I wanted to start a new series that added a little more about my gluten free life as it is today as a mom. I refer a lot to “when I became gluten free” but I want you to be able to get a glimpse of what things are like now after so many years, and as I juggle gluten free life and motherhood. So this “slice of my life” is about how I hosted my son’s gluten free birthday party.

How things have changed

Things have come along way since I planned my very first gluten free birthday party. What used to seem like an impossible task, has become an enjoyable challenge. I feel like the more I learn and experiment, the better these experiences have become.

I kind of feel bad for my oldest boy though, because he has been like my guinea pig. His birthday parties didn’t start getting good until I figured out how to make my very own gluten free/allergy free cupcake. (My recipe coming soon). When I figured that out, everything changed.

I never thought I would be able to make my very own smash cake a year ago, and now these adorable Elmo cupcakes. Did you know that Elmo’s nose is actually a gum ball? The kids (who were old enough) absolutely loved having this additional treat after eating their cupcake.

Preparing the menu for my guests

Even what I serve our friends and family has changed so much. I used to be completely exhausted after hosting. Now, I am tired, but I have found a way to spend a little more time with our guests and a little less time in the kitchen.

Since this birthday is in August using the grill is so convenient. This time, I even got a little creative. Here was my complete menu:

• Appetizers
  • Tortilla chips and hummus
  • Slow cooked drummies
• Salad
  • Butterleaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion and Tessemae’s Balsalmic Vinegerette dressing
• Main Course
  •  Hamburgers
    • Trader Joe’s buns (another bread I keep in my pantry) toasted with a bit of spectrum shortening
    • sautéed onions and green peppers
  • Shishabobs
    • Cubed chicken breast, red peppers, green peppers and red onions
  • French Fries
    • Ore Ida gluten free shoestring fries
• Dessert
  • Elmo cupcakes

I used to struggle so much coming up with a spread of food that would look and taste delicious. Generally when people hear the words gluten free, they automatically assume the food will have no taste. I thrive on making and serving food that will completely surprise my guests.

Even with food allergies it’s ok to get on Pinterest for some fun inspiration. You may not be able to make cute things with the exact ingredients, but this is when you can get your creative juices flowing and improvise. There is so much more out there now than there was so many years ago. These Elmo cupcakes were inspired by a late night search on Pinterest. They are definitely not exact, but I am thrilled with how they turned out.

Hosting doesn’t have to be so hard

So bake the cake, make the food and invite the guests. Being gluten free doesn’t mean complete isolation from the rest of the world and not being able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Your task may be a little harder than than those who don’t share the allergy, but it is definitely doable.

If someone would have told me years ago that this would be my journey or that I would have this amazing little boy (well both boys actually) I would have never believed them. It has taken me along time to embrace this change in life style, and I plan to make the absolute most of it.