Celiac.com 10/25/2008 - With a bit of planning and knowledge anyone with celiac disease can enjoy a safe, gluten-free Thanksgiving and holiday season without the concern of accidental gluten ingestion.  If you plan to prepare your own gluten-free turkey dinner, here are some ideas that may be helpful:

• A gluten-free holiday dinner starts with a gluten-free turkey. Believe it or not some brands of turkey do contain additives that are not gluten-free—so, like everything else, read the ingredients and use our Gluten-Free Ingredient Lists or our Gluten-Free Shopping Guides to help you shop.
• Don’t risk gluten-based stuffing in your turkey.  Instead, try my favorite gluten-free stuffing recipe.
• Gravy is easy: Use a gluten-free gravy mix, or a gluten-free gravy recipe.  Remember, bouillon cubes can often be a source of hidden gluten in holiday meals so be sure to use gluten-free bouillon cubes.  To thicken your homemade gravy you can use corn starch or arrowroot flour.
• Gluten-free holiday side dishes are easy: Browse our extensive listing of gluten-free recipes to find side dishes that will impress anyone—celiac disease or not.
• Order gluten-free baking ingredients and other hard-to-find items like prepared gluten-free pies ahead of time for convenience—this will allow you to spend more time with friends and family rather than spending all of your time in the kitchen!  Many excellent prepared gluten-free products can now be ordered and delivered directly to your door from places like the Gluten-Free Mall.
  

If you plan to eat out, or at a relative’s or friend’s house during the holidays, you might find this information helpful:

• Ali Demeritte's blog entry: The Dinner Party Drama—Two Guidelines to Assure a Pleasant Gluten-Free Experience.
• Danna Korn's article: Venturing Out of the House: Restaurant Realities.
• Aimee Eiguren's blog entry: Eating Out Gluten-Free and Without Fear.
• Chef Daniel Moran's article: Traveling and Eating Gluten-Free at Restaurants.
• Chef Daniel Moran's article: Traveling and Eating Gluten-Free Meals at Small or Moving Restaurants.

The holiday season can stressful enough without having to worry about gluten in your meals. Hopefully the tips in this article will help you eliminate this concern, and allow you to have a safe and relaxed gluten-free holiday!

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