Occasionally I share a favorite item from my gluten-free kitchen — a book, a cookbook, a specialty food or gadget, or a curated roundup of useful finds. These posts reflect my personal opinions and may include affiliate links, but are not sponsored by any company. My goal is to help you discover dependable resources for living gluten-free.
For this week’s Friday Favorite I want to highlight a book that’s especially useful for anyone newly diagnosed with celiac disease or for family members supporting someone with the diagnosis. The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed covers the essential information and practical steps to take when you first learn you have celiac disease. I believe it’s the kind of resource every gastroenterologist should hand to patients at diagnosis. It’s been invaluable to me not only during that first year but in the years since, and it’s helpful for anyone adopting a gluten-free diet whether due to celiac disease, intolerance, or sensitivity.
The book uses a day-by-day approach to guide readers through learning about celiac disease and adjusting shopping, meal planning, and daily routines. Even if you’re beyond the initial weeks or months, you’ll find clear guidance on identifying ingredients that contain gluten, spotting hidden sources of gluten, and making sustainable changes to your eating habits. Compared with another favorite celiac resource I shared recently, this title emphasizes practical kitchen strategies to prevent cross-contamination, tips for dining out and traveling, and includes many approachable, tasty recipes.
Although the author, Jules Shepard, is the creator of gfJules flour — a product I recommend — the book does not serve as a product promotion. In fact, it appears to have been written before her products were widely available. Instead, the author offers a homemade gluten-free all-purpose flour blend recipe and demonstrates how to use it across many dishes. Recipes cover breakfast, lunches, and dinners, with options ranging from comforting main courses and wholesome side dishes to celebration-worthy cakes so you and your children can enjoy special occasions without feeling deprived.
The book’s practical advice on setting up a safe gluten-free kitchen, preventing cross-contact, and managing food choices away from home makes it a strong companion for anyone adjusting to life with celiac disease. The included recipes are straightforward and family-friendly, helping to make the transition easier and more enjoyable.
I highly recommend getting a copy of this book if you or a loved one are facing a new celiac diagnosis or if you need a reliable, practical guide to living gluten-free.