An increasing number of restaurants and health advocates are going gluten-free. Those affected by celiac disease often eat a gluten-free diet, but an increasing number of people without a dietary need are turning to a gluten-free diet in hopes of finding health benefits. Many restaurants are noticing the trend and have started to offer more gluten-free alternatives.

This week on Noon Edition, we’ll talk with nutritionists, chefs, and those affected by celiac disease to see what a diet without gluten entails, including the benefits and drawbacks to going gluten-free.

You can join us for a live chat at WFIU.ORG/NoonEdition, follow us on Twitter at Noon Edition or call into the program at 812-855-0811.

Noon Edition airs Friday at 12 p.m.

Guests

Bobbie Saccone- Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Counselor, IU Health

Lisa Means- Volunteer Facilitator, IU Health Hospital Education Center's celiac support group

Toby Foster- Co-Owner, The Owlery

Gluten-Free Monster Cookies

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1 c brown sugar

1 c white sugar

2 tsp gluten-free vanilla

1 tbsp corn syrup

1/2 c butter

1 1/2 c creamy peanut butter

2 tsp gluten-free baking soda

4 1/2 c gluten-free rolled oats (Bob's Red Mill and Trader Joe both have certified gluten-free oats)

1 c chocolate chips

1 c mini M&Ms

Cream butters and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla and corn syrup. Beat well. Add

peanut butter and baking soda. Gradually stir in oats, chips and M&Ms. Use a

plastic mixing spoon, not a spatula - they're prone to breaking!

Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 for 8-12 min. Remove to wire rack for

cooling. It's better to underbake these cookies. They're also good frozen.