When I went to the grocery store for oranges for the orange flan, there was a bag of cute little key limes that I couldn't resist. So I bought those and decided to try lime curd with coconut oil in place of butter. I used a refined coconut oil (one with little coconut flavor) because I didn't want coconut competing with the almond flavor of the macaroons. I suppose if one used the raw coconut oil, one could call it pina colada curd. That worked out fine - very strong lime flavor - I didn't notice the lack of butter. However, a little of the coconut oil separated out when I chilled the lime curd - I'm not sure why that happened or how I could have prevented it. I removed it from the top of the curd and used the curd. At that point I was in a hurry so I didn't save it - maybe the lime infused oil could have been used for a stir fry. I had flavored half with cocoa. All the plain flavored ones were made into sandwiches with lime curd filling but I ran out before filling all the chocolate ones so the rest were served plain. I'd forgotten to look for Polander jam at the store and the Smuckers low sugar that we usually use isn't that thick. I wanted to try combining it with chocolate for a filling but I ran out of time. The macarons were a big hit - crusty on the outside, chewy insided. Some people couldn't resist nibbling on one before dinner. After dinner they all disappeared. The orange flan was also a refreshing finish to the meal.

Thank you so much for the ideas and support! It turns out she has two dorm-sized fridge/freezers (one has her TV on top and I didn't notice it, lol) so she has more storage space than I'd thought. She lives nearby so DH sees her often (stops on his way home from work) but is more than willing to stop by on his way to work with food at least once a week. So far I'm using Rubbermaid-type freezer containers, the same I've always sent home leftovers in, as she has her own dishes. DH's car just had some $$$ repairs so there's no money for buying separate dishes right now - DH says the food's more important than the presentation, and his mom is very practical. So far I've got 2 containers of pasta with beefed-up marinara, 2 meals of brisket with homemade baked beans and new potatoes and 2 bowls of from-scratch, from-fresh chicken soup. It's a start. I don't think the budget would allow it (gonna be a tight holiday season) but do you think she could possibly work a bread machine? I've never used one so have no idea how difficult they are to use. If she could operate it, I may suggest it to my SIL. I'm thinking a small electric skillet and/or a small toaster/convection oven might be useful, if she has the space (and if they would be permitted).

Compumom, at least with binging on the chocolate covered Altoids you have fresh breath, brown teeth, but really fresh breath. Sunday night I started on a really big bag of reeses pieces- I dont eat chocolate so they are my substitute fix. Brought them to work yesterday so yummy with coffee. last night dug into a bag of sunchips who knows what flavor- DS bought them. Finished off the reeses with coffee here at work this morning. all gone. piZZa in my meeeting at 7 tonight. who knows what I will get into tomorrow?? Sue

Wow, you folks are awesome, thanks so much for taking the time to post ideas and recipes, I really appreciate it. I'm going to ask tonight if eggs/egg whites are on the OK list because those macaroons are a great idea (and are a favorite of DH as well). Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It's also found in spelt, I've just learned. So all of those products are out, along with a laundry list of other foods that seem to cause her stomach to cramp up. I love to bake - bread a couple of times/week, cakes, cookies, pies, etc. I feel badly for my neighbor as she's basically given up on all baked goods, which is why I thought I'd see if there were any possibilities for her that she might have overlooked. publickman I've brought quinoa salad a couple of times and am not a huge fan, but it's a good fallback. bons thanks so much for the recipes. The brownies and macaroons look great (assuming eggs are ok, I'd have to leave out the nuts) but the 3rd recipe won't work as was pointed out (milk). mom4j47 yes, this is pretty drastic and not by choice but for health reasons. My neighbor gets very very sick when she eats something not on her OK list. All veggies and some fruits are always welcome so I often bring those. Annie I'll check out the cornbread recipes (and ask her if cornmeal is ok). The meringue cookies look good although no nuts. dcarch thanks for the hint about Asian groceries, I've got one nearby. I have no idea how to use these flours though - anything you can share about them? Wild rice is a grass and as such it's on her OK list. I haven't seen wild rice flour (if it even exists) but I've got a really good recipe for a wild rice salad (includes dried cranberries and almonds) that I could bring sometime, with the almonds on the side. cloud_swift the cholo tiki recipe looks delicious - I know DH would love to try that. Teresa yes, rice just an additional food she is sensitive to, which makes things difficult since it's often an ingredient in gluten-free flours and foods. tami_ohio thanks for pointing out www.diningdownloads. I have a Kindle and will check it out. chi83 I'll have to check with her on coconut milk. I'm assuming almond milk is not going to work. I didn't know that coconut cream whips. compumom thanks, I'll see if meringues will work for her. Becky thanks for the recipe! Jessica thanks as well, I'll ask about corn meal because your recipe looks great. cynic I'm going to see her tonight and so will ask about all the ingredients I'm not sure of. I didn't realize flour residue hangs around. She loves the gewurztraminer that DH brings on occasion, so arriving with baked goods is not really all that critical. Her basic approach is to make a soup that she knows she can eat and assume that any other contributions from guests are not going to be something she'll be able to have. If the contributions fit her diet, it's a bonus. This has been a real education for me, both in getting to know this neighbor and in all the posts here. Thanks again to all who commented.