Summer is here, or it is supposed to be. Try telling that to my hands, which needed gloves when I ran outside Tuesday morning. I had numb fingers by the time I was done! With summer comes cookouts, picnics, get togethers and situations that may complicate eating gluten-free.
Many popular or traditional “summer” foods are naturally gluten-free, making things a little easier to navigate when eating away from home. Fresh fruits, vegetables and garden salads are naturally gluten-free on their own as long as they aren’t dressed with a salad dressing or toppings that contain gluten. Corn-on-the-cob and most baked beans are also gluten-free, making them great go-to choices when in doubt of other, more complicated dishes.
Most burgers, steaks, hot dogs and brats are safe, but always consult the package or chef to verify. Grilled chicken is also a good choice so long as it has not been marinated in a marinade that contains gluten (think anything with soy sauce or a BBQ sauce that may not be gluten-free). If you are not manning the grill, check with the grill master to ensure your food is not contaminated with gluten from food that does contain gluten, if the grill is not 100% gluten-free. Another way to avoid cross-contamination at a cookout is to cook the meat inside on the stove or in the oven in a separate pan. Safe is always better than sorry, and most hosts are more than happy to accommodate.
If you are attending the home of someone you don’t know well and /or you feel uncomfortable with the food circumstances, make sure to eat beforehand or bring along your own food in case there is nothing safe. I always keep emergency food in my purse or car so that I am not left starving with no safe food options. Hungry Kim = cranky Kim. Gluten-free bars, trail mix made from nuts and dried fruit, string cheese and crackers all make good, portable options. Make a gluten-free dessert to share. Not only will this give you something to look forward to, but you can show everyone else how good gluten-free can be!
What is your best tip for summer time picnics or cookouts?
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