Sometimes is can be a bit frustrating when all the yummy treats at a party are something you can’t eat. Not anymore! I have compiled a few recipes from my blog that will surely wow everyone at your next holiday gathering, whether they need to eat gluten free or not. These gluten free holiday treats will lift up any heart this Christmas season.
One thing that I love about Christmas is how much we think about sharing. And what if you have a loved one, co-worker, or friend who needs gluten free, but you aren’t quite sure how to make a treat that will be safe to give to them. I hope to share a few tips that will help with that too.
How to make sure your gluten free treat is celiac safe
Have you ever had someone ask you if your food is celiac safe AFTER you told them it was gluten free? Well, that means that for someone with celiac disease, which is an auto immune disease- not an allergy, they need to make sure not even a crumb of gluten is in that “gluten free” food item you made. Otherwise, it sets their body off trying to attack itself, and we don’t want that for our friends!
One way to help keep our celiac friends safe is to make sure and use an un-opened bag of sugar and fresh jars of spices/salt/etc when you are starting a recipe. Also, make sure that your counter/stove/etc is free from any crumbs. Making sure that your measuring cups/spoons/spatulas/pots are freshly washed is also very important. When using butter, make sure it’s a fresh, new cube that you cut from. It’s the little things that count.
Following these tips will greatly increase the likely-hood that your celiac friend will trust you to make them a holiday treat this year.
Homemade Gluten Free Holiday Candies
There is something magical about making homemade candies. And not all of them require a candy thermometer! And two of my suggestions today are extra fun for kids helping you in the kitchen.
Snowman pretzels
What could be more fun that making a chocolate and snowman pretzels this holiday season? This easy holiday treat uses simple ingredients and comes together very quickly. Check out my post for more details.
Chocolate Candy Canes
If you are willing to splurge on some candy cane silicone molds, this fun candy idea will surly delight the young and old. Smashing peppermint candy canes, melting chocolate and then freezing is all that is required for these chocolate candy canes.
Candy Cane Macaroons
You can make any flavor of macaroons. And at this Christmas Time of year, I just had to make a candy cane macaroon. With the beautiful red wafer of the macaroon and the broken pieces of peppermint candy cane, your guests will be wowed when you bring this dessert to you next holiday party. These would also make the cutest co-worker gift!
Peanut Brittle
My most favorite Christmas Candy to make is peanut brittle. It just exudes Christmas love to me. Peanut brittle does take some time, a candy thermometer, and being prepared to get this candy right. But I promise you, once you make this, you will want to make it over and over again.
The gift from giving
There is a gift YOU get when you give something that took you time and effort. That warm feeling, that connection to someone, a sense that you have the power to lift another person’s heart. That is a gift I love receiving. I love to give homemade gifts. I hope these recipe ideas will inspire you to grab a few gift boxes and fill them with yummy goodness. Then surprise someone who least expects it. You just might change their life…and yours.
Merry Christmas!
Emma
