By Leigh O’Connor.
Diagnosed with coeliac disease at age 14, UK-based food blogger and recipe developer Laura Strange is a passionate home cook with more than a quarter of a century’s experience living gluten-free.
Sharing hundreds of recipes on her website, My Gluten Free Guide, Laura has now published ‘Eat & Enjoy Gluten Free’ with easy meals, brilliant bakes and delicious desserts.
Laura tells how she transformed from a thriving child into a severely underweight teenager in regular pain, completely exhausted and really struggling to function.
"I remember sitting in school, trying to gather up the strength to go to my next lesson, but just wanting to lie down and rest. Everyday tasks were a struggle,” she explains.
"Many people assumed I was seriously ill or had an eating disorder - by the time I was 14, I only weighed 38 kg and I remember being so frustrated at not knowing what was wrong. I ate like a horse but simply continued losing weight.”
The breakthrough came when Laura was seen by another doctor when her regular GP was on holiday, who decided to order blood tests. They revealed severe anaemia and after more tests and an endoscopy, she received the diagnosis of coeliac disease.
"The relief was immense – finally getting a diagnosis and knowing what was wrong with me. I had never heard of a gluten-free diet before, let alone coeliac disease, but a dietitian talked us through it all and off we went.
"I quickly gained 6.4 kg and then another 6.4 kg until I was finally a healthy weight for my age and height. I now had boundless energy and truly felt like a new person.”
It took a few months for her gut to repair itself, but everything was soon back in working order.
Split into two sections – ‘Meals for Everyone’ and ‘Baking Up a Storm’ - this cookbook delivers more than 100 gluten-free recipes from speedy midweek meals to easy feasts and perfect pasta, as well as dishing up delicious desserts.
There’s also great advice on how to master baking basics – such as housemade gnocchi, used in her recipe for pan-fried gnocchi with brown butter, pine nuts and spinach – and how to build your kitchen confidence until you are turning out gluten-free showstoppers.
Created during the first lockdown as Laura’s easy homemade alternative to sushi rolls, this teriyaki salmon sushi bowl became an online sensation and has since been made and enjoyed by thousands of people.
"The teriyaki glaze and sear on the salmon is incredible, you really have to try this. All of the ingredients pair so well together,” she says.
Who doesn’t love a classic British pie? With yummy homemade gluten-free pastry, this hearty dinner of chicken, mushroom and wild garlic pie is sure to be a winner at the family table every time.
This is a large serving so if you have any leftover pie, reheat it on a baking tray covered in foil for 15 minutes, then uncovered for five minutes to ensure the pastry stays lovely and flaky, rather than going soggy in the microwave.
‘Eat & Enjoy Gluten Free’ is a book that everyone can cook and enjoy eating from, allowing your household to find new favourite meals and bakes to share proving that gluten-free is easy when you get the hang of it!
