Once upon a time, if someone had a weird self-imposed diet, that was their own business. If invited out, they would simply abstain from the offending item, or move it around their plate as though they had at least tasted it.
In my case, I cannot tolerate white bread, although I can handle very small quantities. If by someone's house on Shabbos, I'll just nibble the minimum, but I certainly make no requests for a whole wheat challah to be purchased on my behalf.
And while this not dietetically imposed, I am not crazy about red meat, especially the way some hostesses seem to just shove it in the oven and cook it until all the juices leach out of it. Does that mean I should inform the baalas habayis to prepare a mushroom steak for me instead? Pshaw.
And while this not dietetically imposed, I am not crazy about red meat, especially the way some hostesses seem to just shove it in the oven and cook it until all the juices leach out of it. Does that mean I should inform the baalas habayis to prepare a mushroom steak for me instead? Pshaw.
When did it get to be a hostess's headache to plan for others' odd diets? My nephew has celiac disease, but others take on gluten-free despite lack of medical condition, as Jessica Bruder opines.
The offending object? A footlong loaf of bread, stuffed with savory cheese, purchased at a beloved Italian bakery and presented with pride at a recent potluck meal. “This bread is delicious,” I crowed.
The kitchen went quiet. You’d think I had offered up a bouquet of poison ivy. One guest said she was gluten free. Another didn’t consume milk products. The mood lifted only when someone else arrived with a large bowl of quinoa and lentils.
I never thought I'd see the day when quinoa and lentils would be a party saver.
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| enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com |
I always thought it was understood that if by someone else's home, providing they don't serve something that will make your throat close up, politely tasting the course and nodding an emphatic "yummy!" makes one a good guest.
My nephew doesn't eat when he's home, anyway. So no worries; he'll have some salad.
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| It's not like suffragettes being force-fed or anything. |
My SIL and niece are gluten free due to diagnosed celiac, and entertaining for them is no problem. It's very easy to pick up gluten-free chips and crackers at Costco to go with whatever else we're serving. The only issue is dessert, but dessert's not good for you anyway.
ReplyDeleteWell, there's always tofu ice cream.
ReplyDeletePL, check it out:
ReplyDeletehttp://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/high-end-hoarder-buried-home-500-000-shopping-121500569.html
this is the best blog on the internet. i never miss it. whatever a blog is supposed to be, i think this is it. may you go from strength to strength. is there a way to email you directly?
ReplyDeleteAnon1: Oh boy. Is my room starting to look like that? Ahem.
ReplyDeleteAnon2: Thank you for your kind words, but at this point I would prefer to be relatively uncontactable. Answering one email took up too much time from my work day. :)
Lol. I don't "impose" my "veganism" on anyone. I can't eat the challah because it has eggs, but most people that I go to eat know that so they are okay with me bringing my own piece of bread or if I can, I'll bring vegan challah.
ReplyDeleteI don't like imposing and I don't believe that MY choice means that other people should accommodate for me. There have been means where I've eaten nothing and others when I have. But I chose to make this decision.
B'H in this day and age we don't go hungry. Or if we do, it's just for a couple of hours. You made the choice, yes, so that means you plan for yourself, not drag some poor amateur cook along for the ride.
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