It's that time of year again when we start thinking about baking some festive treats - obviously, if you're really organised then you will have got this sorted weeks ago, but if you're in need of some inspiration then read on!
There's no escaping the fact that food plays a huge role during the festive season and if you've got food intolerances or allergies then you'd be forgiven for not being overly enthusiastic about the forthcoming festivities. But, I firmly believe that, even if you can't eat certain foods, it really doesn't need to be a time of going without whilst other people are enjoying their sumptuous foods. Allergy friendly recipes can be just as delicious and deprivation simply isn't an option.
So, with that in mind, here's some of my recipes for an allergy friendly Christmas ...
In our family, it just wouldn't be Christmas without Mince Pies. This recipe includes a gluten free mincemeat recipe (yes even mincemeat contains gluten - it's in the suet) as well as egg and dairy free variations for the gluten free pastry. The rich mincemeat in the Mincemeat, Pear & Fig Tart is lightened with the addition of fresh pears and figs and like the mince pies is gluten free with dairy and egg free versions included. For a slight twist on the mincemeat tart idea, how about a Sticky Spiced Fruit and Nut Tart which is a cross between a mincemeat tart and a pecan pie - naughty but very nice!
If you're like us, you'll be eating Christmas Pudding on Christmas Day. Don't worry if you haven't made yours yet, there's still time. This one is a gluten and dairy free version of a traditional pudding made with raisins, dried figs, cherries and brandy. Plus there's also a recipe for a sugar free version. If you don't like Christmas pudding, these individual Cranberry and Almond Tarts made with fresh cranberries, would make a delicious alternative.
I've still to perfect an allergy friendly Christmas cake, I promise it will be ready for next year. Instead, we'll be having a Cranberry, Orange and Almond Torte which is a lovely moist sponge, studded with dried cranberries and drenched with an orange and Cointreau syrup.
It's becoming something of a tradition to serve a chocolate roulade as a dessert for our Christmas Eve dinner. However, I like to create a different version each year. A couple of years ago, it was ice cream based, rather like an upmarket chocolate arctic roll. This year it will be a more traditional Chocolate and Chestnut Roulade - a dark chocolate sponge wrapped around a chestnut and brandy filling which is then covered in chocolate and chestnut ganache.
The week before Christmas is always quite hectic so it's nice to sit down for elevenses with a mug of coffee and something festive to eat. Obviously there'll be a tin full of mince pies, but I'll also be making some of these Cranberry, Orange and Pistachio Cookies for a change too. And, if I have enough time, I'll be experimenting with a recipe for allergy friendly gingerbread cookies. I have the Christmas tree cookie cutter at the ready!
During Christmas week, it's a good idea to have some lighter dishes in your repetoire. A Pear and Watercress Salad makes an ideal accompaniement to cold turkey or ham for a simple lunch or supper. I love pomegranates and their jewel like seeds are perfect for adding some sparkle to Christmas. They glisten in these Clementine, Pomegranate and Passion Fruit Jellies. If you prefer a light but creamy dessert then try these dairy and egg free Pumpkin Custards which are given a christmassy feel with a cranberry and orange compote.
I hope that these recipes give you some inspiration for your Christmas cooking. If you've got any questions or would like some allergy friendly culinary advice please do email me.
