Now that we’ve finished filming for the Gluten Free Gigi Holiday Guide 2011 (the “Guide”) and it is just about ready for release, I wanted to tell you a bit more about the project and why I decided to take on something like this during what is perhaps the busiest time of the year for most of us.
Like many of you, I live every day on a special diet and have for over 4 years now. While my kitchen is entirely gluten free, I sometimes need to remind myself that not everyone’s kitchen is. The holiday season, at least for me, is perhaps the biggest reminder of this.
The concern often begins, at least for those of us with younger children, with the Halloween candy and rapidly turns to the Thanksgiving menu. If you visit relatives for the holiday, it can be a bit scary in terms of foods served. Families with the best intentions sometimes just don’t understand what it’s like to live on a special diet. They may know that turkey is “safe” for you if you’re on a gluten free diet, but they may stuff the bird with a gluten-filled bread stuffing and remain completely unaware that not only can you not eat the stuffing, you can’t even eat the turkey at that point!
Of course, you could just avoid the issue all together and take your food along, but let’s face it, no one wants to take an entire “special” meal. It’s just no fun! Most of us really don’t want to draw extra attention to ourselves, especially in terms of what we’re eating at the holiday table! I know I don’t.
Even if you host the holidays in your own home and have complete control of what is served, there can still be a degree of anxiety over how your “special” food will be received by your guests. Unfortunately, when people hear that something is gluten free, they often equate that with taste-free or some other negative thought. How about coming to my house for the holidays to hear that you’ll be eating a meal that is not only gluten free, it’s also dairy free, soy free, and nut free?! Throw in the fact that many of my dishes are vegan, vegetarian, or raw foods, and even from my extended family, there are the occasional raised eyebrows!
Like many of you, I live every day on a special diet and have for over 4 years now. While my kitchen is entirely gluten free, I sometimes need to remind myself that not everyone’s kitchen is. The holiday season, at least for me, is perhaps the biggest reminder of this.
The concern often begins, at least for those of us with younger children, with the Halloween candy and rapidly turns to the Thanksgiving menu. If you visit relatives for the holiday, it can be a bit scary in terms of foods served. Families with the best intentions sometimes just don’t understand what it’s like to live on a special diet. They may know that turkey is “safe” for you if you’re on a gluten free diet, but they may stuff the bird with a gluten-filled bread stuffing and remain completely unaware that not only can you not eat the stuffing, you can’t even eat the turkey at that point!
Of course, you could just avoid the issue all together and take your food along, but let’s face it, no one wants to take an entire “special” meal. It’s just no fun! Most of us really don’t want to draw extra attention to ourselves, especially in terms of what we’re eating at the holiday table! I know I don’t.
Even if you host the holidays in your own home and have complete control of what is served, there can still be a degree of anxiety over how your “special” food will be received by your guests. Unfortunately, when people hear that something is gluten free, they often equate that with taste-free or some other negative thought. How about coming to my house for the holidays to hear that you’ll be eating a meal that is not only gluten free, it’s also dairy free, soy free, and nut free?! Throw in the fact that many of my dishes are vegan, vegetarian, or raw foods, and even from my extended family, there are the occasional raised eyebrows!
With one or more food allergies, the holidays can turn into a stressful time when it comes to planning the menu. That just shouldn’t be! Holidays should be a time to relax, spend time with family, and enjoy foods that we often only indulge in once or twice each year. Holidays should be worry-free! Now, I can’t help you with solving the ongoing feud between your favorite aunts over who makes the best fruitcake, but I can help you with the menu!
As a matter of fact, in the Guide, I’ve created 5 menus for you. With over 40 recipes, each complete with its own How-To video, the menu options are nearly endless! The recipes and videos are full of ideas, tips, and tricks to make cooking on a special diet a breeze. I’ve also taken some other factors into consideration...
For example, affordability. I made sure the Guide focused on naturally gluten free foods that are in season and readily available. What that translates to is SAVINGS! You’ll save money because delicious in season fruits and veggies are plentiful, thus more affordable. You’ll also save time because the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect holiday meal for all your guests on a special diet are easy-to-find items. You won’t be searching for a rare grain or other obscure ingredient that is costly and difficult to locate. The ingredients lists include items that you’d find in any gluten free pantry!
Of course, I do use my share of gluten free flours to create breads, cakes, pies, and cookies. I share the flour blends that I use, along with other tips on how to get perfect results each time you bake.
You’ll also find several raw foods recipes in the Guide, along with over 30 vegan options! I’ve told you before that about 85% of what I eat is vegan, so it was just natural that a large portion of the Guide contained vegan recipes. Not only is the vegan lifestyle a compassionate one, it’s a healthy way to live, too! What better time to engage in healthy eating than at the time of year most of us put on a few extra pounds?!
I’ve tried to keep fat and sugar to a minimum in the recipes I’m sharing. You’ll even see that I sometimes replace some of the fat in baked goods with a non-fat healthy alternative when it doesn’t compromise the texture or taste of the finished product. Those are two the two key factors that I take into consideration when developing new gluten free recipes in the gluten free test kitchen. If a dish doesn’t taste like we know it should taste and have the mouth feel we expect when we take a bite, it really doesn’t matter if it fits our special diet or not. That is why you’ll see that I sometimes tweak a flour blend or use a clever technique when it comes to mixing ingredients, especially for breads and cakes. I don’t just toss ingredients together and hope for acceptable results. I look at how ingredients “fit” together. I understand the acid-base balance required in a recipe, the importance of the correct choice and combination of leavening agents, the architecture, if you will, of baked goods, and how to manipulate proteins to achieve structure without gluten.
I am passionate about this aspect of cooking, making it my full time job to research and develop recipes that I can share with others on a special diet. I realize, though, most home cooks need to be able to turn from their busy schedules to a trusted resource to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table for their family with as little stress as possible. This could not be truer than during the hectic holiday season!
That’s why I’ve taken all the guesswork out of your holiday cooking and baking and, along with my team at Gluten Free Gigi, have compiled this useful Guide full of holiday favorites that are all gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and nut free. I’ve also made sure each recipe is acceptable for the Gluten Free Casein Free Diet for Autism because I understand first-hand the potential positive impact the Gluten Free Casein Free diet can have for an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder. You see, in addition to living with multiple food allergies and sensitivities, my family is also personally touched by Autism.
As you can see, what I’ve tried to do with the Guide is to embrace as many special diets as possible, all while keeping the recipes simple, affordable, and most of all delicious! I honestly believe you could create your entire holiday meal from the Guide and no one at your table would ever guess they were eating foods created for a special diet!
That is why I believe the Guide is much more than merely a resource for individuals with one or more food allergies. It is a complete holiday cookbook anyone can use and enjoy, but not just any cookbook. With my Holiday Guide, you actually get the author and recipe developer (me!) right in your own kitchen for one-on-one instruction and guidance with no pressure or time constraints! Even if you can eat anything you want, if you have family members or guests with food allergies, you’ll want to be sure to have the Guide handy throughout the holiday season! The days of making extra dishes to accommodate one person’s special diet are over because I’ve created dishes that everyone can enjoy! And if you have a question, with the Guide you get a special email address I will be checking and responding to regularly. How’s that for a stress-free holiday?!
So, gather everyone together for a fantastic Thanksgiving meal regardless of a food allergy or intolerance, Celiac disease, Gluten Sensitivity, or a Gluten Free Casein Free Diet for Autism. The only stress you’ll have this holiday season when it comes to the food is deciding which recipe contained in the Guide of nearly 60 pages of holiday favorites you’ll make! Of course, if you can’t decide on a menu, I’ve taken care of that, too, and provided you with 5 menus ranging from traditional to a vegan feast!
I even provide a 5-step guide on how to select, store, thaw, prep, roast, and carve your Thanksgiving turkey!
As you can see, this is, in essence, the ultimate special diets cookbook for the holidays. I know you’ll enjoy the recipes, not only during the holiday season, but for a very long time. I bet some of them even become family favorites! I know they have at my house.
As a matter of fact, in the Guide, I’ve created 5 menus for you. With over 40 recipes, each complete with its own How-To video, the menu options are nearly endless! The recipes and videos are full of ideas, tips, and tricks to make cooking on a special diet a breeze. I’ve also taken some other factors into consideration...
For example, affordability. I made sure the Guide focused on naturally gluten free foods that are in season and readily available. What that translates to is SAVINGS! You’ll save money because delicious in season fruits and veggies are plentiful, thus more affordable. You’ll also save time because the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect holiday meal for all your guests on a special diet are easy-to-find items. You won’t be searching for a rare grain or other obscure ingredient that is costly and difficult to locate. The ingredients lists include items that you’d find in any gluten free pantry!
Of course, I do use my share of gluten free flours to create breads, cakes, pies, and cookies. I share the flour blends that I use, along with other tips on how to get perfect results each time you bake.
You’ll also find several raw foods recipes in the Guide, along with over 30 vegan options! I’ve told you before that about 85% of what I eat is vegan, so it was just natural that a large portion of the Guide contained vegan recipes. Not only is the vegan lifestyle a compassionate one, it’s a healthy way to live, too! What better time to engage in healthy eating than at the time of year most of us put on a few extra pounds?!
I’ve tried to keep fat and sugar to a minimum in the recipes I’m sharing. You’ll even see that I sometimes replace some of the fat in baked goods with a non-fat healthy alternative when it doesn’t compromise the texture or taste of the finished product. Those are two the two key factors that I take into consideration when developing new gluten free recipes in the gluten free test kitchen. If a dish doesn’t taste like we know it should taste and have the mouth feel we expect when we take a bite, it really doesn’t matter if it fits our special diet or not. That is why you’ll see that I sometimes tweak a flour blend or use a clever technique when it comes to mixing ingredients, especially for breads and cakes. I don’t just toss ingredients together and hope for acceptable results. I look at how ingredients “fit” together. I understand the acid-base balance required in a recipe, the importance of the correct choice and combination of leavening agents, the architecture, if you will, of baked goods, and how to manipulate proteins to achieve structure without gluten.
I am passionate about this aspect of cooking, making it my full time job to research and develop recipes that I can share with others on a special diet. I realize, though, most home cooks need to be able to turn from their busy schedules to a trusted resource to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table for their family with as little stress as possible. This could not be truer than during the hectic holiday season!
That’s why I’ve taken all the guesswork out of your holiday cooking and baking and, along with my team at Gluten Free Gigi, have compiled this useful Guide full of holiday favorites that are all gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and nut free. I’ve also made sure each recipe is acceptable for the Gluten Free Casein Free Diet for Autism because I understand first-hand the potential positive impact the Gluten Free Casein Free diet can have for an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder. You see, in addition to living with multiple food allergies and sensitivities, my family is also personally touched by Autism.
As you can see, what I’ve tried to do with the Guide is to embrace as many special diets as possible, all while keeping the recipes simple, affordable, and most of all delicious! I honestly believe you could create your entire holiday meal from the Guide and no one at your table would ever guess they were eating foods created for a special diet!
That is why I believe the Guide is much more than merely a resource for individuals with one or more food allergies. It is a complete holiday cookbook anyone can use and enjoy, but not just any cookbook. With my Holiday Guide, you actually get the author and recipe developer (me!) right in your own kitchen for one-on-one instruction and guidance with no pressure or time constraints! Even if you can eat anything you want, if you have family members or guests with food allergies, you’ll want to be sure to have the Guide handy throughout the holiday season! The days of making extra dishes to accommodate one person’s special diet are over because I’ve created dishes that everyone can enjoy! And if you have a question, with the Guide you get a special email address I will be checking and responding to regularly. How’s that for a stress-free holiday?!
So, gather everyone together for a fantastic Thanksgiving meal regardless of a food allergy or intolerance, Celiac disease, Gluten Sensitivity, or a Gluten Free Casein Free Diet for Autism. The only stress you’ll have this holiday season when it comes to the food is deciding which recipe contained in the Guide of nearly 60 pages of holiday favorites you’ll make! Of course, if you can’t decide on a menu, I’ve taken care of that, too, and provided you with 5 menus ranging from traditional to a vegan feast!
I even provide a 5-step guide on how to select, store, thaw, prep, roast, and carve your Thanksgiving turkey!
As you can see, this is, in essence, the ultimate special diets cookbook for the holidays. I know you’ll enjoy the recipes, not only during the holiday season, but for a very long time. I bet some of them even become family favorites! I know they have at my house.
As soon as the Guide is ready, I’ll be letting everyone know. The first thing I will do is send out an email. To make sure you get the email, please confirm you are on my list. All you have to do is visit here to enter your first name and email address.
Meantime, while we’re finishing-up, I want to share with you another highlight from the Guide to show you what we’ve been up to.
Last week, I shared with you my Pan Dressing How-To video and recipe. This week, I thought I’d share a favorite pumpkin recipe with you. Enjoy this sneak peek at my vegan Pumpkin Custard!
Last week, I shared with you my Pan Dressing How-To video and recipe. This week, I thought I’d share a favorite pumpkin recipe with you. Enjoy this sneak peek at my vegan Pumpkin Custard!
Pumpkin Custard (Vegan)
This recipe is exceptional when you use a fresh pumpkin you’ve roasted, so consider roasting your own! I show you how easy that is in my Roasting a Pumpkin How-To video in my Holiday Guide 2011. If you don’t roast your own, you can still enjoy a wonderful Pumpkin Custard using canned pumpkin.
1 Tablespoon Egg replacer dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoon melted Earth Balance Soy Free buttery spread
1/2 cup coconut milk creamer
1/2 cup canned or fresh pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 Tablespoons white rice flour
2 Tablespoons potato starch
Preheat your oven to 350. Lightly spray your baking dish(es) with cooking spray. You may use an 8x8-inch dish or 6 six-ounce ramekins.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir with a whisk until the mixture is smooth (it will be rather thin).
Ladel into prepared baking dish(es) and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes for a single dish or 20-25 minutes for individual ramekins. The center will appear to be set and somewhat dry on top. Remove from the oven to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Chill leftovers.
~g~
I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and how-to video! I can’t wait to share the entire guide with you!
As always, on Thursday, I’ll be serving up “A Side of Science” with another helpful post on navigating our special diets during this holiday season. Now that we’ve learned a few tricks for keeping unwanted pounds away this holiday season, we’ll move on to another useful topic for navigating our special diet.
Here’s this week’s “A Side of Science” Trivia Question: What’s the best way to get a rise out of your gluten free baked goods?
Come back here on Thursday to find out!
Be sure to stay tuned-in to Facebook and follow along on Twitter to keep up with the latest on special diets and get all the new recipes!
Let’s stay connected! Leave a comment below, or if you have a question, just send me a note at mailbox (at) glutenfreegigi (dot) com and I’ll answer it!
Sharing ideas and knowledge is a powerful way to keep us on the path to optimal health as we continue to learn to live gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and nut free, and even vegan!
Thank you for sharing the journey with me!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
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