If your loved one needs to avoid gluten due to an intolerance or allergy, the wrong type of Valentine's day treat may not send the right message. Give them one of these gluten-free options instead to ensure they receive your gift with the same intention with which it was given.
Homemade Valentine Treats
Consider making your own chocolate candies at home where you can ensure the quality and lack of gluten contamination.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Hearts Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 cup cacao butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons Agave Nectar
1/4 cup nuts or seeds of your choice (optional)
Instructions
Chop the cacao butter into tiny pieces.
Add them to a small saucepan and warm on your stove top on the lowest heat possible.
Once the cacao butter is completely liquefied, add the cocoa powder. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.
Add the salt, vanilla extract and agave nectar. Stir well to combine.
Chop the nuts to your desired consistency and stir into the chocolate mixture.
Pour the liquid chocolate into heart-shaped molds and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes until the chocolate is solid.
Store the chocolate in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
A Gluten-Free Meal
Eating out at a restaurant can be tricky for someone who is living the gluten-free lifestyle. Many restaurants do not cater to individuals with food limitations and it can be stressful trying to decipher menus when you're out for a night on the town.
However, many restaurants are now offering gluten-free selections. You can impress your sweetheart by doing some research in advance and making a reservation at an establishment that offers safe options for those following a gluten-free diet. The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America offers tips on how to order gluten-free food in a restaurant.
Gluten-Free Valentine Gifts
While it may not seem like it at first glance, there are numerous gluten-free chocolate and candy options, as well as other non-food items your loved one might enjoy.
YummyEarth offers gluten-free lollipops, gummy bears, and other candies. Not only are their candies free of gluten, they are also free of most other allergens as well.
In addition to these candies, the Celiac Family blog maintains a comprehensive list of gluten-free Valentine candy.
Gluten-Free Chocolates
Many companies are making gluten-free chocolates that can be easily ordered online. Here are some examples:
Ulimana makes a variety of chocolates that contain only simple ingredients such as cacao, salt, vanilla, and a sweetener such as honey or agave nectar.
Gnosis Chocolates offers allergen-free chocolates that are also vegan-friendly.
The Raw Chocolate Company makes three different delicious gluten-free chocolate bars that your sweetie will enjoy.
Gluten-Free Cookbooks
Why not buy your valentine one or two gluten-free cookbooks? The two of you can pop open a bottle of your favorite festive beverage and spend the evening at home preparing a candlelit meal together.
The Gluten-Free Bible: Foodies give this cookbook five stars across the board for the number of recipes, as well as how to adapt and learn to cook gluten-free.
Artisanal Gluten-Free Cooking: If your love is a gourmand, consider getting them this book of 275 different from-scratch gluten-free recipes.
Experiential Gifts
Remember, a gift does not have to be a physical object. You can give the gift of an experience that your sweetie will enjoy such a cooking or scuba diving class. A wine connoisseur may appreciate a tour through wine country. If you have a thrill seeker on your hands, a rafting or skydiving trip may be the perfect gift.
Use your imagination to come up with something the two of you will enjoy together. Showing your special someone that you love them enough to participate in something they enjoy will really show how much you care.
Gluten-Free Valentine Gifts for Kids
There are plenty of gluten-free Valentine gifts that will delight the kids in your life. Kids love new toys, games and books with Valentine themes.
Gluten-Free Play Dough
Play-dough is a quintessential kid toy that is off limits to many gluten-free youngsters because it contains wheat flour. However, there are a few gluten-free options. Aroma Dough offers a playing dough free of gluten. The kids in your life will love to play with this great sculpting dough.
Gluten-Free Cookies
Kids and cookies go together like peanut butter and jelly. Why not make some gluten-free sugar cookies and cut them into the shape of hearts? Decorate them yourself, or get your kids involved for a fun-filled afternoon.
Give It With Love
No matter what you finally choose to give your loved one this Valentine's day, they're sure to appreciate the time you took to find them a gluten-free option. With just a little time and imagination, you'll find the perfect gift.
