Happy Holidays! Enjoying delicious food is a big part of the holiday season. Those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity may find it difficult to enjoy celebrations where food is involved due to having to avoid foods and beverages with gluten. Celiac disease affects at least 1% of Americans, or nearly 3 million people in the United States. It is estimated that 1-6% or up to 18 million Americans have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. You are not alone when it comes to the challenges of avoiding gluten and enjoying social events over the holidays.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holiday season on a gluten free diet:

1. Keep the focus on things other than the food. Enjoy catching  up and socializing with family and friends. Enjoy the holiday decorations, warm fireplaces, and white snow. Enjoy giving and receiving gifts, helping those in need, and playing games.
2. Be prepared. Make a couple gluten free dishes in advance and bring them to the party to share or make a gluten free plate for yourself to bring along.
3. Have fun with trying new gluten free recipes. There are so many to choose from and they can be simple and delicious. Try some of the gluten free recipes below!

Gluten-free Recipes

• Quinoa Pizza Bites: Pizza ingredients combine to make a delicious bite size appetizer, enjoyed by adults and children.
• Edamame, Feta, and Cranberry Salad: Simple ingredients with bold flavors come together in no time for this festive salad!
• Baked Oatmeal: Perfect for breakfast or brunch; you can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning! Top or add in other fruit as desired.
• Slow Cooker Jam and Ginger Pork: This effortless recipe is filled with flavor and would be great paired with wild rice and roasted green beans. *Use gluten free soy sauce.
• Pretzel Turtle Bars: Salty pretzels, sweet dark chocolate, and crunchy pecans melt together for this delicious dessert that will be enjoyed by all!

I hope you enjoy these recipes and have a wonderful holiday season!