Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful under the best of circumstances! But when you have a guest with food allergies, menu planning can be even more of a challenge. Read on for a few recipes and tips for hosting a food-allergy-friendly Thanksgiving meal:
Many Thanksgiving Favorites Are Naturally Allergy Friendly
Milk, wheat, egg, soy and nuts are common food allergens and also present in many holiday foods. Fortunately, many Thanksgiving favorites are either naturally allergy friendly or easily modified.
Turkey and Main Dishes
Turkey is the centerpiece of the harvest table. When roasted with olive oil and spices, it is naturally free from common allergens. If one of your guests has a wheat allergy or is gluten-free, simply cook the stuffing separately. Roasting a separate, smaller turkey breast is also an option.
You could also provide a hearty dish that incorporates several foods and flavors, as found in the recipes below.
Recipes: Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf; or Butternut Squash & Quinoa Casserole (substitute pumpkin seeds for pecans if nut allergic.)
Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without mashed potatoes. Often made with milk and butter, mashed potatoes can be easily modified for milk-free diets. Substitute butter with a dairy-free version, and using cooking water to moisten the potatoes. A bit of salt and garlic and you never miss the milk!
Recipe: Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Sides
Cranberry salad and roasted vegetables are also staples, as long as they are made without nuts.
Meal Planning
Not every single dish must accommodate your guests’ restrictions. A well-rounded meal would include a protein, starch (mashed potato), a vegetable, and a fun tradition (cranberry sauce).
Link to other recipes: More allergy-friendly tips and recipes
Dessert
No holiday is complete without dessert. This pumpkin pie is both festive and allergy friendly!
Recipes: Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
