Coeliac By Design

19/08/2024

The most simplest of cakes to make is a Victoria sandwich. And the beauty of the basic sponge recipe you use to make this truly scrumptious cake, can also be used to make so many different things. For this cake, I added finely grated lemon zest to the sponge mixture instead of vanilla extract and sandwiched the soft sponge cake layers together with plenty of homemade lemon curd rather than jam. I also reduced the original recipe quantity a little, as I wanted to make a smaller cake, as I didn’t want it hanging around for too long, as I needed to keep it in the fridge with it having fresh lemon curd inside. A Victoria sponge really is a great cake to make if you’re new to baking, as it really is just a case of chucking all the ingredients into a bowl and giving everything a good whisk. And not that I think for a minute you’ll have any problem, but should you not be 💯 happy with the results, you can always enjoy your bake with a spot of homemade gf custard! I’ve got a great Victoria sandwich cake and lemon curd recipe on my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com should you fancy getting a bake on!!!
Liz x

19/08/2024

https://www.coeliac.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/management/ongoing-symptoms-and-complications/osteoporosis/

Osteoporosis The NICE guideline on the recognition, assessment and management of coeliac disease recommends that testing for coeliac disease is considered in anyone with reduced bone mineral density or osteomalacia. The risk of osteoporosis is higher for those who are diagnosed with coeliac disease....

19/08/2024

Fortunately my bone density has been unaffected by coeliac disease. However, I'm sure it would have been a very different story should there had been a delay in getting my diagnosis or if I hadn't stuck strictly to my gluten free diet after being diagnosed 21 years ago!! I only recently had my bone density scan (my GP refers me for one every 5 years), which again came back all good! This article (Don't Overlook Bone Health in Coeliac Disease - click link below to read) again highlights just how important it is to know if you have coeliac disease and how crucial a strict lifelong gluten free diet is for treating the condition.
Liz x

16/08/2024

Despite me picking up a very nice looking pack of ginger biscuits for Neil the other day, he opted to nab the last homemade ginger biscuit from my tin instead. Although I had my eye on that last biscuit, knowing that Neil preferred my homemade gf biscuits to the nice looking shop bought ones, more than made up for it!! You can find the full recipe for these delicious ginger biscuits over on my blog www.coeliacbydesign the original recipe came from my grandma, and it’s an absolute cracker!
Liz x

15/08/2024

As promised here’s how I rustled up a totally unauthentic chicken schnitzel last night!! It was crazy easy and OH SO good!!! So yes, all I did was pop a breaded chicken breast in the oven as the pack instructed and then 5 minutes before the end of cooking I smothered the top of the chicken breast with homemade garlic butter - which I made simple by mixing grated garlic with a generous spoonful of butter (taken from my own dedicated pot… of course!) and sprinkling of dried parsley. Fresh parsley would by much nicer but dried was all I had, I used Lurpak spreadable butter as it’s so convenient to use straight from the fridge. The garlic could of course be minced or cut into thin slithers, rather than grated - then popped the chicken back into the oven to cook for the remaining time. With a plate full of yummy salad, M&S coleslaw and a few buttered new potatoes, my take on a traditional schnitzel, turned out to be a rather tremendous tea!
Liz x

13/08/2024

I made this batch of strawberry topped and strawberry jam filled, butterfly cakes for a baby shower I went to at the weekend. I used the recipe that’s on my blog, multiplying it by 3 as I wanted a LOT of cakes!!! As I used fairy cake rather than muffin cases the mixture gave me 48 cakes. I baked them just for 13 mins rather than the recommended 15, with there being that touch less mixture in each case. I only dusted the cakes with icing sugar when I got to the party and I was so caught up with all the goings on I forgot to take a snap of how they looked. I can however tell you, that the cakes were a huge hit with everyone. This made me very happy! You’ll find my butterfly cake recipe by searching ‘butterfly’ on my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com
Liz x

08/08/2024

I've just discovered that you can now get GLUTEN FREE Bury black pudding!!! Accredited by Coeliac UK and available in the Free From aisle at Morrisons (check individual stores for availability). Standard Bury black pudding is NOT gluten free so be careful not to grab the wrong one... you know me, forever looking out for my gluten free pals!!!
Liz x

Enjoy the rich, savoury taste of Gluten-Free Bury Black Pudding. Made with high-quality ingredients, it's perfect for those seeking coeliac-friendly option.

07/08/2024

Last night Neil was on pizza for tea. I didn’t have a pizza in the freezer so made this for myself instead and it was DELICIOUS! It was easy to rustle up too, as I used an Indian style rice and lentil pouch from (currently no gluten containing ingredients or gluten related ‘may contain’ warnings) so all that was left for me to do was to cook the salmon fillet. Before slipping the salmon into the oven, I poured over a marinade, which consisted of honey, soy sauce and a good pinch of ground ginger. I cooked the salmon uncovered on the top shelf of the oven, preheated to about 180C Fan, for around 20 minutes. Part way through cooking, I turned the salmon over and basted it with the marinade, to allow as much flavour as possible to absorb into the fish. There was a proper fusion of flavours going on with my meal last night and as I said already it was DELICIOUS!!
Liz x

03/08/2024

Hi! Just dropping in to let you know there’s a new recipe on my blog!! And I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself as that’s 2 fresh recipes I’ve managed to bring you in just over 2 weeks!! BUT whatever you do, please don’t have the same expectations going forward, as I feel I may drastically let you down!! Anyway, back to the new recipe, it’s a splendid one for deliciously light, lemon fragranced madeleines. As many of you know, most of the recipes I share are simply adaptions of standard recipes. The madeleine recipe that stole my heart and the one I decided to work with, came from cookbook Time&Tide. Like most cake recipes it worked wonderfully when made . You’ll find the full recipe over on my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com (those of you that subscribe to my blog will already have it in your inbox… on this occasion, because I made a blunder, you will have the FULL recipe rather than part of it!!☺️). As always, give me a shout if you have any questions.
Right the sun is out, and I feel like after a good few hours at my desk, it’s time to pour myself something cold and have a sit in the garden! Hope you have a lovely weekend whatever your plans may be!🫶
Liz x

03/08/2024

What a fabulous round up of places to grab delicious gluten free free food in Manchester. Some are fully gluten free eateries, others you'll need to do your usual checks to ensure all good to go before tucking in!!
Liz x

If you're gluten free, or just know someone who is, here's how to enjoy the very best of the Manchester food and drink scene.

23/07/2024

We had this delicious sweet and sour chicken with homemade egg fried rice for tea last night. I’ve got a special fried rice recipe on my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com which could be used instead to make this simple egg fried rice. For last night’s tea I used chicken nuggets. Whilst they’re not labelled as they have no gluten containing or gluten related may contain warnings on the pack, so are all good to go for a gluten free diet (they’re also extremely tasty!). For the sauce I went for the convenience of a jar of Ben’s original sweet and sour sauce, of which I’m a fan. I did have a bit of self doubt about the suitability of this sauce the other month, as I spotted vinegar listed within the ingredients and wanted to double check that it wasn’t malt vinegar being used (malt vinegar is NOT suitable for a diet). I did feel that barley would be listed should it have been present, as in the UK we’re really on it with allergen labelling, but needed to be sure, so I got in touch with the manufactures, who kindly got back to me to advise this “We would like to inform you we are using spirit vinegar as our vinegar in this product. Although, for any change in the recipe, we will make sure to notify and advise our consumers on our packaging”. It’s great to have this information confirmed and know I can continue to enjoy this particular sauce, but like all things will keep my beady-eye on packaging just in case there’s ever any change.
Liz x

22/07/2024

A rambling post about a delicious beef stew I made for lunch yesterday that was to feed me and my dad, but also with enough left over for Neil for tea. But when I put Neil’s tea together, I couldn’t resist plating myself a small portion up too, as I didn’t want to feel I was missing out - despite me having stew for lunch. I then had enough leftover mash and veggies to pop into a bowl, which today I covered with lots of grated cheddar and heated in the oven until it was piping. A drizzle of my fave chilli sauce over the top made this a cracking lunch! The beef stew may not look that appetising, but I promise you it was delicious! For quickness me and my dad had steak cut chips (which only list potatoes and sunflower oil on the pack and have no gluten related may contain warnings) with our stew. I made the stew simply by coating diced stewing beef in seasoned plain flour, before browning in a little heated vegetable oil and transferring into a casserole dish. I then browned a couple of diced onions using the same pan I’d used to brown the meat, and added them to the casserole dish. I should have added boiling water to the pan to gather all the flavours, but I forgot so added it straight into the casserole dish. I then crumbled in a beef stock cube (marked up gluten free), sprinkled in some dried parsley, covered the casserole dish with foil and slid it into the oven (160C Fan) and let it work its magic for around 3 hours. I added a little more water in between, and at the very end thickened just a touch, with a couple of spoonfuls of gluten free Bisto gravy granules and seasoned to taste. I know this isn’t anything fancy, but if you like a nice home cooked meal and you’re not too sure how to make a stew that ain’t flashy, but tastes yum, this just for YOU 🫶

21/07/2024

Introducing our new series: A-Z of coeliac disease Symptoms! ​
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We begin with A - Anaemia. Anaemia is a common manifestation of coeliac disease where reduced haemoglobin levels or a decrease in red blood cells can lead to fatigue, weakness, and overall health issues. It often results from malabsorption of iron and other nutrients due to damage to the gut lining.​

The symptoms of coeliac disease can vary widely, making diagnosis challenging. Many mistake symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome or wheat intolerance.​
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Find out more about coeliac disease symptoms and take our self-assessment here: https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/about-coeliac-disease/what-are-coeliac-disease-symptoms/

20/07/2024

There’s a NEW recipe on my blog!!🥳🥳 It’s been a while, but yesterday I was finally happy to hit publish for this fabulous recipe for all butter lemon shortbread. The shortbread is light and buttery, as you’d expect from a great shortbread, but it’s the addition of lemon zest and a little drop of freshly squeezed lemon juice that takes it to the next level. The original shortbread recipe I worked with came from I’ve turned to Amy’s site before when I’ve wanted to find a good recipe to transform into a gluten free goodie!! I’m hoping you’ll love this lemon shortbread as much as I do, and it’s something you’ll want to make on repeat. For the full recipe pop across to my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com you’ll find the recipe in the latest posts section. Give me a shout if you have any questions.
Right, with my post written up I’m now going to get myself ready and head off to M&S and grab myself a flat white and lemon shortbread (the very biscuit that inspired me to make my own!). This afternoon I’m going to my first ever baby shower, which I know will be fun! Hope your weekend is a happy one, whatever you get up to!!
Liz x

18/07/2024

It’s thanks to working at that I got to discover this fab recipe for chocolate muffins. The recipe can also be used instead to make a cake. These muffins are deliciously chocolatey and nice and easy to make. For the full recipe pop on over to my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com type chocolate muffins into the search function and the recipe should appear. Give me a shout if need be. Hoping to have a shiny new recipe with you by tomorrow night. It’s one that I love and I’ve received great feedback from my chief taste testers so I’m VERY giddy about sharing it…just need to crack on and type it up!!!
Lovely day to you 🫶
Liz x

16/07/2024

Delighted to have been sent a couple of packets of pittas to try. There are SO many ways to enjoy these soft bread pockets, and I have to say I was spoilt for choice when it came to deciding what deliciousness I was going to fill mine with. After much deliberation, here’s what I finally decided on…

Smoked salmon, Philadelphia cream cheese and baby spinach leaves
Chicken Caeser salad (made my own gf dressing and it was yum!)
Lamb and mint kebabs, mixed leaves and homemade yogurt mint dressing
Cheese, ham and tomato toastie (perfect opportunity to test out my new griddle pan)

Of course the filling options and yummy ways of using these pittas is endless. I’ve used them to dunk into curries, and they can be swiftly topped and transformed into mini pizzas. Another great filling combo would be fig, cream cheese and prosciutto. Oh yes, and a classic egg and cress, with a handful of lightly salted crisps on the side would be right up my street too. Well that’s my pitta inspiration. I’m sure you’ll have LOTS more ideas of your own?
Liz x

09/07/2024

Felt so good to have a productive day of recipe testing today. I retested the madeleine recipe, I’d tested the other week and was much happier with how they turned out. I do want to trial them again, as I feel I’d achieve better results with less mixture in the madeleine moulds. My breadmaker was also put to work today… it’s been a few years since I last used it, and it was lovely to have it on the worktop working its magic as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the kitchen. Whilst the loaf tastes good, it’s not that pretty to look at, so more work is needed on that too, before I share how I made it. I made something else, which to be honest exceeded my expectations, and excited me when I took the trays from the oven. I’m going to keep what I made under my hat for now, as I want to enhance the flavour within the recipe before writing up and sharing it with you on the blog. So overall, it was a good day at the office for me. I hope it’s been the same for you 🫶
Liz x

09/07/2024

M&S chocolate cornflake cakes are being recalled because of undeclared ingredients including wheat. I have to say they aren't something I'd ever pick up, as I know they're NOT gluten free, but wanted to mention as unfortunately if wheat/gluten hasn't been declared on the pack it would understandably cause confusion.
Click on the link below to find out batch details.
Liz x

A supermarket treat is being recalled as it contains several things that could prove a health risk to people with allergies and intolerances.

09/07/2024

I’ve already shared this on my stories but felt it should sit on my feed too. Coeliac disease in a nutshell 🫶
Liz x

Understanding coeliac disease 🌾

Further information about the condition can be found from Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with the condition.

https://www.coeliac.org.uk/home/
Tel 0333 332 2033
and from the NHS Website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/.

05/07/2024

Great article about the connection between coeliac disease and dental enamel defects. Definitely worth forwarding on to anyone you know who may be affected with such problems.
Liz x

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten causes an immune reaction that damages the small intestine in genetically predisposed individuals. This disease can lead to various systemic and localized health issues, including those affecting the oral cavity. One significant...

04/07/2024

It’s been a while, but tonight I finally got around to posting a fresh recipe over on my YouTube channel . I’ve been wanting to share how I make a super simple tomato sauce, that works a treat with pasta. It’s a fab pizza sauce too! I had hoped that after a few years of filming videos I’d have become a whizz with the technical side of things… but I’ve not!!! Maybe one day I’ll work out how to use two cameras to film and then edit like a pro!!! But until then I’ll continue to share things in my own way with the hope you give them a whirl 🫶
Liz x

01/07/2024

This was such a tasty chicken dinner that I enjoyed last night! And the best bit was there was leftovers, that I was able to reheat and tuck into for lunch today!!! Not a shabby lunch for a Monday!!🤩
I used chicken stock cube (marked gluten free) and Bisto gravy granules, along with meat juices and veg water to make a rather delicious gravy!! All the other deliciousness on the plate is including the yummy cranberry sauce from M&S. Whilst cranberry sauce is generally I do always check, just to be on the safe side!
Liz x

27/06/2024

These delicious, springy buttermilk scones are really easy to make. The perfect thing to enjoy with some great jam and a good dollop of clotted cream! You can find the full recipe over on my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com search buttermilk scone when you arrive. Give me a shout if anything isn’t clear.
Liz x

25/06/2024

Well done Voakes Free From I've always been a huge fan of your fabulous pies!
Liz x

Voakes Free From, which is the gluten and wheat free range from Voakes Pies, received gold, silver and bronze awards in eight different categories at the annual Free From Food Awards in London.

23/06/2024

Made this delicious lemon drizzle cake the other week. The recipe is on my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com. I’ve also got a quick demo over on my YouTube channel. As this soft buttery, lemon infused cake, with a classic lemon drizzle topping is made by firstly melting butter and sugar in a pan, you’ve no need to grab the butter out of the fridge to soften ahead of time. SO, if you’ve got butter, a lemon, caster sugar, flour (preferably self-raising, but if not you can add a teaspoon of gluten free baking powder to plain flour instead) and a couple of eggs, then you’re good to go! Just think, in an hour or so you could be cutting yourself a slice to enjoy with a cuppa. Do hope you give it a whirl, as it’s such a cracking bake!
Happy Sunday 🫶
Liz x

22/06/2024

22/06/2024

Delicious easy to make strawberry muffins. Soft sponge, dotted with fresh strawberry pieces and topped with crunchy Demerara sugar. Perfect with a nice hot cuppa or jazzed up into a yummy pud with some fresh strawberries and cream. You’ll find the full recipe over on my blog www.coeliacbydesign.com search strawberry when you get there! As always give me a shout if you have any questions.
I’ve been invited over to my friend, Paula’s for a cuppa and cuddles with her most adorable sausage dog, Freddie today. I can’t wait!🥰 Lovely weekend to you too, whatever your plans may be 🫶
Liz x