Gluten-Free 4th of July Recipes

As July 4^th draws near, family and friends prepare for celebratory bonfires and cookouts. Some families, however, may need to prepare a little differently to meet the needs of children with celiac disease, wheat allergies and gluten-intolerance. It is estimated out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease. Therefore, grilling out, particularly pot-luck style, can be an unsettling experience for parents whose children must strictly avoid gluten.

Instead of turning down the invitation to a cookout this holiday weekend, try making one of these simple, but delicious, gluten-free recipes to bring along with you. You can ensure that your child will have a safe option, and these dishes are sure to impress even those without sensitivity to gluten.

Baked Beans

1- 28 ounce can baked beans with pork (drain off about half the liquid)

2 tbsp packed brown sugar

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (make sure it is gluten free)

3 slices bacon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

In a 2 quart  casserole, combine the pork and beans, brown sugar, onion, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Top with the bacon slices.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened and bacon is cooked.

Buckeye Bars*

1 cup margarine, softened

1 ½ cups peanut butter

1 lb. confectioners’ sugar

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Combine margarine and 1 cup peanut butter in a mixing bowl.

Add confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until mixed together completely.

Pat mixture into a 13" x 9” pan.

Combine chocolate chips and remaining ½ cup peanut butter in a saucepan.

Cook over very low heat until melted.

Spread over peanut butter layer.

Refrigerate. *Be sure to let other cookout guests know that this dish contains peanuts.

Quinoa Dip 

1 cup quinoa, cooked in OJ according to directions

1 avocado chopped

1 tomato chopped

2 cloves garlic crushes

1 mango diced

1 can black beans

1/8 cup chopped cilantro

Juice of 1 lime

Directions:

Mix everything together in a bowl. Serve with tortilla chips. 

In the Celiac Disease Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, I help patients with celiac disease that are very accepting of what they can and cannot eat, whereas other patients and their families have a tough time adjusting. One way parents can support their children is by being proactive and preparing a gluten-free option, or a few, which will allow for a fun, stress-free holiday experience.