Holiday Cooking Without the Allergies: Tips and Tricks
Holiday Cooking Without the Allergies: Tips and Tricks

Keep your holiday dinner allergen-free with a few simple strategies. A good first step is knowing what the most common allergens are. They include milk, eggs, and tree nuts to name just three. Shellfish is another common culprit when it comes to food allergies. Whether or not you should eliminate these foods from your holiday menu depends on certain factors, which we’ll discuss next.

How to Keep Meals Safe for Guests

How to Keep Meals Safe for Guests

Awareness is the number one key when cooking an allergen-free holiday meal. Go through your guest list prior to menu planning and if you don’t already know, reach out and ask about food allergies or dietary sensitivities. Sometimes you can omit an ingredient altogether, other times you might provide an alternative dish. For example, if one or more guests is lactose-intolerant, use plant-based butter and milk in the mashed potatoes. Maybe you’ve got a vegan guest but have your heart on serving turkey. All that’s needed in this situation is a compromise in the form of one or more vegan entrees.

Desserts and Drinks

Desserts and Drinks

Your main meal isn’t the only place where allergens can cause issues. Make sure you’ve got multiple dessert options that meet everyone’s dietary accommodations. A healthy fruit salad is one idea for a dessert that’s light and refreshing. If you opt for cake, make sure it doesn’t contain nuts if anyone attending your celebration is the least bit allergic. If you’re hosting a holiday cocktail party or having drinks after dinner, stay mindful of alcohol allergies and milk-based mixers. Providing mocktails for guests who don’t drink alcohol, fresh coffee — including a pot of decaf for caffeine-sensitive guests — and unlimited water is always a good holiday party move.

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