Tasty Thanksgiving Tips for a Gluten-Free Meal
Lia P Gluten Free Offers Tips for a Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Meal
Nothing quite beats the atmosphere on Thanksgiving, with family and friends gathering and the smells of a roasted turkey, sweet pumpkin pie and luscious mashed potatoes filling a cozy house, it’s a favorite holiday for many. But for those with a gluten-allergy or celiac disease, Thanksgiving dinner can be another day of not getting to enjoy the complete meal. Celebrate the holiday and create a gluten-free meal that everyone can enjoy. Diane Eenigenburg, owner of Lia P Gluten Free, shares her tips for creating a delicious gluten-free Thanksgiving meal, with all of the fixings.
“Luckily, many Thanksgiving favorites are already gluten-free! Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted turkey and some green bean dishes make the cut,” states Eenigenburg. “But for wheat containing staples like pumpkin pie and stuffing, there are a few quick and easy tips that will result in a delicious gluten-free Thanksgiving meal that everyone can enjoy.”
- Gravy: A key menu item for Thanksgiving meals is gravy, but it’s typically flour that gives gravy its thick quality. To create delicious gravy that’s a perfect complement for turkey and mashed potatoes, thicken the pan drippings with a little bit of corn starch mixed with water or add a bit of butter to your drippings to thicken the sauce and give the gravy a glossy sheen.
- The Dessert Table: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious pumpkin pie! Unfortunately, traditional pie crust contains gluten making it a no-go for gluten-free diners. Eenigenburg suggests replacing the wheat containing flours with a mixture of soy and rice flours. “The trick is finding the right balance of flours, I use two parts rice flour and one part soy flour for a perfect, flaky gluten-free pie crust,” says Eenigenburg. In addition, gluten-free pastry shops including Lia P Gluten Free carry holiday cookie platters, pies and cake rolls that can be special ordered just in time for a wonderful family gathering.
- Stuffing: Stuffing is a favorite side dish for many feasters, and creating a gluten-free version is simple. “All of the flavors are the same, the only difference for a gluten-free version is to replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs,” explains Eenigenburg. Gluten-free bread can be found in specialty sections of grocery stores or gluten-free bakeries. Another alternative is to create a cornbread stuffing that replaces bread crumbs with corn bread. “Make certain that your cornbread is gluten-free and this non-traditional stuffing provides a fun and flavorful alternative,” notes Eenigenburg.
- Spices and Bullion Cubes: Certain spice mixes and bullion cubes contain wheat. Make sure to read the ingredients carefully and choose options that are certified gluten-free.
Diane Eenigenburg is available to teach readers how to make a gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner. To learn more about Lia P Gluten Free or to schedule an interview, please contact me directly.
Thanks,
Claudia
About Lia P Gluten Free:
Located in Westmont, Illinois, Lia P Gluten Free was founded by Diane Eenigenburg after gluten, nut, and additional food allergies kept her family members from enjoying wonderful tasting pastries. With an entire line of gluten-free products, including cookies, cakes, and brownies, everyone can enjoy delicious treats. Lia P Gluten Free is a division of Westmont’s La Petite Sweet and the gluten-free pastries can be purchased at the bakery. For more information visit the gluten-free line online at www.liapglutenfree.com on Facebook at “Lia P Gluten Free,” or on Twitter @LiaPGlutenFree. La Petite Sweet is located at 31 North Cass Avenue, Westmont, Illinois 60559 and can be reached at (630) 719-1111.
