Going gluten-free shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun of a festive feast. And, while some traditional treats may be off the menu, it is entirely possible to celebrate a gluten-free Christmas without feeling like a grinch! 

Whether you are catering for a celiac friend, a sensitive family member, or just want to provide a spread that caters to a range of dietary requirements, Aussie Olympic swimmer and Gluteguard ambassador Ariarne Titmus shares her complete guide to a gluten-free Christmas  – including a classic Pav that’s so good anyone will happily tuck in!

How to celebrate a gluten-free Christmas with the silly season in full swing!

Since being diagnosed with gluten sensitivity, Ariane admits that one of the biggest challenges she encounters is eating out, where she has no control over the food preparation. An issue that is no doubt magnified for many as they navigate the maze of Christmas parties this month. 

In these instances, Ariarne recommends doing your research before making a booking. And while reserving a table at restaurants that are Coeliac Australia-accredited is helpful, it is not absolutely necessary, with many restaurants now publishing their menus (and intolerance-associated dishes) online – meaning it’s actually never been easier to choose places to eat that you know are gluten-friendly. 

In terms of what to order, “don’t be embarrassed to ask questions about what you’re eating,” says Ariane, who also  advises “choosing meals that are least likely to have cross contamination and are naturally gluten-free, like meats and vegetable-based dishes.”

Similarly, while preparation processes and ingredients will differ from venue to venue (so do double-check!) cuisines such as Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and even some Meditteranean are often naturally gluten-free. 

Latin American foods are often corn-based, while South-East Asian dishes tend to rely on fish sauces (instead of the soy sauce used heavily in Japanese and Chinese foods) as well as rice in its many different forms. And, while you may have to skip the samosas and say no to the naan if you’re eating out at Indian, lentil-based bread made with chickpea flour is an excellent alternative. Finally, even if you do dine at an Italian restaurant for the office Christmas lunch, don’t fret! While traditional pizzas and plates of pasta may a no-go for those avoiding gluten, risotto, polenta, grilled seafood, cured meats, and cheeses can all (usually) be safely consumed! 

As for toasting your end-of-year achievements with a gluten-free cocktail? The best ones are those based on tequila bourbon, gin or vodka – which are all naturally free from wheat, barley, and rye (pending the addition of other add-ins of course!) 

Host the perfect gluten-free Christmas at home

If you’re in charge of hosting family lunch and a little anxious at the thought of creating a gluten-free Christmas spread that doesn’t taste like cardboard, Ariarne has some advice. 

“My first tip is to have fun in the kitchen, be creative and try make up recipes. There are so many alternatives to foods containing gluten – you just have to think outside the box!

“Avoid cooking dishes that traditionally contain a lot of wheat, because that means you’re constantly subbing in gluten-free products. Big salads, roast meat and barbequed goods are good examples of foods where gluten isn’t usually present, so it’s easy cooking without compromise. Make life easier for yourself!”

For a gluten-free Christmas feast, start with traditional protein staples that are naturally gluten-free – like turkey, ham and lots of seafood – and then be selective with your sides. 

Build your salads on fresh veggies and gluten-free carbs (like potatoes and rice) and check the label of your dressings carefully to avoid any sneaky gluten in the ingredients. 

While baking can be a little trickier, Ariraine adds “Another tip that has served me well when substituting flours, is to research what ratios create a flour blend that doesn’t compromise on texture and flavour. Some store-bought gluten-free flours don’t provide the elasticity and binding effect that gluten provides. So, be mindful that when baking with gluten-free flour it’s a bit of trial and error!”

Ariarne’s amazing gluten-free Christmas pavlova

“I love my Mum’s gluten-free pavlova recipe, it’s her favourite and my go-to and always gets made on special occasions,” says Ariarne, who shares her recipe below. 

RECIPE

• 9 egg whites
• 2 ½ cups superfine caster sugar
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ½ tbsp cornflour

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius and line a flat tray with baking paper.
• In a bowl of a stand mixer, whip egg whites until peaks start to form.
• Gradually add the sugar 3-4 tbsp at a time on high speed for about 10-12 mins or until soft glossy peaks have formed.
• Beat in the vanilla, vinegar, and salt.
• Sift in the cornflour and carefully fold through.
• Using a large spoon, dollop the meringue onto the stray forming a neat round. Remember it will slightly expand in the oven.
• Place the pavlova in the oven and immediately drop the temp to 110 degrees Celsius.
• Bake for 1 hour and 15 mins, or until a crust has formed.
• Turn off the oven. Place a wooden spoon in the oven door and close. Do not remove the pavlova until the oven has completely cooled. I leave it overnight to be safe.
• Top with whipped cream and fruit of your choice.