I just thought I'd share my plan for Thanksgiving. I know many are stressed about it -- either getting sick, or being an inconvenience, or just looking weird. Well, so was I, but I'm feeling more optimistic now.
I'm having the meal with my boyfriend's big extended family and friends. So, cooking the meal myself is not an option, and educating people I don't know, when there are a ton of them, didn't sound fun or dependable. There will be plenty of food, so I didn't want to pile on with a ton more. I also didn't want to limit my meal to just a couple dishes that I brought. I think I figured out a compromise.
My BF and I are going to make me a gluten-free meal, with some items sized to share, and others just sized for me.
Our menu:
herb-roasted turkey breast (just for me...there will be plenty contaminated turkey to go around)
gluten-free gravy (just for me)
cornbread "stuffing" (sized to share)
brussels sprouts with slivered almonds (sized to share)
baked acorn squash (just for me)
cranberry sauce (haven't decided whether this is a share or not)
gluten-free roll (just for me)
pumpkin-pecan pie with gluten-free crust (to share, if anyone wants)
This way I'll only eat food that I prepared, but I'll still feel like I'm getting the whole meal. I'll still be sharing and contributing (I don't want to feel like I'm brown-bagging it), but the host won't feel like I've put a whole second meal on her table.
I don't know yet how it'll go, but I'm optimistic!
I hope you all find a way to remove the stress of the food and enjoy the holiday!