Gluten Be Gone: Guide To A Gluten-Free Thanksgiving
Comments (8)
Adding ingredients like chocolate and bourbon to a classic pecan pie gives an old recipe new depth and fantastic flavor. (@udisglutenfree/Twitter)
Gluten-free diets have garnered a lot of buzz in the last few years due to the recent rise in documented gluten sensitivities and cases of celiac disease. Gluten, the protein found in wheat, has also come under fire for being a potentially unhealthy part of a balanced diet. Though gluten itself may not be officially condemned by researchers and medical practitioners, many people have made the choice to remove gluten from their diets for personal health.
Whether you avoid gluten for personal or medical reasons, living a gluten free life has its challenges. Eating out or dining with friends and family who do not follow a gluten free eating plan, can quickly dissolve into a less than enjoyable experience.
Managing a gluten-free diet has become much easier however, especially in the last few years. Many restaurants are now accommodating gluten-free lifestyles with gluten free menu alternatives. Companies, such as Udi's Gluten Free, have formulated breads, sweets, and even pizza crusts that are gluten free friendly. These recent developments in the gluten free community have made living with gluten sensitivities much more manageable.
Never the less, gluten-free eating is still difficult. The holiday season can be the most challenging, with breads and sweets filled with gluten lurking around every corner. But, have no fear! Here's an extensive list of gluten free options for the first round of holiday feasting. This year, you can have your stuffing and pie, and eat it too.
Sides
Flavorful side dishes can make or break any Thanksgiving meal. They are also the easiest part of a Thanksgiving meal to make gluten free. Mashed potatoes, vegetable dishes, and the classic cranberry sauce are all traditionally served sans gluten. Kick these quintessential Thanksgiving side dishes up a notch with the addition of caramelized onions, smoked gouda, and chestnuts, and dig in to your heart's content.
1. Mashed Sweet Potato Gratin with Smoked Gouda and Shallots
2. Grain Free Stuffed Mushrooms
3. Root Veggie Pan Roast with Apples and Chestnuts
4. Ginger and Citrus Cranberry Sauce
5. Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese
Breads and Stuffings
These grain free stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a crowd pleaser amongst all your guests. (Cara Lyons/Cara's Cravings)
Any kind of bread is usually off limits for those avoiding gluten. With simple grain and flour replacements, however, gluten free breads and stuffings can easily be created. Popular grain alternatives include quinoa and hearty vegetables, such as mushrooms. Gluten-free flour alternatives include almond flour and gluten-free flour blends.
3. Vegetarian Mushroom Stuffing
The Main Event
Meat dishes are very gluten free adaptable. Golden brown, gigantic roasted turkeys (the ones not filled with glutenous stuffing) can easily be the centerpiece of your gluten free Thanksgiving. To get a little more creative, whip up a main dish from pork or beef instead of poultry. It's sure to surprise all your guests, and make every tummy happy.
1. Whole Herb Roasted Turkey with Wild Mushroom Gravy
2. Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
3. Roasted Turkey Breast with Bacon and Herbs
Desserts
Dessert is, arguably, the most important part of any holiday meal. The classic pies and tarts often placed on Thanksgiving dessert tables, however, can present a challenge for gluten free diners. Simple ingredient swaps can solve all your gluten problems. These tempting Thanksgiving-flavored dessert recipes will please even the most loyal gluten eater.
3. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
5. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Filling and Cacao Nibs
Reach Staff Reporter Ashley Seruya here and follow her on Twitter here
