GlutenFreely.com Introduces Holiday Central

GlutenFreely.com, a comprehensive online, one-stop shop for individuals who have to or want to live a gluten-free life, has launched "Holiday Central,” a seasonal section on the site designed to help the roughly 3 million Americans living with celiac disease enjoy their festivities, the Gluten Freely™ way.

GlutenFreely.com's Holiday Central offers new seasonal recipes, including a savory Roasted Pork Tenderloin, along with tips for having a gluten-free holiday. (Photo: Nicole Hunn)

Holiday Central offers advice for hosting or attending holiday gatherings, and debuts original menus from the GlutenFreely.com blog community, including a menu from Nicole Hunn, the site’s newest monthly contributor. Hunn is the author of the cookbook "Gluten-Free on a Shoestring” and hosts a blog by the same name featuring recipes and tips for making gluten-free enjoyable and affordable.

In addition to the new menus, Holiday Central also includes holiday-specific tips from gluten-free expert and author Danna Korn, along with special offers on gluten-free products used in many holiday recipes.

"Whether you’re the host or a guest at one of the many get-togethers this season, trying to stay gluten-free during the holidays can be extremely stressful,” Korn said. "With a little planning – and easy recipes and tips from resources like GlutenFreely.com – managing a gluten-free holiday won’t feel so intimidating, especially if it’s your first one.”

At Holiday Central, members of the GlutenFreely.com blogger team share their special recipes for holiday meals, including:

• Kim Bouldin’s simple, yet savory brunch menu with an assortment of her family favorites, including Pumpkin Cornbread, Sausage Quiche, Hash Brown Bake and Sugared Bacon.
• Vanessa Maltin Weisbrod’s party menu of four gluten-free holiday appetizer and tapas ideas, including Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Stuffed Endive Leaves with Fontina and Toasted Pecans, Roasted Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Four Herb Hummus.
• Nicole Hunn with an upscale, but affordable dinner menu of Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Honey and Thyme, Vegetable Galette and Angel Food Cake.

On the site, Korn, the author of several books including "Living Gluten-Free for Dummies,” also shares her Top 10 tips for enjoying a stress-free, gluten-free holiday. For example:

• B.Y.O.G.: Bring Your Own Goodies. Attending an event in someone else’s home can be daunting for those with celiac disease. Don’t be afraid to call the host in advance to explain any dietary restrictions, and to inquire about the menu. If it sounds like being gluten-free will be a challenge, ask if it’s okay to bring a dish or two. The host will appreciate the offer.
• Use simple substitutions. At first, it might seem difficult to recreate a gluten-free version of a traditional holiday meal, but simple substitutions can make it very easy. For instance, prepare stuffing with a mixture of wild and brown rice, and toasted, gluten-free bread cubes. Gravy can be mixed with corn starch instead of flour, and gluten-free Bisquick® mix is a great option for favorite holiday pies.
• Order online. If holiday meals include specialty products or ingredients, avoid long lines and traffic jams by ordering those items online and get them sent to your destination whether home or away. Not only will there be a wide selection to choose from, but prices will usually be lower, too.

Holiday advice and recipes will be the topic of GlutenFreely’s Holiday Central Twitter Party at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 12. Join the conversation by following @glutenfreely or searching #gfholiday.

GlutenFreely.com holiday menus, recipes and photos, along with holiday tips and special product offers can be found at www.glutenfreely.com/holidaycentral.

About GlutenFreely.com

Developed in partnership with The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, GlutenFreely.com offers more than 400 gluten-free products from a wide variety of manufacturers for online purchase, as well as hundreds of recipes; advice for navigating grocery stores and restaurants; pocket shopping lists; and educational videos.

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