Marika Day: 4 easy wins for gluten-free Christmas catering

ARTICLE

1 November 2024

4 min read

A gluten-friendly guide for holiday cooking with AIA Ambassador Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian Marika Day.

Christmas is my favourite time of year, but the prospect of cooking for a large group of people when there’s an intolerance around can be daunting. The good news is you can still cook a tasty spread everyone can enjoy; all it takes is some planning and know-how.

Here’s how to get ahead of the big day.

Coeliac disease vs gluten intolerance

Before you begin, it’s important to know whether you’re catering for someone with coeliac disease, or a gluten intolerance. The difference might seem insignificant, but for those with coeliac disease, even traces or crumbs of gluten-containing foods can cause harm to their intestines, so doing your due diligence is essential.

Step one: planning the menu

Communicate

Ask your guests about their dietary needs, especially if they have coeliac disease, so you can prepare accordingly.

Plan your recipes

There are so many delicious Christmas dishes that don’t contain gluten, and others that can be made gluten-free with a few substitutions, like:

Roasts (chicken, lamb, veggies)
BBQ
Salads
Pavlova
Fresh fruit salad

Use gluten-free substitutes

With your recipes locked in, make a note of any items that require gluten-free substitutes. Luckily, these have come a long way over the years and are readily available at the supermarket.

Read the label

You might be surprised at the number of products that contain gluten, like soy sauce. Always check a product’s ingredients list for hidden sources of gluten before you buy or use it, keeping an eye out for anything with wheat, rye, barley or oats.

Step two: safe food prep

As the pros say: prep is key. Food storage is crucial, especially if your guest has coeliac disease. Remember to:

Clean surfaces

Thoroughly clean countertops, chopping boards, knives, and utensils before preparing gluten-free food. You don’t need to sterilise; just make sure everything is clean and free from crumbs.

Keep gluten-free foods separate

If you can, designate an area for preparing and storing any gluten-free food. Make sure not to place food containing gluten on the same plates used for serving or storing non-gluten items.

Label everything

Clearly labelling dishes that are gluten-free is a simple way to avoid any mix-ups.

In case of emergency: buy pre-made

If you’re short on time, many supermarkets, cafes, and catering companies offer a range of gluten-free meals you can serve as is. Just make sure to check the packaging for any cross-contamination warnings.

Catering for someone who is gluten-free or coeliac doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful planning and a bit of creativity, you can create a Christmas feast that’s safe and delicious for everyone. Happy cooking!

Marika Day

Marika Day is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist with over 10 years' experience in a variety of clinical and non-clinical areas. Her expertise and interests include gastrointestinal nutrition, which is influenced by her personal experience with coeliac disease. Additionally, she focuses on women’s health and the complexities of disordered and emotional eating. In addition to her clinical expertise, Marika regularly works in recipe development, helping people make nutritious choices every day. Her approach to nutrition is balanced, practical and empathetic and aims to help people enjoy food and live a healthy balanced life.

Copyright © 2024 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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