Gluten-free meet up at Draeger's in San Mateo was a huge success

Dr. Richard Petersen, by A. Fothergill

The Gluten-Free Meet Up at Draeger's gourmet grocery store in San Mateo, CA was a huge success according to participants. This all day event was held on Sunday, February 21 in the cooking school of Draeger's. Speakers included doctors, nutritionists, cookbook authors, and chefs. Samples were on hand from Miglet's Bakery, Three Senses Gourmet, Mariposa Bakery, and Gluten-Free Gourmet. The store itself was also buzzing with vendors offering gluten-free samples.

Drs. Richard and Vicki Petersen, by A. Fothergill

Each speaker offered different but pertinent information. Dr. Richard Petersen talked about The Gluten Effect, also the title of the book published by he and his wife Vicki. He explained how gluten can affect our bodies even if you don't have celiac disease. If you have a gluten sensitivity, it can affect your autoimmune system and cause inflammation. Their practice, HealthNow Medical Center, helps people to find the cause of their health issues, not just treat the symptoms.

GF Red Velvet Cupcake, by A. Fothergill

Jacqueline Mallorca, author of The Wheat-Free Cook and Gluten-Free Italian cookbooks, showed participants how to make a delicious, gluten-free baguette. She also discussed good tricks for gluten-free baking like using a combination of flours and xanthan gum. Her tip for sauteing chicken is to coat the chicken in white rice flour; it's gives the best results, according to her.

Other speakers included Dr. Laura Enfield, Rebecca Katz, Lauren Hoover, Dr. Bradley West, and Brandi Geiger.

Special thanks goes out to Mary Claire Draeger DeSoto who organized the event. She is also the coordinator for this gluten-free club. All in all, the event left everyone satisfied, filled with both information and great gluten-free snacks.