With about 1% of the total US population suffering from celiac disease, chances are you know someone who suffers from the debilitating disorder. Celiac disease does more than just cause a few mild symptoms. It's a disease that can cause life-altering complications, including the need to completely alter the way one eats. When someone has celiac disease, they have a hard time getting out and socializing because so much attention needs to be placed on their dietary needs. If you have friends who suffer from celiac disease, and you want to make sure they're included in your next dinner party or private parties, here are four steps to throwing the perfect celiac-friendly dinner party.
Avoid Wheat
The first thing you need to know about celiac disease is that most people who suffer from it must follow a gluten-free diet. If you're going to throw a celiac-friendly dinner party, you'll need to avoid all types of wheat products, including the following:
- Wheat bran
- Wheat starch
- Rye
- Barley
Choose the Alcohol Wisely
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, the same wheat-avoidance rules apply. No alcohol that contains wheat or barley should be served. But that doesn't mean you have to have a dry dinner party. All distilled alcohol products are still acceptable for serving at a celiac-friendly dinner party. Distilled alcohol includes these options:
- Brandy
- Bourbon
- Cognac
- Vodka
Watch the Sauces
If you're planning on serving gravies or sauces with your foods, be sure they're wheat-free. Many health food stores sell rice flour and other thickening agents that can be used to create smooth and tasty gravies and sauces. They can also provide you with recipe ideas for popular dinner sauces. Here's a recipe for hollandaise sauce that's gluten-free.
Supplies You'll Need
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 ¾ Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ½ sticks of melted butter
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 2 tsps hot water
- 1 tsp of chopped chives
Directions
- Use a blender to blend the egg yolks and lemon juice for about 10 seconds or until frothy.
- With the blender still going slowly, add the melted butter.
- Blend until thick enough to smooth with a spoon.
- If the sauce is too thick, add about 1 teaspoon of hot water and blend until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add the salt and peppers.
- Sprinkle with chives.
If you have friends with celiac disease, help them feel included by throwing a gluten-free, celiac-friendly dinner party.
