Part I: Planning for a Gluten Free / Allergy Free Holiday Meal
Planning and preparation is the key to creating a fool-proof allergy friendly dinner that is
safe and tasty for all of your guests. A little thought, communication and research will make this an allergy free, and stress free, event for you and your guests.
- Develop a “must have” menu: Make a list of the dishes that are real crowd pleasers and a must to serve at each family gathering. If a recipe is required, make a copy and attach it to your menu. Remember not to forgo any of your family’s favorite traditional dishes.
- Contact the family / friend that has celiac / food allergy: Either place a call or send an email. Let the person know that you are developing a menu for the dinner and you want to review a few of the dishes that you will be preparing. Discuss each dish, including reading the ingredients to each recipe. Ask for substitutions, if needed, and ask exactly what allergens must be avoided. Often times it may be as simple as using one brand of a mayonnaise, cheese or tomato sauce in order to make the dish free of gluten or other allergens. Also, you will probably find that most of the dishes you planned on serving can be modified slightly for all guests to enjoy – serving both steamed green beans and green bean casserole will please other guests that are grateful for healthy alternatives to fat and calorie ridden dishes!
- Prepare your Kitchen: Make sure that you have ample serving trays, and serving utensils. Remember that all allergen free foods must be kept on separate platters and have their own serving utensils! Gluten and allergy free foods do not like to share!
- Make a shopping list: Include on this shopping list not only the items you need to purchase, but the brand names. On the top of the shopping list write your celiac / allergic family / friend’s phone numbers. When in doubt on anything – call and ask while you are in the store! Don’t worry about bothering them… they will appreciate the phone call and will know you are taking their food intolerances / allergies seriously.
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