Colorado teen baker with celiac disease shares her gluten-free recipes with the world

Paloma Atkins, a 16-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, is changing how people with celiac disease view their time in the kitchen. Diagnosed with the condition at age 11, Atkins initially struggled to adapt her lifelong passion for baking to a gluten-free lifestyle. Her early attempts often resulted in failures, such as flat cookies that left her feeling like she had lost a part of her personal identity.

After taking time to process her diagnosis, Atkins dedicated herself to mastering the science and art of gluten-free baking. Her persistence paid off as she learned to create textures and flavors that rivaled traditional wheat-based products. Dr. Edwin Liu, director of the Children's Hospital Colorado Center for Celiac Disease, notes that managing the condition through diet is simple in theory but difficult to implement in practice. He views Atkins' work as a way for other children to reclaim control over their diets.

Now, Atkins is launching a website to share her tested recipes with the public for free. She aims to help families who are newly diagnosed feel less overwhelmed and more capable of enjoying foods like soft pretzels. Her goal is to bring joy to others who might otherwise feel limited by their medical restrictions. By turning her personal health hurdle into a resource for the community, Atkins provides a practical solution for those navigating similar dietary requirements.