karen wrote:
> [snip]
> I had an open house last fall and it seemed that Star could hardly
> eat anything I had there. No wheat, no dairy, no meat. I could
> only point her over to the tortilla chips and salsa. I had stuffed
> mushrooms, cold cuts with those little rye breads, assorted cheeses
> and mini pecan and pumpkin pies. [snip] Any big ideas here? TIA

Don't stress over it. Star will be grateful for anything that fits
within her restrictions. If she's not, she should be. Fruit salad,
crudit=E9s with a non-dairy dip. Shrimp, oysters, or smoked fish,
unless she's so foolish as to restrict seafood, too. Here's a
non-dairy dip:

1 can white beans (cannellini or white kidneys), drained
1 clove of garlic
2 Tbls. olive oil
zest of two lemons
juice of one lemon
1 tsp. salt
fresh minced thyme, or rosemary, or even parsley

Put all ingredients into blender or food processor and blend until
smooth. Taste and adjust salt. Give her rice crackers or corn
tortilla chips to dip. -aem