Gluten is a protein found in all forms of wheat, rye, oats, barley and related grain hybrids. If a person has celiac disease, their body reacts poorly if any food containing gluten is consumed. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, the villi in their small intestine becomes damaged. This prevents their body from absorbing many important nutrients and they become ill.

If celiac disease goes untreated, the effects can become life-threatening. However, if a person with celiac disease eats a gluten-free diet, they can live a normal, healthy life and their intenstine will repair itself.

It is very important that people with celiac disease maintain a gluten-free diet at all times.

There are many places on the internet to find information about Celiac disease and gluten-free diets. You can also order gluten-free food products online, as well as make your own gluten-free recipes at home.

These resources may be helpful to those with celiac disease:

• Celiac.org
• GlutenFree.com
• Celiac.com

Some people think you can't bake without the use of gluten. But by using rice flour, you can make some delicious recipes for cookies, cakes and other baked goods. Here is a recipe for yummy Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies that have a lemon glaze.

Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon apple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup sweet rice flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds

Dough Instructions:

Beat egg and brown sugar until fluffy.

Mix in honey, molasses and juices.

In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flours and spices.

Blend flour mixture into original mixture.

Stir in almonds. Add candied fruits, if desired.

Chill dough overnight.

Baking Cookies:

Preheat over to 350 degrees F.

Sprinkle waxed paper with sugar.

Roll out dough.

Cut into 2 inch cookies.

Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Place cookies on sheet, making sure to leave space between.

Bake 12 minutes.

Cool slightly and then remove to cooling rack.

Prepare lemon glaze and glaze cookies while still warm.

Lemon Glaze:

In a medium bowl, stir about 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar.

Mix with a fork until thoroughly combined, making a glaze.

Glaze cookies.

Makes two dozen cookies.