As we approach the holidays, for those who have celiac disease or are currently on a gluten free diet, it may require some extra planning before your next gathering. Many ask Michelle Pasia, MPH, RD, registered dietitian and coordinator of The Kogan Celiac Center, if they can have gluten on occasion just for that extra special event. While any intentional eating of gluten is not recommended, Michelle shares some tips for how to manage the holidays.
Instead of thinking about what you can’t eat, let’s think about what you can eat!
- Plan on bringing your favorite treat with you so it doesn’t feel so hard. Many bakeries and grocery stores now offer amazing gluten-free cakes and dessert. Also, there are gluten free cake boxes to make a quick dessert. By bringing something to your event it will make it easier to stick to your plan!
- Choose naturally gluten-free foods like chocolate ganache dip (see recipe below), and bring cut fruit, gluten free graham crackers, or Michelle’s favorite, frozen bananas!
- Eat something small before you go to your party so it is easier to be in control when you arrive.
- Many favorite holiday meals are already gluten free. If they are not, they can simply be made gluten free by using rice instead of things like farro or couscous, using corn starch or potato starch instead of flour to thicken sauce, and making crustless dessert.
- Ask the host if all of the gluten-free food can be on one table to help limit the chance of cross contamination.
Go with positive thoughts before you arrive!
- Plan what you are going to eat before you arrive.
- Visualize what food will be there and how you will navigate the meal.
- If it feels too stressful, go for the company and skip the food.
Remember you’ve got this!
Keep it simple, bring food that is already gluten free, and plan ahead!
Chocolate Ganache Dip Recipe
Ingredients
-1 cup of heavy cream
-8 oz of a semi-sweet or bittersweet (60%) chocolate bar
*Don’t use chocolate chips, as the dip will not come together. Instead, it is recommended to use a chocolate bar.
Instructions
-Chop up the chocolate bar
-Place chopped chocolate into a heat proof bowl
-Heat cream on stovetop to a simmer
-Pour hot cream over chocolate
-Let sit for 2 minutes then begin stirring slowly
If you let the ganache sit it will become firmer. For a fruit dip, it’s best to serve immediately.
About The Kogan Celiac Center
As the only celiac center in New Jersey, The Kogan Celiac Center offers extensive education and support for adults and children. The Center is dedicated to providing expert services that include early assessment and treatment, education and support to improve the health and well-being of those who live with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Education and support group programs are designed to help participants share and learn how to navigate the gluten-free world through conversation, recipes, tip exchanges and educational presentations. Gluten free is always a family issue so feel free to invite your family members. To learn more and for an appointment, please call 973-322-7007.