Are you hosting Christmas this year and looking to cater for everyone’s dietary requirements? Whether it’s dairy free, wheat free, gluten free, grain free, egg free, nut free, soy free or meat free, organising a menu that suits everyone’s needs can be a challenge.
Don’t worry, as we’ve come up with a solution for you with a range of easy to make recipes that can be easily adapted to suit all of your needs.
Wholefood Snacks
There are many sweet and savoury wholefood healthy snacks that you can make for your guests during this festive season. Some you can make in advance and store in the freezer until needed.
Crackers and dips are the perfect combination, especially when they are homemade and you know that they are additive and preservative free. Try some garlic and rosemary crackers or turmeric seedy crackers, topped with your favourite dip, such as raw vegan cashew pesto.
Vegetable chips can be a healthy choice – kale chips and homemade oven chips are always a favourite.
Chocolate is always a winner with everyone. If you make a chocolate bark, you can always accommodate different tastebuds with the different toppings such as nuts, coconut, lime, orange zest, cinnamon. It’s also a great gift idea too.
Gingerbread biscuits are a popular choice at Christmas. We have two favourite recipes – Emmer Wheat Xmas Gingerbread cookies and a paleo version
Entrées
Get the party started with any of these gorgeous entrees: Broccoli & Cauliflower Halloumi Fritters with Coriander Aioli and Lime & Dill Cultured Cashew Dip served with veggie sticks or homemade crackers (see above).
Mains – Seafood
Fish is a great alternative main dish to serve at Christmas time. Here are some of our favourites: Garlic & Saffron Oil Poached Prawns, Warm Zucchini, Roasted Tomatoes, Lime and Rosemary Whole Baked Fish, Pesto Snapper with Salad and Green Beans or for a simple meal, how about fish tacos on coconut flat bread
Mains – Meat
If you love a traditional roast chicken then we have a couple of recipes you will love – Roasted Chicken with a Spice Rub or Turmeric and BBQ Spiced Roast. If you’re looking for something a bit different then how about Macadamia & Parsley Encrusted Lamb Rack or this delicious Ginger Chicken with Coconut Rice
Salad on the side
Salads are a great accompaniment to any main meal or they can be very nutritious on their own. Roasted Garlic Sweet Potato & Herbs is great served with your favourite roast. Nutty Quinoa Rice Salad and Roast Pumpkin, Avocado and Fetta Salad are also great nutritious salads, perfect on their own or to accompany other dishes.
Drinks
There are many nutritious refreshing non-alcoholic drinks that are perfect to serve up to your guests. They will really thank you for them. Try this gorgeously refreshing Coconut Water Kefir and flavour it with seasonal fruits, homemade ginger beer, or even old fashioned lemonade For something a little different you could also try this – Pina Colada Smoothy with some sneaky spirulina to boost your green intake for the day.
Dessert
Desserts can be tricky with the no-dairy, no gluten, no grains, low sugar etc clause… But try this light and delicious semifreddo from chef Pete Evans. It’s the perfect ending to a Christmas feast or any Summery spread. You will need to start this recipe two days ahead and can be made up to four days ahead (keep frozen).
Jelly and panna cottas are also a simple dessert that can be made with many different flavours according to your guests and your tastebuds. For something more traditional, here’s our very own Christmas Cake, Pecan Cinnamon Spice Fruit Cake, or even a simple yet very decadent date, cacao and almond torte and serve with homemade custard or ice-cream.
Wishing you all a very merry and healthy Christmas!
Jordan Pie
Changing Habits Nutritionist
