Gluten-Free Memorial Day

As we gather around to remember those that have given up so much for us to have the freedoms that we have, there is often food involved. Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff of the summer grilling season and many times that includes food and drinks that contain gluten.   Fortunately for those in the gluten-free community, there are plenty of gluten-free choices out there these days to satisfy everyone.

Of course the buns are the first thing that come to mind when thinking of food that could possibly contain gluten at a cookout.  There are some great gluten-free hamburger and hot dog bun choices that can be found in mainstream grocery stores across the US:

• Udi’s Gluten-free buns
• Rudi’s gluten-free buns
• Kinnikinnick gluten-free buns
• Canyon Bakehouse gluten-free buns

After you have taken care of the buns, make sure that any marinades that may have been used for chicken, shrimp, etc are gluten-free.  Some marinades may contain soy sauce, which is sometimes brewed with wheat, so please double check before ruining your holiday weekend.  If you are attending a cookout away from home, consider the surface that your food is being cooked on.  Will there be anything else on the grill that contains gluten?  Is it possible to cook yours first or in a dedicated location?  I realize that sometimes these options aren’t possible, but I find that most hosts are more than willing to help make sure your food is safe.

There are many gluten-free hot dogs and brats on the market.  Some of the most popular brands are:

• Nathan’s hot dogs
• Ball Park hot dogs
• Hebrew National hot dogs
• Johnsonville brats
• Al Fresco Chicken Sausage

Of course some people don’t consider a hot dog complete without all kinds of toppings.  Sauerkraut, cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions, relish, etc should all be gluten-free, but remember to check the source if you are dining away from home.

Side items like vegetable trays, fruit bowls, green salads, potato salad and baked beans are often safe.  Just be cautious of any dips or additions that may have been made to the baked beans or potato salad.

Now onto the fun stuff.  Drinks and desserts.  First drinks.  Wine is gluten-free, as are many other alcoholic beverages, including hard ciders, Mike’s Lite Hard Lemonades (only certain flavors)  and a variety of gluten-free beers that are relatively new to the market. Some of those beers are:

• Redbridge
• New Grist
• Bard’s Tale
• Estrella Damm Daura
• New Planet
• Green’s
• Omission
• Dogfish Head Tweason’ Ale
• Glutenator

Last, but certainly not least, dessert!  Many ice creams, sherbets, sorbets, popsicles, and Italian ices are gluten-free, but again, you need to check the source.  Fruit is naturally gluten-free and is a wonderfully refreshing dessert on a hot day.  If you are looking for a fun, easy dessert for the Memorial Day weekend, try this out:

Brownies & Berries Dessert Pizza

Not only are berries easy to find now in stores, but the red, white & blue colors on the top of the pizza really tie in with the Memorial holiday theme.

How do you plan to spend your Memorial Day weekend?  Parade? Cookout?