Part III: Serving & Table Etiquette for a Gluten Free / Allergy Free Holiday Meal
After spending time planning, communicating, researching and preparing a gluten free / allergen free meal it is now time to make sure that the meal is served in a safe and allergen free environment.
- One serving spoon for each dish: Make sure that each dish has its own serving spoon – otherwise, cross contamination is sure to occur.
- Two Butter Dishes: Why? Celiacs don’t do crumbs. Have two butter dishes - one for the celiacs (use the covered dish for this group) and one for the non-celiacs.
- The celiac / food allergic serves themselves first: If you are serving your dinner buffet style the best bet is to let the celiac / foods allergic go through the buffet line first. This will ensure that the serving utensils have not become cross contaminated by other guests inadvertently.
- Explain to all: Explain to everyone at the table that each dish has its own serving spoon. Awareness is key and this is a group effort.
- Encourage other guests to try the allergen free foods: Many family and friends are surprised at the tastiness of allergen free foods. Also, these dishes are often more nutritious than their allergy-ridden counterparts. Make sure that you make enough so everyone can try!
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