How to Entertain For Guests With Special Dietary Needs
Entertaining friends and family is one of the great pleasures of life.
Entertaining doesn't have to be complicated or hard work but there might come a time when you need to make some special arrangements for your guests.
A good example is dietary requirements - vegetarians, vegans and for those who are lactose intolerant amongst others, it is crucial that you understand their needs and that you prepare food that fits with their eating habits or dietary conditions.
The last thing you want is to offend a guest by serving up a meat-based meal when they are vegetarian.
If you are cooking for someone who you haven't cooked for previously then it would be good manners to call or visit them prior to the event to ask them about their eating preferences.
Just remember that most guests who have a special dietary requirement will not be disheartened if you go ahead and prepare a main course that is not fitting for them.
It can be hard enough preparing one main course so instead you can bulk of the starters to suit them or make more side dishes.
We will be having a look at some of the more common special diets - what they mean and which foods must be avoided or had at a minimum so you can move on confidently when planning your party or get-together.
Diabetics Diabetics have to watch their sugar intake so it can be frustrating for them to dine out or attend social gatherings.
Make their lives easier by discussing with them prior how you intend to prepare the food - you should at least limit the sugar content as much as possible or use sugar substitutes.
This will not ruin the flavor of your meal and it will not eliminate to many options as to what you can make.
Vegetarians Don't panic when you have a vegetarian or two over for dinner! They don't eat meat or meat derived products so you just have to ask in advance.
In terms of meat products you might not be aware what they are as they come in many guises.
Some of the more common food products that are made from animal derivatives include chicken or beef stock cubes, gelatin and lard.
You can more than make things up to veggies by making a lot of side dishes of vegetables, salads or pastas.
Vegans Like a vegetarian a vegan does not eat any form of meat or meat products.
Furthermore they do not consume eggs, milk products or in most cases, honey.
Make them happy by piling on the vegetable or salad dishes and making meatless pasta or rice dishes.
You can substitute butter with margarine and soy milk can be used instead of cow's milk.
Lactose Intolerant If you are entertaining for a guest who is lactose intolerant then you have to steer clear of dairy products but the good news is that there are a lot of alternatives now that can make your meal planning a whole lot easier.
Try soy or almond milk and margarine instead of butter.
Always keep the labels from the food that you have prepared that can be looked at by your lactose intolerant guest - it is not that they don't trust you but it comes as a habit for them and you should be sensitive about this.
Entertaining doesn't have to be complicated or hard work but there might come a time when you need to make some special arrangements for your guests.
A good example is dietary requirements - vegetarians, vegans and for those who are lactose intolerant amongst others, it is crucial that you understand their needs and that you prepare food that fits with their eating habits or dietary conditions.
The last thing you want is to offend a guest by serving up a meat-based meal when they are vegetarian.
If you are cooking for someone who you haven't cooked for previously then it would be good manners to call or visit them prior to the event to ask them about their eating preferences.
Just remember that most guests who have a special dietary requirement will not be disheartened if you go ahead and prepare a main course that is not fitting for them.
It can be hard enough preparing one main course so instead you can bulk of the starters to suit them or make more side dishes.
We will be having a look at some of the more common special diets - what they mean and which foods must be avoided or had at a minimum so you can move on confidently when planning your party or get-together.
Diabetics Diabetics have to watch their sugar intake so it can be frustrating for them to dine out or attend social gatherings.
Make their lives easier by discussing with them prior how you intend to prepare the food - you should at least limit the sugar content as much as possible or use sugar substitutes.
This will not ruin the flavor of your meal and it will not eliminate to many options as to what you can make.
Vegetarians Don't panic when you have a vegetarian or two over for dinner! They don't eat meat or meat derived products so you just have to ask in advance.
In terms of meat products you might not be aware what they are as they come in many guises.
Some of the more common food products that are made from animal derivatives include chicken or beef stock cubes, gelatin and lard.
You can more than make things up to veggies by making a lot of side dishes of vegetables, salads or pastas.
Vegans Like a vegetarian a vegan does not eat any form of meat or meat products.
Furthermore they do not consume eggs, milk products or in most cases, honey.
Make them happy by piling on the vegetable or salad dishes and making meatless pasta or rice dishes.
You can substitute butter with margarine and soy milk can be used instead of cow's milk.
Lactose Intolerant If you are entertaining for a guest who is lactose intolerant then you have to steer clear of dairy products but the good news is that there are a lot of alternatives now that can make your meal planning a whole lot easier.
Try soy or almond milk and margarine instead of butter.
Always keep the labels from the food that you have prepared that can be looked at by your lactose intolerant guest - it is not that they don't trust you but it comes as a habit for them and you should be sensitive about this.
