Light lunch ideas that comply with 'the list' lol

[rubyslippers]

In just over a week we will be hosting our youngest daughters’ first birthday party.

I am really struggling with coming up with a menu...

Here is a list of the known requirements of those attending:
1 x Egg allergy (Anaphylactic & our eldest daughter - so no eggs in the house at all)
1 x Vegan, allergic to mango
1 x lactose intolerance
1 x diabetic
1 x celiac
1 x peanut allergy (Anaphylactic)

I would like to serve things that everyone can eat in the hope of making it easier but I am really struggling to come up with ideas.  Also the celiac is newly diagnosed so I don't have any practice with that side of things.

One thing I came up with was coleslaw; leave the dressing off and those who want it can add it.  But that is as far as I got. 

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

[judydawn]

Rubyslippers I wish you luck with your menu.  I wouldn't have a clue where to start as I have never had this problem thank goodness.  I'm sure you will get some ideas from people on the forum who have to deal with some or all of these issues on a day to day basis but I take my hat off to you throwing a party when you have so many things to consider. 

[Ceejay]

hommus and vegie sticks.
nori rolls?
plain chips (corn or potato)

Will see what I else I can think of!

[judydawn]

Another thought - why not ask the Mums of each child for suggestions. 

[Zan]

Personally I would egg, mango and peanut free as they are allergies.
Then I would make sure there were a couple of vegan and lactose free options. (am assuming all adults??)
Diabetics - they will know how to balance their diet around what is available. Diabetes is about a balance and a lot to do with carbs rather than sugar as is assumed.
Things like carrot sticks and other crudites are great. Dips. everyone can have all of it except the vegan if it has dairy etc so then they can just eat the vegies.
Could do some vegie (vegan friendly) sausage rolls.
Nice bread/rolls.
Crisps etc
cheese - could do vegan to cover more than one base, lol (loses the lactose person but covers others).
fruit.


If you could do a wheat/dairy free cake that would be really popular but I'm sure people would be fine if not (esp if you are talking adults, but if children I'm sure the parents would be happy to provide an alternative for their child.

Really just make sure there is something vegan friendly, wheat free and nothing allergy potential and everyone will be happy. They will all be glad you've made an effort.
I don't think you can make food to be everyone friendly and I don't think anyone expects it other than the anaphylactic sufferers and even they don't expect it, just appreciate it.

Maybe put little signs/flags (ie 70's style) saying what is vegan/dairy free/wheat free etc??

[brazen20au]

meatballs & chicken on skewers
dips and crackers (easiest if ALL crackers are gluten free as then there is no risk of contamination)
fruit skewers
vegie skewers (bbq or grill)
popcorn
chips
the curried vegie fritters in the vegetarian book / on my blog
corn chips & salsa and guacamole
cheese platter with gf crackers
small egg-free GF pikelets (perhaps bought GF pancake mix) with smoked salmon, cream cheese etc (blinis?)
GF cocktail franks
salads (see my blog for some GF ones, mostly vegan, egg free & df)

[faffa_70]

I was reading this post and I am thinking my suggestion would be to PM Brazen - and viola - there you are with a heap of suggestions 

[cathy79]

I'd definitely concentrate on eliminating the eggs and peanuts from everything.  Then have options for different groups.  Otherwise, it might be too hard.

How about Instant Chocolate Ice-Cream?  Just blend frozen bananas and cocoa, and a little maple syrup to taste?  Or use fresh bananas for Instant Chocolate Custard?  They should be okay for everyone.  Might be easier than a birthday cake?

One of my girls is really sensitive to chip flavourings, particularly the cheese ones.  So if I'm taking her to a BBQ or Party where there will be chips (there always is) I always take something "chippy" for her to share.  That way she doesn't feel that she's missing out too much.

Ask the other parents for some ideas.  I'm sure they will be willing to help.

[rubyslippers]

Thank you for your replies.   

I've had a quick read, and I'm sure I'll be back to reread many times before I decide on the menu.

I'll let you know how I go.

Many thanks

[Thermomixer]

OMG rubyslippers - that really is a test, sorry my brain is not fully in gear at present.  But good to see brazen, CB79, Zan et al have great suggestions.

Almost need to ask mums to send a plate!

[Thermomixer]

Still thinking - sorry, too late?

[cookie1]

How did it go rubyslippers?

[rubyslippers]

Good Cookie - I have just been waiting till I had more than 5 mins to write a detailed report. 

[rubyslippers]

Update:
1 x Egg allergy (Anaphylactic & our eldest daughter - so no eggs in the house at all) - (child) was RETESTED one week before party and found to be one of the lucky 70% of children who grow out of their allergy by 5yo.  YAY!
1 x Vegan, allergic to mango - (adult) forgot to add lactose intolerance here
1 x lactose intolerance - (teenager) forgot to add egg allergy here
1 x diabetic - (adult) brought coke zero and that was the only special item, took  Zan's advice that they would self manage.
1 x celiac (adult)
1 x peanut allergy (Anaphylactic) (adult) didn't end up attending
left of the list shellfish/seafood allergies x 2+ (adults), and 3 people with braces (1 adult, 2 teenages)

Thank you for the suggestion of asking the parents, but in this case it wouldn't really work. 

more to follow...

[rubyslippers]

I served:
*  Corn chips (unflavoured) (Vegan & GF)
*  Wafer crackers (Vegan & GF)
*  Rice crackers (Vegan & GF)
*  Salsa (Vegan & GF)
*  Easy Thai Dip from http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=6957.0 (Vegan & GF - not a hit)
*  Cashew & Artichoke Dip from http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=27484.0 (Vegan & GF - I didn't mind this one, but not really a hit either)
*  Small cheese platter of Havarti, Brie and smoked cheddar (GF)
*  Air popped popcon (Vegan & GF)
*  Chicken sausage rolls from http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=365.0 (a hit)
*  Vegan sausage rolls from http://herestheveg.blogspot.com/2008/12/december-7-2008-vegan-sausage-rolls.html (Vegan - a very big hit even with the meat eaters, recipe was even requested by vegan guest!)
*  Wedges from McCain? (Vegan)
*  Tempura Chicken Breast Nuggets from Steggles?
*  Cherios
*  Fruit salad (watermelon, honey dew melon, rockmelon, lychees and cherries - all balls to fit with theme)
*  Yogurt (GF)...