SHARE ALLERGY CONCERNS BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Ideally this would fall on the host to confirm all the attendees dietary needs are met by reaching out to everyone and asking if there are specific foods to avoid. However, if you are one with a food allergy, you should also speak up and make the host aware that you need accommodations. There is nothing worse than showing up to a dinner at someone’s house and throwing at them that you don’t eat meat or can’t eat dairy. Be respectful of the host and vice versa. If you are bringing guests that might not know the host be sure to let them know as they likely won’t be comfortable letting the host know themselves.
DON’T START FROM SCRATCH
When my younger sister became gluten-free, my whole family worried we would have to give up our favorite Thanksgiving recipes. If someone has a food allergy, look at the ingredients in the recipe and look to substitute them out. I know a lot of people will search for example “gluten-free stuffing” if they are looking to make something gluten-free but really just using your normal favorite recipe and changing out the regular flour with gluten-free flour is all it takes! I promise it won’t taste different at all.
In cooking it is easier to substitute ingredients than in baking. If your apple pie recipe calls for 2 sticks of butter and your in-laws are diary free you may need to look into finding a new recipe because baking is such an exact science. But with cooking, you can easily substitute out ingredients and won’t lose the flavor or consistency of your favorite dishes.