Since I have determined the culprit of my upset stomach (besides stress), I have stayed away from the G word as much as possible: Gluten. It isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it also doesn’t mean I have to miss out on the delicious meals I love during the holidays.
For years, I would suffer from what I thought was just IBS. There is no explanation to IBS according to doctors. I would not have a bowel movement for days and then go all at once. I would be gassy and bloated all of the time. Often times, I would suffer from bad gas pockets that would stop me in my tracks. Perhaps this is TMI, but for those who suffer like I do, you can relate.
I never knew that certain foods were creating this in me until I stopped eating them and I felt 100% better. I still suffer from time to time with different symptoms, but it’s nothing like I used. If I do eat gluten, I always know I will retain water and I will be uncomfortable for several days.
I decided a few years ago to start making my favorite holiday dishes gluten free. I didn’t want to compromise the taste though. While some dishes just aren’t the same, others are pretty comparable. I am the believer of, “Food is used for fuel” so I will eat items that perhaps don’t have the same texture or consistency as gluten infested foods. Even if it is not perfect or exactly the same, I will still gobble it up.
These are tried and true recipes that even Gluten Lovers will enjoy. My family are proponents of Gluten and frown upon Gluten Free items, so when they approve of these, you know they are delicious.
1. Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of green beans (French-cut style) or
- 1 can of Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup (I have used Pacific Foods, but any would work)
- 3/4 c. Milk (any you prefer)
- 1 1/2 c. Gluten French Fried Onions I used Sprouts Organic French Fried Onions Gluten Free and they were delicious
- 1/8 tsp Ground Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Optional: Cooked and chopped bacon, cheese (for topping)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour green beans in casserole dish. Mix the soup and milk, then mix into the green beans. Mix salt, pepper, and 1/2 c. French Fried Onions. Place in oven for 30 minutes. Top with remaining French Fried Onions and bake for 5-10 minutes.
For optional ingredients, you can add the cooked bacon in prior to baking and the last 5-10 minutes, add the cheese and bake on top.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
This is so good, it could be a dessert and is just as good as leftovers. This actually is used with Yams, but most people call them Sweet Potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 4 C. Mashed Sweet Potatoes Yams (anywhere from 6-8 sweet potato yams peeled)
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 liquid sweetner of choice (I use honey, but agave an be used)
- 1/3 c. milk (whatever you prefer, I prefer almond milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
Topping:
- 1/4 c. melted butter
- 1/2 c. gluten free flour
- 1/2 c. liquid sweetner (I use a mix of maple syrup and honey)
- 1 c. Pecans
In a large bowl, mixed the mashed sweet potatoes, 2 eggs (beatened), sweetner, milk, vanilla, and brown sugar. Place into a 11×7 or equivalent casserole dish that was sprayed with non stick cooking spray. Combine the first 3 topping ingredients into a small bowl until well combined. Pour the topping mixture onto the sweet potatoes and top with pecans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. .
3. Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 Loaf of favorite Gluten Free Bread
- 1 Onion diced
- 2 rib celery diced
- 1/3 c. butter
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 c. chicken brother
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 Tbsp fresh herbs sage, thyme, and rosemary or 1/2 tsp of dried herbs
- Optional: Dried Cranberries and fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large skillet, melt butter over medium heat making sure to not burn the butter. Add the diced celery, onion, and poultry seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are tender. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, fresh herbs, and the cooked vegetable mixture. Pour the broth over the contents in the bowl ensuring all bread cubes are moist. Add salt and pepper. Transfer the bread to a baking dish that is sprayed with non stick spray. Bake for 30 minutes. If you need to cover with foil, you may to prevent any bread from burning. If you do, uncover after 25 minutes and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Just make sure you do not bake too long and cause the dressing to be too dry.
For optional ingredients, you can add cranberries in when you combine the bread, herbs, and vegetable mixture. For the fresh parsley, after you pull it out of hte oven, you can top with the freshly cut parsley.
4. Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 1-2 diced apples (gala is best)
- 2-10 oz cans of Madarin Oranges (drain juice)
- 1 can Cubed Pineapple
- 2 bananas
- Marshmallows (white work, but colored, fruit are amazing)
- Tub of Cool Whip or anything comparable
- Optional: coconut flakes or any other fruit you wish, the above fruit is what my family prefers
Mix all fruit together and then add marshmallow and cool whip to your desired amounts. Children love the marshmallows, so it is up to you on how much you would like to add which is why I didn’t add an amount. This is not science so it is whatever you prefer.
5. Turkey Gravy
Ingredients:
- Turkey drippings (try to discard the fat that ends up at the top)
- 3 c. of chicken or turkey stock
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 c. gluten free flour of choice
- Salt and pepper
Add drippings and stock to make 4 cups all together. Place roasting pan you used to roast the turkey on the stove and add butter to brown bits. Add flour to the pan to form your roux (which is a fancy word for flour and fat mixed together). Then add the stock mixture to the roux and mix. Turn heat to high until boiling. Next, add salt and pepper to your desired flavor. Reduce heat until you reach the consistency you would like. Place your gravy in your preferred serving dish. Since I took this photo, I have invested in a gravy boat and wish I had one sooner.
I know that gluten free recipes are not for everyone, but these are just a few of my holiday favorites. To me, they are all easy and super delicious. Please leave a comment if you attempt one of these recipes and enjoy it. Or let me know if you add anything to spice it up.