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TWO THINGS I NEED YOU TO KNOW
1) I am not a baker. I get emails with order requests ALL the time because people click on one of my baker reviews. And they don`t read the statement, in bold, at the top of the page, that this is a review and the business contact information is at the bottom of the page.

And I do try to respond to those emails, trying to help them find a local baker. (Although people rarely email me back.)

2) A word about deadlines. Some of you are expecting miracles. You`re emailing the week of trying to get a grand birthday cake. Friends, these small businesses don`t have the staff or the production capacity of a place like Meijer or Kroger.

Plus, some of these smaller bakers are still working regular 9-5 jobs in addition to their side baking business. We need to have realistic expectations for the time people have.

3) Easter is 19 days away. Now is the time to plan ahead for holiday gatherings. Pay attention to your local baker`s social media posts in the coming days. They`ll be announcing what they`ll be offering and how to order.

Linked below is my master list of gluten free bakers in Michigan.

It is organized by region. Each business name is linked to the interview I have done with them. And as I said above, their contact information (address, social media, email) is at the BOTTOM of their respective interview.

And a last reminder - Be respectful and kind to those who serve you. Some of them may not have their Easter offerings figured out yet. Be patient.

https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-gluten-free-bakeries/
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Do You Subscribe to My Newsletter?
This week`s post focuses on all things Easter.
That includes
- 10 Tips on How To Handle Holidays When you Eat Gluten Free
- Gluten Free Easter Candy LIst
- List of Gluten Free Hams
- and LOTS of Gluten Free Easter Recipes

This week`s newsletter also includes info about GF events, plus Food recalls and gluten free research you may have missed.

Link to this week`s newsletter is in my Instagram stories. Or you can send me a DM and ask for the link.

Q: Are you a Substack user? As I know some people are shying away from Facebook and Instagram, I`m thinking about dropping important links as Notes on Substack. (Notes are Substack`s version of a Feed, where you can reply and interact with each other.

Link to subscribe to my newsletter-
https://miglutenfreegal.substack.com/about
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She Loves Lemon
Today was a typical Sunday. We drive to Lansing and back to care for my MIL, who has the beginning stages of Alzheimers

We go to church, I make lunch, and we do a few chores while we`re there. It gives my BIL a break as he does most of the caregiving during the week.

This week I made Instant Pot Spaghetti, and served it with broccoli, grapes and @dauxhouse Lemon Chip Cookies

And when I mention Lemon, she talks about how her mom made the most amazing Lemon meringue pie. And how her mom`s pie crust melts in your mouth.

She tells a version of that story almost every week.

We know what this journey looks like. Grandma and great grandma both had Alzheimers.

But it`s still hard to watch the woman who literally took care of everyone else need someone to care for her now.

But after all she`s done for us, it`s a privilege to care for her.

And if I can make her happy with Lemon cookies, so be it.
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Don`t Be a Jerk On Tuesday
Tuesday is April Fools. A day for jokes and pranks.

But PLEASE never intentionally give someone with Celiac Disease food that contains gluten, as some sort of a joke.

That goes for those with food allergies as well. Anaphylaxis, a severe food allergy reaction, could lead to death.

NEVER trick anyone into eating or drinking something that could be harmful to them.

A good prank is one that doesn`t harm people (physically or emotionally), destroy property, and does not break the law.

Read my blog post about what we wish people knew about living with Celiac Disease, for more memes and tips.

https://miglutenfreegal.com/celiac-disease-truths-we-wish-you-knew/
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A Fun Way to Make Cornbread
Have you ever made cornbread in your waffle maker? I make it this easy every so often, just for fun. It cooks quickly, and you don`t have to take time to heat up your oven first.

Go extra wild and add cut up bits of (cooked) hot dogs, and then you have all the taste of a corn dog, without deep frying!

Find my gluten free cornbread recipe in the link below.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/easy-gluten-free-cornbread/
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Cookie Decorating Class - April 17
Brit Levin, owner of Britsbakedbites will be teaching a cooking decorating class in Royal Oak on April 17th. Class is from 7-9 pm, and costs $65.
Find out more info on her social media.

Learn more about this small MI business on my blog

https://miglutenfreegal.com/brits-baked-bites-royal-oak-mi/
@britsbakedbites
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Do You Have Spring Break Plans?
Anyone going to Chicago in the next few weeks?
If so, these are some of the restaurants that I recommend you visit.

Some 100% GF options include
Chesa`s Bistro
Wheat`s End Cafe
Defloured GF Bakery
XO Marshmallow

Find more at this link, plus tips on parking!

Comment CHICAGO and I"ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/why-chicago-has-my-gluten-free-hear/
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College Students Face Food Insecurity Too
Did you know that the University of Michigan has a food pantry for students?
They`re not alone. MSU has one, Central Michigan University (my alma mater) also has one. Same at Eastern, Western, and Northern MI universities.

I had an excellent conversation with a group of 4 individuals last night who want to help make the MAIZE & BLUE Cupboard more inclusive to those with dietary restrictions. This includes gluten free, food allergy, kosher and halal options.

We brainstormed ways to help them seek donations and communicate with the community.

Today is "Giving Blue Day" at U of M, and the Cupboard has their own donation page. As we know, gluten free and food allergy options are much more expensive than their wheat based counterparts. (183% more!)

Please consider donating to them today. Even if it`s only $5, our little bits pooled together can make a big difference. If 24 people donate, at any amount level in the next 6 hours, they receive an add`l $5,000.

Donation link in my stories and in @@maizeandbluecupboard bio

https://maizeraise.umich.edu/schools/UniversityofMichigan/giving-blueday-2025/pages/student-life/maize-blue-cupboard-fund

@uofmichigan @umstudentlife
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We Have to Look Out for Each Other
It`s no secret to those of us with Celiac Disease that gluten free food costs more. Research shows it costs 183% more, in fact.
And 1 in 6 people with Celiac Disease face food insecurity.

So what can we do about it?
On a national level, we can give to some of the large gluten free non-profits like the National Celiac Association. They send gluten free products to small food pantries across the United States. They often help with food during a natural disaster.

Read more about it in my blog post.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-food-assistance-in-the-united-states/

But I think where we can do a lot of good is working with local pantries in our area. Reach out to them and ask if they offer gluten free and food allergy options.
Volunteer to help the set up a shelf / section for specialty items.
Network to collect gluten free donations from those in our area.

I recently visited S.A.M.S. Pantry in Midland, where they`re doing exactly that. They have a small GF section with pasta, flour, and other items. And it all started because someone saw a need, and decided to do something about it. And then explained their mission to others, who also got on board.

That`s the initiative I`m working on here in Michigan. To create a network of pantries across the state who have a heart for meeting people at their point of need. And to connect them with local volunteers and people who are willing to donate a box of gluten free pasta or cereal or other gluten free groceries once a month to help.

If you live in Michigan and would be interested in helping stock gf items at your local pantry, leave me a note in the comments. I`ll reach out to you and ask for your contact info, and add you to my list. And we`ll go from there.

I know this is a long post. Thanks for reading and thanks for caring.
<3, Margaret Clegg
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March is Michigan Agriculture Month.
According to the Michigan Agriculture website, Michigan is the "second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation."

For example, did you know Michigan is 1st in the nation in growing tart cherries, asparagus, black beans and winter squash? Our Michigan farmers are so important not only to our own communities, but the whole country.

Their success dramatically impacts the whole Michigan economy.

So let`s support them & celebrate them by buying local when we can, and using some of our biggest agricultural exports in some amazing gluten free dishes.

Comment PRODUCE and I`ll DM you the link.

https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-agriculture-in-gluten-free-recipes/

@mifarmersmarkets @michdeptofag
#NationalAgDay
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Always Thinking Ahead
Today is St Patrick`s Day. But for those of us who are responsible for making the "magic happen," many of us are already thinking forward to Easter.

Not to mention that grocery store shelves had Easter candy out just after Valentine`s Day was done.

This blog post includes many small businesses who specifically cater to the gluten free and food allergy community. I`m excited to introduce to these small businesses who have always put our safety as their mission.

I`ve also included nationwide brands that you`ll find at your local grocery store.

I know that Easter is still a month away, but if you`re planning to special order treats for yourself or someone else, you want to do so in advance. Just to make sure they arrive in time.

Comment EASTER and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-easter-candy-local-and-nationwide/
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WARMER WEATHER = FARMERS MARKET GF FINDS
While some farmers markets don`t open until May, there are still some that are open all year long.

Today`s a good day to support your local small business owners. Are you visiting any markets or arts & crafts shows?

Comment FARMER and I`ll DM you the link to my list of markets with gluten free options.

https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-farmers-market-gluten-free/
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