Hi, I'm New

[lavenderhoney]

My sister in law has been diagnosed with celiac after years of stomach problems. She is coming to visit this week, and I've been perusing the boards this morning getting information for her visit so I can cook for her and go out to eat with her.

I'm a bit familiar with Celiac because a college roommate had it. I've just never cooked for anyone with celiac. I do have health issues and allergies of my own, so I've been doing my research. My SIL doesn't cook as much as I do, and I just didn't want to make her sick by accident.

I just wanted to post and introduce myself. I've got a few food related questions that I was going to post on the food board. I've been on health related sites before, and you all seem like a very friendly, helpful group. Thanks for your help.

[StrongerToday]

Hello and welcome! This group is the best, glad you found us!!

That's so nice that you are taking care of your family... it really makes a huge difference. Ask any questions you want! I'd suggest to carefully research cross-contamination, and keep your meals simple. Look for local stores that carry gluten-free projects (breads, etc.) or see if she's bringing her own.

Have a great time!

[jenvan]

That is very cool of you to try and accomodate her...more than most do at this point! You could ask for some of her favorite gluten-free products and pick up a few. Also, one of the best and easiest ways to cook gluten-free is to stick with whole foods--meats with homemade marinades and spice rubs, vegetables stirfried, sauteed, steamed, fruits (makes good desserts too), and naturally gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa and millet. Any specific questions you have? If you wanted to make a few things you could pick up one mix too--say one that could make pancakes for breakfast, cookies for dessert... Don't forget to be careful about cross contamination--making sure cooking utensils etc are clean and "gluten-free" when used. Hope the visit is great!

[Guest Robbin]

Welcome You are so kind to be careful of your sil. I agree with the previous poster-cross contamination can happen from gluten hidden in any skillets or pans that have scratched non-stick finishes, cast-iron skillets (found this out the hard way), toasters, wooden utensils and cutting boards and collanders and strainers. Stainless steel, copper, glass, aluminum, plastic are all ok. I suggest that you use foil to cover any areas to cook her food if you are using a pan that you are sure you have used for gluten and it may be questionable. There are some good recipes on here and I recommend the recipes in "The Gluten Free Kitchen" by Roben Ryberg (if she can have cornstarch) for a guest since they are made with cornstarch and potato starch which are less expensive than the gluten free things you buy in the store. Many libraries carry her book and they are really easy recipes to follow. Good luck and happy cooking

Jen-Great idea with mixes! That is even easier!

[kbtoyssni]

It would also be nice if you labeled a new stick of butter, jar of jam, peanut butter, etc, with her name so there's no risk of contamination. It's so easy to do and you can eat it after she leaves so it's not hugely inconvenient. You can even do the same with a cutting board, cutting knife, etc. For me, as long as it's washed well before I come, knowing I have my very own knife greatly reduces my anxiety.

You could also give her a corner of the kitchen to prepare food in that no one else uses.

When she arrives, show her what food you have, what you plan on preparing for meals and then offer to take her grocery shopping if there's anything else she needs. Have some fruit around and maybe some gluten-free crackers to snack on just in case there's an issue with any of the food and she gets hungry.

[floridanative]

That is soooooooooo thoughtful of you to care to feed your SIL safely and go to the trouble to find out how to do so. My own SIL is as thoughtful but that's more than I can say for most of my own family. One piece of advice I have is that if your SIL says she can't eat something - don't question her as to why. She probably gets annoyed when people do that - as most of us here do. Gluten is in things you'd never imagine so don't be surprised if she can't eat some things you never suspected contain gluten.