Dairy and gluten free brunch ideas

[Anonymous]

Im hosting a very informal get-together for four this weekend and want to provide something to munch on. We are meeting at 11. One guest is lactose intolerant, another can't have gluten. First I was thinking maybe a smoked salmon tray with capers, onions, tomatoes, hard boiled egg, bagels and cream cheese optional. But now I'm second guessing myself. I'd do something fruit or veggie based, but the selection at my local store is pretty dreary. Could maybe do something with greens or root vegetables? I'm pretty stumped. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You can do a sandwich tray with meat and cheese separate (Boar's head lunchmeat is gluten free, as is some other brands, check the labels to see that it says gluten free). Have a fruit and veggie tray with cut up tomatoes, cucumber, etc. Have a basket of small dinner rolls for those who want one.
Udi's makes a good gluten free bread that your can usually find in natural foods area of the grocery store in the freezer (I eat the whole grain bread) but if you do go that route make sure it's in a separate place away from the gluten-laden rolls.

Have separate utensils for everything to avoid cross contamination.

[Anonymous]

Can you do an egg dish with onions, bacon, ham or spinach, a salad, tuna salad, potato salad, fresh fruit? The bagels would also work as long as everything is kept very separate with separate serving utensils.

[Anonymous]

be careful with smoked salmon; sometimes it's not gluten free b/c they add coloring. I would definitely look for something that's marked GF on the label.

Thomas' bagels are vegan (but obviously not GF:
http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/accidentally-vegan.aspx

If you want to search for a recipe that meets both criteria, I like this site:
http://www.mealsforyou.com/cgi-bin/advancedSearch

P.S. It's very kind of you to be so considerate of your guests.

[Anonymous]

I think I would make a quiche with non-dairy cheese. There are some decent ones out there- and I think they "behave" pretty similarly to regular cheese (try WF for some of that daiya cheese-- I had it in a grilled cheese at Sticky Fingers and I never would have realized it was vegan. Ever. Was delicious.)

I also agree- very thoughtful of you. My friends who have food intolerances really appreciate when someone thinks to make something especially with them in mind.

[Anonymous]

Also forgot to mention these, which are both GF & dairy free:
http://www.applegate.com/products/natural-chicken-and-sage-breakfast-sausage

[Anonymous]

Why is everyone gluten free now? What is going on? I've never heard of this a few years ago. I am sure some people have celiacs disease, but the prevalence of this seems faddish to me.

[Anonymous]

Make a frittata & ask your friend who is lactose intolerant if they can have goat cheese. I make one with spinach, artichoke hearts, and goat cheese that's really delicious. You could also make home fries (with olive oil instead of butter). Fruit salad. Done!