Christmas Food Gifts

[ryebaby0]

My husband's favorite Xmas food is chocolate covered cherries-- today a neighbor left at our door homemade ones. They are exquisite in the extreme. But of course, I don't know what's actually in them besides milk chocolate and cherries. Last night, DH was so sad -- the constant barrage of buffets he can't have, explanations, etc. are wearing him. "I don't even go and have a soda anymore" he said of the work-related fetes, "because everybody just pities me , even if I don't care".

So do I throw these out? Pretend they never came? Let him eat one and hope he doesn't get sick? This person is bound to ask if we had any. No, I can't call and ask what's in them. (Let's face it, even if the ingredients are gluten-free, who's to say she wasn't making something else at the same time and they are x-contam) I already bought him some gluten-free cherries (Queen Anne are, I believe)

Help from celiacs appreciated. Maybe I will learn to make them myself?!

thanks

joanna

[dlp252]

Gosh that stinks! I usually take stuff like that to work and leave it on the counter for people to take. I've also been known to throw things away--just had to do that yesterday. A friend gave me a cute little M&M guy with M&Ms...I had to throw out the M&Ms because I also am casein intolerant. I am keeping the cute little guy though.

[mommida]

Bring them to share at the next gathering, or pass them on to someone special. To put good chocolates in the trash is the worst thing I ever heard of. I wouldn't eat them because of possible cross contamination.

If chocolate covered cherries are a particular favorite of your husband, try making them yourself. Ask this person for their recipe and tips.

Laura

[Guest gfinnebraska]

My husband loves choc. covered cherries as well... where do you live?!! He would love them!! I would just take them to work and let others enjoy. THEN, find a way to make some for him. I am sure that would make his day!! During the holidays it is nice to have things that are special and gluten-free. I make toffee for me to nibble on while everyone is indulging in all the other non-gluten-free items that I make.

[skoki-mom]

I take all that stuff and leave it in the staff room at work. Nurses will eat anything!

[jenvan]

I would regift too Let your dh know of someone trying to be thoughtful...then pass on the goodies. Good news this time of year--saving on calories I guess!

[angel-jd1]

My husband's favorite Xmas food is chocolate covered cherries-- today a neighbor left at our door homemade ones. They are exquisite in the extreme. But of course, I don't know what's actually in them besides milk chocolate and cherries. Last night, DH was so sad -- the constant barrage of buffets he can't have, explanations, etc. are wearing him. "I don't even go and have a soda anymore" he said of the work-related fetes, "because everybody just pities me , even if I don't care".

So do I throw these out? Pretend they never came? Let him eat one and hope he doesn't get sick? This person is bound to ask if we had any. No, I can't call and ask what's in them. (Let's face it, even if the ingredients are gluten-free, who's to say she wasn't making something else at the same time and they are x-contam) I already bought him some gluten-free cherries (Queen Anne are, I believe)

Help from celiacs appreciated. Maybe I will learn to make them myself?!

thanks

joanna

Pass them along to another hungry non-celiac person. I am a teacher and have gotten countless food gifts this season. I have just quietly passed them along. Just today I got a loaf of quick bread and a box of homemade sugar cookies!! I passed them along to another hungry person who could have them.

If the person asks just say that they looked beautiful and wonderful but your husband is on a special diet so you passed them along, or you ate them all yourself! ha

Happy Holidays!

-Jessica

[Guest nini]

What I would do is definitely pass them on to someone else, but have PLENTY of gluten-free goodies that he can have! This time of year with my daughter and parties at school and everything, I make sure I have plenty of gluten-free candy canes in my purse and gluten-free gingerbread cookies and gluten-free sugar cookies and gluten-free cupcakes ready to go... (I make huge batches of cupcakes ahead of time and freeze them).

What are your hubbies fave treats? Ask us here and I'm sure someone will have a yummy gluten-free recipe that will work for you!

Since I have Celiac too, it makes it easier for my daughter to accept when she can't have something, because she knows that mommy can't have it either, but I will make it MY MISSION to find something equally decadent that we CAN have.

When clients at my work give me food gifts, I just politely say thank you then pass them along to my coworkers or bring them home for my hubby to enjoy.

[Lisa]

If you can not have them in your house, or for youself to enjoy......pass them on to Staff at your local Nursing home, your doctors office, the staff at your local food pantry, or check with your local Social Services and ask about a family on their records who would enjoy a special gift from you to their family.

This is sorta a "pay-it-forward" kinda gift. There are alot of places where it will be appreciated.

Merry Christmas

Lisa B.

[Rusla]

I am with everyone else on this. Take them to work and let everyone who can enjoy them. Thank the woman for them and say he enjoyed them and could you have the recipe so that you could practice making them yourself or would she help you make some. Don't throw away good chocolate cherries.

If work doesn't do it take it to a womans shelter or a homeless shelter.

[ryebaby0]

He came home last night and found them anyway, and decided to give them as a gift to our pharmacist (our son has some complicated medication issues and they have been great) when he went to pick up meds today. As far as goodies, we are rolling in gluten-free cookies right now! I mastered gingerbread men, peanut butter blossoms, and pecan balls so far, and sent brownies, carmel corn and almond bark to work with him. The only thing we haven't managed is shoo-fly pie So there's lots to eat, but none of the gifts are wrapped!

thanks

joanna

[StrongerToday]

If it's homemade, I bring things to work for others to enjoy. But when I receive a gift basket of commercially prepared (canned, sealed products) I put them in the Food Drive bin... that way I do get some pleasure out of the gift by making sure that someone who could really use it is getting it.

[mookie03]

Its just that time of year-- one of my clients just gave me homemade pretzels-- they look AMAZING (i think they are garlic & onion flavored)- my roommates love me b/c i am always giving them the presents!

[jknnej]

I'm a teacher, too. I take the gifts I can't eat and give them as gifts to kids and other teachers. Most of them are wrapped so nicely, no one would ever know! and a lot of times it's just standard candy anyhow, so no one will ask if you made it yourself!!

[jerseyangel]

Joanna--When you do master the Shoo Fly Pie, please post the recipe--I love that pie. Reminds me of the many trips to Lancaster, PA with my husband and boys. Have a nice holiday

[debmidge]

Ryebaby

Would you post your gingerbread cookie receipe?

..

[celiaccecilia]

As far as goodies, we are rolling in gluten-free cookies right now! I mastered gingerbread men, peanut butter blossoms, and pecan balls so far, and sent brownies, carmel corn and almond bark to work with him. The only thing we haven't managed is shoo-fly pie So there's lots to eat, but none of the gifts are wrapped!

thanks

joanna

Where did you get your gingerbread cookie recipe and Peanut Butter Blossom recipe? I'd love to have those!

[ryebaby0]

Where did you get your gingerbread cookie recipe and Peanut Butter Blossom recipe? I'd love to have those!

The peanut butter blossom recipe is posted over in baking/cooking -- I can't take any credit it for it, I just used one somebody else posted. The gingerbread guys were made with a Miss Roben's graham cracker mix with molasses subsituted for honey, and ginger added.

Merry Christmas everyone (or the holiday of your choosing:)

joanna