In article .com>,
"chivas" > wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have 6 friends coming for dinner next week - and one of them has
> coeliacs.
>
> I am quite an adventurous cook, so would like to try something new,
> but am bit stumped for ideas with the various limitations!
>
> If anyone can recommend anything, I'd be very grateful
>
> My restrictions a
> no gluten
> nothing too spicy
> no flat fish
> no courgettes
> no lamb
> no squashes or root veg other than carrot

Well the *only* one that has *anything* to do with coeliac-sprue is no
gluten. And that means nothing with wheat, rye, barley or oats (oats
are nearly always contaminated with wheat). The advice to stay away
from soy sauce or tamari is good though San-J has a tasty gluten-free
tamari. Unless your friend knows a safe brand, stay away from sausage
because it may not be labeled for gluten. If you need a thickener, use
pure cornstarch or arrowroot. No pasta unless it is brown rice pasta
but know that some brands taste awful while others are excellent. I use
only Tinkyada but I have no idea what is available in your neck of the
woods.

The easiest thing to do is to use unprocessed foods on your menu---
nothing from boxes or cans. That way you won't have to worry about
reading labels or gluten hidden in "natural flavorings", malt flavoring,
"spices", etc. I would also advise making the entire meal gluten free
for everyone since it is easy and since that will avoid any
cross-contamination accidents. You'll need to avoid teflon and iron
cookware because they may harbor traces of gluten. No wood spoons or
wood cutting boards either. Only non-absorbent materials.

I suggest a breadless meal with a salad & homemade vinaigrette, fresh
vegetables, and meat or fish. You can safely rely on pure herbs &
spices (as opposed to blends), balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh
garlic, fresh onions as the mainstays of your flavorings. If you need
to get chicken or vegetable broth, make sure it does not have malt or
barley. If you can narrow down to some possibilities, I can be more
helpful.

Emma