How to Have a Gluten Free Holiday

If you're newly gluten free, the coming holidays might be causing panic. What will you eat for if you can't have wheat or gluten? A lot, that's what!!! Here's how to have a gluten free holiday season you'll enjoy as much as any from those past gluten days.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The Turkey
   
   Be careful about the kind of turkey you purchase for the holidays. Many contain different spices, broths, and other added ingredients. The safest option is an all-natural, or organic turkey with no added ingredients. These turkeys are more expensive, but well worth it, especially for those who must have a gluten free holiday!

2. Vegetables and Side Dishes
   
   Most plain vegetable are fine, just don't forget about those little additions. Be sure any butter, sauces, and other flavorings are gluten free. Regular butter is usually gluten free, and many margarines are as well. Check to make sure. Cranberry sauce in a can should be free of gluten, but check labels for individual brands will vary.

3. Gravy and Stuffing
   
   Here is a place you can get into trouble when planning a gluten free holiday dinner. Gravy is usually made from flour. Some people use mixes or jars, but many preparations have gluten. Opt for homemade gravy using 2-3 tablespoons of drippings in a frying pan. Mix 2 tablespoons tapioca flour, corn starch, or potato starch in a cup of cold water. Add this mixture to the pan, and stir. Now add milk and heat till bubbly and thickened. If you are avoiding milk, you can use water or gluten free broth as a liquid.
   
   Stuffing
   
   Making gluten free stuffing means just a few changes are necessary. A day or two before Thanksgiving, bake a loaf of gluten free sandwich bread or corn bread. (depending on your preference) Cut the bread into cubes, brush with melted butter, and place on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Toast the bread crumbs till they are nice and golden brown and crispy. Use these along with a gluten free broth to make your stuffing.

4. Desserts
   Pumpkin pie is easy to make gluten free. Just make sure to check all spices for gluten, and use plain canned pumpkin. There are many great pumpkin pie filling recipes out there. Make your own gluten free pie crust, and you're good to go. Another option is making a nut crust. Mmmm.
   You might like to add a gluten free cake or cupcakes, gluten free decorated sugar cookies or naturally gluten free fruit salad.

Tips & Warnings

• Check all labels on call manufacturers if there is any question about the gluten free status of a product.
• If others are bringing items, ask for a list of ingredients.
• Bring several foods to the dinner if you're going to someone else's house.
• Host the dinner yourself, and you'll know for sure it's all gluten free!
• If in doubt, forget about it!!! Don't eat it.
• Don't forget to warn others about cross contamination. Make sure to use separate utensils for each item when there is a gluten and gluten free version. Also place these containers in separate areas of the buffet or table. Label the container as well as the stem of the serving ware if the item is gluten free. (colored sticker circles work great)

[deboer]

on 12/6/2009 I appreciate these tips! Great article!

[grammastacie]

on 11/22/2009 thanks, very informative! 5* and recommend.