Cooking/baking For Someone With Celiac?

[Oria]

I'm mildly gluten intolerant, I can eat a slice of bread here and there and not get sick but like if I eat say 4 slices of bread I get chest pains, migraines, etc. My Aunt though is a really sensitive Celiac, crumbs will make her sick. I've been thinking of what to give her for Christmas this year and I thought I'd do something different by either make one of those food mixes in a jar or bake something. I'm wondering what I need to do to avoid cross contamination? Unless this is something you avoid doing when someone is really sensitive?

 

Thanks!

[lpellegr]

To avoid any cross-contamination from your own baking, how about assembling a gift basket with store-bought packages of cookies and treats?  That way she gets something safe from someone who obviously cares about her much.

[bartfull]

Yeah, some of us prefer not to eat something a well intentioned person makes for them. I STILL won't eat anything I didn't cook myself except for one restaurant where the owner has a celiac relative. (The gluten-free food is made in a totally separate room so there is no chance of contamination.)

 

The best thing would be to make up a basket. You could even give her some gluten-free baking mixes instead of pre-made cookies. Planters nuts are always good. (Planters is one of those good companies who will label any gluten ingredients and ALSO tell you if something with gluten is processed on the same line.) Lara bars are gluten-free. And of course fresh fruit.

 

But something else you should consider: celiac runs in families. If your aunt has it and you seem sensitive, perhaps you should get tested. Just because you don't have violent reactions doesn't mean you don't have celiac. Many have what is known as "silent celiac". No symptoms, but they are still doing damage.

[mamaw]

I agree with the others & please  consider  what  Bartful  stated..... another  thought  is  they have  the  monthly  gluten-free boxes where  you pay  monthly  & get  some  tasty gluten-free  products  shipped  right  to the door.. You  can do a  month  or  several depending on your budget....Fruit  bouquets are also  nice....

[Oria]

Thanks for the replies!

[WinterSong]

I'll echo what others are saying. When you haven't done 100% gluten free baking before, the best food related gift you can give them would probably be a certified gluten-free pre-made product. Or perhaps a gift card for a a certified company. I've had people try to cook for me in the past, and most of the time I just will not eat it. I'll thank them politely but will end up giving it away. The thought is really nice, but it's just such a tricky way of cooking that can easily go wrong.

 

But I do love the gift basket idea! Maybe get her a few mixes for her to try out in her own kitchen? 

[julissa]

what a lovely thought. I too, wouldn't eat anything anyone else made for me in their kitchen. I do agree with getting tested if you haven't already.