Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Recipes for the Holidays

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy festive meals. For those adhering to a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, finding suitable recipes can be a challenge. This article offers a variety of holiday recipes that are both gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring everyone can partake in the celebrations.

The Paleo Diet: A Brief Overview

The Paleo Diet emphasizes whole foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, lean meats, nuts, and seeds. It excludes refined sugars, dairy, and preservatives. This diet is not only beneficial for those with gluten and dairy sensitivities but also promotes overall health.

Interesting Stats

• According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine (Celiac Disease Foundation).
• A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that about 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).

Cranberry-Orange Relish

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or defrosted frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 blood oranges or navel oranges, peeled, sectioned, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces, juices reserved
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 2 stalks celery, peeled to remove strings, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and broken into pieces

Directions

1. Place cranberries in a food processor and pulse to chop coarsely, about five pulses. Transfer to a medium bowl.
2. Add onion, jalapeno, lime juice, orange sections and juice, ginger, coconut sugar, and celery; mix gently. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
3. Just before serving, add mint and pecans, and toss to combine.

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart Living, November 1995.

Gourmet Rice Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1 cup celery with leaves, chopped
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons dairy-free butter or margarine
• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth, boiling
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon gluten-free poultry seasoning
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

1. Sauté onions, celery, mushrooms, and uncooked rice in dairy-free butter until vegetables are tender and rice is golden.
2. Transfer to a 2-quart buttered, shallow casserole. Stir in seasonings and chicken broth.
3. Cover casserole and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and sprinkle with almonds. If the casserole has no cover, use foil sealed to the top of the dish.

Variation

• Reduce celery to 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup chopped green pepper and 1 cup cooked, chopped gluten-free ham.
• Substitute 3/4 teaspoon gluten-free curry powder for pepper.

Recipe provided by the Celiac Sprue Association.

Conclusion

The Paleo Diet offers a variety of delicious and healthy options for those following a gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle. These recipes are just a few examples of how you can enjoy festive meals without compromising on taste or dietary restrictions. For more recipes, consider exploring the Paleo Gluten-Free Recipe Cookbook, which offers 310 gluten-free, dairy-free, and preservative-free recipes.

For more information on celiac disease and lactose intolerance, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Happy holidays and enjoy your gluten-free and dairy-free feast!