Gluten Free tips - from those who know (chicken, sugar, pepper)

[sskkc]

I have a cousin coming to visit in a couple of days. Her daughter has celiac disease, and eats gluten free. The last time I was there, her mom made this chocolate dessert - it was disgusting! I really feel for people who can't enjoy chocolate without paying for it later (and not just the way I pay either - ie my big butt)

Anyway, I searched the forums here and found some threads, but I'm really looking for some good ideas from those who have EATEN this stuff (not just googled some recipes) for what actually tastes good. My cousin said "anything's fine" and she'll figure it out and bring her own food, but I'd like her to feel like she's a part of things and not just serve her separately.

I've read the stuff about having separate cooking stuff, which I don't mind buying and storing in betwee visits. I've perused the recipe websites, but I don't have a lot of time to experiment here, so I'd like some advice from those who know.

The plan is to have grilled chicken and some zuchinni the night they're here, but I need to know -

Are olive oil, oregano, kosher salt and pepper okay to put on the zuchinni before I grill it?

I found a recipe for Artichoke salad that sounds good, but I'd like to hear some other side dish recommendations

And - Desserts! My kids LOVE dessert - is ice cream okay, sherbert, popsicles - does someone have a GOOD recipe for some type of cake, etc?

Thanks so much in advance!

Added: I'd ask my cousin, but the relationship is new and she's being too nice - she doesn't want to put me out and doesn't understand my driving need to see my guests comfortable and happy - no matter what it takes. (She's a 5th cousin to me, we always knew of each other, but have only recently lived within the same state and have begun a relationship)

[Cuisinette]

This is serious.
Not everyone respond to gluten in the same way. Can't take the risk.

For example, the pepper (if already ground) could contain starch. Same goes for salt and sugar. Some companies use starch in processing.

I had to hand crush the pepper, when I had a friend for dinner. She is very sensitive to even a trace. I had to dish wash everything. I used all fresh spices, nothing dried or dehydrated.

NO corn, beans, flour, bread or bread crumbs of any kind, grains, corn starch, potatoes, rice, dairy of any kind... and so on.

If you need to thicken something for a sauce, arrowroot is the stuff to use. Almond meal/flour could be used but only if you grind it yourself.

You could make a barbecue with just green spices, sauté veggies in olive oil, and squash puree instead mashed potatoes.

For dessert, grilled pineapple, cherries, peaches, sprinkled with honey and roasted nuts.

*************
My advice is, let her mother bring what she wants, better for both of you.
She won't feel left out, because she knows her condition, that a small mistake could crate a problem, and I am sure no one want that. Some cases get really sick.

I understand your need to make them feel welcome, but I've learned that it is better to not insist on the matter.

Happy visiting!

[sskkc]

Thanks for the advice Cuisinette