Xmas is Just Around the Corner
Gift.Ideas.Menu.Ideas.GlutenFree.Christmas
Xmas is just around the corner or literally just one more turn of the page on the calendar, so thoughts turn to the Christmas lunch or the Christmas gift…. gluten free of course. And all the extras that go with a family Christmas.
Gift Ideas
Springhill Farm has a gluten free hamper
Smoothie Makers are perfect for all age groups and there are many to choose from on the market.. Nutri Bullet, Magic Bullet. BlitznGo.
Jelly Belly Bean Boozled combines eating jelly beans with a game of chance.
Gingerbread Folk Gluten Free Gingerbread House Kit available online if you can’t buy one in your area or no doubt available in speciality stores in larger cities.
And for more ideas, go to Yum Gluten Free for their Christmas Gluten Free Gift Guide.
Also visit my Christmas posts from previous years for a few more ideas.
Menu Ideas
We love our food. We love our food traditions. We love sharing food with our family. And every year we, family members discuss for many weeks, the answers to the question : WHAT ARE WE GOING TO HAVE FOR CHRISTMAS? Reality is, that we haven’t had to make too many changes to accommodate a ‘gluten free’ Christmas: gf Worcestershire sauce, gf crackers, gf lasagne sheets, gf cereals for rum balls and Bumble Bees. Below is a menu from 2013 but I am sure we won’t stray too much from this list. The phone calls haven’t started yet, but I am looking forward to all that goes with Christmas including the discussions back and forth, the making of lists, the shopping, the planning and then sitting down and enjoying.
Merry Christmas Bon Nadal Buon Natale Joyeux Noël
Starters
Robert’s Signature Dip and Bagel Chips
Pesto and Hand Crafted Corn Chips
Devils on Horseback
The Main Event
Savoury Beef de Brendan
Cape Grimm Rib Eye Roast with Cafe de Paris Butter
On the Side
A Touch of Snow (side of rice)
Fatoush Salad
Something Sweet
Surprise de Terese
Velia’s Plum Pudding and Custard (contains gluten)
Crème Caramel and Balsamic Strawberries
Afters
Turron Jijona
Rum Truffle Balls
Sweet and Salty Crunchy Chocolate
A Kitchen Necessity: Crepe Maker
What a bargain: a crepe maker for $19.00.
I was in a forced situation of having to go to the shopping centres today, for a work related matter, but allowed myself some time to browse as well. Christmas shopping crowds, summer heat and humidity and lack of parking normally keeps me well away from any shopping other than for groceries at this time of the year.
I have spoken before about our Crepe Maker (Breville) which has become an essential part of our gluten free kitchen. We use it to make flat breads, wraps, crepes, galettes, pancakes, pikelets, omelette wraps. The main advantage of this product over a skillet or fry pan on a hotplate is that I can obtain a more consistent control over the cooking heat. Practically, flipping pancakes is much easier on a flat surface than in a frypan with curved sides. I am indeed a very practical person.
The $19.00 price tag on this Crepe Maker on the shelves at KMart makes this a perfect stocking filler or gift.
GF Christmas Stocking Filler
Browsing the Christmas shelves at Myer yesterday, I found the Jelly Belly section and thought that their “Cocktail Classics” was perfect for a Christmas stocking filler for the gluten free teenager in the house.
Gluten Free Christmas Gift Ideas
Six weeks to Christmas.
I hope my list gives you a few ideas and takes the worry out of shopping for Gluten Free Stocking Fillers especially if this is your first gluten free Christmas.
These are my favourites but I have included a more comprehensive list as a page under Gluten Free Shopping.
I would love to hear about your special gluten free treats.
1. Spanish Turron
If you have access to a Spanish or Continental Deli, then look for Turron. A traditional Christmas food, you can try Jijona (soft and smooth) or Alicante (hard and crunchy). I have been able to purchase them from El Mercado in Sydney and Casa Iberica in Melbourne. They are happy to package them up and mail them to me.
2. Italian Style Torrone
Below is just one product I have found available in our area. Ask at your local Italian Deli for Italian torrone or Italian nougat. Just check that the wafer is rice based not wheat.
Nougat Limar Available in Townsville at Sprout, Angelina’s Deli
3. Toblerone
Another perfect stocking filler…. found at most supermarkets.
4. Outback Spirit Gourmet Packs: Fruit Toppers, Hot Sauces, BBQ Marinades, Chutneys.
I have found these at Target in the Christmas section.
5. Beerenberg Family Farm Products
Put together a small basket or hamper of Beerenberg’s jams, relishes, chutneys, mustards, sauces and dressings:
6. Artisan and Handmade Fudge
Most fudges are gluten free, but as always check.
Fudge n Stuff : Gluten Free Fudge, Flinders Street Townsville.
Spotted Dog Fudge: Available for purchase online.
7. Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
You can get these jelly beans in Christmas colours in a tube. Found at lolly shops, Big W and Myer. NB Myer has an enormous range of Jelly Belly products.
8. Leda Gluten Free Rum Balls
Leda Gluten Free Rum Balls are already on the shelves and can be found in the bakery section in Woolworths and in the gluten free section in Coles.
