An Allergen Aware Christmas Dinner
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… with festive drinks flowing, Christmas markets buzzing, and feasts galore spreading good cheer.
A heaven for most, but not always for allergy sufferers, whose culinary Christmas festivities usually involve being given the plainest basics – with no trimmings. Here at Erudus we don’t think anyone should have to miss out, so here’s our little gift to you – a carefully curated Christmas menu with options for everyone…
Starter
December is invariably indulgent, so give your body a treat by starting Christmas dinner with a soup that’s as healthy as it is tasty. Made with garden peas, creamy coconut and seasoned with dill, turmeric and black onion seed, Tideford Organics’ Pea, Coconut & Turmeric Soup is bursting with organic, natural ingredients that vegan and coeliacs can enjoy.
Allergen alert: Contains Celery
The Centre Piece
Why stick to turkey? Variety is the spice of life…
Goose
Prior to turkey becoming the traditional choice for Christmas dinner, goose was king. Since the 16th century, the UK has enjoyed its rich flavour, crispy skin and savoury fats. Our tip for making the most of a festive goose? Use a good quality bird like Celtica Foods’ Fresh Whole Goose and remember that its legs are less meaty – so be sure to wrap them in foil for the last 30 minutes to avoid drying out.
Allergen alert: Allergen Free
Chicken
Roast chicken isn’t just for Sundays – If you’re not a fan of turkey or goose, you can’t go wrong with a tender and succulent Fresh Whole British Chicken from Celtica Foods.
Allergen alert: Allergen Free
Roast Ham
Succulent, full of flavour and simultaneously sweet and salty, a large honey roast ham is a crowd-pleasing alternative to regular bird centrepieces.
Allergen alert: Allergen Free
Turkey
Henry VIII is believed to have been the first monarch to enjoy turkey, but sadly he never got to sample delicious modern twists on the dish like Turkey Paupiette (wrapped in bacon with a cranberry and apricot stuffing) from The Foodfellas.
Allergen alert: Allergen Free
Nut Roast
Vegetarian and vegans needn’t miss out on festive food fun – The Mouthful Trading Company’s Christmas Nut Roast has an ingredient base of breadcrumbs, nuts and roasted sweet potato. Vegan and coeliac? Artisan Grains’s protein-packed Cashew Nut and Cranberry Nut Loaf is vegan and gluten-free.
Allergen alert: Contains soya, nuts, mustard cereals containing gluten (The Mouthful Trading Company’s Christmas Nut Roast only)
Side Dishes
We all know that it’s the side dishes that really make a Christmas dinner…
Parsnips
In December you can’t be too indulgent, so putting a honey glaze on your Greenyard Frozen Whole Baby Parsnips should be practically mandatory.
Allergen alert: Allergen Free
Potatoes
According to Yahoo’s 2018 poll, the nation’s favourite part of Christmas dinner is roast potatoes. Create the perfect roasties (crunchy and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside) by letting them totally dry out before popping in the oven.
Allergen alert: Allergen Free
Gluten Free Stuffing Balls
Sage and Onion stuffing is a true classic, and if you’re looking for a little more time to relax on Christmas Day, opt for Chefs Promise Sage and Onion Stuffing Mix from Prima Foods. Simply add water and you’re good to go.
Allergen alert: Contains Sulphites
Gluten and Dairy-Free Pigs in Blankets
No one should have to miss out on pigs in blankets! Luckily for coeliacs The Welsh Sausage Company have them covered when it comes to this iconic Christmas treat, with a gluten-free version.
Allergen alert: Contains Sulphites
Gluten-Free Yorkshire Puddings
There’s definitely an art to making Yorkshire Puddings, and of course The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co have it locked down. Made with fresh ingredients and free-range eggs, their products are handmade in Yorkshire, and gluten-free.
Allergen alert: Contains Eggs and Milk
Sauces
Cranberry Sauce
Our American friends love cranberry sauce, and they’ve gotten pretty good at making it too – Ocean Spray’s Original Cranberry Sauce from Aimia Foods is made with North American cranberries, one of only 3 fruits native to North America. This deliciously sweet sauce goes perfectly with turkey, chicken, and ham, as well as other game.
Allergen alert: Allergen Free
Gravy
Can it really be a Christmas dinner until your pour piping hot gravy all over? And with Tideford Organic Gravy vegans and gluten-free diners can get in on the fun. It’s made with celery, onion, garlic and carrots – with a pinch of red miso and black pepper for a kick.
Allergen alert: Contains Celery, contains Soya
Bread Sauce Mix
Coeliacs haven’t always been able to enjoy the British delicacy that is bread sauce. However, the Shropshire Spice Company makes a gluten-free version that’s been flavoured with onion, garlic and clove seasoning. And if made with soya milk it’s vegan too!
Allergen alert: Allergen Free (Contains soya if made with soya milk)
Puddings
Mince Pies
Medieval people (allegedly) believed that if you ate a mince pie every day between Christmas and Twelfth Night you’d be brimming with luck and happiness for the next year. Carry on the custom with Gluten-Free Mince Pies from Baked to Taste.
Allergen alert: Contains Egg
Christmas Pudding
Everyone has their own traditions when it comes to Christmas Pudding, but whether you pair your pudding with brandy, ice cream or custard there are great vegan and allergy aware options. Caterers will love Gold Crown Bakeries’s Gluten-Free and Vegan Catering Christmas Pudding, and Matthew Walker, who have been making Christmas Puddings since 1899, offer both gluten-free and alcohol-free options.
Allergen alert: May contain Nuts, may contain Milk, may contain Soya, Contains small amounts of Sulphites
