Another lovely use for Rice Bread

About a year ago Troy and I realized our kids had never had Twinkies - what neglect!  They tried them, liked them then never asked for them so that was that.  

Last week Troy realized our kids had never eaten cinnamon toast!  That was one of the first things I learned how to "cook" and I remember it fondly from childhood. 

Rice bread smeared with butter and topped with cinnamon and sugar - broiled in the oven.  Lovely.  The butter added moistness to counteract the dryness of the bread and who doesn't love a good butter and sugar combination.  

Celiac and the young Catholic

Grace is having her First Communion in a few weeks.  This should be simply a very special time for everyone.  It has turned into a very stressful one.

Troy and I disagree with what Grace should do - we do both agree that it should be her choice. 

As Catholics we believe that Christ is fully present in both the bread and wine.  Thus Grace would be fully participating in the Eucharist by just taking the wine.   Should be simple - right?

Troy and I view this differently for several reasons.  As much as it pains me to say so - we both have equally valid points.  Troy is a Convert  and remembers being denied communion as a non Catholic.  I am a "Cradle Catholic" therefore in our situation I feel the wine only is a sensible compromise.  Troy feels she will always regret not taking "full Communion" (bread and wine) if she doesn't do it on her First Communion (but refrain from then on.)  I feel what should be a joyful time could turn into a sick and painful time by taking the bread.  I also feel it is hard to ask others to take her Celiac seriously if we decide "just this once."

Grace - knowing and accepting all of the risks - wants to take the bread just this once. I am torn. 

Several months ago Troy did a bunch of research and we learned that for Catholics there must be wheat in the host. For other denominations rice hosts are acceptable.  While typing this I remembered Troy came across some information about a low gluten Host.  I researched it and found this!!!  

http://www.benedictinesisters.org./bread/low_gluten.php

Needless to say I will be contacting our Priest!  I pray he is open to this.  He is a kind man - but he - like many - don't understand Celiac and think it is not that big of a deal.  It is a big deal - especially to Grace.  I will also be making a purchase to have on hand.     

Rice Crispy Treats - ugh.

If Grace has asked me once she has asked me 100 times "Are Rice Krispy Treats gluten free?"  We have the Crispy Rice treats that I wrote about but she really wants the REAL Rice Crispy treats like Sam eats.  

The problem is the Malt flavoring.  I guess it makes it taste good but for a kid w/Celiac it is a problem - needless to say.  

Pizza night!

Last night Grace wanted to make Pizza.  Um - Grace - we don't have crust...  She figured it all out - here is Grace's Friday night pizza.  

Rice bread, a thin smear of tomato paste topped with twisty cheese stick (mozzarella and cheddar) pulled apart and broiled until toasted.

She loved it so much she had a second topped w/shredded cheddar cheese.  

Simple, easy and she loved it!  

She said (after most of it was eaten) "Take a picture for your blog!!!"

Who knew that the nasty rice bread we all hated would make something so yummy for a Friday night.  Toothpaste tube tomato paste made this SO easy - no bottle or can to open and waste - just squeeze out as much as you want - since Grace only likes very light sauce it is perfect.  

This will be a keeper!