For most people Christmas means a lot of meals and a lot of food. Which can be difficult if you're avoiding gluten. Sauces, gravy, stuffing, mince pies, Christmas pudding, cookies - so many of the foods we associate with Christmas are full of gluten. Here are a few hints on how to eat gluten free at Christmas.

 

 

There are so many foods which are naturally gluten free: turkey, seafood, salad, vegetables, fresh fruit, olives, roast potatoes, pumpkin, garden peas with butter and mint. Focus on these and make them the centre of your meals.

 

There are plenty of recipes for gluten free versions of Christmas foods. However if you're the only one eating gluten free on the day, it can be overwhelming to make alternatives for everything. So pick your two favourite dishes, do some internet research and make gluten free versions of those two dishes only - it's important to have a bit of luxury on the day.

 

If all the cooking and thinking about food gets too much, buy pre-made foods or mixes. Find a bread mix you like to use for stuffing, purchase a gluten free Christmas pudding, use a packet mix to make a gluten free cake. These will save you time.

 

Taking on all the responsibility for gluten free cooking at Christmas is a lot of work for one person, so ask your family and friends for help. While it can feel pushy most people are only to happy to help, they're just not sure how. Hand out recipes for gluten free standards to family members; if you're kids are old enough get them in the kitchen making gluten free cookies; talk to friends about easy gluten free foods they can serve at parties. Don't be shy.

 

 

Photograph by Gail Fisher.