Gluten Free Entertaining

Celiac disease is on the rise. Many of us see more and more gluten-free items at the grocery stores, on restaurant menus or know a friend or two with gluten sensitivities.

Hosting summer barbecues and events may seem easy with delicious recipes and planning. Accomodating people with gluten sensitivities can be just as simple with a little ingenuity and menu modifications.

What is Celiac disease?

Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 133 Americans. Symptoms of Celiac disease can range from classic features such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, to latent symptoms such as isolated nutrient deficiencies but no gastrointestional symptoms. From: www.celiac.com

Hopkinton resident, and Registered Dietitian, Sarah Keeley has gluten-sensitivites.

 "I have been able to manage my dietary requirements by making appropriate menu subsitutions," Keeley said. "Attending events is not as tough as it may seem, it boils down to communicating with the host or bringing a few items that are copasetic with my diet plan."

Here are some suggestions on making mealtime celiac friendly:

1. Cook From Scratch: Knowing exactly what is in a dish by adding it yourself is the best way to avoid gluten contamination.

2. Avoid cross-contamination: Even a trace amount of gluten can be damaging to people with celiac disease. Ensure all cooking sufaces, i.e., grill, utensils and appliances, are carefully cleaned if they have come in contact with gluten-containing products.

3. Read Ingredient list carefully: Many prepared sauces, dips and condiments contain hidden sources of gluten.

4. Involve guests: Give guests a tour of the food and ask for suggestions on how to include items that are gluten-free.

5. Leave out: Some common additives such as, modified starch, hydrolyzed proteins, flavoring, malt, or wheat-free claims, (may contain barley, rye or oats).

6. Where to find gluten-free products: Most grocrey stores carry a wide variety of gluten-free products to use as appetizers, sides or main dish marinades.

Online sites such as, www.glutenfree.com, or www.celiac.com offer resources for people who have been diagnosed with celiac disease.

These sites include helpful information on how to shop gluten-free and how to avoid cross contamination. They also offer the opportunity to learn about new products and recipes.

 Entertaining guests with gluten-sensitivities can involve a few simple changes such as, changing a meat or chicken marinade, buying a gluten-free corn bread mix or gluten-free crackers from the local grocery store, and keeping in mind cross-contamination with the grill, utensils, and surfaces.

Enjoy your guests!