Get togethers

[Marcia K]

I have been taking my own food everywhere and don't have an issue with that. On Friday I have a get together after work with my co-workers (large group) and everyone will be bringing a dish. They will be eating meatballs, hot dogs, dips, etc. I am going to take meatballs instead of the usual turkey that I take everywhere. I have not made meatballs yet but I found a paleo recipe that sounds good. Any suggestions on what else to take? I am trying to fit in and not have to answer 100 questions as to why I am not eating like the rest of them. It really does become tiresome. I have the same issue on Saturday for a luncheon that is being catered. They will be having soup and sandwiches and there I will be. I usually put my big girl pants on and deal with it but it must be the thought of two days in a row that is getting to me. I am taking a dessert for them that I won't be able to eat.

[Gabes-Apg]

for something like the meatballs - make a small batch that is safe for you... and larger batch that has more herbs/spices etc for the larger group
yours will look the same and maybe they wont comment

for desert, i have adapted some deserts/cakes to be gabe safe and make those when I go out - I dont tell anyone that they are gluten free, dairy free, soy free
i actually welcome the chance to do this, as i only have these types of things when sharing with others. Once i have a serving, I am ok for a few months.

[Martha]

I don't know what type of thing you were thinking of to take along with the paleo meatballs, nor do I know what you can safely eat, but some suggestions I have are:

mashed cauliflower as a mashed potato substitute (cook the cauliflower in broth until soft, puree with an immersion blender), or
creamed spinach using coconut milk for the cream, or
oven roasted safe vegetables (things like carrots, zucchini, summer squash)

Like Gabes, I have several dessert recipes that I make that are safe and very tasty. I used to label things as being gluten, dairy and soy free, just in case others had dietary needs like that, but after taking cupcakes to a potluck where a bunch of people commented "Yeah, and taste-free!" without even trying them, I've decided not to tell people. The ones I make are very good, and definitely not taste-free.

Martha

[brandy]

For first event:

meatballs sound great!, I've also done: chicken wings, peel and eat shrimp, Oven roasted veggies, cooked chilled veggies dressed in olive oil--kind of like a chilled veggie salad (THESE ARE EXTREMELY POPULAR AS EVERYONE EATS HEALTHY NOW)--I've had success with brussel sprouts, asparagus and would work well with cauliflower or broccoli. Usually I pick one stocky veggie, cook it, chill it, toss with olive oil, S&P, any herbs you can tolerate, and vinegar or lemon if you can tolerate; https://elanaspantry.com/orange-cake/ , I've made the orange cake a lot. It is easy and I get a lot of compliments on it. Usually I cook it in a brownie pan then cut into very small squares (since everyone is dieting LOL).

I have not made this but my GF friend made adult Rice Krispie treats with liquer added. She used coconut oil in lieu of the butter and added brandy or bourbon. These were a big hit with everyone.

Event #2: I'm eating a lot of rice bowls now so I'd be inclined to bring my own personal rice bowl (rice, protein, overcooked veggie w/ some olive oil.)

MY EXPERIENCE--THE LESS YOU SAY THE BETTER. I find it helps to eat before you go too....less stressful.

[Janie]

What recipe books or website do you use? I am an average cook and need recipes to look at to help me especially now with MC. Thanks for any input.

[Martha]

Cookbook: Paleo Comfort Food, by Julie and Charles Mayfield

Websites: Elana's Pantry, Urban Poser, Spunky Coconut, Nom Nom Paleo, My Heart Beets (yes, that's spelled correctly)

I am hoping to get the cookbook Well-fed Weeknights: Complete Paleo Meals in 45 Minutes or Less, by Melissa Joulwan. But since I don't have it, I can't recommend it from personal experience.

I don't eat paleo, because I eat a lot of rice. However, I like paleo recipes because they don't call for gluten, dairy, or soy ingredients.

Hope this is helpful.

[lisaw]

Meatballs are great to bring. I make them with just some herbs, seasonings and the meat. No breadcrumbs or egg needed. I do throw the meat and herbs into food processor, to mix it well first.
When I go to a catered event, I normally ask the host prior if possible, if there is something GF/DF that I can get. Most restaurants are very accommodating. If that's not an option, I bring something little with me to eat, but plan on eating more before or after. I know it can be uncomfortable to sit there and not eat what others are eating.

Lisa

[Janie]

Thanks Martha!!

[Marcia K]

Thanks for the great suggestions, ladies. I know it will be fine and I'll have a good time. I so appreciate the support of my PP friends! Janie, I recently purchased The Healing Kitchen which is a paleo autoimmune cookbook. I've only made one thing so far, but it was good. There might be a good deal online today with it being Cyber Monday.

[jlbattin]

I made a killer pecan pie for Thanksgiving. I used a frozen crust from the place I buy my gluten free bread, but the topping was just eggs, real maple syrup, coconut sugar, and pecans (which I chopped up very fine). It was to die for. My husband said it was better than the stuff you make with corn syrup!

[Marcia K]

Janie, There are a lot of good recipes on autoimmune-paleo.com They are the authors of The Healing Kitchen. I am going to make the sticky meatballs from their site.

Jari, the pie sounds awesome! I am a fan of pecan pie, too.

[Janie]

Thanks Marcia K

[Marcia K]

You're welcome, Janie. I'm sure you'll find some easy recipes that you like.