The Holidays are a time of entertaining friends and family. Cooking for friends and family with special dietary needs may seem like a daunting task. However, once you become educated about food allergies and celiac disease, going gluten free won’t seem so difficult.

First and foremost, demonstrate empathy. Having food allergies or celiac disease is not a choice for people, and adhering to a gluten-free diet keeps them from getting sick.  That said, someone with celiac disease may choose not to eat foods prepared in a kitchen where wheat is used, due to concerns about cross contamination. Asking ahead will save time whether you are cooking for guests with allergies or celiac disease, or buying prepackaged foods. Try asking the spouse or relatives of your guests  what you can do to accommodate your guests’ dietary needs.  They are likely to have ideas for gluten-free snack items, baking mixes, or favorite brands. This information can be helpful as you shop the unfamiliar territory of the gluten-free grocery section.  Also, be sure to enlist the help of experienced staff when picking out gluten-free items.  They may also have tips for preparing items and getting the best value.  Getting the right help will make all the difference in shopping and cooking gluten free for your holiday guests!

The staff at Meadowsweet Market would like to thank everyone who attended our Holiday Allergen-Free Food Fest. Thanks for making our second event even bigger than the first! We hope you are all in the Holiday spirit now and looking forward to all the great foods of the season!

Special thanks goes out to our class presenters of the day, Naturopathic Doctor Adam Graves and Stephanie from Blue Egg Bakery.  We all appreciate your time and all the valuable information (and delicious treats!).

Now a couple of announcements:  The winner of our gluten-free vanilla cake has been decided.  Namaste Foods vanilla cake took the prize with a high voter turnout (it was a tough job tasting three different cakes!) The Namaste mix was flavorful and had an “I can’t believe it’s gluten free” texture.  Thanks to all who voted! Remember, you can get 20%  off case orders placed at Meadowsweet Market OR juniperfoods.com. You can stock up for the season!

Also, the winners of our many door prizes and grocery giveaways have been chosen!  If you have been contacted you may pick up your prize anytime the store is open.  Stop in and check out our many new holiday items.  See you soon!