House warming - recipes and ides, please

[PaNik]

A girl is moving in next door and she mentioned to me that she eats a GF diet. My love was raised never to eat anything homemade that wasn't made in his home, but I was raised taking stuff to the neighbors, borrowing eggs, and trading goodies all year. I'd like to make something for our new neighbor, but I'm not really sure where to begin. What would you make and take? Or, would you buy something - I see that a nice bakery has GF cupcakes today?

Warm regards,
Nico

[DreamoBway]

I think it's sweet that you'd like to welcome your neighbor with a treat. I love to bake and cook for people as welcoming gifts, for celebrations, when they're sick or sad. There are so many great reasons to bake for others!

However, since I've been diagnosed with a gluten allergy, I'm afraid to eat things that people make in their own kitchens. There are so many idiosyncrasies to gf baking. Let's say a recipe calls for the flour to be sifted. If you haven't rinsed your sifter since the last time you used it, that all-purpose flour will mix with the gf flour and could cause a reaction. Or sometimes generic brands of artificial flavorings like vanilla or peppermint can contain gluten. So can things like chocolate chips.

Your neighbor might be more comfortable enjoying something from a reputable gf bakery in the area. After your neighbor is settled, maybe you can set up a time to bake together so they can show you what they're comfortable with.

Hope that helps!

[PaNik]

Thank you, so much! I was starting to lose hope. I also want to have a friend over. She is GF by choice and I do not know her other food restrictions. Should I simply invite her for coffee or tea, or ask her what she might enjoy eating during her visit? It is a 20 minute drive and she is coming over to visit our puppies who can not leave the house for a few more weeks. I want to do this right, but simply don't know where to begin.

[DreamoBway]

When you have the puppy visit, what did you have in mind? Would you like to serve a meal to your friend or simply a snack?

You could do tea and scones with either or both of these recipes:
Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Scones
Gluten Free Cheddar Dill Scones

Also, don't forget you can make a meal that's naturally gluten free anyway. Like yogurt and fruit salad. Or chicken salad on rice cakes.

What I would do is make sure to call your friend in advance or even email her the links to the recipes you plan on making so you can cross-check with her that they meet her dietary needs.

[PaNik]

I contacted my friend and forgot that she had shared a blog with me. Anyway, she said that seeing our new additions would be enough and that it was exciting to be invited over. She suggested a simple fruit and cheese tray, if I insist on serving something. I appreciate her perspective that there are more GF foods than not.

I also appreciate your help!