Medical research has allowed us, in this generation, to learn more about how our bodies will react to certain foods. From lactose intolerance to gluten sensitivity, as well as a host of other food allergies, we are now more equipped to adjust our diets accordingly. Often times, there is a substitute readily available for consumption.
As we approach the holiday season, the first images that come to mind are bountiful feasts. How does one handle being a host for those with special dietary restrictions? Is it impolite to create a menu without being sensitive to the needs of a guest? This article hopes to tackle and answer these questions in order to put the happy hosts and hostesses at ease.
Even if a guest has a voluntary food restriction (i.e. vegetarians, vegans) it is courteous to provide them with the same amazing culinary experience that is in store for other guests without the same dietary requirements.
Should one decide to tackle the creation of essentially two meals, there are a few things to keep in mind, aside from finding the right recipes. Reading labels is very important. Items like soy, dairy, and gluten are required to be listed in case of allergy or special dietary needs. For instance, many store-bought soups are made with a roux, which uses flour as a thickening agent. The easiest way to avoid mistakes like this is to steer away from any processed foods.
Although not mentioned above, nut allergies can be a severe issue and special care needs to be taken to avoid using nuts, nut flours, or nut oils in the preparation of any of the items, should there be a special need on the guest list.
The internet and cookbooks are a great resource, but doing a little homework and testing a new recipe before waiting until the last minute can save many a headache. Often times, recipes that are heavily altered do not always turn out as hoped, and some just don’t work at all.
IT MAY BE HELPFUL TO BREAK DOWN THE ADJUSTMENTS BY TACKLING ONE TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FOOD ITEM AT A TIME. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR A FEW OF THE PROBLEM STANDARD LINE-UP.
Turkey
Possible Dietary Restriction: Vegan/Vegetarian
This one is a lot easier for most to substitute as there are a variety tofu based turkey products on the market. In fact, the most popular of the bunch is actually trademarked as Tofurkey.
Stuffing
Possible Dietary Restrictions: Gluten, Vegan/Vegetarian
This one can be tough because it is typically made in larger quantities. Unless all the guests are fine with gluten-free bread cubes that are dried and then cooked with vegetable stock and other seasoning, making a small amount of gluten-free/vegan stuffing, in addition to the traditional stuffing, is advised.
Pumpkin Pie
Possible Dietary Restrictions: Gluten, Vegan/Vegetarian, Dairy
Desserts are tricky because there are so many ingredients that go into them. First there is the crust, which in and of itself is filled with gluten, and butter. Using Cup4Cup brand flour and margarine should do the trick, unless the crust is purchased from a specialty bakery pre-made. Next, the filling needs to be made with a dairyfree milk (i.e. coconut, soy, almond, etc.). Many vegan pie fillings use cornstarch as a thickening agent and do not require any baking beyond the baking of the crust. The other option is to simply have the pie completely made and ready to serve by a bakery that specializes in desserts with dietary restrictions.
Mashed Potatoes
Possible Dietary Restrictions: Dairy, Vegan
Mashed potatoes may seem like a simple food that not many would have an objection to, but the addition of butter, milk or sour cream can be an issue. Using margarine and a non-dairy milk should solve the problem. If cheese is included in a standard recipe, simply omit, or use a specialty vegan cheese.
Any and all of these items can be stressful to make for the first time. Making a traditional Thanksgiving meal can be hectic enough. However, sometimes being the host means going the extra mile.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard one may try, it is impossible to please everyone. A host can only seek to please the few that are set before him/her. Now, go forth and create some special delights. Happy Thanksgiving!
