The Holiday's and Living Gluten-Free!

It has been almost 5 years since my household has been gluten-free (GF) & dairy-free (DF). Celebrating the holiday's locally has become easy. Some of my friends and family are also GF and/or DF. Those that are not understand and respect the way we eat and are more than willing to accommodate us. 

Photo by: http://experience.usatoday.com/food-and-wine/

This year we going to NY for a wedding, so we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my NY family. Several of them are DF but none are GF.  They are caring people and will do what needs to be done for us. I am also helping with the cooking.
The key to having a successful holiday is to be as prepared as possible. Planning ahead is the key.
1. Discussing the menu with the host.
2. If possible, choose to cook and/or bake the obvious foods: stuffing, gravy, pies, etc.
3. Make some inquires about which local stores carry gluten-free items.
4. If possible, have someone who lives where you will be, purchase items for you ahead of time. 
4. Purchase parchment paper & parchment paper bags ( line the dishes that may have once had gluten in  them). Aluminum tins can be used to cook things in.
5. Find a $1 store or inexpensive stores;  purchase cooking utensil, pots, etc that you can use    and leave behind. 
6. Knives need to be cleaned and re-cleaned to be sure gluten is not stuck on them. 
7. Before going away, research local GF bakeries and restaurants. 



Photo by:  http://experience.usatoday.com/food-and-wine/