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| Give the gift of gluttony |
Having Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance is not a gift I would ever gift. But there are plenty of gifts you CAN give to make your gluten free friend or family member feel special. Here I've compiled some ideas for different types of gluten free-ers: The Newbie, The Cook, The Traveler, The Reader, and The Adventurer.
Just remember, holidays are about giving, not receiving. Don't take a sneak taste at the goodies you give. No matter how well you reseal that package, we'll all be able to tell it was opened.
For the Newbie: Give the gift of gluten free baked goods, show 'em there are replacements for all that "wheat" stuff.
1. Goodies from Mariposa Baking Co. - Based in Oakland, CA, this bakery is truly magical. I went there a few months ago and almost had to be dragged out (see the review here). From fresh baked gluten free breads to frozen take-home goodies, this place is the ultimate score. Check out their gift sets, which you can order online and have shipped across the US.
2. Sweet Treats from BabyCakes on Gilt Taste - Check out Gilt Taste's offerings of gluten free (and vegan) goodies from BabyCakes in NYC! I've visited the bakery, and trust me, it's good. They have a bunch to choose from including banana bread, double chocolate cake, muffins, and chocolate chip cookies.
3. Baked Goods from Schär Gluten Free - Based in Europe (Italy, Germany, UK), normally you would have a hard time finding these gluten free products in the US. I first came across them at a small health-food store in NJ, and now everywhere I go I keep an eye out. The rolls are just stellar, they come par-baked so they don't get dried out in transit. They're light, chewy, just perfect. Order some from their website and make your gluten free-er's dreams come true.
For the Cook: These cooking essentials will ensure they are fully stocked to make some great gluten free food. As the gift giver, you can certainly insist on some samples.
1. Gluten Free Flours from Bob's Red Mill - Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a bag of xanthan gum!! Bob's Red Mill is like the Wall-mart of gluten free ingredients. They have everything you need to cook anything gluten free, from gluten free oats to gluten free all purpose flour. Be sure to check out their gluten free bakers bundle, a great gift set.
2. Measuring Spoons with a 1/8 tsp - You'd be surprised how often you need a 1/8 tsp. measure for making gluten free food. These are nice stainless steel and can be separated. Especially good for a kitchen that cooks gluten-filled foods too. Your gluten free-er can have his or her own separate measuring spoons to ensure there's no cross-contamination.
3. Refillable Cooking Spray - It may seem like a gag gift at first, but this is truly practical. Gluten free cooking requires a lot of spraying to make sure your goodies don't stick, so this refillable canister saves a lot of dough over time.
For the Traveler: These gifts make traveling gluten free much easier and less stressful.
1. Food and Travel Translation Cards - A heck of a lot easier than trying to learn how to say "I am allergic to wheat, barley..." in many languages. If you know someone that is a frequent international traveler (or even planning their first gluten free vacation), this is a great gift so he or she can be stress-free and communicate clearly with restaurant staff. Available in Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai, Arabic, Spanish, you name it! It even features cards to multiple allergies like lactose intolerance + gluten free or nut allergy + gluten free.
2. LÄRABAR in Bulk - Stuffing your travel bags with snacks is no longer limited to a trick your mother has! I love LÄRABARs because they are natural and simple, made from whole foods, tasty, and they are all gluten free. You can buy online in bulk, or get a fun variety pack.
3. Triumph Dining Gluten Free Restaurant Guide - The most recent restaurant guide from Triumph Dining features over 6,500 restaurants with gluten free options across all 50 states in the US. At nearly 500 pages, this guide is great for a road-tripper to always have an idea of where to get their next gluten free meal.
For the Reader: Some great material to learn all about the gluten free lifestyle.
1. Journal of Gluten Sensitivity - A quarterly journal published by Celiac.com, available in print or online. This subscription is perfect for someone curious about the latest scientific research and information for those with Celiac.
2. Gluten-Free Baking Classics by Annalise Roberts - In my opinion, the best gluten free cookbook for making amazing breads, wonderfully chewy pretzels, moist cakes, even apple pie. The perfect gift.
3. Gluten Free Living Magazine - The first national magazine dedicated to the gluten free lifestyle. Printed quarterly, this magazine focuses on helping individuals living with Celiac or gluten intolerance, understanding mystery ingredients, and understanding more about Celiac disease.
For the Adventurer: New ways to have a wheat-free adventure!
1. Gluten Free Cooking Classes - A fun way to meet new people and learn to cook some great gluten free foods. Also, after your recipient takes the class, you can absolutely demand some samples. It's a win-win. Check out ICE in NYC, but also many cooking schools across the country have gluten free classes.
2. A Gluten Free Vacation - I stumbled across this site the other day, and this is a perfect gift for someone looking to travel in a group with a set itinerary. This company adds another dimension by scouting and planning meals at that are gluten free. They are even able to customize trips for you if you do not wish to travel with a group.
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