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For people with celiac sprue this can make for some difficult times.
That's why the La Crosse Area Celiac Sprue Group hosted a gluten-free holiday cookie exchange and potluck luncheon Saturday at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
"This time of year, everybody likes to eat cookies, so we thought ‘Let's have a cookie exchange,'" said Linda Zoerb, a group member who helped to coordinate the event with Beth Schlicht.
What made this cookie exchange different than the other exchanges and walks this holiday season is that the cookies were gluten-free, which means they don't contain the protein gliaden found in wheat, rye and barley.
People with celiac sprue have a genetic food intolerance to gliaden, said Mary Lou Balts, who founded the group 10 years ago with nine members. It has grown to more than 180.
Zoerb demonstrated how to make pizza squares and shrimp coconut spirals as attendees continued to arrive with their five dozen cookies — one dozen for sampling and four dozen for others to take home.
"I like to put this on a gold tray," Zoerb said while preparing the shrimp coconut spirals. "It is really an elegant hors d'oeuvres."
Balts said pre-planning when attending a social function can help people with celiac sprue. Being up front about the disease and asking questions about what is in a particular dish, she said, can help to make a function more enjoyable.
"Coming from a celiac sprue," she said, "it is always nice to offer to bring a dish to pass."
For those with banquets to attend, Balts said a call to the chef in advance has always worked to her favor.
"Chefs like a challenge," she said. "They have been so willing."
Zoerb and Balts said Festival Foods, Quillin's and The People's Food Co-op have many gluten-free products available.
If you suspect you may have celia sprue, Balts recommends calling your doctor.
For more information on the support club or to join, contact Balts at (608) 788-7398 or write her at 2601 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse, WI 54601.
Autumn Grooms can be reached at (608) 782-9710, ext. 357, or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
