We have all been in this situation at one point or another: You arrive at a get-together where the host has baked something special just for you. Your host is excited to surprise you with the treat, not realizing the thoughts about ingredients and cross-contamination racing through your mind. Anxiety sets in, and you wonder how you can avoid eating the dish.
To prevent this and similar situations, talk with your loved ones about gluten-free baking, including the safest utensils and your top brand picks. Jump-start the conversation with these five tips:
1. Be polite.
In cases like the one above, a caring person has purchased or prepared something special to keep you from feeling left out. Even if you are concerned, thank your host for thinking of and including you.
2. Shop together.
Show those who want to learn how to spot gluten-free items and read labels in the grocery store. Point out some mixes and flour blends that you recommend for the most impressive baked goods.
3. Share recipes.
Prepare one of your favorite gluten-free recipes together. Start with a simple one that you have a lot of experience baking.
4. Gift new kitchen tools.
To show how much you appreciate the effort, deliver a basket of new baking gear, such as a spatula, rolling pin, whisk, oven mitts, cake or pie pans, to be used exclusively for gluten-free baking.
5. Bake it a team effort.
Prepare the dish together so that you can show your baking buddy how to handle any issues that may arise. This will help build his or her confidence in gluten-free baking while illustrating just how scrumptious it can be.
Have the sudden urge to stretch your gluten-free baking muscles? Check out some of our most popular dessert recipes:
One-Bowl Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Four-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
