I am sitting here in my gluten free kitchen silently having a heart attack. The issue is company that repeatedly ignores the rules of my gluten free kitchen.
While we are 95% gluten free, we do have some regular bagels and bread. These are in our butler's pantry and mostly reserved for my none-gluten free kids to take to school in their lunch boxes.
Our kitchen has been gluten free for several years and our extended family has visited numerous times and been reminded of the rules repeatedly. I offer an abundance of gluten free eating options. In the past I have actually removed all wheat items from the kitchen, but I thought by now they surely understood the rules. Our rules are the same as yours - separate utensils, all "contaminated" jams and cream cheeses are on the top shelf of the refrigerator and clearly labeled, wash hands after you touch the glutenous items etc.
This morning for breakfast I offered a wide assortment of gluten free items, Canadian bacon, fresh cantaloupe, chocolate chip muffins. I am sitting here eating my buckwheat waffle as our company decides to make bagels.
Don't misunderstand, I am very happy that my company helps themselves to food. I can only do so much serving and cleaning up.
The decision to even eat the bagels was the first bump in the road - we eat this way everyday, so why can't they adjust for the few weeks each year they spend with us?
But it gets even worse. As I am sitting here, I notice first that they grab the gluten free butter and smear it on the toast, then the gluten free jam. I try to politely remind them of the contamination issues and re-label all the tubs they used to now say "Not gluten free." Then my company proceeds to dip a spoon into the cantaloupe, touch it on the whole wheat bread plate and then dip it back in the cantaloupe (this happens several times). Then before washing their hands they touch the glass cabinet, finger for some napkins while touching the salt and pepper shakers, run their hands over the handle on the refrigerator door . . ..
Maybe I am over-reacting. Maybe it is just the stress of having extended family in the house for a little bit too long. But come on, how hard is this to get!!
So once again I turn to you my gluten free friends, because I know you will understand! I honestly don't know what else to do other than hiding the glutenous items after everyone goes to bed tonight.
How do you handle company and thank you for letting me vent in this somewhat non-conspicuous way!
