Give Thanks

Giving thanks-to health and family!

It is a tradition at Thanksgiving to go around the table and share what we are thankful for. We forgot to do this during our big meal with all ten of us squished on a picnic table and three dogs running around trying to sneak some turkey. My sister reminded us to take time and think about what we are thankful for the following day.

It was easy for me to answer.

I am thankful for being healthy once again. After a year and a half of officially having celiac disease, I am feeling good. I am learning each day better ways of preparing food gluten free and how to educate my family. I am happy about my diagnosis, something I couldn’t say a year ago.

Which brings me to another gratitude- my family. I am thankful to have all those that gathered for our Thanksgiving meal. Included in this group were my husband’s parents. I am blessed to be a part of two families that enjoy spending time together.

Now to the food, which of course I am thankful for! My family gave up traditional food to make it in a way that I could enjoy.

My sister made squash soup with a kick to awaken our taste buds.

My mother-in-law made their family’s traditional Jell-O salad, but with gluten free pretzels!

We concluded that green bean casserole made with Bob’s Red Mill GF flour mix and gluten free corn flakes tasted even better than the one grandma used to make.

I made gluten free cornbread stuffing with sausage, cranberries, and walnuts.

The turkey dressed with herbs, lemon, onion, and garlic and finished off with thyme butter under the skin was a big hit.

Everyone agreed that the best side was the sweet potato dish with a cranberry glaze that my mom made.

I didn’t even miss having pie with the gluten free trifle I made. Layers of gluten free spice cake, vanilla pudding and pumpkin, and whipped cream. Delicious!

Who misses gluten with a meal like this?