GF Holidays and Thoughtful Friends

Wow, the time has gotten away from me! We had a great Thanksgiving in Arkansas. Lots going on with the Arkansas Martin's right now including Allison pregnant with their 3rd, 2 active little boys, Allison and Jon building a new house, Dad just got back from the Dominican Republic where he helped deliver Magi Christmas boxes, and Mom with her always crazy schedule at work. And Nanga. Sweet Nanga, still substitute teaching at 83 years old. I so want to be like her when I grow up. So needless to say, we had a crazy Thanksgiving, but fun all the way. I am pleased to announce that my first gf holiday was no big deal at all. Actually, the only difference I could tell is that I didn't get stuffed. We made gf dressing, which was fabulous... so fabulous that my g-full family couldn't tell the difference. I stuck to meat, veggies, mashed potatoes for the rest of my meal. And for dessert, I made a gf pecan pie. It was great, but honestly I didn't really have to have it. Something about being gf has decreased my sweet tooth. Anyone else experience this? In fact, it is kind of nice have a reason to not eat the office treats and party goodies... Normally my shear will wouldn't be enough. :)


IF you have a gluten allergy and are asked to bring a treat to a holiday party, try Delimix chicken taquitos. Yummy, easy, and hearty enough to tide you over if nothing else is gf. I do, however, have to give a shout out to all of my friends who have made all of the eating based holiday gatherings so easy for me. I NEVER expect special diet treatment, and am always perfectly content to bring my own or eat ahead. But before all of the Christmas gatherings I have been apart of this season, my friends sought me out to tell me that they would have food for me. You have no idea how much this means! It's the little things, seriously. If someone in your life has allergies, make a little switch in something or explore a new treat you can prepare for them. Believe me, they'll be so appreciative!


Here are a few examples of the graciousness of my wonderful friends...

1. At my friend David's birthday party, he made one of the lasagnas gluten free. None of the gluten eaters could tell the difference, and I got to share the meal with them.
2. At our work party at Maggiano's, they told me to call ahead and Maggiano's just made my portion gluten free.
3. My friends Bethy and Mark had a Christmas party, and I was able to eat 90% of everything there. They were mindful of the ingredients and I was able to eat veggies, dip, hummus, puppy chow, cheese dip, salsa, chips, fruit, and caramal dip.
4. At a party with former coworkers, my darling former roomate Rachel made a appetizer involving bread. She went to the store, bought a loaf of rice bread, and made a special portion for me. Combine that with the taquitos I brought, fruit, & veggies and I was good!