Enjoy easy-peasy gluten-free get-togethers on holidays!

My delicious meal shared with my dad today ~ our Father’s Day panini bar lunch was a hit!

Holidays and eating pretty much go hand-in-hand.  I used to wonder what I’d be able to eat when visiting other people’s homes for lunch and/or dinner, aside from what yummy gluten-free dish I’d bring.  Today, it’s easy-peasy enjoying gluten-free get-togethers (especially when you hang out with some pretty good peeps – hey, birds of a feather! :o)).

More and more friends and family members are: hearing about gluten-free lifestyles, seeing the effects of their gluten-intolerant and celiac loved ones NOT following this lifestyle, and learning how easy it is to enjoy a safe, delicious holiday meal where everyone will enjoy the food.  (Another reason I will continue to blog about it all, as so many have expressed their gratitude for the information – and ‘quirky’ writing style – I share with y’all.)

My new fav gluten-free bread!

I’ve “fallen in love again” with this gluten-free bread.  Canyon Bakehouse is made in Loveland, Colorado, purchased at a local Sprouts Farmers Market.  It’s a gluten-free, 100% whole grain, 7-grain loaf of loveliness that’s also dairy, soy & nut free, non-gmo, and kosher.   The slices are a bit larger than other brands and overall the bread is softer and just t-a-s-t-y!

Pair it with Columbus brand’s Herb Roasted Turkey Breast (no MSG, gluten-free, no nitrites or nitrates, no antibiotics or added hormones), or…

with Kirkland Signature Seasoned Roast Beef, or their Black Forest Ham (all available at Costco), your protein assortment is well balanced.

Having a ‘panini bar‘ set up is a great way for people to exercise their creative muscles, try something new, and perhaps enjoy a moment of proudness for those non-cooks.  Oh, and it gives the host/hostess more time to relax and enjoy the company, rather than tend to everyone’s pickiness!

This Father’s Day lunch offered up the following serve-yourself items, and everyone enjoyed platefuls of delicious panini excellence (below).  Plus, we got to stay inside a nice, air-conditioned house and enjoy the togetherness of friends and family (it’s triple-digit heat outside today!).

Serve-yourself panini spread:

• a loaf of Canyon Bakehouse 100% Whole Grain 7-Grain gluten-free bread
• a loaf of specialty glutenous bread for the ‘others’
• Kirkland Signature Seasoned Roast Beef
• Kirkland Signature Black Forest Ham
• Canyon Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
• 4 varieties of cheese slices
• mayo
• dijon mustard
• spinach leaves

Plus:

• veggie tray (carrots, celery, cucumbers, radishes…)
• Simply Organic ranch dip (gluten-free)
• Simply Organic french onion dip (gluten-free)
• fruit salad (apples, blueberries, nectarines, blackberries, strawberries…)
• Ina Garten’s pasta salad (large bowl w/ regular pasta, smaller bowl made with gluten-free pasta)

Leave the panini press on the counter (supervise the kiddos!), and let the fun begin!

Bon appetito!  And thanks again to my Father’s Day host, hostess, and all the wonderful company I enjoyed today!

– wendi e.  :o)