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A Guide to Gluten-Free Holiday Entertaining
After a few years of learning to cook for my daughter with celiac disease, I’ve mastered the keys to serving safe, delicious gluten-free meals. This holiday season, you can pass the rolls and the pumpkin pie to your gluten-free guests. It just takes a little planning and a few tips and tricks to make a delicious, gluten-free meal where all your guests can dig in worry-free.
IN THE KITCHEN
The Good News: Most of your Menu is Naturally Gluten-free
As long as it’s not slathered in sauce or pre-glazed, these items on your menu are all naturally gluten-free: meat and seafood, vegetables and fruits, including most cranberry sauces, potatoes, and rice.
Our family’s holiday meals usually include a roast served with roasted potatoes and vegetables, gluten-free stuffing and a crumble instead of pie.
Note: Some celiacs are also lactose intolerant. Ask guests about their dietary needs before you plan the meal.
All about Gravy
“Regular” gravy can easily be made gluten-free by using cornstarch (most brands are gluten-free) or potato starch. Use half the amount the recipe calls for. Whisk the starch-water mixture in with the hot broth continuously until thickened, taking care not to boil if you're using potato starch. My favorite way to thicken gravy is to whisk in spoonfuls of mashed potatoes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Gluten-free Baking Tips
Think small. Make muffins or cupcakes, which will retain moisture better than a full-sized cake or loaf.
Let your batter rest for 20 minutes before baking to absorb moisture.
Gluten-free pie is not so easy. If your guests can tolerate oats, try a crumble instead. Be sure to make the topping using gluten-free oats. You’ll find Bob’s Red Mill brand at most grocers, and Trader Joe’s carries their own brand.
Don’t shy away from a good mix: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Muffin mix makes some of the best muffins from a mix ever. Sticky Fingers gluten-free scones bake up just as delicious as their original blends.
SHOPPING
Gluten-Friendly Bakeries
Since eating gluten-free means avoiding items made with traditional all-purpose flour, you’ll want a gluten-free replacement for rolls, stuffing, and baked goods. If you have time to get to a reliable gluten-free baker, your guests will be thoroughly thankful for these delicious treats. Lucky for you, San Diego is home to some fantastic gluten-free bakeries. Pies are best to pick up just one day in advance and pre-ordering ensures you’ll get exactly what you want for your table (and these vendors offer plenty of options).
2Good2B in North County
Two Locations: Encinitas 877-288-9566; Rancho Bernardo 858-487-4663
Online: 2good2b.com
This reliable, dedicated gluten-free facility is your best bet for picking up items on the fly. At their annual Thanksgiving and Holiday Markets, held three days before each holiday, 2Good2B sets up tables full of full-sized or mini pies, stuffing mix, bread crumbs, dinner rolls, bread, cakes and cookies
Don’t miss: their baguettes and cupcakes with light, creamy frosting, and mini berry pies.
Starry Lane Bakery in Hillcrest
Phone: 619-328-0500
Online: starrylanebakery.com
This dedicated gluten-free facility is also completely free of the top 8 allergens.
Don’t miss: Auntie Mae's stuffing mix. This is the ultimate for those who love stuffing, and always on our holiday table, gobbled up by the whole family. We also always rely on Starry Lane for a tray of gingerbread men to save my sanity since rolled gluten-free cookies take time and patience to master. Guests go crazy for their yummy hot cocoa cupcakes, and dinner rolls- available only for the holidays.
Olive Oil Cafe at SDSU and Countywide Farmer’s Markets
You’ll find Olive Oil Cafe weekly at farmer’s markets at UCSD, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, Imperial Beach, Little Italy and Hillcrest.
Phone: 619-244-4721
Email : oliveoilcafesd@yahoo.com
Online: facebook.com/OliveOilCafeSDSU
At this cafe on the San Diego State campus, all desserts are 100% gluten-free and can be made vegan, sugar-free and paleo-friendly.
Don’t miss: New, creative flavors such as Samoa pie, 3 layer pumpkin pie cheesecake, and pumpkin tiramisu brownies. You can pick up delicious treats by the slice at the farmer’s market, but it’s best to order full-sized treats ahead.
Deanna's Gluten Free Baked Goods
Available at the Farmstand West in Escondido
Phone: 760-432-6100
Email: Orders@DeanansGF.com
Online: deannasglutenfree.com
Deanna's Gluten Free bakery offers an amazing array of gluten and alergen-free breads, from traditional baguette to cinnamon raisin.
Don't miss: Pizza crusts and pie crusts make prep a little easier.
Gluten-Free Grocery Store Finds
Life! Sometimes when you’re on the run, you just need to skip the lines, the traffic, or the cooking. These delicious gluten-free options were recently spotted at local grocers and will do the trick when the holiday frenzy kicks in.
Aldi’s
Cheddar biscuits. Mix in a good cheese to make this no-fail seasonal item even better. They also carry french fried onions.
Amazon.com
Aleia’s Savory Stuffing Mix. If you can’t get to a local baker for their mix, this is the next best thing.
Keils
Olivia’s croutons and stuffing mix- both delicious! Sticky Fingers gluten-free scones.
Sprouts
Can’t give up the traditional green bean casserole? You’ll find french fried onions and Pacific Foods cream of mushroom soup. They also carry ready-to-use Imagine Foods gravy.
Trader Joe’s
Pumpkin muffin mix. My daughter says it makes the best gluten-free muffins hands down. Send your guest home with a few extra boxes as an early holiday gift. And new this year are gluten-free pie crust in the frozen section.
You’ll find stuffing at TJs. It’s easy, but skip it. It cooks up salty and mushy.
Various Chain Grocers
Daiya Pumpkin Cheesecake - Need dessert for just one or two? Dress up this yummy dairy-free dessert with a stencil and powdered sugar.
Pesky Places Where Gluten Hides
It seems gluten is found everywhere, in so many products you wouldn’t ever suspect. These brands are on my safe list, but things change. Always read labels to be sure a brand’s formula or method of preparation is safe.
Broth: Stick to Pacific Foods and Imagine Foods.
Seasonings: McCormick’s is a reliable gluten-free option.
Salad Dressing: Whip up your own easy vinaigrette or for a creamy variety, try Hidden Valley Ranch and Marie’s Blue Cheese.
Beer: The safest bet is to skip it and serve wine or cider instead.
Sprinkles: Betty Crocker’s are mostly gluten-free and are all labeled clearly.
Seasoned Packaged Chips: Popchips, Kettle Brand chips, and Tostitos and Mission brand tortilla chips are all gluten-free.
PARTY PREP
Safe Serving: A Word about Cross Contamination
Parties and gatherings are tricky for gluten-free guests. Here’s how I keep my kiddo safe from cross-contamination when preparing food and eating with a group:
WHEN COOKING
Wipe: If your kitchen is not completely free of gluten: wipe down countertops, and rinse utensils, pans, and baking dishes before getting started.
GF First: Prepare gluten-free dishes first.
Separation: Set aside one counter or tabletop that is only for gluten free foods.
WHEN SERVING
GF First : Allow your gluten-free guest to serve herself first to avoid cross contamination
Separation: If serving buffet-style, designate one counter for gluten-free only foods.
Serving Tools: Provide a designated serving spoon for each dish.
Just Ask: If in doubt, ask guests for help. Most who live with allergies are happy to help with preparation, advice, and cooking. Enjoy the meal! With proper planning and knowledge, you can break bread with all your guests and feel at ease
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