Life of a Celiac

I know next to nothing about the life of a celiac except they can't have gluten.  I know that some are more sensitive and while cutting out wheat and other grains also have to cut out oatmeal, but really that's it.  The last two weeks I threw myself into the life of a celiac.  All I can say is "WOW!"  I never relized how many dinners and other things I make that have flour in them.  I could easily guess that the cakes, cookies and pies would, but dinner items?  You've got to be kidding me!

I went through this for my second child.  He has been having these unexplained stomach pains and since that is what started my sister down this path I thought I would test him out.  I was told the best way to do it would to cut him off gluten for 2 weeks and then let him at 'em.  I went to planning all these meals that I thought would be easy to make for him, but I still had to adapt some.  One I did were these sausage balls and they are a keeper.  My 5yr old loves them and wanted more.  If you knew my children you would know that this is a miracle since anything with meat is taboo to them.

Apple Sausage Balls

1 cup oatmeal, ground

1/2 cup potato starch

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

2 lb. bulk pork sausage (whatever you like; I had 1 mild and 1 Italian)

4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 c maple syrup

2 apple, peeled and large grated

1/4 t. allspice

1. In a large bowl; stir together the oatmeal, potato starch, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the pork sausage, cheese, maple syrup, apple and allspice.

2. Using your hands, combine everything together until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Roll into evenly sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.  (I used my medium scoop)

3. Place sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked.

Served with a side of quinoa and some veggies