Whether you use it as a Thanksgiving Checklist, Christmas Checklist, Hanukkah Checklist or for whatever holiday you celebrate, we hope you find this quick planning checklist helpful!
by Karen Dalfonso
Grandma needs help! The family get-togethers are a special challenge because my kitchen needs to be allergy friendly less than 1% of the year and I have a lot of work to do. This is the season for balancing 60 years of family tradition, exposure to novel grocery store product items and recipes, social media entertaining ideas and a desire to make this a memorable SAFE-EATING holiday event for my family!
This year I’ve decided to add my own allergy friendly planning checklist to my “traditional” holiday meal planning list. If you are using this checklist, simply cross off items you do not find helpful.
Ten days before:
➤Get updated allergen and safe food list (discuss with person with food allergies or parent of child with food allergies).
➤Plan “simple” appetizers, main dish, side dish, salad and bread.
➤List ingredients needed. Remember to cross off list when purchased.
➤Find designated space for “safe” items and kitchen gear: Paper plates, paper cups, disposable utensils, place mats any cooking utensils such as knives, pans, colander, measuring cups/spoons, flour, sugar, oats, purchased snack or dessert items.
Seven days before:
➤Buy food staples, freezer, and non-perishable refrigerator items.
➤Wash serving dishes, platters, silverware, glasses.
➤Notify guests you appreciate their offer but your menu will not include “extras” as all food items need to be safe.
Two-Four days before:
➤Clean refrigerator and designate a specific shelf for dairy-free butter/yogurt/milk or other allergy friendly items.
➤Find specific area for safe snacks.
➤Scan shelves and remove allergens from shelves if possible or at least arrange in one place in the kitchen.
➤Clean workspace/countertops. If possible plan regular meals for the remaining few days that do not contain allergens.
➤Prepare make-ahead dishes. Save all labels of foods for guest with food allergies to read
One day before:
➤Complete make-ahead dishes.
➤Re-read food labels.
Day of dinner:
➤Give labels to guest with food allergies to review.
➤Consider arranging for fixed seating (especially helpful if small children with food allergies will be present).
➤Review menu.
➤Make sure guest knows about safe space in refrigerator, shelves, bin, safe snacks, paper and storage items.
➤Arrange for allergy-friendly plate to be served first along with “seconds” plate. If serving buffet style, arrange for the guest with food allergies to get food first (and put extra food to the side for seconds).
➤Enjoy your time with your family!
What other items are on your countdown checklist for holiday hosting?
What other items are on your countdown checklist for holiday hosting?
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