Guidance on Providing Gluten Free food for Christmas Parties

Gluten free buffets can be difficult if one is unprepared 

Here are some guidelines written by Sallie Darnell, professional cook

1. When invited to a party make clear your dietary requirements.  Often a phone call to your chosen venue can save an embarrassing experience.
2. If you are in doubt about any food do not eat it
3. Another good suggestion is to eat prior to going out so if there turns out to be nothing suitable for you won’t be too hungry
4. Restaurants these days are quite happy to give you a list of ingredients used in their kitchens.  From this you should be able to ascertain which ingredients are not suitable for you ie hidden starches in sauces or soups, wheat in soy sauce etc

When entertaining yourself life can be a little easier as you have more control over the food.  Here are some ideas for quick nibbles: both home-made and commercially prepared

Plain nuts, olives, a bowl of large prawns , sushi

Dips – ready made humus, salsa, tahini – but check labels served with crudities (carrots, celery, cucumber, cauliflower)  crisps or tortillas

Home-made: Tzaziki – yoghurt with mint and cucumber and garlic

Smoked mackerel dip – made by blending together 100g smoked mackerel, 150g thick yoghurt, 2 tabsp lemon juice, 1tsp lemon rind, salt and pepper

Sliced polenta topped with stilton cheese and sliced cherry tomatoes – flashed under the grill just before serving

Chicken fillets tossed in rice flour, then beaten egg, coated in dry polenta and deep fried.  Serve with a lemon and caper flavoured yoghurt

Smoked salmon wrapped round mini sweet corn

Mini wheatfree pancakes/blinis with various toppings eg smoked salmon and dill sauce,  beetroot and horseradish sauce (check label)

Celery stuffed with tartex pate or smoked mackerel pate

Courgettes stuffed with ratatouille or chilli

Mini potato rosti with lemon and chive cream

Croutes of gluten free bread fried and topped with rare roast beef and gluten free pesto, quails egg, halloumi and apple, feta cheese and black olives

Sadly Sally is no longer with us, but her recipes live on. Thanks Sally, we love your delicious meals.