance on Wife Swap on April 17. The filming was quite an experience for them. They did the show to raise awareness on living simply, going green, eating gluten free, homeschooling, the joys of music and dance, etc. Soon we’ll see what 150 hours of filming condensed to 40 minutes really looks like. Of course, we also talked a lot about the latest news in gluten-free living and healthy eating as we usually do. I shared more details with members via email. 🙂 –Shirley
February 2009
Thursday, February 26, 5:00 – 7:00 (or so)
UNO Chicago Grill
10107 Southpoint Parkway
Fredericksburg, VA
540.710.5878
~~The February meeting was such a terrific event! UNO was incredible with their complimentary foods, attention to safe food preparation, and exceptional service. I shared more details via email with members. 🙂 —Shirley
January 2009
Thursday, January 22, 6:00
Shirley’s House
King George, VA
~~The January meeting was a great one–enjoyable and informative. First, we shared our breakfast-themed meal together: volcano pancake, hash brown casserole, two crustless quiches (made from Steve and DeLaura’s farm fresh eggs), and much more. Then we had our telecon session with Tricia Thompson, The Gluten-Free Dietitian. Tricia spoke on the nutritional shortcomings of the typical gluten-free diet, the often-quoted study on the presence of gluten in mainstream brands of oats (that she was involved in!), and her belief that all gluten-free processed foods (e.g., flour, crackers) should be enriched. Then, she opened the floor for questions. Everyone got an opportunity to ask what was on their mind. Tricia was very open and helpful in her responses. All in all, the telecon lasted about an hour. –Shirley
____________________
Shirley
Not just gf, but gfe!
February 2009
King George, VA
Judith Leonesio says
Good evening Tonight I tried your gluten free coconut pie ! My good friend is gluten intolerant so I wanted to make a dessert she could eat! It was amazing ! Instead of using gluten free flours I used corn starch…it worked! Thank you for your time spent sharing your beautiful ]!
Best regards!
Judith Austin TX
Shirley Braden says
Hi Judith–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’m so happy to hear that were able to make this recipe by substituting cornstarch and that it was such a hit with your friend and you!! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review and for all your kind words!
Hugs,
Shirley