A Middle Ground Between Separate Meals and Allergy-Friendly Dining for All?

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, more than a few of us will be in the uncomfortable position of eating at tables that aren't going to be strictly allergen-free. For some families, that's every night --- more than a few families routinely serve multiple meals to appeal to multiple special diets. If you've got anaphylactic allergies in your family, keeping your home and table clear from problem foods is by far the safest policy. But especially if you're dealing with nonfatal dietary intolerances, this tip from Parent Hacks may save you time and energy:

To avoid making three different dinners every night, we've implemented one or two "Create Your Own" nights. We use pita with several toppings for create your own pizza, we do tacos, burritos and pasta (with a choice of sauces) - and are in the process of brainstorming more...

If you do implement this sort of solution in your family, make sure you've got cross-contamination under control by strictly segregating food preparation and storage areas, pans, utensils, and serving items for foods that could make anyone in your family ill. Be sure not to overlook the potential for cross-contamination by condiments that could be shared among multiple family members.

• Parent Hacks: "Build Your Own" Dinners Simplify Meals for Folks with Allergies