The year I was born would have been my last year if I hadn't been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. 1957 was the first year that a biopsy of this disease was available in the doctors' medical journal but because they felt you grew out of it between 5 to 7 years of age I was on a diet with gluten in it until I was (re)told I was 'allergic' to gluten when I was 23 years old. I had so many of those that to this day I avoid them. And because I am a foodie at heart I began making my own versions of my favourite foods.
I joined my local Victoria Chapter of the Celiac Association in British Columbia and volunteered for approximately 20 years as a councellor, peer councellor, as well as wearing many other hats, and now have a deep understanding of the need for safe, nutritious, tasty gluten-free foods for celiacs. I spent 32 years creating my own gluten-free cuisine and was the first person to teach gluten-free cooking in Victoria, both at home and at the Thrifty Foods Tuscany Village Kitchen and Lifestyle Center. I developed my own bread, which others along the way have tried to copy, but still remains the quintessential gluten-free brown bread. And now I have perfected many other products using my original recipe. The mission statement for my company is that Leeann’s Gluten-Free Kitchen has a commitment to advocate for celiacs, and those needing a gluten-free diet, by offering high quality, healthy, uncontaminated and flavourful food options. So I have created a product line of just exactly those types of foods that are delicious even to the children in your family who may be picky eaters. The bread, waffles, brownies and chocolate chip cookies are my favourites. The multi-purpose flour and the bean flour pizza crusts are a staple in my house and have been for decades. I welcome feedback for any new uses you may come up with as well as any improvements that could be made to my recipes. In developing this company my vision is that it is not only my gluten-free kitchen, but also yours, ‘where flavour and nutrition come home’.
