Good morning friends! My new workout partner is a non-gluten eater. With a big family. That has an annual picnic. So I thought of her when I read this article!
How to host a gluten free BBQ
Sunny weather, light wind and green grass – the conditions are perfect for a BBQ with friends! Hosting a BBQ can be difficult if you or one of your guests is intolerant to gluten. Having celiac disease means that you have to avoid any products containing gluten. Wheat, rye, barley, oats and their derivatives contain this protein and pose hazard to health of gluten intolerant people.
But don’t worry, will a little bit of know how you can host a totally gluten free BBQ! Here’s some hints and tips to get you started.
In your mind’s eye, draw a line between food and drinks intended for gluten free friends and food and drinks intended for others. The same rule should be applied to utensils, marinades and grilling to avoid cross-contamination. Let’s cover each thing in turn.
- Drinks and beverages: Most sodas and fresh juice are gluten free. So, without any hesitation go to the grocery and get restocked. Just make sure that juice is 100%. For adults, there’s always special gluten free beer, and Wine, rum and tequila are great for gluten free cocktails.
- Menu: Main dishes will not considerably differ from regular ones. You can choose chicken, pork (pulled pork, ribs, and gluten free bratwurst), beef (steak, skewers) and fish (salmon and shrimps). Fresh salads, gluten free hotdogs and buns, grilled vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, onions) risotto, beans, and fresh fruits. As you can see in your local shop, there are a lot of different kinds of special gluten free food. It would be a great idea to discuss your menu with guests with celiac disease beforehand. The simpler you will keep dishes, the safer will be a barbeque. While cooking you should heed scrupulously condiments you use. The thing is that bottled sauces, salad dressings and condiments are the sources of hidden gluten. So if you decided to buy them, make sure there is a ‘gluten free’ label on the packages.
- Cross-contamination: Even a small amount of gluten may be the cause of spoiled barbeque. And only one contact with gluten-containing food, surface or utensils will be enough to transfer that tiny amount of gluten.
Your kitchen is the first place where cross-contamination may happen. While cooking gluten free food you should use separate flatware, perfectly cleaned surfaces, an oven and toasters which were used for making ordinary dishes.
The second place is a grill. Avoid dripping of unsafe marinade and sauces from meat prepared for others. First grill meat for celiac friends and then for others or use aluminum foil.
As you see, a gluten free barbeque is not so hard to have. Gluten free dishes may appear so tasty that will be appreciated by those with no disorders related to gluten sensitivity. Hosting such a party will improve your cooking skills. And of course, the main recipe for a funny and memorable barbeque is a good mood.
What do you all think of this new gluten-free way of eating? Anything that makes you more aware of what you’re eating is a great idea in my book!
