The bad news is that gluten intolerance and Ceilac disease is growing by leaps and bounds. More than likely one or multiple friends or family members can no longer eat products containing gluten. The good news is that because the numbers are growing there are many more options.
Betsy Craig, CEO of MenuTrinfo, a company that creates nutritional labeling for restaurants is well aware of what products contain gluten. She and her dietitians/nutritionists have put together suggestions as to what to serve your guests who are eating gluten free.
What to Serve Guests who are Eating Gluten Free? By Betsy Craig - MenuTrinfo
It seems that everywhere you turn these days there is once again something that a person who has Ceilac Disease is not allowed to eat. The list of not allowed to eat items is depressingly long. Pasta, cupcakes, cookies, favorite breads (which includes sandwiches), many breakfast cereals, the list could go on and on. But instead of focusing on all the things one can’t eat, it’s often helpful to think about all the things that are gluten free and still delicious.
Here are 8 Gluten-Free Menu Items to Give a Try.
Appetizers
Guacamole with Corn Chips– Make sure to check the corn chips to ensure there is nothing in them that contains gluten, but in general tortilla chips are free of gluten.
Fresh Veggies and Dip- Another great standby to have on hand and a healthy option as well.
Soup
Chicken Soup with Rice Noodles– There are some great rice noodles to be had in most grocery stores today. Alternatively, you could try dumplings made with a gluten-free flour mix. Always double check that there is no gluten in the stock as well.
Main Dishes
Pork Tacos– Substitute your favorite kind of meat or grilled veggies here, and just make sure to use corn tortillas. (Check to make sure they only contain corn and no wheat or other gluten-filled flour.)
Rice Pasta with Red Sauce– Rice pasta is a surprisingly good substitute for regular wheat or semolina pasta. Red sauce is a good bet because unlike a white sauce, it generally doesn’t contain any flour.
Beans and Rice – Noticing a rice theme? Rice is a great way to provide some carbs to reduce some of those bread cravings people with GF might have, deliver a great sauce, and it’s totally gluten free! Beans are another delicious way to achieve the same thing.
Desserts
Flourless Chocolate Cake – Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. These cakes or tortes are some of the best treats around. While it’s also possible to make a gluten-free cake by substituting gluten-free flours, this cake requires no substitutions.
Crème Brulee or Flan – These delicious desserts are typically made with copious amounts of eggs and milk products, but no flour, making them a great treat for those going gluten free.
Watch out for Some Foods:
Some foods you might not realize have gluten inside so make sure to double check all ingredients before you serve.
- Dry Mustard
- Instant Coffee
- Blue Cheese
- Meat and Fish Pastes
- Imitation Crab
- Chocolate
- Potato Chips
- Soy Sauce
- Spices (particularly curry powders)
- Lunch Meats
- Icing
- Imitation Bacon
- Veggie Burgers
- Thickening agents
These are just a start and can help get your cooking juices flowing and headed in the right direction. There are a surprising number of items on the market today that are 100% gluten-free. As a result of all the demand for Gluten free foods the choices are becoming plentiful. Give it a try you might like it.
MenuTrinfo - (888) 767-MENU (6368) – www.menutrinfo @MenuTrifo on Twitter
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