GLUTEN-FREE LOST SERIES FINALE PARTY: QUICK LAST-MINUTE SOLUTIONS

Being  gluten-free doesn't mean you are immune to the hype surrounding the main event of this month's TV schedule, the series finale of Lost. Perhaps you've slowly realized that, yes, you'd prefer to be surrounded by your friends on this important celebration of mass culture but now, sadly, you are somewhat unprepared for this change of heart. How to invite your best buds over to gasp and sigh together without breaking the bank? Herewith, suggestions:

 Gluten-free starters, appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, whatever you call them, are the snacks to have ready when the crowd is starting to show up and you're still in the kitchen putting the rest of the evening's dishes on plates. Try these, which require little more than heading to the store and opening some packages when you return home.

A platter of cubed Garden Lites Souffles

Ka-Me Rice Crackers with cheeses from Murray's

Trader Joe Edamame Thins with Trader Joe Hummus

Crackers made entirely of cheese

Set up a sandwich bar. Buy a few loaves of gluten-free bread, cheeses and cold cuts, mayo, mustard, pickles and cole slaw and you're done. Here are some bread suggestions:

Udi's Gluten-Free Sliced White Bread

Udi's Gluten-Free Sliced Whole Grain 

Gillian's Onion Rolls

Gillian's Raisin Cinnamon Rolls

Clever mixing of several prepared gluten-free foods can result in good eats without much effort at all. Try these:

Amy's Mac n Cheese Vegetable Casserole

Trader Joe Dal Makhani Indian Stew

Trader Joe Mexican Style Foods 

Head over to the nearest gluten-free baked goods supplier, whether that's a health food store, neighborhood chain supermarket, Whole Foods, or if you're lucky, a gluten-free bakery, and pick up some of these delicious items, which will satisfy any sweet tooth:

Babycakes  Gluten-Free Bakery

tu-lu's Gluten-Free Bakery

Glutino Sugar Wafers

Trader Joe Ginger Snaps

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