“It’s getting down to the wire! How will I be able to eat with everyone or serve everyone a grain free, soy free, and maybe even dairy-free or Paleo Thanksgiving??”
Do not panic! This post puts it all together to keep it simple! You can also go to my Pinterest board at this link for a collection of recipes.
If you’re not familiar with my recipes, they are ALL gluten free, grain free (no corn, rice, quinoa, teff, sorghum, millet, etc.), and soy free. They are also dairy-free (or can be made dairy-free) and Paleo (it’s noted where necessary to make changes to the recipe).
Here we go!
Appetizers
Of course, you can’t have a big family meal without an appetizer! Here are a couple of ideas that everyone will enjoy whether they follow a gluten-free lifestyle or not! Click on the links to go directly to each recipe!
(Beverage) Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Turkey
To prepare your bird, be certain you’ve purchased one that’s safe from questionable ingredients.
That can be very challenging, because many turkeys are injected with a solution of flavorings, and the ingredients included are usually vague and even very hard to find on the label (often NOT listed where the nutrition panel is!)
<–Here is a photo of one of the turkeys available in the store. As you can see, the ingredients are hard to read! This turkey was injected with a solution that contains modified food starch and natural flavorings. How many people never even see that?
Unfortunately, these minor ingredients can cause a major set-back for anyone pursuing a health journey. (Special note: this often happens with chicken and other poultry products, as well.)
If you really want turkey, ideally find a local farm and order one through them. Although I personally don’t eat turkey (or any poultry, due to how their composition has been changed by the grain they’ve been fed), here is my post on a tasty way to prepare one (garnered from the days when I ate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner!)
The Potatoes
Regular potatoes or sweet potatoes? Or no potatoes?
For regular potatoes, try out my super simple and delicious mashed potato recipe here.
For a lower carb, lower glycemic index option (and Paleo), choose either sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower (it really works!)
For sweet potatoes, wash them and poke holes in the skin. Microwave for about four minutes per potato, or bake in a 375 degree oven for about an hour. Top with rosemary and sea salt, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes (or broil to make crisp-topped in 10 minutes).
Mashed cauliflower truly amazed me! Its many benefits include being plant-based, low-carb, and great for those following ketogenic, vegetarian, or even vegan diets. I was completely awed when my teenaged daughter ate it and never knew the difference (shhhh, please don’t tell her!)
Easy Cauliflower Mash:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Cut 1 head of cauliflower into florets, then add to boiling water
- Cook 8-10 minutes, or until a fork can easily be pierced through the cauliflower
- Drain cauliflower then throw back into the hot pot (off the heat) and cover with lid
- Let stand 2 to 3 minutes
- Mash as you would potatoes, or place in the food processor
- Add butter, ghee, or olive oil if dairy free
- Season with salt, pepper, and chives to taste
The Dinner Rolls
A grain free, soy free, and even an option for a dairy free (and NUT free!) dinner roll? You betcha. These are my go-to when I want a little bread and butter. {HINT: you could also use these to make little appetizer “sandwiches” if you can make a quick ham spread from scratch!}
Note: The recipe includes a dairy free option. Warning: The dairy-free rolls don’t look as pretty, but they still taste good!
The Stuffing
I never really liked stuffing until I couldn’t have it (!). So, I was especially excited to find something I could make as a regular side dish from time to time (yes, it’s great for anytime, not just for Thanksgiving!)
This recipe became such a favorite with my readers and clients that we’ve decided to simplify things for you!
Purchase our new stuffing kit, which makes 14 half-cup servings at this link for just $12.50! The mix is free of gluten, grains, soy, dairy, nuts, and sugars. It can be made vegetarian or vegan with the recipe that’s included.
The Veggies
When it comes to veggies for Thanksgiving, I often keep it very simple. Simply steamed green beans or asparagus are often a welcome reprieve from all of the other more complicated items at the table! For a tastier or more interesting version, sautee sliced almonds in olive oil to add to the steamed green beans, or wrap the asparagus in bacon prior to oven-roasting. Yum!
I also found this good-looking recipe for green bean casserole, complete with crispy fried onions (from agirlworthsaving.net).
Cranberry Sauce
Just a quick note about the cranberry sauce! I’ve never really been one to eat it, either with turkey or without. And I definitely cannot recommend the stuff that comes in a can! It’s filled with sugars and other processed ingredients, YUCK!
My best suggestion here is to purchase fresh cranberries from the store (I already see that Aldi has them out for just $1.99!) I love to dry cranberries in the oven and eat them dehydrated, but that might not work so well for Thanksgiving. 🙂 I suggest making a cranberry reduction – marinate them in some raw honey overnight, then cook them on low to medium heat until they soften and reduce to a jam-like substance. Voila! Cranberry sauce.
Dessert
Say what?? You’re still ready for more after all of that? Well, come and see us for a pumpkin roll, carrot cake, pumpkin spice no bake bliss bites, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies, treat trays, and more (shop some of our products here). ALL of our products are gluten free and contain no grains, soy, dairy, peanuts, or refined sugars! (Can’t find what you’re hoping for? E-mail us at info@ggfgourmet.com)
Top it all with homemade whipped cream and you’ll be the “gluten free talk of the town!” (For homemade whipped cream or dairy-free cream, take heavy whipping cream or full-fat coconut cream; whisk it gently for 1-2 minutes, increase the whisking speed until soft peaks form; add small amounts of organic cane sugar or local honey until slightly sweet; be careful not to overmix)
Wishing you and yours a healthy and delicious Thanksgiving!
-Jen of The GGF Gourmet
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