Great Experience

[humbird753]

As all of you know, it is VERY hard to eat out when you have MC. I was so tired of feeling physically sick after eating out, that I seldom go out to eat anymore (seldom meaning 2 to 3 months). It's frustrating and my social life has deteriorated because of it, but I am making more progress in my healing and am feeling so much better.

I had a unexpected great day/evening this past Saturday. I met a guy about 6 months ago who (although not diagnosed) claims to have Celiac because of symptoms he experiences and also due to the fact that his mother, sister, and an uncle do have Celiac. So quite a number of years ago, he went gluten free, and has possibly eliminated other foods that I am not aware of. I met his wife on Friday - I'll call her an "Angel" - and they were going to an event held at a local rod and gun club the following night. They said there would be a banquet, and a lot of shotguns and hand guns were going to be raffled off. My "Angel" said we should come to their home 1-1/2 hours before the event, and she would cook dinner for her husband and me, as the others would be able to eat when at the banquet. I am not a gun person, but my husband does hunt and was looking forward to going. I, on the other hand, was more excited and curious about what she was going to make for her husband and me to eat. Little things bring big pleasures these days (lol).

She eliminated gluten and dairy as I told her those were my food sensitivities. The meal started with an appetizer (imagine that). I don't know what was in it exactly but she served it with olive oil to put on bread baguettes. I still need to get the brand name for those. The baguettes didn't harden quickly when they cooled down like some of the breads I use. She then served stuffed chicken (stuffed with a rice mixture), had a glaze over top of this, served summer squash with spices/seasonings, and fresh green beans. Oh yes, and a small glass Ciantti (sp?) wine. Only someone here could understand why that brought tears to my eyes - and it really did. Just so overwhelmed at what she had done. BTW she is a chef (and excellent at it). I think I will make her my best friend

What a great meal. When we arrived at the rod and gun club nothing on the buffet came close to what I had just eaten. Actually felt sorry for those who ate it.

Also, I made flourless pumpkin muffins from a recipe I got from a post I read here - I think it was Carol M. but sorry to say I am not positive at the moment. My offering was nothing in comparison, but Rick appreciated mine just as much as we both know treats are seldom had because we know we have to make them if we want them. And (at least at my home) there isn't much time for baking when there's a greater need to keep up with preparing foods for each day's meals, working full time, and all the other day-to-day things that have to be done.

I just wanted to share this wonderful experience I had. If I am able to get a recipe from here, I will post it. Amazing what you can do to food with spices and seasonings.

Paula

[Grahm]

Paula,

You are right, we appreciate so much someone taking the time to cook for us. I was always the one cooking and entertaining, I loved it!! Not so much anymore.....

Please share the recipe if you get one.

Thanks,
Connie

[tex]

Paula,

That's a heart-warming story. And friends like that are hard to come by.

Thanks for sharing,
Tex

[brandy]

Paula,

Your post made me happy! Brandy

[Lilja]

Hello

Just wanted to share a similar story: Last Saturday my grandson celebrated his 1st birthday. Usually we serve hotdogs and cakes in children's birthdayparties. Then a text message ran in, from my son: "We have ordered sushi for you, so you have something to eat instead of hotdogs and tortillas with gluten.

I was surprised and touched, and didn't have the heart to tell them that I no longer eat sushi either

I was a good guest and enjoyed all my sushi

[twirlitgirl]

I am just smiling from those two lovely stories. yes, please do share the recipes it would be great to have more choices with ingredients to see if they work for our individual lifestyles and food intolerances. Thanks for sharing both stories. Our lives are so blessed indeed. Everyday to be lived with understanding and patience. now,take a deep breath, listen to your favorite relaxing music for 5 minutes and take time for you... I read this,
" if you are confused at what to do next, close your eyes and follow your heart" hugs to you all and Have a Happy Canadian Thanksgiving..... to all my fellow canadians and new friends from all over the world.

cheers
Lora

[Grahm]

Lora,

You are such a positive soul, a real blessing to us all!


Love,
Connie

[nancyl]

Great story Paula. I think it was so special because someone went out of their way to make something for you.

So glad you had a great meal that you didn't have to cook.

Nancy

[carolm]

Paula, I'm fairly sure I was salivating while reading the description of your meal. I agree that the more creative we can be with spices and herbs the more interesting our limited diets will be. Thanks for sharing such a positive experience.

Carol

[Marcia K]

Hi, Paula. That's for sharing that great story! I have found myself avoiding social situations lately mainly because I don't want to take my own food or sit there while everyone else is eating. She was a sweetheart to prepare such a awesome meal for you!

Marcia

[Gabes-Apg]

I love hearing (well reading) posts like this.

Doesnt feel great to have people make an effort, have understanding and compassion for your eating plan, and that you can enjoy life!

People like that are Angels, and sometimes the 'hug from the universe' that us MC'ers need to stick with the strict diet/lifestyle plan.

I hope the yummy meals and catch ups continue!!

[Summer S]

VERY heartwarming when people care so much!

Summer

[megamoxie]

That is a great and very heartwarming story. May Angels come into all our lives! And may we be Angels to others.

As a nervous newbie, my question is, how do you get past the fear and have the trust to eat something that someone else has prepared? Even well-meaning friends and family do not always know what ingredients to look for in things they may use to cook, or do not even look at some of the things they use. For instance, tomato paste often has gluten in it -- who would have thought?

[tex]

IMO one has to either be lucky, or have exceptional friends and relatives, to be able to trust their cooking, especially if it involves many foods and/or many ingredients. I've been "wounded by friendly fire" (IOW glutened) enough times over the years that my list of trusted cooks is quite short.

Tex

[humbird753]

Megamoxie,

I know what you mean about not trusting other people's cooking. I DON'T because they often do not understand it, so the food they're preparing would be too questionable. I generally bring my own food when going out of town, or eat before a function when close to home. The only reason I trusted this woman is because her husband has Celiac and she is a professional chef. I don't believe there's anything wrong with being overly careful about foods we eat. We will either benefit by carefully selecting our foods, or be the only one who suffers when those well meaning people claim the food is safe when it's not. I see you're new here - Welcome. I believe it's especially important early in our recovery to figure out what our food sensitivities are and stick with them. You have come to the right place, and will benefit greatly from the wealth of information available here.

And to those asking about the recipe - I haven't seen Mindy yet since that night, but am definitely going to see if she'll give it to me to pass it on to everyone here who are able to tolerate chicken.

Paula