Gluten free and the holidays

[polarbearfans]

Gluten makes me sick enough that I have no trouble staying away from items I know will make me sick and questionable items. Usually there are plenty of options that I don't starve and plenty of gf sweets

I crave items, but still say no.

[dexteroni]

Since you're hosting, I would make myself GF versions of everything I wanted to have. I'm not GF, but have made GF versions of some Tgiving dishes before, and it's mostly doable. GF stuffing is fine; I think we used a Glutino boxed mix last year and it was good. For gravy, can you use cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickener? I think Bob's Red Mill should have GF certified versions of both of those thickeners. There are premade GF rolls in the GF frozen section at Whole Foods; they aren't the greatest, but eaten hot and with butter, they aren't bad. And could you use a GF baking mix in corn casserole?

[dexteroni]

Some recipes:

GF gravy using potato starch

GF corn casserole

And for stuffing, really, you can probably use any recipe, just replace the bread with GF bread. You don't have to use a mix.

[dexteroni]

Nov 20, 2014 23:35:16 GMT -5 @amydm said:

I was thinking of buying the trader joes gf stuffing mix.

Glutino and Rudi's both make GF stuffing mix.

I was just coming back in to post links to Rudi's mix and a recipe using Udi's bread.

www.rudisbakery.com/gluten-free/products/gluten-free-stuffing/

udisglutenfree.com/recipes/udi-s-gluten-free-stuffing-recipe/

But Trader Joe's is a great resource for GF stuff. I would try their mix without hesitation. They may even have a premade GF gravy? I don't know. And either they or Whole Foods should have a GF pie crust in the frozen section.

ETA: Lumpy gravy can happen with wheat flour too. Did you make a roux with the flour and butter? Here's a link with some tips, maybe something here will be of help. www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/gluten-free-gravy

[dexteroni]

Nov 20, 2014 23:35:16 GMT -5 @amydm said:

my aunt is bringing the corn casserole

I meant making small batches of GF versions for yourself (and anyone else who might want it), in addition to the regular dishes. Since you're hosting, it will be easy to pull them out to serve yourself, or set up a separate GF buffet if you want. It's not like you would have to cart half of your dinner to the host's house, ask them to heat it up, etc.

[sjh722]

Try making your gravy with cornstarch instead of flour. You might find it smoother. (I think my mom has always used cornstarch to thicken gravy.)

[dexteroni]

Nov 20, 2014 23:56:48 GMT -5 @amydm said:

I make an amazing stuffing with bacon, apples, fresh herbs, Italian bread and cornbread. It will be so hard to resist! 

That's the kind of thing I'm talking about - especially since you're making it, why torture yourself unnecessarily? Set aside a bit of the recipe and use a couple slices of GF bread instead. Easy peasy.  That stuffing sounds fab, btw. Can you link to the recipe?

[protozoa]

We make GF gravy and H makes me GF cornbread stuffing, which I LOVE. I do not really care about rolls. I may ask him to make a GF apple crisp or I may just eat some pumpkin pie and skip the crust, since I am not so sensitive that should really matter.

[AAM2012]

Since you're hosting, you can cook everything gluten free. I have a word document with every Thanksgiving recipe that I've done before. All gluten free. If you want to message me your email I'll address I'll be happy to send it to you.

We had some friends come over last year and they had NO idea that dinner was entirely gluten free. I got some udi's GF loaf of bread and the rest I made at home.

[sjh722]

Nov 21, 2014 7:50:46 GMT -5 protozoa said:

We make GF gravy and H makes me GF cornbread stuffing, which I LOVE. I do not really care about rolls. I may ask him to make a GF apple crisp or I may just eat some pumpkin pie and skip the crust, since I am not so sensitive that should really matter.

H's family has a recipe for pumpkin custard. I always thought it was something special...nope, it is the recipe on the back of Libby's canned pumpkin for 2 pie fillings, baked in a 9x13 pan instead of with crust. 

It's actually pretty good if your crowd won't revolt about not having pie crust. 

[Deleted]

I've made dressing with Udi's and it turned out really well. No one in my family had a clue.

I use brittanyangell.com for most of my gf recipes, she's pretty much a gluten free cooking Jesus.

[lmdbww]

I'm so glad that you posted this!

My mom hosts the holidays and makes some things that are safe for me. I am kind of a bland eater anyway and GF so long now that i'm over the emotional stage of missing food that I used to eat, which is good for me. I do eat the turkey (no gravy, I could never eat gravy and it always made me sick, altho McCormick has a GF gravy mix out now that I hear is really great), mashed potatoes, vegetables. I think I can eat the sweet potatoes, she makes baked beans that are fine...

I do make a casserole to bring that is inherently not GF, but I do modify it and keep a portion out for myself that I can eat.
allrecipes.com/recipe/campbells-swiss-vegetable-casserole/
I use organic cream of mushroom soup that is GF, and I just leave the onions off of my portion and make the rest normally.

She is also making me GF pumpkin pie this year w/GF pie crust (we bought premade frozen crusts). I have also read that you can sub GF sugar cookie dough for the crust and it's off the hook! That i'd die to try.

[ECB]

As Ds has celiac we've done almost all gf t-givings for the past 4 years. The more you do it and practice, the easier and better it gets.

[AAM2012]

Nov 20, 2014 23:21:56 GMT -5 @amydm said:

If u are GF, how do you handle holidays? I am hosting 20 for thanksgiving and it will be so hard not to eat dressing, corn casserole, gravy, rolls, etc. I am not celiac and it is really hard for me to avoid it at dinner parties and things like this. My symptoms aren't God awful and I have no will power

Ok now that I am back on my laptop I am responding again. Why can't you have any of the things you listed? Udi's makes fantastic rolls and loafs of bread. I am not sure what corn casserole is but..I assume it's corn?

I suggest you browse pinterest as there dones of recipes for apps, dinner, sides and desserts that are all GF. 11 months is nothing and it certainly does get easier with time. To answer your other question regarding parties, I eat beforehand as most of the time there is nothing there that I can eat. I am not sure there is a way around it but I get really really sick if I have gluten so lack of willpower isn't even an option.

Here are some of my recipes but I do have more if you want them:

GLUTEN-FREE GRAVY

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sweet rice flour
• 2 cups chicken stock (or juices from the roasted turkey)
• salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a pan on low to medium-low heat. When it has completely melted, sprinkle in the rice flour in small handfuls. Stir and stir. When you have added all the flour and the mixture has become coherent, let it cook in the pan for two to three minutes, stirring all the while. When it has cooked, it will be solidified and have a tinge of brown. Take the roux off the heat and let it rest for a moment.

Heat the stock on high heat. Slowly, in small amounts, add in bits of roux, whisking the mixture vigorously until all the liquid has been absorbed in the roux. Continue to do this, in small dribs and drabs, until the stock and roux have expanded and liquified into gravy. This will take awhile, perhaps ten minutes or so. Be patient. When you have reached the consistency you desire for the gravy, add salt and pepper. Taste the gravy, and season according to your taste. Take it off the burner and serve it, immediately.

---

Gluten Free Crockpot Stuffing
• 1 loaf of bread, lightly toasted in the oven (I used Udi's)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1cup celery, diced
• 1 cup tart apple, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (and maybe 1/4 cup later if needed)
• 1 T ground sage
• 1 tsp ground marjoram
• 1/2 tsp savory
• 1/2 tsp thyme
(if you have poultry seasoning in the house, use 1 tablespoon and omit these spices.)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Directions.

I used a 6 quart crockpot. I'd recommend a big guy, so you have room to toss. If you only have a 4 quart, toss everything well in a very large mixing bowl, then put into your crockpot.

Toast the bread slices in the oven at 300 degrees. I needed to keep the brown rice bread in for about 30 minutes before it was all toasty. Regular bread will toast much quicker, be aware.

While the bread is toasting, chop up the onion, parsley, celery, and apple. Add to crockpot. Add the seasoning, and add melted butter. Stir well.

When the bread is done, cut into 1/2 inch size-or-so cubes.

Add to the crockpot.

Toss very well with the butter, chopped vegetables, and spices. When the bread is coated nicely, pour in 1 1/2 cups of broth.

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Sweep up the bread crumbs.

When finished, the bread will have browned a bit on the top and around the edges, and it will be hot throughout. It can stay on warm for probably another 2 hours before serving, if needed. Stir. If you'd like it a bit more moist, you can add a 1/4 cup more (or as much as you desire) of broth.

If you'd like to start the day ahead---you can do the bread cubes, and seal in zipper bags, and chop the vegetables and keep separate. Combine as directed the day of your dinner.

[elcjet]

There are so many good substitutes out there that I think you can make a few switches here and there and people won't even know you've done it.

My daughter is gluten sensitive -- vomiting, diarrhea, gas, eczema -- but we are doing a 12-week gluten challenge so some gluten every day is necessary.  But I'm still going to be changing some things up so that T-giving dinner doesn't totally destroy her gut.

Cooks Illustrated has a pretty awesome gluten free cookbook with some great roll recipes in there.  I used a gluten free dough for a turkey pot pie this week, and it was so good that my husband and son didn't even know it wasn't a normal pie crust.  I'm also seeing more and more options for boxed gf stuffing.......and just remember that you need to use a gluten free broth if you are preparing your gravy or anything else.  I think it's beef broth that usually has gluten serenading as "natural flavorings."  

You can do it.  I promise it won't ruin your Thanksgiving if you change a few things up!  

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2014 10:08:10 GMT -5 @amydm said:

Nov 21, 2014 9:22:59 GMT -5 lmdbww said:

I'm so glad that you posted this!

My mom hosts the holidays and makes some things that are safe for me. I am kind of a bland eater anyway and GF so long now that i'm over the emotional stage of missing food that I used to eat, which is good for me. I do eat the turkey (no gravy, I could never eat gravy and it always made me sick, altho McCormick has a GF gravy mix out now that I hear is really great), mashed potatoes, vegetables. I think I can eat the sweet potatoes, she makes baked beans that are fine...

I do make a casserole to bring that is inherently not GF, but I do modify it and keep a portion out for myself that I can eat.
allrecipes.com/recipe/campbells-swiss-vegetable-casserole/
I use organic cream of mushroom soup that is GF, and I just leave the onions off of my portion and make the rest normally.

She is also making me GF pumpkin pie this year w/GF pie crust (we bought premade frozen crusts). I have also read that you can sub GF sugar cookie dough for the crust and it's off the hook! That i'd die to try.

I have been gluten free for 11 months. At first I was gung ho and excited. Now I am just sick of it. I am also on weight watchers just to lose 10-15 pds and I feel like I say no to everything and it is depressing. My DS had a Culvers night for school and I had a hamburger patty and small sweet potato fries. I wanted a bun and custard so bad!
i have also been really struggling with parties and events. How does everyone handle those? I have 4-5 coming up before New Years 

Culver's custard is gf, as are pretty much all the toppings, the soups, and the sides. The only thing they put gluten in is the fried fish and chicken and the sandwich breads.

[Mushe]

Nov 20, 2014 23:30:41 GMT -5 @amydm said:

My symptoms are feeling like crap, headache, ear pain and bloating everywhere. My eyelids will be swollen the next day I retain so much water. But my symptoms are much worse if I eat it in the morning, so in the evenings I will eat it sometimes, But then I gain 3 pds of water overnight

I have the same symptoms!

I've started just making GF versions, like my cornbread stuffing this year will be with homemade GF cornbread and I'm also using the bread from a TJ's GF stuffing mix. I will really have to restrain myself from eating Hawaiian rolls, though!

[panicked]

Nov 21, 2014 11:25:21 GMT -5 @amydm said:

Nov 21, 2014 11:01:21 GMT -5 papiercherri said:

Culver's custard is gf, as are pretty much all the toppings, the soups, and the sides. The only thing they put gluten in is the fried fish and chicken and the sandwich breads.

My point was bc of weight watchers I wasn't having custard either

Why can't you? We is probably the most forgiving, flexible diet out there. You have to splurge a little, otherwise you will binge.

[lmdbww]

Nov 21, 2014 10:08:10 GMT -5 @amydm said:

Nov 21, 2014 9:22:59 GMT -5 lmdbww said:

I'm so glad that you posted this!

My mom hosts the holidays and makes some things that are safe for me. I am kind of a bland eater anyway and GF so long now that i'm over the emotional stage of missing food that I used to eat, which is good for me. I do eat the turkey (no gravy, I could never eat gravy and it always made me sick, altho McCormick has a GF gravy mix out now that I hear is really great), mashed potatoes, vegetables. I think I can eat the sweet potatoes, she makes baked beans that are fine...

I do make a casserole to bring that is inherently not GF, but I do modify it and keep a portion out for myself that I can eat.
allrecipes.com/recipe/campbells-swiss-vegetable-casserole/
I use organic cream of mushroom soup that is GF, and I just leave the onions off of my portion and make the rest normally.

She is also making me GF pumpkin pie this year w/GF pie crust (we bought premade frozen crusts). I have also read that you can sub GF sugar cookie dough for the crust and it's off the hook! That i'd die to try.

I have been gluten free for 11 months. At first I was gung ho and excited. Now I am just sick of it. I am also on weight watchers just to lose 10-15 pds and I feel like I say no to everything and it is depressing. My DS had a Culvers night for school and I had a hamburger patty and small sweet potato fries. I wanted a bun and custard so bad!
i have also been really struggling with parties and events. How does everyone handle those? I have 4-5 coming up before New Years 

I am GF and DD has other food allergies so we usually eat before we go anywhere, and I bring safe snacks for her in my purse in case she is hungry during a party. 

The entire process is much more emotional than I ever expected it to be.  I miss GOOD pizza and just eating whatever's there. lol  We go out to eat and I get salads, it really is depressing. lol But, feeling better is worth it.

[panicked]

Nov 21, 2014 12:00:56 GMT -5 lmdbww said:

Nov 21, 2014 10:08:10 GMT -5 @amydm said:

I have been gluten free for 11 months. At first I was gung ho and excited. Now I am just sick of it. I am also on weight watchers just to lose 10-15 pds and I feel like I say no to everything and it is depressing. My DS had a Culvers night for school and I had a hamburger patty and small sweet potato fries. I wanted a bun and custard so bad!
i have also been really struggling with parties and events. How does everyone handle those? I have 4-5 coming up before New Years 

I am GF and DD has other food allergies so we usually eat before we go anywhere, and I bring safe snacks for her in my purse in case she is hungry during a party. 

The entire process is much more emotional than I ever expected it to be.  I miss GOOD pizza and just eating whatever's there. lol  We go out to eat and I get salads, it really is depressing. lol But, feeling better is worth it.

Oh let's not start on what we miss! *cough bagels pita ziti cough*
But yes, it can be depressing. I mourn the loss of easy, tasty meals and being able to grab something without scrutinizing the label. I'm on my second set of holidays after dx (celiac) and it does get easier, but will never be easy. KWIM?

[lmdbww]

Nov 21, 2014 12:04:03 GMT -5 panicked said:

Nov 21, 2014 12:00:56 GMT -5 lmdbww said:

I am GF and DD has other food allergies so we usually eat before we go anywhere, and I bring safe snacks for her in my purse in case she is hungry during a party. 

The entire process is much more emotional than I ever expected it to be.  I miss GOOD pizza and just eating whatever's there. lol  We go out to eat and I get salads, it really is depressing. lol But, feeling better is worth it.

Oh let's not start on what we miss! *cough bagels pita ziti cough*
But yes, it can be depressing. I mourn the loss of easy, tasty meals and being able to grab something without scrutinizing the label. I'm on my second set of holidays after dx (celiac) and it does get easier, but will never be easy. KWIM?

I absolutely agree.

I have CRIED over pizza lol And a few weeks ago I did have a craving for a egg-bagel sandwich which seems to have passed now, thankfully.

[lmdbww]

Nov 21, 2014 12:16:32 GMT -5 @amydm said:

I have menu planning down but I still have non gf snacks and such in the house for the kids and Dh. I don't know anyone in real life who is gf. I miss baking, it was my thing. I need to find some good gf blogs to follow and start buying almond four, etc, instead of the premixed flours. I am afraid to try Pinterest recipes in case they suck (just gf baking)

But, it had never occurred to me to eat before a party! I will do that. Corn casserole has jiffy cornbread in it and I will just skip it. I don't want to have to cook for 20 people and a bunch of extra stuff for me. But I will try the stuffing and a small pan of gravy. I will have leftovers for several days so I want stuff I can eat. I have so udi's rolls in the freezer so I will heat some up for me,

We eat a lot of soup in the winter and everyone is used to me making homemade bread. I need to start figuring out gf baking!

I'm always afraid to try recipes too, but more for the cost factor involved than the disappointment. lol

The most i've delved into baking is with box mixes. In reality this was a huge push for me to stop eating so much processed foods, so the rare box cake mix or brownie mix is a big treat for me.  (the box cake mix plus a can of pumpkin is my current fav thing ever).

[panicked]

Nov 21, 2014 12:16:32 GMT -5 @amydm said:

I have menu planning down but I still have non gf snacks and such in the house for the kids and Dh. I don't know anyone in real life who is gf. I miss baking, it was my thing. I need to find some good gf blogs to follow and start buying almond four, etc, instead of the premixed flours. I am afraid to try Pinterest recipes in case they suck (just gf baking)

But, it had never occurred to me to eat before a party! I will do that. Corn casserole has jiffy cornbread in it and I will just skip it. I don't want to have to cook for 20 people and a bunch of extra stuff for me. But I will try the stuffing and a small pan of gravy. I will have leftovers for several days so I want stuff I can eat. I have so udi's rolls in the freezer so I will heat some up for me,

We eat a lot of soup in the winter and everyone is used to me making homemade bread. I need to start figuring out gf baking!

Gf baking is fun! The recipes need to be adjusted a little bit, but it's not hard! Just get a good blend. I like Pamela's Artisan Blend or Cup4Cup.

[Deleted]

Nov 21, 2014 12:52:01 GMT -5 panicked said:

Nov 21, 2014 12:16:32 GMT -5 @amydm said:

I have menu planning down but I still have non gf snacks and such in the house for the kids and Dh. I don't know anyone in real life who is gf. I miss baking, it was my thing. I need to find some good gf blogs to follow and start buying almond four, etc, instead of the premixed flours. I am afraid to try Pinterest recipes in case they suck (just gf baking)

But, it had never occurred to me to eat before a party! I will do that. Corn casserole has jiffy cornbread in it and I will just skip it. I don't want to have to cook for 20 people and a bunch of extra stuff for me. But I will try the stuffing and a small pan of gravy. I will have leftovers for several days so I want stuff I can eat. I have so udi's rolls in the freezer so I will heat some up for me,

We eat a lot of soup in the winter and everyone is used to me making homemade bread. I need to start figuring out gf baking!

Gf baking is fun! The recipes need to be adjusted a little bit, but it's not hard! Just get a good blend. I like Pamela's Artisan Blend or Cup4Cup.

I bought some Jules gluten free flour and mixes off groupon last year and it is the only flour I have tried. Cookies are ok, but muffins have a gummy texture. Her box mixes give me severe stomach cramps. Something in them I can't tolerate.

[polarbearfans]

Nov 21, 2014 12:06:28 GMT -5 @amydm said:

Nov 21, 2014 11:56:43 GMT -5 panicked said:

Why can't you? We is probably the most forgiving, flexible diet out there. You have to splurge a little, otherwise you will binge.

I didn't have any points left for the day, 26 is hard. And I tend to blow through my extra points and never have any left for the weekend. So then I go over, say screw it, and stop tracking. So, fries, 2 hamburger patties and custard was 21 points. That's fine if I am only having breakfast and dinner that day. But I had lunch, too.
I have no self control.

Can't you earn more points for activity? My husband did WW and it seemed like he always had spare points. He was losing weight and eating a lot. Mostly healthy, but he was fine for little splurges here and there.

Being gluten free kind of sucks but I focus on what I can eat. You are hosting, so make what you can eat. Stuffing and break are such a small part of the meal... Yummy, but a very small part of the meal. Gluten free flours are tricky, and you just need to trial and error to find the right one for the dish. One flour may work great for one cookie, but terrible for another... Same with trying to make a gravy. Good luck. Stay strong. Focus of the postive. Earn more points. Grab a pedometer, you will be surprised at how many steps you really take and how easy it is to push a few more to hit a milestone.