Gluten-Free giveaway and expo

The explosion of interest in gluten-free diets is astonishing. Last year, I couldn't even report on the plans for the first Charlotte Gluten-Free Expo because it sold out before I could make the first phone call.

So this year, you want to get in on the action early. They've moved it to a bigger venue, at the Blake Hotel, 555 McDowell St., and they'll include speakers on celiac, gluten-free and allergen-free research, as well as product samples and information. It's 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. April 30, and tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Register and get more information at www.charlottegfexpo.blogspot.com or email organizer Nikki Everett at irresistiblyglutenfree@gmail.

While you're waiting for April 30, I also have a book giveaway for a copy of "Gluten-Free Baking," by Phil Vickery. To enter the random drawing, send an email to me at kpurvis@charlotteobserver.com and include "Gluten-Free" in the subject line. Deadline for the drawing: 9 a.m. Friday.