Like the majority of the UK, people with coeliac disease will be able to tuck into a pancake or two this Shrove Tuesday, thanks to gluten-free flour. However, on the flip side, the needs of those with this life long condition are still widely misunderstood and overlooked.

Gluten-free flour does not contain wheat, barley or rye – three ingredients people with coeliac disease absolutely have to avoid if they are not to become seriously ill. Coeliac disease is not a food allergy; it is an autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten. Damage to the small intestine occurs each time gluten is eaten. There is no cure or medication for the condition and the only treatment is life-long adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.

Coeliac UK, the Charity for people with coeliac disease, is campaigning to improve the range and quality of gluten-free food in restaurants, cafes, hotels, schools and hospitals to improve quality of life. We know 1 in 100 people in the UK has coeliac disease, that is over a quarter of a million people.

Coeliac UK will run an Awareness Week campaign between 12th to 18th May 2008 to highlight the need for greater awareness of coeliac disease amongst chefs, caterers and the food industry. The campaign entitled, “Food without Fear” will highlight that for the many people with coeliac disease, gluten intolerance is not a fad or a food fashion statement but a way of life, and as such, the Charity hopes to encourage catering establishments to offer at least one gluten-free choice, if not hopefully more, on their menus.

Recipe for gluten-free pancakes (makes 4-5)

110g/4 oz gluten free flour/flour mix
1 medium egg
300ml/10fl oz semi-skimmed milk
15ml oil for frying

Method
Place gluten free flour/flour mix in a large bowl. Add the egg and a little of the milk to the flour. Whisk mixture to form a thick paste, and then gradually beat in the remaining milk to form a smooth batter. Heat the oil in a frying pan and pour in a little of the batter mix so it covers the bottom of the pan evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.

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