Care Box Ideas?

[Sientara]

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.

[stolly]

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.

[still tiredofdoctors]

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

[MaryJones2]

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.

[Sientara]

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.

[Sweetfudge]

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

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[Sientara]

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.

[CeliacMom2008]

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!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kmcr80]

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!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.