Care Box Ideas?

Care Box Ideas? Rate Topic:

#1 Sientara

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Posted 03 March 2009 - 05:58 AM

My SIL was just diagnosed with Celiac and is having a hard time adjusting. I would like to put together a care box for her, but would like some suggestions. In addition to gluten-free, she and/or my brother is allergic to: beef, chocolate, MSG, shellfish, and bananas (and possibly others, she says that dairy is still fine). I would like to include recipies and/or cookbooks and some products to get her started and encouraged. She is just feeling a bit overwhelmed now, and I feel this will help her.

Right now I will be including some Tinkyada pasta, Quinoa, and one of the Gluten-Free Gourmet cookbooks (I have gluten-free Gourmet Cooks Fast and Healthy, but suggestions will be helpful).

Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

#2 stolly

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Posted 03 March 2009 - 07:11 AM

GLutino pretzel twists. Pamela's Pancake and Baking Mix...the package and website have lots of good recipes. Different gluten free flours (or an all purpose flour blend). Maybe also a cake or brownie mix (Namaste, Pamela's) to have on hand before she feels up to trying different recipes. I really like Annalise Roberts' Gluten Free Baking Classics (2nd edition) and Robin Ryberg's Gluten Free Kitchen.

Holly
DD5: juveline rheumatoid arthritis 8/07; celiac 3/08
DS3: negative blood tests
Me and DH: negative blood tests

#3 still tiredofdoctors!

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 12:22 AM

I think cake & cookie mixes, Thai Kitchen boxed noodle meals, Lundberg chips (I don't know if you live close - if so, add some hummus and/or fresh salsa), gluten-free broth, Biscotti's, PEANUT BUTTER PANDA PUFFS (!), again if you live close - Van's frozen waffles, Kinnick Kinnick (one "n" or two??!!) doughnuts -- OMG -- Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar are delicious!, Chebe pizza crust mixes or frozen pizza crusts & "bread sticks", Glutino bread sticks . . . they're baby bread sticks - crunchy - with gluten-free pizza sauce, hmmmm . . . . have to think of some more . . . .

I think you are a really good SIL! What a kind, caring thing to do.

{{{hugs}}},
Lynne

Lynne Previously "tiredofdoctors!!!", but I had SO much difficulty retrieving a lost password
Diagnosed with "Sprue-Related Ataxia" January 2005; Gluten-Free Lifestyle since August 2005 (Denial ain't just a river in Egypt)
To see additional diagnoses and what predisposed me to the seroconversin to celiac vs. gluten interolerant, view "About Me" page
"If you have to choose between being right and being kind . . . pick kind. Wayne Dyer, PhD

#4 janetw

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 05:32 AM

How about mainstream products that are gluten-free that she already eats? It'll remind her that not everything about her diet has to change.

Also, I really like the Gluten-Free Gourmet Bakes Bread book. It's nice to be able to flip through a bread cookbook and know that I can make everything in it! You could also include a list of gluten-free recipe websites.

Janet

Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator

#5 Sientara

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 10:50 AM

Thanks for the suggestions!

I live about 2 hours away from her and my brother, but I am planning on taking a cooler for the transport (I found some gluten-free, MSG free sausage). She is a sweetie and has been really good to my brother, so I am trying to help her as much as I can. I am going to try to make it a day trip, so we can talk and go over her questions and frustrations.

I have been gluten-free and diary free for about a year, so I understand the frustrations she is having.

#6 Sweetfudge

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 12:07 PM

Does she know what in chocolate makes her sick? My cousin was always having sinus problems, and narrowed it down to when she ate chocolate. I gave her a bag of Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips, and she's hooked. Hasn't had any problems eating them. That might be an idea

http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/our_foods/ch...late_chips.html

Sweetfudge

Born and raised in Portland, OR; Currently living in Provo, UT
Gluten-free since June 2006
Also living with Hypoglycemia since 1991
Dairy-free for good since summer 2008
Started IBS diet and probiotics at GI's recommendation - Fall 2008
Also avoiding: potatoes, beans, crucifers, popcorn, most red meat, coconut milk :(

The grass is always greener where you water it.

#7 Sientara

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 01:24 PM

Sweetfudge, on Mar 4 2009, 02:07 PM, said:

Does she know what in chocolate makes her sick?

My brother is the one with the chocolate, beef and shellfish allergies.

I am not sure which part he is allergic to, but it seems to be the cocoa part. He has more dramatic allergic reactions than I do (nausea, hives, etc.), mine go straight to my sinuses.

#8 CeliacMom2008

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 07:27 PM

Stretch Island Fruit Leather - It is my answer to licorice.

Gluten Free Sensations Chocolate (keep reading) Chip Cookie Mix - you have to add your own chips. You could easily substitute peanut butter chips or Reese Pieces.

Box of cereal?

If she's pressed for time for dinner - maybe one of the gluten-free versions of hamburger or tuna helper.

You are the BEST SIL!!!!!!!!!!!!

#9 kmcr80

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Posted 06 March 2009 - 07:28 AM

CeliacMom2008, on Mar 4 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

Stretch Island Fruit Leather is terrific. If she likes to imbibe from time to time, a bottle or two of gluten free Japanese rice beer is a nice gift as well.