Learning about Celiac Disease

Hello Readers!

     Because Euforia's cakes are gluten-free, we have many customers who are living with Celiac Disease.   Today's post is an introduction to Celiac Disease to help our readers with a bit of information and resources.
     What is Celiac Disease?  It's an autoimmune disease in which gluten consumption triggers a reaction in the small intestine. Gluten is the protein found in all forms of wheat, barley, and rye.

Glutens help doughs rise and give texture

 The reaction from eating gluten causes inflammation in the small intestine, blocking nutrient absorption and over time, causing damage to the intestinal lining.  
     Because Celiac Disease is a chronic condition, there isn't a cure.  The only treatment for Celiac Disease is completely eliminating gluten from one's diet.  Fortunately, once gluten is gone, the intestine starts to heal, and medication isn't generally required though medical follow up is recommended.
     Currently, Celiac Disease is estimated to affect 1 in 150 people in the United States, though some doctors estimate a higher incidence.   Due to the increase in Celiac Disease diagnoses, in addition to those wanting to eliminate gluten for other reasons, gluten-free foods are gaining popularity. both online and in grocery stores and restaurants.  Also, you don't have to give up good desserts when you give up gluten.  Cakes from Euforia Confections are delicious, and they are gluten-free!

Thousand Layer Cake from Euforia Confections

  Helpful links for Celiac Disease information:

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/DS00319
• http://www.celiac.org/
• http://celiac.nih.gov/
• http://www.celiac.com/             

     

We're having a summer sale!

Hey readers!

     I can not believe it is mid-August, already! Where did the summer go? (quick answer: here) School is starting, football is in pre-season, and stores are putting out Halloween decorations.

 Yes, folks, fall is just around the corner.

     Fortunately, we're optimists at Euforia, and one of our favorite things about seasons changing are the sales.  We thought we should join in the fun! We now cordially invite you to:  

***Better Than BOGO Sale***

from Euforia Confections 

       Spend $15 on ANY Euforia Cake, get a Triple Delight Mini FREE!

     

      What makes our sale better than most buy 1/get 1 sales?  You can get any of our gourmet cakes, and as long as you spend $15 on cake, you're going to get a Triple Delight Cake Mini for free.  You can even buy multiples of Our Triple Delight cake is gluten-free and made from all-natural ingredients.  In addition to

Triple Delight Mini

being a healthier alternative, it's delicious.  This chocolate and vanilla layered cake with buttercream frosting in the middle is an amazing combination of rich flavor and moist, delicate texture.  Go to our website to order, but don't wait - this sale ends 8/31!*  

*Use coupon code EBOGO at checkout, limit one free cake per purchase, BOGO can't be combined with other offers.  

Indonesian Independence Day!

Hello Readers,

   

     This Saturday is Indonesia's Independence Day, so here's a little information about it.  On August 17, 1945, the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read, marking the beginning of resistance against the Netherlands.  The Netherlands acknowledged Indonesia's independence in 1949, after nearly five years of armed and diplomatic resistance by the Indonesian National Revolution.  Since then, Indonesia celebrates their Independence Day every year on August 17.

     On August 17, the festivities will begin with the President raising the Indonesian flag at the National Palace.  It's a solemn event, attended by cabinet members, high-ranking military, and families of the current and preceding president, and invited guests.  The raising of the flag is also televised live so the entire nation can witness.                                                                                   Not unlike America's Fourth of July, Independence Day is a huge holiday for the Indonesian people.  Preparations begin weeks in advance with buildings being decorated with banners and lights.  Government offices are draped in red and white streamers, while shopping malls hang red and white decorations while holding sales in anticipation of the holiday.                              
      After the ceremonies, the festivities begin.  The towns are covered in red and white decorations, and "Dirgahayu RI" ("Long Live Indonesia") is written everywhere.  Eating competitions, cooking competitions, races, and games fill the day.  Panjat Pinang is the most popular event of the day: Prizes are hung on the branches of a large palm, and the palm trunk is greased with clay and oil.  Participants attempt to climb the tree to reach the prizes.  While messy, it's a great time for the participants and the spectators.                                                    
     We encourage all of you to celebrate Indonesian Independence!  What better way to celebrate than with an Indonesian Thousand Layer Cake?

Dirgahayu RI!
Euforia

Celebrating Eid al-Fitr!

 Hello Readers!

     August 8, 2013 is Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan.  Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calender, and it is observed by Muslims around the world through fasting, charitable acts, and prayer.  Eid al Fitr translates to "festival of breaking of the fast." and always falls on the first day of Shawwal, the beginning of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.  This is one of the most special and joyous holidays of the year, and it is meant to be a day of celebration.

     Eid al-Fitr or as it's known in Indonesia,  Idul Fitri or Lebaran, traditionally begins with people gathering to perform the Eid prayer often followed by charitable donations.  This day is also seen as a time of atonement, with many visting relatives to ask forgiveness.  Last year, around 30 million Indonesians traveled to their home towns to spend that time with their families (known as puland kampung).  

Many families will have a special Lebaran meal consisting of traditional dishes such as ketupat, opor ayam, rendang, and sayur lodeh.  In addition to these main dishes, cookies, cakes, and candies are served.  The cakes from Euforia - the Thousand Layer Cake and the Triple Delight Cake -  are an example of the traditional Indonesian cakes that are commonly prepared for the holiday dinner. 

     This holiday is a joyous occasion for millions of people around the world, a day of tradition and celebration.  We hope all of our readers who observe this day have a safe and lovely day. 

Selamat Idul Fitri! (Happy Eid!)
Euforia

Celebrate Friendship Day!

     Today, August 4th, is International Friendship Day which celebrates friendship across the world.  Friendship Day was founded by Joyce Hall in 1919, who wanted the day to be marked with friends sending cards to one another (also, Joyce Hall founded Hallmark Cards).  Friendship Day fell out of popularity by the 1940's and cards went off the market in the US.
     Paraguay re-introduced World Friendship Day in 1958, and from there, it spread through South America and Asia. Gaioning popularity in India, Malaysia, and Bangladesh with the rise of social media, the exchange of flowers, bracelets, and small gifts has become tradition.  In 1997, Nane Annan, (wife of Kofi Annan, who was the Secretary-General of the UN at the time), with the United Nations, named Winnie the Pooh as the ambassador of friendship in an event co-sponsored by Disney Enterprises and the UN Department of Public Information.
     So now, you have a bit of history of Friendship Day.  With this knowledge, go celebrate!  Go get brunch with the girls, send some emails to your friends from college to catch up.  Or, my personal recommendation, take advantage of the free Triple Delight Cake * offer from Euforia and send a cake to a friend.  Cake makes a great gift or a great treat to share over coffee.  So, Happy Friendship Day, cake lovers!
                                          

All the best from Euforia!

*Spend $15 or more on any Euforia Cake and get a free Triple Delight Mini Cake - offer good through 8/18