Packing Lunches GFCF

..........Call or visit in advance and speak directly with a manager or chef. Don’t take the hostess’s “no” for an answer.

Eating Out

Outback Steakhouse in Mechanicsburg (Kathleen) – talk to George (it's a female manger) or the new owner. Just tell them your child has food allergies and needs to be gf/cf...they do have a gf menu. We have only ever had the junior steak, baked potato and steamed broccoli. You MUST call at least an hour ahead so they can get a potato and wrap it in foil and cook it...they roll their potatoes in butter before cooking them so this way the foil prevents any cross contamination. Also make sure you specify that the veggies be steamed without butter or seasoning.

..................Directions.................Web Site...............Phone: (717) 795-9909

Five Guys Hamburgers (Kathleen) – I found that Five Guys hamburger restaurant is okay to eat at. The fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil, no preservatives and nothing else is fried in that oil. The hamburgers are 100% beef, nothing added and cooked on a plain grill. The buns are warmed on a separate grill. The girl (whom I had spoken to earlier) making my son's burger even asked me if she should use new gloves if she had touched the buns before touching his burger! They were very accommodating.
........1962 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster.......... 2090 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster......... Website
..........Phone (717) 569-7730 ..................Phone (717) 299-4470

McDonalds and Burger King (Kathleen and Joy) -- Fries are ok (make your own decision on McD’s fries), apples dippers without the dip, juice, OJ, and a plain hamburger patty. Ketchup packets are ok too. Some of the salads might be ok, not sure. Check their web sites. Kathleen: We bring our own "cheese" and bun. Joy: We bring GFCF nuggets or a hot dog in a microwavable container and ask the manager to warm them. If you start with a manager (not the person taking orders) they are generally very accommodating. Tip: If you have friends or relatives who visit more often, have them collect the ketchup packets; they’re handy for packed lunches, birthday parties, or other times eating away from home.
,,,,,,,,,,Websites -->...McDonalds......Burger King

Wendy's (Kathleen and Joy) -- Baked potato and Chili (both plain, of course!) are GFCF.

Issac's in Silver Spring Commons (Kathleen) -- Ask for Emily the manager. We just call to let her know we are coming in. We bring a sandwich wrapped in foil that she puts on the grill (we do "cheese" and bacon or pepperoni). The plain chips, applesauce and fruit bowl are ok to go with the meal. As of November, 2009, Isaac’s now has a gluten-free, dairy-free flatbread available as well! (Kristy)
....Directions..... Phone: (717) 795-1925

Mikado, Hampden Center (Joy) – Talk to Andy or Jay, both chefs that speak English well and are helpful – we especially like Andy! The hibachi table is great for both dinner and “a show”. (Extra bonus – you see them clean the cooking surface.) Meal includes soup and salad. Soup is NOT clearly GF, so I bring a dish of chicken broth with a few slices of mushroom and dried chives stirred in (pretty much like their soup). Our son doesn’t eat salad, so I don’t know about dressing options. Bring Wheat-Free Tamari and Earth Balance to substitute for the soy sauce and butter and the chef will cook for your whole family with these items. Provided dips are ginger sauce (contains wheat) and “seafood” sauce (contains milk), so bring your own (ketchup or whatever is a favorite). Also – unless you can find information to clear Vodka (I haven’t checked) avoid the flaming volcano, since it burns on this. Don’t worry there are plenty of other flames for fun! Be sure to call ahead and talk to a chef (the hostess is NOT helpful!) and to go at an off-peak time (you want an entire table to yourself to avoid cross-contamination).
........Directions...................... Website.........Phone (717) 761-5133

Hoss’s (Joy) - Call ahead and talk to a manager. Their fish is plain. (Steaks come in a marinade; my son loves salmon, so I haven’t checked into the steak – probably worth calling corporate.) They can cook fries in the oven (or choose a baked potato), but it takes a little longer, so order ahead if you know your timing. Some things on the bar are clearly GFCF (plain peas, for example) and the staff is good about getting items from the back if you see possible contamination. They are also helpful with putting a small dish of ice cream in the freezer until needed. One downside – you’re paying for an adult meal, not a kid’s meal!

..........Directions ............ Website.............Phone (717) 697-2214

Rita’s Italian Ice – A number of there flavors are GFCF. Check the website to confirm. <br>

.............................Website

Symposium, Lancaster (Lavonne) – They can make most any item GFCF. Sometimes they also have GF pasta on hand!
.......Directions ......Website

Macaroni Grill (Lavonne) – They have a GF menu and also a milk-free menu
..............Directions..........Website

Appalachian Brewing Company, Camp Hill (Kristy) – The chef will come to the table to discuss dietary needs. This family ended up with a grilled chicken salad that fit the needs exactly. Chef was very accommodating.
............Directions..........Website...........Phone (717) 920-2739

Cheesburgers in Paradise, East Coast Chain – watch for it when traveling (Kathleen) – Will come to table to discuss needs. Very accommodating. Even cooked ribs for folks with celiac’s in sauce they had brought themselves.
.......... Website.............GFCF Menu

Gilligan’s, Colonial Park – Very accommodating. Prepared special meal in clean, separate pan. Chose grilled chicken and greens. (For those of us who might have more questions, who sent this in?)
............Directions..............Website..........Phone (717) 652-2611

Kevin’s Place, Lykens – Pam S. is working with them to put together a special menu. Great owner – very willing to learn and be accommodating! (Keep us posted, Pam!)
.............Directions..............Website

Rock Bass Restaurant, Riverfront, Wormleysburg (Kathleen) – Call in advance and ask for chef Andy. He’s very accommodating, knowledgeable about cross-contamination, etc.
.......Directions.......Website.........Phone (717) 731-1160

Chili’s Restaurant – They provide a list of items that are GF and one for CF. Cross-reference and enjoy!
........Website

Red Robin restaurants now have an “Allergy menu”. Reports are positive that the management is serious about helping anyone with allergies (including GFCF) stay safe while eating out. (Becky)
...........Website

VEGETABLES AND SIDES

Mexican Corn and Beans – Combine and cook one bag frozen corn, one can Nature’s Promise or other GF black beans, and Nature’s Promise or other GF salsa to taste. Add cumin and garlic powder if desired.

Spring Peas – Place trimmed sugar-snap peas in glass dish with lid. Top with slices of spring onion bulbs and plenty of mint leaves. Add a tiny bit of water. Cover and cook on high for five minutes or until just tender.

Sweet Peppers and Onions – Sauté red pepper, green pepper, and onion in olive oil. Add lots of basil (dried will work), some sugar, and a bay leaf. Cover and cook 30 minutes or until soft. Great with sausage.

Onion Potatoes – Scrub potatoes and cut into chunks. Toss with olive oil, dried minced onion (a lot), and garlic powder (a little). Cover and bake at 400 for 30-45 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring several times.

Mexican Rice – Cook rice as directed, replacing water with chicken broth (made from Better-than-Bullion or other GFCF source). Stir in Nature’s Promise or other GF salsa as desired.

Ginger Coconut Rice – Cook rice as directed, replacing some or all of the water with Thai Kitchen or other GFCF Lite Coconut Milk (if using regular coconut milk, replace no more than half the water). Stir in ground ginger. (If you have fresh ginger on hand, all the better. Add it at the beginning.) I make this whenever a recipe uses less than a whole can of coconut milk.

Acorn Squash – Cut acorn squash in half and scoop out seeds. Place cut-side up in baking dish. Place “butter” (such as Earth Balance) and brown sugar in centers of each half. Add water. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until tender.

Sweet Peppers and Onions – Sauté red pepper, green pepper, and onion in olive oil. Add lots of basil (dried will work), some sugar, and a bay leaf. Cover and cook 30 minutes or until soft. Great with sausage.

Favorite Zucchini – Cut zucchini in ½-inch slices. Sauté in olive oil along with minced garlic and chopped onion (optional) until lightly browned.

DESSERTS

Coconut Chocolate Pudding– Combine 1 can Taste of Thai Coconut Milk and one box Jello Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix in a container with a tightly-fitting lid. Shake for two minutes. Refrigerate five minutes or until set.

Smoreos – Toast one Jet-Puffed of other GF Marshmallow. Open a K-too Cookie and smoosh marshmallow in between.

SNACKS

Croutons – Liberally brush slices of your favorite GFCF Bread with olive oil. Cut into cubes. Toast in toaster oven for 20-30 minutes or until crisp.

Muffin-Tin Snacks – Place whatever snacks your child can eat (fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, GF pretzels, etc.) in separate compartments of a muffin tin. Somehow the presentation makes it more appealing. Great for playdates!

Trail Mix – Combine GFCF cereals like Whole O’s, Gorilla Munch, Crispy Rice, Koala Crisp or whatever suits your family and dried fruits. If your child can tolerate them, add some nuts for protein too.

Peanut-Butter Pinwheels – Spread peanut butter and a little honey on a GF tortilla. Sprinkle with GF granola. Roll up and slice.

Smoothie – Blend together rice milk, coconut milk, and fresh fruit. Use coconut milk yogurt and/or freeze some of the fruit first for a thicker texture.

INSPIRATION

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