By Becky Berowski

Founder and CEO, Elizabeth Kaplan, Dishin’ with doB

Founder of  The Pure Pantry, Elizabeth Kaplan became gluten free when she learned that not only was she diagnosed with celiac disease, but her two children were also sensitive to gluten as well as various other foods.  She began taking family recipes and converting them to gluten-free versions. This soon lead her to develop her own products and recipes to put in the market place making it easier for the rest of us to make the change.

Who: Elizabeth Kaplan of The Pure Pantry

Where: Thepurepantry.com, with stores across the country.

What do you believe is the most important reason to go gluten free?

The most important reason would be severe allergies or gluten intolerance issues. Those with celiac disease, such as me, must adhere to a 100% gluten-free diet.

Should people who don’t have celiac disease go gluten free?

Certainly, there are other reasons to go gluten-free.  Many nutritionists and doctors maintain that a gluten-free diet lowers inflammation in the body. There are also other auto-immune related disorders that improve with a gluten-free diet such as arthritis, diabetes, and psoriasis.

What is your favorite gluten free product?

Besides my own products, I can’t live without Udi’s multigrain gluten-free bread and bagels.

How do you balance being a mom and a business woman?

I am very fortunate to have wonderful and supportive business partners, my mom and husband! I am also fortunate that my children admire what I do and that they look at me as role model. I feel that by balancing work and motherhood I am teaching my children how to have a full and rewarding life.

Can people who are gluten free still eat out at restaurants easily?

There is always the risk of cross contamination for those with celiac disease.  It takes a lot of diligence for me to explain exactly what I can and can’t eat, and there are often problems. In general, I stick to grilled veggies, grilled fish or a salad but still have to be careful that the salad dressing or sauce served with my meal is gluten-free, and that my food is prepared in a separate pan with separate utensils. I limit my meals out – thank goodness I like to cook!

What is one beauty product you always keep with you?

Gluten-free lipstick by Ecco Bella.  I also have to use gluten-free shampoo and conditioner and am always trying new products to find the best one.  So far it has been easy!

Any advice for someone just starting a gluten free diet?

At first it seems very daunting to start a new lifestyle, but once you are committed, you will love how you feel!

Elizabeth Kaplan’s cookbook, Fresh From Elizabeth’s Kitchen, that she was gracious enough to send me, has kept me healthy and happy this past week. Also, her chocolate chip cookie mix and whole grain dark chocolate mix have helped me have a quick dessert for all the May babies I’m celebrating this month.

http://www.dishinoutbeauty.com/2012/05/the-pure-pantry/

Cookbook Review from “Gluten Free Living” Magazine

Family Friendly Products
and Recipes
Whether you are looking for a gluten-free mix or gluten-free recipes, Elizabeth Kaplan can oblige.  Kaplan is the founder of The Pure Pantry, a line of gluten-free baking mixes, as well as a recently published cookbook author with her book, Fresh from Elizabeth’s Kitchen.

Kaplan’s inspiration comes from her own kitchen.  She has celiac disease and all three of her children are gluten-free.  In addition to gluten, various members of her family have allergies or intolerances to dairy, peanuts, soy, eggs, and some beans.  Wanting to provide them with options, Kaplan got to work and created The Pure Pantry.  Her line of mixes includes four organic mixes: Old Fashioned Pancake & Baking Mix, Buckwheat Flax Pancake & Baking Mix, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, and Organic Sugar Cookie Mix.  She also offers two wholegrain mixes:  Oatmeal Cookie Mix and Dark Chocolate Cake Mix.

Fresh from Elizabeth’s Kitchen continues Kaplan’s mission to create family friendly recipes and dishes that everyone can enjoy. The book, published in January 2011, includes recipes such as Peach Cobbler Muffins, Mojito Chicken with Cilantro Rice, and Blueberry Cheesecake with a Gluten-
Free Graham Cracker Crust. In addition to the recipes, there is a chapter titled “Stocking Your Gluten-Free Pantry,” which includes Kaplan’s recommendations for gluten-free grains and dairy-free ingredients.
thepurepantry.com
From glutenfreeliving.com

A recent Harvard study supported by the National Institutes of Health showed that people who consume whole grains, including brown rice, have a lower risk of developing type II diabetes than those who eat white rice.  This discovery bodes well for those who are fans of The Pure Pantry products since our ingredient list includes brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa and sorghum flours — all whole grain flours packed with nutritional benefits.

One problem often faced by gluten-free consumers is the lack of whole grains used in gluten-free products.   Often products’ main ingredients are white rice flour and sugar — two culprits in the development of type II diabetes.
Read more here