This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of GF Kids & Family. The opinions and text are all mine.
When you have a friend in need, an extremely kind way to show that you care is by taking them a meal, but when they are gluten free, you can get intimidated if you are unfamiliar with the recipes available.
If you are feeling anxious, consider checking the gluten free community at Udi’s Gluten Free for advice or visit their Facebook page.
Here are some additional tips to help you cook an amazing, gluten free meal.
What to avoid
Someone who is gluten-free is not only made nervous by bread but also by sauces, soups, and dressings. So, stick to ingredients that are as close to the way God made them and skip the pre-packaged or canned products unless they are certified as gluten free. When you make a meal from scratch, you know what is going into the dish and can answer if your friend calls with a concern.
Also, be careful with your workspace. For those with extreme gluten sensitivities, like those with Celiac Disease, foods should be prepared on counters free of gluten contaminants.
Meals you can adapt
Some of your favorite recipes can be easily adapted for your friends with these substitutions:
Pasta – Substitute any pasta with gluten-free pasta or… even better… spaghetti squash. I have started using spaghetti squash regularly and love it.
Gravy – Most gravies in a jar cannot be trusted. So, make your gravy from scratch using a gluten-free flour (like sorghum) or cornstarch.
Special Sauces – Prepared sauces and marinades can contain gluten. Even some soy sauce has gluten inside. Read labels very carefully or make a pan sauce from meat drippings without thickeners. Just cook over medium heat as you stir to reduce to a concentrated sauce. Add wine, water, or homemade stock if needed.
Meals You Can Trust
In addition to the recipes below, you can find a complete index of delicious gluten free recipes that your friends (or even YOU) will love at Udi’s Gluten Free.
Casseroles
- Beef and Corn Casserole from The Chaos and the Clutter
- Cheesy Roasted Garlic and Spinach Casserole from Udi’s Gluten Free
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole from My Gluten-Free Kitchen
- Chicken Divan from I Am That Lady
- Chicken Mushroom and Brown Rice Bake from Simple Sugar and Gluten Free
- Green Chilis Enchiladas from Frugal Family Favorites
- Paleo Pizza Casserole from A Girl Worth Saving
- Spanish Rice Casserole from The Chaos and the Clutter
- Asian Beef Rice Bowls from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
- Chicken Chili from New Leaf Wellness
- Chicken Fajitas from Six Sisters Stuff
- Crock Pot Pizza from Gluten Free Food for Two
- Crockpot Balsamic Glazed Drumsticks at Who Needs a Cape?
- Ginger Peach Chicken from New Leaf Wellness
- Jambalaya from Gourmet Persuasion
- Lazagna from My Natural Family
- Potato Corn Chowder from Prevention RD
- Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken at Blogging Mom of Four
- Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore at Nom Nom Paleo
- Apple Cider-Glazed Turkey Meatballs from The Preppy Paleo
- Apple Filled Chicken Breasts from Udi’s Gluten Free
- Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast from Once a Month Meals
- Chorizo Stuffed Peppers from Once a Month Meals
- Cilantro Lime Chicken from Fabulessly Frugal
- Corn Dog Muffins from Angela’s Kitchen
- Easy Skillet Pork and Peppers from Frugal Family Favorites
- Hawaiian Sliders from Once a Month Meals
- Honey Pecan Pork Chops from Once a Month Meals
- Marinated London Broil with Blue Cheese from Frugal Family Favorites
- Meatloaf from Little House Living
- Mexican Meatloaf Cupcakes from Once a Month Meals
- Mini Pizza Cups from Ring Around The Rosies
- Pineapple Teriyaki Pork at Jan’s Sushi Bar
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas from The Chaos and the Clutter
- Stuffed Peppers from More Than A Coupon Queen
- Vegetable Sausage Skillet from Meet Penny
- Bean and Bacon Soup – from The Spiced Life
- Chicken Soup from Cook Eat Paleo
- Chicken Taco Soup from Udi’s Gluten Free
- Ham Soup with Lentils from Food Fanatic
- Hamburger Vegetable Soup at Money Saving Mom
- Mexican Chicken Soup from Once a Month Meals
- Primal Chicken Tortilla Soup at Practical Paleo
- Turkey and Vegetable Soup from Once a Month Meals
- Almond Lemon Cake from Udi’s Gluten Free
- Boston Cream Pie from Premeditated Leftovers
- Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake from Chocolate Covered Katie
- Eve’s Chocolate Cake from Citrus and Candy
- Flourless Chocolate Cookies from Kumquat
- German Chocolate Brownie Sundaes from The Roasted Root
- Lemon Meringue Bars from A Taste of Wonderland
- Peanut Butter Cups from Frugal Living NW
And for other special occasions…
If you are cooking for a friend in need, don’t forget that they need to eat breakfast and lunch.
Buy some Udi’s Gluten Free Bagels along with cream cheese, basil pesto, a tomato, and bananas. They can create a number of yummy eats from those ingredients. I love being creative with bagels.
If you need a gluten free holiday menu, Udi’s Gluten Free has ideas for Thanksgiving and winter holidays.
Learn more about living gluten free! Visit http://udisglutenfree.com/community
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of GF Kids & Family. The opinions and text are all mine.
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What a great resource for those unsure on how to prepare g-free for others! Love it! And thanks, also, for including my chowder recipe in your round up! 🙂
I hope it helps. I have so many friends that are gluten free for medical reasons and here I am trying to be gluten free for my thyroid. It scares people sometimes when they want to do a nice thing for others.
Great list! Thanks for the shout out!