My Allergy/Animal Friendly (ish) Xmas Dinner Menu

[cahansmom]

This isn't a traditional brag (and I can see it being a very expensive dinner) but I'm just so happy that I've come up with a xmas dinner menu that incorporates all of my guests dietary needs and still (hopefully) looks and tastes great.

Before I begin I'll give you a little background info, my little sister has Celiac's desease, her body cannot tollerate gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) and when ingested her body responds by damaging/destroying villi - the tiny fingerlike protrusions lining her small intestines.

There is much more to it, but let's just say it makes her very very sick if she eats the wrong foods, so much so that she no longer eats meat as too many companies/delis cut their meat using machines that have been exposed to flour, and even the tiniest amount causes her to become ill. She is also very lucky to have a fiance who supports her by living a gluten free vegetarian lifestyle right alongside her (thanks Kevin and welcome to the family)

So, after careful planning, here is our gluten free, vegetarian friendly menu:

Artichoke Dip with Crudites
Stuffed Mushrooms

Braised Potatoes
Honey Glazed Carrots
Cranberry Spinach Salad

Ratatouille over Gluten Free Pasta
and
Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Sauce (for us carnivores )

Dessert will be

Pumpkin Cheesecake made with a Gluten Free Gingersnap Crust

[Koolaid]

My best friend got dianosised recently too!! So awesome of you to accomidate!

[momof_four]

sounds delish! How many people will you be serving?

[Chantel]

How wonderful of you to incorporate all of her needs into your dinner, and in such a delicious way!

[kellyanna_99]

Sounds delicious! That is so nice you are so accomadating. I have two kids with celiac and you have to be so careful about cross contamination. Even things like cooking the stuffing with the bird causes problems. My ex and his family don't get that even though they don't eat the stuffing it still makes them sick! I usually just bring their food, that is so nice she doesn't have to worry about it!

[Kayjay]

What a great sister you are

[Eeyah]

Wow! That sounds amazing, Ir sounds like everyone else will be able to enjoy it and not feel like they are missing out, and your sister will feel included

[macw1960]

sounds yummy

[Natalka]

Sounds yummy!
You should post in the Food and Recipes section, there's even a thread about gluten-free foods...

http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/148685-...thread-canada/

[burkeyswife]

so thoughtful of you!

[gourmetsue]

That is so amazing of you. As someone who has severe food allergies it's really nice to have support of family and friends. Good for you!

[ssbean]

Sounds like a yummy meal. Great that you are able to make a meal you can all enjoy.

[cahansmom]

Thank you all so much, I'm not feeling the least bit modest anymore and I'll let you all know how it turns out, there is always the chance I burn the house down ;-)

sounds delish! How many people will you be serving?

There will be 5 Adults and 1 lil boy (but we'll be eating leftovers for sure lol)

Sounds delicious! That is so nice you are so accomadating. I have two kids with celiac and you have to be so careful about cross contamination. Even things like cooking the stuffing with the bird causes problems. My ex and his family don't get that even though they don't eat the stuffing it still makes them sick! I usually just bring their food, that is so nice she doesn't have to worry about it!

I'm so sorry to hear that, too many times I've seen ppl (family even) tell my sister to just "pick around the crackers" or "don't eat the croutons", and it breaks my heart to see her sitting there eating nothing. Even cooking on a grill that's had breaded chicken on it can make someone with celiac's sick for WEEKS. I really wanted to give her a meal where there was no chance for contamination and where she gets to eat everything we eat without feeling left out. Keep spreading the word and maybe one day your family members will "get" that it's not a lifestyle choice, it's a debilitating disease that can have lasting health affects.

Sounds yummy!
You should post in the Food and Recipes section, there's even a thread about gluten-free foods...

http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/148685-...thread-canada/

Wow, this is great thank you so much. I'll post first thing tomorrow incase someone wants a recipe (i didn't find them in a gluten free book, just scoured the net).

[carlyincanada]

Very thoughtful of you to do for your sister! & the menu sounds yummy! Enjoy!

[seapotato]

Sounds yummy