Windy City Cooking: GIG Recap: Barbecues and Picnics

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone!
I hope you are taking advantage of the gorgeous weather and are enjoying some good eats.

In June, the Chicago chapter of the Gluten Intolerance Group chatted about summer barbecues and picnics. We tasted Kinnikinnick's very soft hot dog and hamburger buns (they are PERFECT for your gluten free summer eats!) - have you tried them yet? The adults in the group enjoyed Bard's beer. It is made with sorghum and tastes just like regular beer, our members said.

Below is the information we shared at the meeting:

Gluten Free Barbecues and Picnics

Just because you are gluten free does not mean you need to pass up that invitation to a summer barbecue or picnic! Here are some tips we shared:

BYOB

Bring your own bread.

Prevent cross-contamination

Grill foods for guests with food intolerances and allergies on a piece of tin foil. Use separate utensils as well.

Only eat safe foods

This may mean passing up that tempting side dish because you do not know who prepared it or the complete ingredient list. Better safe than sorry! If you have friends or family members attending as well, you may want to plan ahead to make sure that there is a variety of delicious foods for you to enjoy. This may be as simple as a cousin setting aside some half finished appetizers for you before she adds the finishing touches (which contain offending allergens).

Bring some chips!

There are a ton of potato chips now being labeled as gluten free. These are a barbeque and picnic staple. Make yourself a plate early on to prevent cross-contamination.

But watch out for the dip

If there are chips and pretzels next to the dip bowl, be wary before eating any dip. Cross contamination can easily occur if wheat items are scooped into the dip bowl.

Stay (naturally) sweet

Fruit is a great dessert for hot summer days. Why not try fruit kabobs? Or cutting watermelon with cookie cutters and placing on popsicle sticks?

Have fun!

Summer in the city is short-lived. Enjoy it!

Frito Lay’s allergen list:

http://www.fritolay.com/our-snacks/lays.html

Heinz’s gluten free list:

http://www.heinz.com/glutenfree/products.html

Grilled corn on the cob with lots of tutorial photos:

http://www.grilledcornonthecob.com/

More resources:

http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/glutenfreeparties/a/Barbecues.htm

http://www.celiact.com/blog/2012/05/22/107-gluten-free-barbecue

http://udisglutenfree.com/blog/recipes/healthy-gluten-free-desserts-for-summer-bbqs

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/50-things-to-grill-in-foil/index.html

http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2012/05/24/paleo-picnic-season/

http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2008/08/end-of-summer-picnic-recipes.html

http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/appetizerssnacksand/a/summerdrinks.htm

We have gathered some recipes that you are sure to enjoy. As always, remember to read labels diligently to make sure items are truly gluten free. Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen by working with clean utensils, bowls, towels…