If you’re my age or older, chances are you may be singing as you read this title. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, ask your mother. Lol (I do know my kids get it.)
Party season is upon us and nothing is as disappointing as when you walk over to the snack table and find nothing you can eat. (Yes, that is very disappointing to me, because I enjoy eating.) Six years ago, when I initially had to make my food changes and was asked to bring a dish to pass, I struggled with what I should bring. Do I take something I can eat or something everyone else can eat? Most of the time, I took the easy way out. I baked a pan of boxed brownies, or cookies from a mix. Maybe I’d grab some chips and a cheese dip. I couldn’t eat any of these foods. Usually it turned out not only couldn’t I eat the food I brought – I couldn’t eat what anyone else brought either! This got to be old fast. I needed to come up with some quick and easy snacks that I, along with everyone else, could enjoy. So, I’m going to give you some quick party food hacks.
Many of the items I’m going to suggest can be made from scratch or you can pick them up pre-made. If we’re going for easy during the busy holiday season, I go for the pre-made items. It’s a luxury I don’t always have the opportunity to take advantage of, but these hacks are pretty fail-safe.
(The first five items I mention all suggest bringing corn chips. If you can’t eat corn chips, there are many options out there either in the “health food” section in grocery stores and many times even in the chip aisle. READ your labels. “Beanitos” and “Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips” (Pita chips contain wheat, but not corn) are just two that come to mind.)
- Hummus and chips: Pick a flavor of hummus you like and grab a bag of corn chips.
- Salsa and chips: Whether you make your own salsa or you have a favorite brand you like to buy, you can’t go wrong with salsa and chips.
- I love chili con queso (the kind you buy in a small glass jar) and chips. I can’t eat the premade kind in the store, so I mix Original hummus with salsa and I call it chili con queso. It gives me a little bit of a creamy, almost cheesy fix.
- Pico de gallo and chips: Most grocery store delis make this and it’s good.
- Guacamole and chips: You can find this pre-packaged or made fresh in most grocery store delis.
- A veggie tray and hummus or I sometimes fill a small dish with the “Just” brand of ranch salad dressing. You can clean and cut up the veggies yourself or you can pick up an already prepared tray on your way home from work or on your way to the party.
- Fruit tray or bowl: You can put either of these together quite easily, but if you don’t have the time, again, pick one up at the store on your way home from work or on your way to the party.
- Glutino Gluten-Free Pretzels: Just set the bag on the table and they’ll disappear. Ask any of my family or friends; they can’t say enough about how much they like them.
- “Snyders of Hanover Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks Honey Mustard and Onion”: Oh my! Another family favorite.
These last two suggestions have to be made at home, but require very little prep time.
- Chocolate covered Glutino Gluten-Free Pretzels: Either drizzle chocolate over them or dip them in melted chocolate (sprinkle with colored sugar crystals or decorating sprinkles to make them festive). I can’t eat dairy, so I use “Enjoy Life” brand “semi-sweet chocolate Mini Chips” or “Enjoy Life dark chocolate regular size Morsels”. They are dairy, nut, soy and gluten-free. (I’ve put the recipe and a couple pics down below.)
- Ham and pickle roll-ups: I love these things. (I’ve put the recipe and pics below.)
Recipe for Chocolate Covered Pretzels:
(I can’t really credit anyone for this recipe; this is just one of those things I learned along the way.)
- ½ cup “Enjoy Life” brand “semi-sweet chocolate Mini Chips” or if you are a dark chocolate fan use “Enjoy Life” dark chocolate Morsels (both are pictured).
- ½ teaspoon shortening
- Glutino Gluten-Free Pretzels Twists (You can use regular pretzels if gluten is not a problem for you.)
Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place pretzels on cookie sheets so they’re touching but not on top of each other.
Microwave ½ cup Mini Chips and shortening in small glass microwave safe bowl for 45 seconds. Stir. If not completely melted, microwave another 10-15 seconds and stir again. I used a spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over them and sprinkled with colored sugar crystals. I also dipped some of the pretzels (just the top side, leaving bottom of pretzel uncovered) and sprinkled them with decorating sprinkles.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re only good for a couple days so eat them fast!!
Recipe for Ham and pickle roll-ups:
(No one to credit for this, again, this is something I just picked up along the way.)
- Sliced ham
- Tofutti Brand Milk Free Better than Cream Cheese – Plain
- Dill pickles (you can leave them whole or cut them in half)
Lay ham slices out on a cutting board or flat surface. Put about half of the cream cheese in a glass microwavable safe bowl and microwave around 30 seconds to soften. Stir and spread cream cheese on ham slices and place pickle on ham. Roll it up. Cut roll in half and put a toothpick in each individual roll. Refrigerate till serving. Pretty simple!!! Pretty yummy!!!
A little reminder: As you browse over the food choices – if possible, read the label on the package. I was at a party the other night and saw a bag of corn chips. They were the only item on the whole table that I thought I could eat. I grabbed a couple and popped one in my mouth. It was delicious and had a distinct taste of ranch. I grabbed a napkin and spit the chip into it. I went over and read the bag. Sure enough, they contained milk. I found a wastebasket and tossed out my handful of chips and napkin. My motto has become: ‘When in doubt, go without’. Obviously we are gathering with family and friends for the socialization, but the food is a nice addition. Don’t let food allergies/sensitivities get you down or make you sick. Be proactive, bring foods you can eat, ask questions about the food being served and whenever possible, read, read, read the labels!
Thanks for stopping and have a Merry Christmas!
Brenda
Disclaimer:
These recipes and tips are not guaranteed to work or be safe for everyone. Allergies are extremely complicated and vary for each individual. It is still your responsibility to read labels to ensure your safety. I cannot be held liable for any ill effects from using my tips to avoid your allergies. (Sorry guys, I don’t foresee any problems, but Momma’s gotta cover her backside, ya know? Just read your labels!)