QUESTION: I am a retired cook, so I am interested in your articles, which I read regularly. I am writing to get your opinion.My wife has celiac disease (can't eat wheat products), and we are trying so hard to find gluten-free food products, but have only come across a limited supply.Any idea about where I can find more variety? My wife also cannot eat seafood or meat, so she is really limited in her diet.She sticks to salad, Mexican (only cheese enchiladas or tacos with no meat), Chinese rice noodles or some vegetables.I make gluten-free pasta and cheese lasagna, among other things, for her. I would like a better selection for her and some gluten-free ideas. Some of the specialty stores charge such outrageous prices that we can't even go there to shop.Any help or books you can suggest? Thanks so much.—Patrick G.ANSWER: I hear your frustrations and hope I can help with some new suggestions, or at least share a recipe that I think your wife will enjoy.Celiac disease, as your wife knows, is not a joke. She is treating it with the correct diet, but the long-term effect of the disease if left untreated can be life-threatening.Once thought of as a rare childhood disorder, it is now known that celiac disease can be diagnosed at any age. Recent studies show that one out of every 133 Americans could be diagnosed with celiac disease. If those were the odds for the lottery, then I would be at 7-11 as much as possible.You know, as important as it is to know about the do's and don'ts with ingredients, and not to take the condition lightly, it is also important to keep a sense of humor when dealing with it day to day.The number of people who suffer from celiac disease has created a demand for gluten-free products. And as I learned in ninth-grade economics (ninth grade was a long three years for me), when there is a demand, someone will supply it.I know that the little bit of information I got from talking to others who are knowledgeable about this disease is just the tip of a very large iceberg.But I've learned that the more you discuss things with other people, the more avenues that open up and pretty soon you are surrounded with helpful facts. I hope this small list of stores and support groups helps.By the way, Patrick, where is the line I need to stand in for "Retired Cooks?" Right now I'm just in a long line for "Tired Cooks."Let me know, Mr. Retired Cook, and enjoy cooking the recipe at home.

1½ cups white rice flour¾ cup tapioca flour1½ teaspoons kosher salt1½ teaspoons baking soda3 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder1½ teaspoons Xanthan gum5 eggs1¼ cups raw sugar2/3 cup mayonnaise1 cup milk2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extractUsing non-stick cooking spray and rice flour, lightly spray and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Mix the white rice flour, tapioca flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and Xanthan gum together and set aside. Whip the eggs, sugar, and mayonnaise until fluffy. Add the flour mixture, milk, and vanilla, and stir well. Spread batter into the prepared pans. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25 minutes. Cakes should bounce back when lightly touched, or when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing and layering.(Tip: Slice each cake horizontally and layer with strawberries and whipped cream to make a large version of strawberry short cake.)Makes 12 servings.

The Food Allergy Network11781 Lee Jackson Highway,Suite 160Fairfax, VA 22033800-929-4040———American Celiac SocietyP.O. Box 23455New Orleans, LA 70183504-737-3293———Celiac Disease Foundation-National Celiac Disease Support GroupWynnewood-ResourceContact: Rita M. Herskovitz52 Rockglen RoadWynnewood, PA 19096215-642-9351Philadelphia-Support GroupContact: Karen DalrympleGreater Philadelphia Area Celiac Sprue Support Group583 Valley View RoadLanghorne, PA 19047———Celiac Disease Foundation13251 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1Studio City, CA 91604818-990-2354———Gluten Intolerance Group15110 10th Ave. SW,Suite ASeattle, WA 98166206-246-6652

The Dietary Shoppe Inc.4436 Ridge Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19129215-242-5302———Enter-G Foods Inc.5960 1st Ave., S.P.O. Box 84487Seattle, WA 98124206-767-6660; 800-331-5222Gluten Free PantryP. O. Box 840Glastonbury, CT 06033860-633-3826———The Really Great Food Co.P.O. Box 2239St. James, NY 11780800-593-5377Online store: www.celiac.com.