nerdmama-blog

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For those of us living with chronic illness, mental health can be complicated. Pain, fatigue, isolation, and the invisible weight of managing a body that doesn’t always cooperate affects how we feel emotionally. And while our culture often separates “physical health” and “mental health,” the truth is, they’re deeply connected. Read more: https://gluten-freely.com/2025/06/12/mental-health-and-chronic-illness-youre-not-alone/

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Enter the Calzone Zone! Try this gluten-free calzone recipe inspired by Trader Joe's! Quick, flexible, and perfect for meat and cheese lovers. Enjoy! This recipe was inspired by the new Trader Joe's meatball calzone that is currently in stores, obviously, for gluten-reasons, I can't try this. https://wp.me/pg8AZ0-fv

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Is My Illness My Fault? Making Peace with the Past and Finding Purpose Anyway

There was a time I believed my health struggles were what I understood to be “Karma”. That all the pain in my body was punishment for not being “good enough”—not good enough in my choices, my past, my relationships. I don’t believe that anymore (and I didn’t understand what Karma actually was). But it took me a long time to get here. Living with chronic illness changes how you see yourself. It…

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Mindfulness vs. CBT for Chronic Pain: What the Research Says, and Why It Matters

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine compared mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults living with chronic low back pain and being treated with opioids. The researchers followed 770 patients and found something remarkable: both groups saw improvement in pain, function, and quality of life, and both reduced their opioid dosage at 6 and 12…

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Living Fully with Chronic Illness: Why I’m Expanding My Blog Beyond Food

My original plan was to share gluten-free recipes on this blog that really centered around the Christmas and holiday seasons, but then I thought to myself, now what? Throughout these past 16 years (!) I’ve learned how to make comfort food safe again for my family and how to shop like a detective. However, I feel like I have more to share because life with chronic illness isn’t just about what’s…

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Quick & Easy Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

What makes these pancakes quick and easy is that they are made in the oven. I love pancakes. However, the worst part of making them for a group is standing at the stove cooking while everyone else gets to eat. Since these come together so quickly, we have these pancakes every couple of weeks. Make sure you follow the directions to make the buttermilk first, since it does need to sit for a while.…

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Gluten-free Peanut Butter Blossoms

I don’t remember a holiday season without this cookie. This is a gluten-free adaptation of a holiday favorite in the United States. The recipe was originally called the Black-eyed Susan and was the winner of a 1957 Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. This recipe features milk chocolate Hershey Kisses. You can change this up to use whatever flavor of kisses you would like. Just make sure the flavor you…

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Nut-Free and Gluten-Free Cherry Winks Recipe

Adapted from a 1930s Better Homes and Gardens recipe, these cookies were a favorite of mine from childhood. Evidently, they have appeared under many different names over the years. Some of these include “Thimble Cookies” and “Wee Tom Thumbs.” We’ve always just called them Cherry Winks. However, I had to make several changes to them to fit my family’s dietary needs. The cookies I make now are…

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Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies: A Family Recipe Revival

There’s something magical about a recipe that’s been passed down through generations. For my husband, these soft sugar cookies take him back to his grandmother’s kitchen. Every visit, she would prepare a batch for him and his sisters. We received a copy of the recipe through a family cookbook. I wanted to adapt it to be gluten-free. This way, he could continue to enjoy them. Adapting a family…

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Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Baking Tools and Gadgets

Over the past 16+ years of gluten-free baking, I’ve discovered essential tools, gadgets, and ingredients. I simply can’t live without them. Some of these items have been with me since the beginning, while others are newer discoveries that have made gluten-free baking easier, more consistent, and a lot more fun. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started with gluten-free baking, I’m…

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Easy gluten-free chocolate chip cookies

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Achieving that perfect balance of chewy center can feel like chasing a dream for those of us who eat gluten-free. Getting crisp edges and just the right spread is often elusive. Too often, gluten-free cookies either spread too thin or stay in a stubborn, sandy lump. I’m happy to report that I’ve found a winner!…

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Gluten-free pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting

This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and fall celebrations and impresses with its beautiful swirl and irresistible taste. The cake bakes up quickly (only 15 minutes in the oven!) and preserves all the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices without the gluten!. Gluten-free Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting jelly roll panparchment papercooling rackclean, lint-free…

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How to Manage Awkward Holiday Conversations About Gluten-Free Living

The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and, unfortunately, awkward conversations. If you’re living gluten-free, you’ve likely faced questions, comments, or even skepticism from relatives or friends. While these interactions can be frustrating, they’re also an opportunity to politely educate others and advocate for your needs. Here are some tips for navigating those tricky holiday…

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Gluten-Free Travel: Essential Tips for Every Trip

Traveling for work or pleasure can be a major highlight. For those living gluten-free, traveling can be nerve racking. It is especially challenging when you are at the beginning of your gluten-free journey. With limited food options at airports, rest stops, and on flights, preparation is essential. With some planning, you can navigate traveling gluten-free and stress-free. 1. Research Your…

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Swaps to Make Your Holidays Gluten-free

Having to go gluten-free around the holidays can be very disheartening, gluten seems to be in everything! However, there are some simple adjustments that can be made to traditional fare to make them gluten-free. Subbing out these ingredients is fairly simple. Cross contamination is always an issue if you are not in a strictly gluten-free household. I often offer to bring a gluten-free version of…

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Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Homemade cranberry sauce is simple and delicious. It adds a touch of freshness and color to your holiday table. Making it yourself allows you to control the sweetness. It also lets you manage the flavor. This way, you guarantee it’s completely gluten-free. There are no hidden additives to worry about. This recipe is quick to prepare. It transforms basic ingredients into a vibrant, tangy-sweet…

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Sturdy Gluten-Free Cornbread for Stuffing Success

Cornbread stuffing is a holiday classic. However, finding the perfect gluten-free cornbread that holds up for stuffing can be a challenge. This recipe is designed to create a sturdy, flavorful gluten-free cornbread perfect for absorbing savory stuffing flavors without falling apart. It’s lightly seasoned, easy to prepare, and ready to be transformed into a delicious gluten-free stuffing for your…