Allergen-Free Thanksgiving

Since I began experimenting with dietary sources of inflammation, my mother and mother-in-law tried incredibly hard to provide allergen-free alternatives for me during the holidays.  But with my changing list of excluded foods, it was impossible for them to keep up.  I either didn't eat the items they specifically made for me (and appeared ungracious) or I indulged and felt ill - not an easy choice.  To help anyone in the same circumstance and in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I have decided to devote a number of upcoming blogs to allergen-free recipes using classic Thanksgiving ingredients.  Each recipe is entirely free the seven common food allergens and food allergens suspected by the alternative medical community.  Below is the preliminary allergen-free Thanksgiving menu.  If I can get to more dishes in the coming weeks, I'll update this post as the menu expands.  Happy cooking!

 

ALLERGEN-FREE THANKSGIVING MENU - 2014

MAIN

Roasted Turkey w/ Giblet Gravy

 

 

 

SIDES

Cranberry Sauce w/ Apricots and Strawberries






Faux Mashed Potatoes (Cauliflower and Sweet Potato)









Butternut Squash w/ Pumpkin Seeds








Sauteed Green Beans w/ Garlic

 

 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

 

 

 

 

SALAD

Candied Pumpkin Seed, Pear, and Spinach Salad

 

 

 

DESSERT

Apple Crumble

Allergen-Free Recipe - Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic

I used this recipe with almost any kind of fresh bean or pea.  Once you learn how to get the garlic to the perfect doneness, you'll be hooked.

2 c. Green Beans, Trimmed
2 tbls. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbls. Butter Substitute
6 cloves Garlic
Salt






(1) Heat olive in a large pan on medium heat.  Trim green beans and cut into 2" lengths.  Slice garlic cloves.

(2) When oil is to temp, add green beans and stir frequently until the exterior is slightly browned.  Add the garlic and toss.  The key to this recipe to to cook the garlic just long enough so that it is lightly browned but not burnt (burnt garlic is bitter).

(3)  Just before turning off the heat, add the butter substitute and salt. 

Click here to see the entire 2014 Allergen-Free Thanksgiving Menu. 

Allergen-Free Recipe - Loaded Panelle Breakfast

I had some extra Panelle laying around one morning when my taste buds were craving savory.  A quick survey of the fridge resulted in my loaded Panelle Breakfast, which is almost completely made from leftovers (I fried some mushrooms to round out the plate).

Basic Panelle w/ Chimichurri Sauce
Sauteed Green Beans (or other Leftover Vegetable)
Fried Mushrooms
Bacon

(1)  Prepare Panelle w/ Chimichurri Sauce, head leftover green beans, fry mushrooms, and saute bacon.  Combine on a plate and enjoy!