It's the beginning of the holiday season this week! Whew! Where did 2018 go?? It feels like it just flew by. Holidays and events can make life complicated for those of us with food issues, such as avoiding gluten because of Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or food allergies or other health issues that are aggravated by certain foods. In fact, complicated may not be strong enough a word. For some of us, it can be downright terrifying - especially if you are newly diagnosed and it is your first holiday season since diagnosis.
It has been trial and error for me over the years, but I've found something that works very well for me when it comes to holidays with family and friends. First, I don't expect anyone else to prepare dishes with me in mind when it comes to family gatherings. I am the only one at our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations who has to be gluten free and I've come to the conclusion that it isn't fair for me to expect others to have to worry about making their specialties gluten free just so that I can have some, too. Now, I'm not saying that is how everyone should be, I'm just saying that this is what works for me and my family. My sister-in-law and her husband host us each year in their lovely home and there is so much food and laughter and love around that kitchen and table! However, I prepare an entire gluten free Thanksgiving (or Christmas) meal at home and then portion out just enough for my meal with the family. That makes for a LOT of leftovers for my husband and I to enjoy later, which is just bonus! I usually end up taking a dip or dessert that is gluten free over to share with everyone who wants some. My hot spinach artichoke dip is a family favorite (keep reading for the recipe).
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| My meal at our local Celiac Support Group potluck on Nov. 15th. |
My friend, Angie at www.cupcakesandyogapants.com wrote a great post recently about 4 places gluten can hide in holiday meals. You can read this informative post here.
If you are traveling for the holidays, a handy cell phone app to use is Find Me Gluten Free. This is a free app at Google Playstore and has come in handy on every trip I've taken since I discovered this app in 2014! It helps you find restaurants that offer gluten free options and, thanks to customer reviews in the app, may even tell you if the restaurant is "Celiac friendly". You can also research things online for grocery stores near where you are going to be and what gluten free products they may have to offer.
If you are traveling for the holidays, a handy cell phone app to use is Find Me Gluten Free. This is a free app at Google Playstore and has come in handy on every trip I've taken since I discovered this app in 2014! It helps you find restaurants that offer gluten free options and, thanks to customer reviews in the app, may even tell you if the restaurant is "Celiac friendly". You can also research things online for grocery stores near where you are going to be and what gluten free products they may have to offer.
No matter what the gathering, remember, the point isn't the food, but spending time with those you love and care about! Don't let it stress you out! You've got this! You can do it! And, you may even be able to gently educate family and friends about your life without gluten or whatever food issues you may have. Make something gluten free, nut free, whatever you have to avoid, to share with others at your gathering so that they can literally get a taste of what it's like to be you and the wonderful options that you still have when it comes to food.
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| The ladies at our November potluck |
And, during this busy holiday season, don't forget to take time out to just breathe and enjoy the moment. All those precious little moments that are the true reasons we get together. Yeah, the food during the holidays and exchanging gifts at Christmas are fun and a big part of it, but the really important part of the holidays is to just be together and enjoy those little moments that you will cherish the rest of your life. For some more great advice about "Practicing the Pause" from Cupcakes and Yoga Pants, you can read some helpful tips here.
Wishing you and yours a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Gluten Free Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
2 - 8 oz packages low fat/fat free cream cheese (softened)
1 can quartered artichoke hearts (drained)
1/2 can cut spinach (drained)
2 T fresh minced garlic
1 C shredded mozzarella
2/3 C shredded parmesan
Stir all ingredients together in a 1.5 quart or 2 quart crockpot or a medium baking dish until well mixed. In crockpot, cook on low until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
If baking in the oven, preheat to 350 degrees. Sprinkle top with more parmesan. Cook on middle shelf for 15 to 20 minutes. Parmesan top should be light to golden brown.
Serve hot with gluten free baguettes, corn chips or gluten free crackers.
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