At the moment people are looking for different options for food to break the norm. This includes special deliveries for 'cheer me up' treats, birthdays and other celebrations for family, loved ones and friends. I think we can all agree that we are seriously missing dining out with our friends and family!
Country Bump-Kin Gluten Free has been baking for 7 months now and many times I have been asked the question that I continue to say “No” to. This question has become even more popular over the last couple of months. At this point, you're probably thinking what the question is…..
“Will you provide normal sandwiches and cakes because your food looks amazing?”
On a plus, people without dietary needs like the food I provide, which I can take as a compliment! So Thank you!
However, my reply will always be “No” as I will not provide gluten-containing products as part of my menu due to the risk of cross-contamination. In my kitchen, we only have gluten-free products stored and used, except for a bag of dried gluten-containing pasta, which is stored in the utility room. All of the equipment used to prepare and make the products for Country Bump-Kin are used for gluten-free products only. I have one saucepan at home which is used for 'normal' pasta for my partner (this is the only gluten-containing product that he is allowed to eat …poor chap!) I don't even cook with 'normal' products for family and friends or visitors …. (those were the days when you were allowed people around for tea!) Everyone needs to enjoy gluten-free food.
I have a great client base already, I really have a passion to provide delicious food for those who are gluten-free or have Coeliac disease. I feel that I have built trust with my returning and new clients to ensure that they have can eat safe, Gluten-Free food from Country Bump-Kin. From my own experience, it's important that the person in a restaurant or café needs to be competent in their knowledge of Gluten-Free options when ordering. If you are gluten-free I'm sure you will agree that it is VERY annoying when people say “the chips are gluten-free but cooked in the same fried as other food products!”… so they are not gluten free! ……. So you end up with a jacket potato, don’t get me wrong I like a jacket potato, but I like to enjoy food when I go out, that I don’t eat at home.
The risk of having Gluten-containing bread/flour in the kitchen is so high that a small crumb of bread or a speck of flour would have an adverse effect on someone who has Coeliac’s Disease.
“Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This damages your gut (small intestine) so you are unable to take in nutrients.
Coeliac disease can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating. It is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which is a dietary protein found in 3 types of cereal:
Wheat
Barley
Rye
Gluten is found in any food that contains those cereals, such as:
Pasta
Cakes
Breakfast cereals
Most types of bread
Certain types of sauces
Some ready meals
In addition, most beers are made from barley. (Source: NHS)
Coeliac’s disease is an illness which can make people very poorly. Therefore, I will continue to say “no” to providing gluten-containing products. There are some lovely caters that can provide Gluten-containing Birthday Cakes, Afternoon Teas, Savoury snacks and pastries….. I hope you can understand and appreciate my reasons and know I'm not being a moody Margaret!!
In the coming months, as the lockdown eases, I am looking to get an accreditation for providing Gluten-Free Foods.
I hope you enjoyed reading my first blog…. Thanks for taking the time to read! 😊
Gem x
Really well written and explained. My recently diagnosed coeliac daughter is sick of trying to explain to people why she can’t eat at a buffet or eat the chips that were fried in the same oil as chicken nuggets. She will be in your area next weekend (we live in Zürich) and we are looking through your website so she can decide what to order.