E komo mai (Welcome),
My name is Amanda Schaefer. I’m a 25 year old college student. I’ve been gluten free for about 3 years. I have been with my love, Devin, for almost 7 years. He has been wonderful in working through the dietary changes, as well as through my time as a student. He makes my life beautiful just by being himself. His mother lives with us, and his brother, sister in law, and niece live next door. It’s all very Hawai‘i ohana (extended family). My family is in Florida and South Carolina. I was born and raised in Florida in a culture that I’d deem quite United States Southern. The town I lived in was quite agriculturally oriented, and there certainly was a feeling of Southern hospitality. The aloha spirit feels a lot like southern hospitality to me.
My food philosophy is one of eating real food. For me, this means I eat full fat foods and real sugars. You’ll learn more about this in my posts. I also eat very few processed foods, but I will occasionally pick up something I wouldn’t normallly so I can test it out for you all. Devin’s brother is a hunter and is so kind in giving me venison. You’ll spot it in some of my recipes. I have my own small garden in the back yard. Maui has a lot of farmers markets, which make it easy for us to get our hands on fresh produce, eggs, and even meat. Eating local foods, and organic foods are parts of my food philosophy as well.
We are definitely a slow food household most of the time. It’s something that became a part of our lives after I stopped eating gluten and started paying attention to what I eat. Some of my favorite people in the world of food are Mark Bittman, Michael Pollan, and Lynn Rosetto Kasper. For my favorite food bloggers check out the Favorites page.
I’m not perfect. I can be lazy, I’m a bit of a homebody, and I have a tendency to overwhelm myself with my studies. I don’t update three times a week, and sometimes I don’t have something to post even once a week. I’m also not a perfect baker, photographer or cook (though my friends might tell you differently). At this point, you’re probably wondering what I have to offer. I am honest. I tell it like it is. I don’t receive any kinds of kickbacks from the companies, or restaurants, for reviewing their products or services.
Over the past couple of years I’ve had a lot of ups and downs with this blog. I really feel like this is a serious rebirth. If you’ll stick with me through this transition I know we can create something beautiful together. Share your opinions with me on how I can make your web surfing experience better.
Aloha and mahalo (thank you) for your kokua (help)!
Amanda…your site is beautiful and informative. Your efforts show themselves in every page…can’t wait to read more!
Oh, thank you. That’s so nice of you to say! I hope I can provide useful information to everyone, whether they live on Maui or not.
Hello!
I live In Honolulu, HI and about 5 months ago at 27 years old I found out I have Celiac disease and maybe Casin disease as well. I am a Chef in the United States Coast Guard and due to my disease I am no longer able to be a Chef in the Military. So I’m just really stuck now on what to do with the next step of my life and handle all the changes. My dream is to just cook! Do I stay in and go a differnt route or do I get out and pursue my cooking even know the economy is not so good. I guess I’m just looking for some helpful advice I’m so lost right now.
I’m sorry you’re feeling your world is so rocked by this change, yet you can also look at it as an opportunity. Change is the great instigator and I hope you find your bliss and follow it.
Aloha, Amanda and Devin–
I just stumbled across your site today–I’ve been promoting the gluten-free lifestyle to my patients and have been so myself since September 2010, with noticeable changes in my life. This looks like a great site–I’ll explore further and get back to you!
Daniel
What are you reasons for recommending that people eat gluten free? Are you only recommending it for people with intolerances to gluten or celiac disease, or are you recommending it across the board? Why are you gluten free?
Hi Amanda, I love your blog and your outlook on life on Maui. Which farmers markets do you like to visit? I used to got to KCC every Saturday to pick up organic fruits/veggies and free range beef when I lived in Honolulu. The markets I’ve been to here were very small and didn’t have the greatest selection but I know there are many I haven’t checked out yet. Which would you recommend? My healthy eating has gone by the wayside since I’ve returned to Maui and it’s my goal to cook more using locally grown food.
If you don’t mind me asking, did you go gluten free due to a medical condition like Celiac or was it a personal dietary choice?
I like the Kula Country Farms farm stand, the markets in Makawao & Pukalani (both small, and I don’t get to them often enough), the Maui Swap Meet (rarely get there) and a small community garden near where I live. If you want more information on local farmers markets check out Edible Hawaiian Islands.
I became gluten free after ten years of thinking I was lactose intolerant. It turned out it was the gluten all along. So, it is a medical reason.
Aloha Amanda! What an informative site. I had never thought of cross contamination pertaining to gluten before. I always thought of it more for vegans. I’m neither gluten free nor vegan but I’ve been pondering both for awhile now and I’m going to have to get through more of your site but so far you make gluten free look yummy!
Oh yes! Cross contamination is a huge issue with gluten free food. I don’t want to offend anyone, but I think it is a bigger concern for those with Celiac Disease as the long term ramifications of gluten consumption for people with Celiac include diseases such as cancer. Even the most minuscule cross contamination can upset my body for days, weeks or months.
Before not eating gluten for a period of time I suggest you go to your doctor for a Celiac blood panel. I wish I had. For some good information on Celiac Disease check out: http://www.adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/category/q-a-with-dr-vikki/
I like your website. Thanks for the good info. My 7 year old daughter has Celiac. We are going to Maui in February. Any places with GF pancakes? We are staying a few nights at Kaanapali and a few at Wailea so we would love a good GF breakfast place either end of the island. Thanks! -John
I’ve heard that the Grand Wailea offers quite a lot of gluten free foods on their breakfast buffet. You should contact the concierge about that before you arrive (if that is where you are staying). I don’t actually know of any offerings of gluten free pancakes or waffles on the island. I find breakfast out to actually be the most difficult meal of the day. There is so much cross contamination involved. However, if you make yourself very clear to the cooks/waitstaff/management then you are more likely to have a good experience than a bad one.
Hi Amanda,
Thanks very much for your site. Cool picture of you and Devin, you two are very cute together.
Lisa(my wife) and I are coming to Maui next week and I’m just starting to research gluten free restaurants. We are mostly going to be cooking our food in our condo, but i do have a question about your restaurant list on the ‘Dining’ page…are the places that aren’t underlined, italicized, or striked-out locations that you have been to and didn’t get cross-contamination?
Thanks, tom
Yes it does. :)
Cool. I wanted to thank you very much for this site. I was pretty stressed about messing up our vacation with cross-contamination. We will mostly be making food at our condo and packing lunches for hikes…but I know I’ll want to eat out at some point :) Now we know where to go which is awesome. I’m way more confident and relaxed now, and I’m sure Lisa is also. You made a big difference for us, and many others I’m sure. Mahalo