Tailgating Foods, that are a threat to Gluten Sufferers.

BY Chef K.T. Murphy January 23, 2021

By K.T. Murphy AKA: Chef Murph

 grilling-pineapple
Tailgating Foods, that are a threat to Gluten Sufferers! Try grilled pineapple soaked in rum or bourbon. One of my Favorites.
Tailgates and parties are as much about the food as they are about the big game.  Maybe you’ve been recently “gluten” by your friend’s famous (and supposedly gluten-free).  And you can just remember the feeling of asking everyone what they used to make their tailgate dish.  You’re nervous about the next tailgate party because you don’t want to get sick – again.Before, anything else is Food Safety. Food Safety is your Safety. When the outside functions temperature is 70 F food can stay generally unrefrigerated 2 hours or less,. At 80F food can stay unrefrigerated 1.5 hours or less and when the outside temperature is over 90 F 1 hour or less. After you read this article, you’ll be ready to spot those pesky hidden glutens. Food needs to be reheated to 169F to kill bacteria. If you have Celiac Disease or live a gluten-free lifestyle, here are five of the most common tailgating foods that can contain hidden gluten ingredients food for thought:

  1. 1. Chicken Skewers

    In a parking lot filled with sandwich bread, burger buns and pigs-in-a-blanket, a skewer of chicken breast can be a welcome sight.  It is still necessary to ask the chef a few questions to make sure the chicken is gluten-free.  Were any marinades used to prepare the chicken? How about the cooking surface – was it celiac-safe?  Was there any cross contact with utensils?

    2. Chili

    Another concern with Chili –especially if it is in an open pot – is the chance that a fellow tailgater dipped something inside like a piece of bread just to get a quick taste.

    3. Meatballs

    The major concern with meatballs is the binding agent used.  Most people use breadcrumbs to keep the ingredients bound.  Check with the preparer to be safe. If you’re looking for a substitute, Betty Crocker Potato Buds are a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs.

    4. Potato Salad/Potato Skins

    Potatoes, celery, mayonnaise, and mustard.  These ingredients seem harmless at first, but one, in particular, can cause havoc to a person with Celiac Disease.   If prepared in a gluten-filled house, it’s likely that there are breadcrumbs inside the jar of mayonnaise.   Just this small trace of gluten is enough to create an autoimmune reaction.

    5. Spinach & Artichoke Dip

    Many store-bought spinach and artichoke dips contain wheat as a thickening agent.  It also helps to bind the dip together, so it doesn’t separate.

    Ask what ingredients were used and if you can read the label.  If you’re not sure if something was homemade or store-bought, ask the person who brought the dish in private. Just remember these types of food that can be dangerous to Celiacs at a party, and you’ll be able to enjoy yourself at the next tailgate without getting sick. Sometimes it better to abstain or bring your own food for your safety because you are important.

    Murph

    Chef Murph

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