From Thanksgiving through New Years, the holidays seem like one big endless feast - going to parties, baking, creating meals for friends and family. It's a time when many of us will be cooking for large groups of people, some of whom may not be able to eat many of the things we ourselves typically enjoy.
For example, when I was preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year, I had to take into account the fact that my mother is diabetic and both she and my father aren't supposed to have much salt in their diet. It was a little strange for me to not be able to just scatter in more salt when wanted, but I think I made it work. For New Years Eve, I will be joining some friends who I often cook with to make a big Greek mezze spread. One of the couples is vegetarian, although they do eat seafood however the husband is allergic to shellfish. So what to make?
my mom is allergic to onions and it drives me nuts to try to cook for my parents, because i use onions almost as often as i use salt. i've never figured out how to get around it, so nothing really tastes right. we usually just grill some meat and serve with veggies on the side to avoid the issue--no sauces, soups, or stir-fries or anything.
just remember how lucky you are, that you don't have these restrictions.
besides choosing not to eat red meat or fowl, I can't eat nitrates (bye-bye preserved fish), chocolate, asparagus (landed me an overnight stay in the med center in college), or much dairy (am lactose-intolerant)
my cooking has had to get creative, but there are wonderful vegan cookbooks out there.
just be glad that you don't have the restrictions, and enjoy learning the new dishes you wouldn't otherwise try.
my recommendation for a great meal- is the tempeh meat loaf with golden gravy from the real food daily cookbook. it's a vegan cookbook; and some of the dishes are complicated (it's from an la restaurant), but it's wonderful.
for a varied group, I'd make sure that there is something with protein in it for everybody. plus a veggie for everybody, and a starch for everybody. (and that the three things are varied, and/or there's enough for everybody to try some of the veggie dish while leaving enough for the one who needs it).
you don't want just one dish for them, then they will feel isolated (i sure do)
hope this helps
Oooh. For thanksgiving I had to accomodate:
* Myself, my husband, and sister-in-law - all of whom are vegetarians.
* Mother who can't have dairy. Also, won't eat eggplant.
* Mother-in-law who can't have cholesterol - won't eat dairy, butter, etc - pretty much eats fat free.
* Father-in-law who is adult onset diabetic - no sugar. Also doesn't eat carbs.
* Brother who has stomach problems and will only eat bland food - chicken, baked potato, corn from a can.
* Also, vegetarian sister-in-law won't eat eggs or mushrooms.
I couldn't figure out how to make one meal - went tapas style - lots of small dishes. Worked out ok, I guess. I just drank lots of wine and ignored everyone!
I am somewhat lactose intolerant, so I try to limit my intake of dairy and I try to eat healthy balanced meals and I thought I had it rough.
I applaud all of those that have to take more restrictions into consideration when they plan meals and cook.
I like the idea of going tapas style when faced with the challenge of satisfying a wide range of dietary restrictions.
And have you noticed their aren't many people that are allergic to wine. Next time just invite me to dinner and you won't have to cook at all, we will just get trashed together.
Happy Holidays
How about the fun of being gluten intolerant (no wheat, spelt, barley, or oats), lactose intolerant (no dairy although butter is okay in small amounts), allergic to nightshades (no tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants) and pescatarian - no meat but fish is ok. At least I can cook fabulous food for everyone else!