Family Reunion?

[KayJay]

Sorry I don't know where to post this but I thought I would try here.

My dh's side of the family is having a reunion in April. We have to travel 5 hours to get there but I am scared about what to eat once I am there. I have no idea how many people will be there or anything about the food. Any advice on how I can eat gluten-free or what I can bring for myself? I am also nursing the baby and she can't have soy, or gluten. So my food needs to be rich in vitamins and calories. Thanks!

[penguin]

If it's a pot luck kind of thing, you can bring a big bowl of potato salad, which should be pretty easy to make gluten-free/SF. None of that hippie (no offense, I eat the hippy stuff all the time ) substitution stuff, I'm talking full blown southern potato salad! And, since its loaded with mayo and boiled eggs and whatnot, lots of calories!

Other than that, fruit with a nice yogurt based fruit dip. (I can give you a great recipe if you want)

Veggies with easy cheese?

I'm trying to think along the vein of family reunion food

[cgilsing]

I would just pack a cooler with some home-made stuff. Really I think anything you make at home would probably make it in the cooler for 5 hours. I have a similar situation right now. My husband grew up about 4 hours from here in a little town. I'm pregnant and they are going to have a baby shower for me over there. The only restaurant in town is Applebee's. I've already called them, and they really don't have much I can eat. I figured if I can get one meal (plain chicken, baked potato, and salad with my own dressing) there. The rest I'm bringing myself and putting in the hotel mini fridge. I'm going to bring yoplait yogurts, frozen fruit w/ cool whip, and an ensure healthy mom shake for breakfast. For lunch I'll probably bring some slices of home made pizza or something. Then we will be on our way back home! I hope this helps!

[KayJay]

Thanks I should add it is for 3 days. I think we are staying at his aunts house.

[tiredofdoctors]

Okay . . . well that does make a difference!! Until the 3-day issue, I was going with the good old southern potato salad! I eat "hippie food", too, but am, at heart, a southern cook, I think!

Don't know how you feel about additives, but I use a milk & egg protein powder added to my smoothies. It has added vitamins & minerals, so it would help with keeping your breast milk "pumped up" (oooh -- didn't mean it like it sounded) -- I meant with nutrients It may be worth it to bring your blender! I use plain yogurt (large carton), add 1/4 - 1/3 cup sugar, the protein powder ( I use 4+ tablespoons), flax seed and fruit. Any kind of bars you can pack -- I'm not really sure what all is out there -- I eat envirokids rice bars, but they're loaded with carbs. Canned Tuna? -- make your own tuna salad while you're there? DEFINITELY make yourself gluten-free brownies -- a whole HUGE panful so that you'll have them for the rides there and back AND 3 days of family reunion!!!! If you like summer sausage, my husband found some that is gluten-free and really good at the Liquor Barn. A brick of cheese with it, maybe?

Not to make you think that I'm "pawning you off", but Jenvan is a veritable wealth of information, as is Viola, Claire, Berneses, CanadianKaren -- if I've left anyone out, I apologize to you!!! I would pm them and ask them, as well. They're GOOD.

Good luck to you -- and I hope you have a great time . . . .Lynne

BTW: CanadianKaren is a mother of 4 -- one set of twins -- she is amazingly organized, and I haven't asked her a question that she hasn't been able to answer like "that" (imagine a snap

[jenvan]

I've been in this situation many times before. I would bring a dish to the reunion that you can eat, and take from it before others get through the line...b/c contamination can happen at that point. Then bring a few things to supplement that dish. Like if you bring a salad, bring a chicken breast or sandwich and dessert for just yourself. I have 2 coolers I use for traveling...a small collapsible one for short trips or planes and a second larger one that plugs into your car power adapter and keeps things cool.

[kabowman]

I have to deal with this occasionally too (several times a year) and we take a cooler with some leftovers for the first day and a bag of snacks, cereal, etc. that I can eat and the first night, go to the grocery store, buy meat and veggies, and cook them seperate from everyone elses food. If you think they won't have the right baking/cooking pots, pans, dishes (like my sister-in-law loves those clay baking pans) then take a glass one of your own. I also re-use my storage containers in case I have leftovers.

I also take my own drinks unless I stick strictly to water which isn't always fun. I never have problems unless I trust their food because they just don't know all the things we have to watch out for so they can't really tell you it is safe.

If grilling is part of the program, prepare yours and wrap it completely in foil and then it can be grilled too (at least I have read that here online before)...just eat your stuff.

[tiredofdoctors]

Did I NOT tell you that jenvan is a wealth of information??????

[jenvan]

Lynne-- You're so sweet and silly

PS--I never eat 'leftovers' from a potluck. ie. We had one at Christmas, and by the end my salad was dotted with bread crumbs

[tiredofdoctors]

I speak only the truth.

[KayJay]

Thank you I will bring a cooler of foods for me to eat.