Getting Ready for the Holidays!

Holidays are stressful, there is no doubt about that. Trying to get everyone together and have a nice family meal isn't easy! Especially if you're blending families or traditions, people get passionate about grandma's recipe, or their tried and true way to make something. 
But the moment you introduce a food allergy it changes things - and not everyone is willing to work with that change. It's easier for those of us who cook gluten free every day to adapt, but not always easy for those who love us but don't cook gluten free to adapt or fully understand. 
Try to keep calm, address the situation early and let the host know that it might be easier for you to bring your own food, so don't be offended if I don't try your great grandmother's tried and true amazing stuffing, I can't. 

Another thing to keep in mind is people may sneak flour into dishes you traditionally wouldn't, so always double check! Growing up we always made gravy with cornstarch, so my mom was befuddled to know that people use flour now a days! Her mom only ever used cornstarch, so it never crossed her mind that traditional gravy would be off limits for me now. 

Here are some products to help streamline shopping and finding what you need to make your holiday a success! - Check their site for shipping or store availability in your area. Amazon and Gluten Free Mall may also be useful so you're not driving around for hours trying to find a store that carries these products. 

Gluten Free stuffing Brands –

Aleia’s - https://www.aleias.com/product/aleias-gluten-free-savory-stuffing/

Three Bakers - https://threebakers.com/product/stuffing-mix-2/

Mrs. Crimbles - https://www.mrscrimbles.com/products/product/sage-and-onion-stuffing-mix/

William Sonoma - https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/mariposa-baking-co-gluten-free-stuffing/

Green Giant Riced Cauliflower Stuffing - https://www.greengiant.com/products/detail/green-giant-riced-cauliflower-stuffing/

Trader Joe’s – Check local store for details.

Aldi’s – Check local store for details.

Gluten Free French Onions –

Funyuns - https://www.fritolay.com/snacks/product-page/funyuns/funyuns-onion-flavored-rings

Aldi’s – Check local store for details.

Sprouts & Wild Harvest – Check local stores for details.

Gluten Turkey Brands –

Keep in mind - Stuffing the bird with glutenFULL stuffing will contaminate the turkey! So if your family insists on stuffing the bird, bring some gluten free stuffing to do so! 

For all of these if you have questions reach out to the manufacturer - (The earlier the better) for questions on processing or anything else. 

Butterball - https://www.butterball.com/how-to/gluten-free-holiday-dinner 

Norbest - https://www.norbest.com/marketing-support/faq 

Jennie-O - Do not use the gravy that comes with it. - https://www.jennieo.com/products/collection/3-gluten-free 

Honeysuckle White - https://www.honeysucklewhite.com/products/frozen-whole-turkey/ 

Since some of you probably also want some gravy for your turkey and heck probably for the stuffing too: 

Gluten Free Gravy - 

McCormick's - https://www.mccormick.com/spices-and-flavors/recipe-mixes/gluten-free/gluten-free-turkey-gravy-mix 

William Sonoma - https://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/gluten-free-brown-gravy.html

Mayacama's - https://www.mayacamasfinefoods.com/product-list--info.html 

Pioneer Brand - http://pioneerbrand.com/gluten-free/ 

Swanson's Turkey Gravy - Does not list gluten - But is not labeled gluten free, due to processing and potential for Cross Contamination. - https://www.campbells.com/connect/faq/ 

Any gravy made from scratch can be adapted using corn starch in place of flour, or a gluten free flour, though some work better than others. 

Gluten Free Pie Crusts - 

Midel (Graham cracker crust) - https://midelcookies.com/category/products/gluten-free/

Wholly Wholesome - https://www.whollywholesome.com/ourproducts-gluten-free.php

Whole Foods Bakeshop - Check local store for details.

Pie Crust Mixes:

Bob's Redmill - https://www.bobsredmill.com/gluten-free-pie-crust-mix.html

King Arthuer - https://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/gluten-free-pie-crust-mix

Glutino - http://www.glutino.com/products/baking-mixes/perfect-pie-crust/

Hopefully some of these will help make your holiday meal prep easier and less stressful, so you can sit back and relax and enjoy some time outside the kitchen.