October brings about the official start of holiday parties. For parents of school aged children, this season will last all the way until February. It’s a fun and exciting time for kids. It can also be a frustrating time for a child with a gluten allergy.
The season kicks off with Halloween and fall classroom parties. Whether you’re the parent of a child with gluten allergies or needing to be conscience of other children, there are several easy and fun treats you can prepare.
While there are many brands of gluten free flours to make particular baked goods, this list is comprised of items that are naturally gluten free and available at all stores. When it’s understood how easy gluten free cooking is, it’s even simpler to make the extra effort to accommodate.
Thanks to the clear labeling on all Chex cereals, this beloved classic is a breeze to prepare. The recipe is nearly the same as the original. The exceptions when preparing a gluten free batch is to leave out the wheat cereal and either substitute the pretzels with a gluten free brand or simply leave them out too.
2. Caramel Apples
A traditional fall treat and it’s naturally gluten free! (Just be certain to check the labels on the caramel just to be certain.) Whether the apples are skewered on a stick and the caramel is set or if the apples are wedged and caramel is provided for dipping, this treat is always a crowd pleaser. They’re messy, but a favorite!
3. Rice Krispy Treats
Another messy favorite! Kellogg’s has begun labeling and ensuring that their rice cereals are gluten free and all the other ingredients are gluten free as well. This recipe has been enjoyed at many a costume party and now it can continue to be served even if their are gluten allergies.
4. Popcorn Hands
This treat is very simple and fun. Using clear food handlers’ gloves, gluten free candy corn, and plain popcorn, a festive and relatively healthy snack becomes a hit at the party. Using just 5 pieces of candy corn as “fingernails” and placing them at the tips of the glove fingers and then filling the gloves with the popcorn, you’ve created a ghoulish hand to pass out.
5. Caramel Corn
There seems to be a theme among fall treats: sticky! No matter how sticky, that doesn’t seem to stop people from munching on the sweet and salty flavors of caramel corn. Again, another naturally gluten free hit for all parties, maybe just bring some wet wipes to keep the little princesses from messing up their tiaras.
6. Crustless Pumpkin Pie
There’s nothing more traditional than pumpkin pie in the fall. When there’s a gluten allergy, all pies are suspicious, but not crustless pies. One of the greatest things about pumpkin pie is that all the delicious filling is completely gluten free. And when the middle is so wonderful, the crust will not be missed. Many recipes allow for the dessert to be sliced and served just like pie, making it very simple to dish out at any party.
7. Popcorn Balls
Another plug for popcorn! It shows up in so many ways during the fall. Popcorn balls are another great hand-out treat for any school party. They are simple to make and easy to package individually. Kids love the sweet and savory flavors.
8. Apple Cider
The smell alone is satisfying! It’s just not a fall celebration without warm apple cider to enjoy. It’s simple and many brands are guaranteed to be gluten free. Kids will surely enjoy this special treat as they celebrate with their classmates.