It's Party Time!

It is the most wonderful time of the year, and where there is a holiday, there is a party. I love going to see friends, toasting friendship and eating good food together. However, the eating together is the hardest part for people with food allergies. Close friends try to accommodate your needs, but usually don't know the finer details of gluten free living. Those rice crackers they purchased are great, but they share a plate and dip with  Wheat Thins. They made steak and potatoes with no bread products, but didn't realize that the marinade had soy sauce in it. Then you get bombarded with questions. "Can you eat rice?" "Well, you can have white flour, right, because it isn't whole wheat?" Then you get to give a lesson on what gluten is and how even a small amount can affect you. This is the part I struggle with, mostly because I don't want to dominate the conversation or bore anyone. And although I find food interesting, I am sure that not everyone does.

So, now I eat a little something before I go anywhere so I can avoid food if necessary. I also bring a little something to share so I know it is fine for me to enjoy. And I make a short and condensed version of my story to share so no one goes glassy-eyed while I speak. I am curious what others do when in this situation. It happens quite a bit more early on when you are converting to gluten free. That is the time where you start sharing your issue with family. It is when you feel the, "When did my wool start turning black?" feelings. Now, 5 years later, my family always has something for me to eat, even if it is different from what they are having, and that is fine with me! My friends just let me figure out what to eat with them and since I love to make food, it is great.

If you have friends and family that want to know more, there are great sites out there. One that is easy to find info on and is a great is www.celiac.org. but really if you google gluten free, a thousand sites pop up now. Here is a great recipe to make and take to enjoy with anyone at any party. Good luck out there, and may all your parties be merry!

Roasted Veggies with Quinoa~

(any of your favorite fall veggies are fine, but I like these)

carrots (cut in half and then into small lengths, about 2 inches)
quartered onion (or use pearl onions for something a little special)
asparagus (cut into medium sized lengths)
red and orange bell peppers (seeded and cut into cubes)
grape tomatoes (cut in halves)

Coat the veggies in olive oil and salt to taste.I often put a little balsamic vinegar on top to help the veggies caramelize and bring a nice flavor to them.  Roast the veggies in batches in a 400 degree oven.
The onions will need about 35 minutes. You can parboil them to make it faster. The carrots will need about 20 minutes and the rest will take about 12 minutes. While the veggies are roasting, make your quinoa. I use Tru Roots and the directions are on the back. The total time to make them is 20 minutes. When everything is done, toss it all in a bowl with some balsamic and salt to taste.

This is a salad, but is also a dinner if it needs to be. Enjoy!