by Karen Wilmot

Created on: January 07, 2010

The easiest way to cook gluten free is to use all real foods without heavy sauces. If you use real foods (i.e. not from a box) and avoid gravy sauces it's relatively easy to accommodate for your gluten free friend. Also, read the product labels. If you get anything that is pre-made, you must read a label and save this label for your friend to read also. This way any hidden gluten is discovered by your friend prior to eating.

For your appetizers, set bowls of nuts around. You only need to ensure they aren't dry roasted. Roasted nuts are fine but in the dry roasting process there is gluten. Fruit skewers are always a hit, as well as, salsa and chips. The chips need to be all corn chips which you can find at your local grocery store. Sam's Club has some delicious rice crackers that everyone will love. They are great with your cheese and meat tray.

For your salad, just don't add salad dressing or croutons. When you put out the salad, set dressings and croutons on the table in small bowls with spoons so everyone can add their own and be certain to have oil and vinegar as an option. Real vegetables are gluten free.

For your main course, your goal here is to stay away from sauces and pre-packaged seasonings. The way we thicken a sauce is with gluten so the best option is to steer clear. My favorite is boiled shrimp with bowls of melted butter and cocktail sauce on the table. You can also do chicken or meat, just use olive oil and individual seasonings, meaning no prepackaged seasons, to give your meat flavor. I like Somersize and Penzey seasonings because they are all real.

For sides, rice is always a great staple and easy if you have a rice cooker. You can also bake a potato or sweet potato. Steamed vegetables will round out the plate and if you use something green will help to deliver a colorful and enticing plate.

For dessert, a lovely sorbet is great. This will cover anyone with a gluten or dairy allergy.

You see, it's relatively easy to cook gluten free. It's real food with real spices and you have done it. You have created a dinner party that will accommodate for the gluten free guest without making them feel like they are so different. Your other friends won't even realize that you did this. You are showing love to all your friends through caring so much and that is what a friendship is all about.

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