A Very Merry Gluten Free holiday season

So its that time of year again and we all know that many of our favourite treats can become our worst nightmare if care hasn't been taken to make sure they are gluten free. Everything from the turkey to the cheese and crackers tray must be made gluten free.... if you think like I do most of the time, this task would seem a tedious one, not to mention a burden on the party host. Picture yourself asking to feed yourself first in order to not risk cross contamination, or even worse ask that no one eat gluten around you.

This blog is going to be dedicated to my gluten free Christmas tips and tricks. Many years ago, when I was first diagnosed, I could always trust that my mother would bring along my favourite gluten free dish to any family or friend gathering (this would ensure that I was a happy kid as well as didn't get sick). The easiest way to control what goes into your mouth is to make sure you made it! This may seem like a simple trick but it does help, especially if you are able to help make a few things beforehand with the host. This way the topic of gluten free will almost always come up in conversation and you will be able to make sure that other dishes can be made gluten free as well. People really are quite happy to make gluten free treats, as long as they are tasty and require next to no extra effort.

Secondly, the turkey.... well not if you're vegetarian but then you know you can eat lots of potatoes and yummy sides. Here is an IMPORTANT fact: Turkey with stuffing that isn't gluten free, will most definitely make you sick. Please make sure you either make your own turkey or protein, or ask the host not to stuff their turkey. Gravy is also an important one because most people use flour to thicken the sauce, but luckily there are great alternatives for thickeners: guar gum, cornstarch, rice flour, or xanthan gum. Here is a quick gluten free gravy thickener recipe:

1 tbsp or xanthan gum (or alternative as listed above)

a bit of water

Mix both ingredients together to form a milky liquid. Add gradually to meat drippings that have been boiling in a pan. Its basically the same technique as regular gravy but using gluten free ingredients.

Lastly, the desserts, cookies, candies and other wonderful treats. I'm not going to lie and say that everything can be made gluten free and taste the same as those cookies your grandma has been making for a century. BUT, I will say this... over the years, my family has been experimenting with many gluten free options and for the most part we have been able to recreate some family favourites such as meat pie, sugar cookies, homemade bread.... you name it, we have probably tried to make it. Nowadays we are pretty lucky living this gluten free life. I am going to list a few links for companies who make great gluten free mixes that will aid you this Christmas season:

1. Sugar cookies (that people without celiac gobbled up and didn't know were gluten free. These are also very easy to make with the kids. I would suggest adding a bit more water than the package says, but only a few drops more)

link: http://www.bobsredmill.com/gf-shortbread-cookie-mix.html

** Most of Bob Redmill's products are really fantastic alternatives for you. They have cake mix, bread mix, and even oats, and are sold at most grocery stores**

2. Gluten free bread crumbs and pretty much anything you could possibly need gluten free in Vancouver: http://www.choicesmarket.com/pdfs/RiceBakeryBrochure2009-1.pdf

**This is the brochure for the choices rice bakery. They not only have mixes but also make lots of breads, cakes and other treats. Give them a call for all your gluten free needs**

3. Seeing how I am spending Christmas back on the east coast, I will also add a few links to places on the east coast. Two come to mind, Rosie's Gluten Free Gourmet, which you can get at most grocery stores but the Scoop and Save in Fredericton carries a large quantity of her products and will also make special orders for you. Here is her information:

Rosie's Gluten Free Gourmet

620 Coverdale Road
Riverview, NB
E1B 3K6
Tel: 506-855-5988

There is also a couple at the Saturday morning market in Fredericton that sell gluten free treats. The market is probably my favourite place because I can also get free range organic meats, cheese, fish and of course fresh squeezed orange juice.

Well that's all for today. I love your feedback and welcome any other suggestions you might have for a very happy holiday season with no visits to the hospital :)

Until next time,

Your gluten free friend xo