Thanksgiving

[Googles]

Hello,

I was invited by another student in my program home to her family's house for Thanksgiving. I have never met them. I have also not eaten over at someone else's house except for one pot luck since I was diagnosed (back in June). How do I do this? My friend was peppering me today with questions about foods I could eat. I'm still figuring it out myself. I told her if she knew what foods/brands her family would make then I could check before hand. I also offered to bring food and some dessert. I'm going to be about 2.5 hours away from home, so if I have any problems it would be bad as I will have to drive myself home in an area I don't really know. Any advice. Like I said I've never done this before. She knows about it and really wants to make it work well. I want to make it as easy and non awkward for her family especially since I've never met them.

Any advice would be great.

[mamaw]

You are on the right path ask questions lots of questions. I would ask for every brand of item they will be using. First if turkey is the meat , no stuffing of the bird. Stuffing must be baked separately. It you feel like you are putting the family out , I would suggest going to a Boston Market & buying yourself a meal & taking it with you. Some people just get to overwhelmed when they have to change plans for a big holiday feast. Taking your own may be less stressful for all. But if they are really wanting to cook for you make sure it is done right! Green bean casserole for instance, would need to use progresso mushroom soup instead of campbell's no french's onions on top or bread crumbs. Mashed potatoes & sweet potatoes usually are safe.

jello salads can or may not be safe so remember to check those out as well. You can make pumpkin pie without a crust just grease pan well & make & bake filling as usual.

Since you don't know the family I guess I would be concerned about crumbs & such. By taking your own meal you can enjoy the fellowship & still feel safe......without putting any pressure on them or yourself.

good luck

mamaw

[Ahorsesoul]

Eat before you go, take two or three very yummy items and just enjoy the people instead of making the food the main event. Tell everyone how good everything smells/looks and ask for a few recipes. If asked why you didn't eat something, just say you are having some food issues right now. Those who want to know more will ask and you can explain it to them in a short sentence or two.

Now for what I do but I'm old and just say what I want: I have had people try to force me to eat something or joke about it. I have asked that person if they are willing to drive me to the Emergency Room and wait hours with me while I'm treated if I should get sick. Most people aren't excited about spending the holiday in ER so they back off.

And of course for those people that keep bugging me, I tell them I'll eat whatever if they will let me stick a knife in their gut. This is my last resort and is reserved for those obnoxious know-it-alls.

Let your friend know that you will be coming to enjoy the friendship and company and the food is not a major thing for you. If you go with a good attitude everyone will not mind that you aren't eating their food.

[tarnalberry]

Absolutely eat before you go, so you don't feel pressured to eat anything you're unsure of but have a little room to partake. And bring food with you in your car if you need some for the trip back. Asking questions is great, but there are so many overlooked things that, honestly, I don't eat something that a good friend who understand the "hidden ingredients" and "cross contamination" concepts. I tried once, with someone who did a lot of cooking, who asked a lot of questions - she used Swanson's Organic Chicken Broth for her mashed potatoes, one of the few broths that has gluten in it, right on the label. We were all glad I had brought over a gluten-free(CF) lasagna. (It's an italian thanksigiving, you get some pasta. )