A Healthier & Allergy Friendly Thanksgiving Celebration
November 2023; By Katy Reasoner, CACFP Coordinator
Thanksgiving is almost here! Are you searching for ways to make a delicious feast with a healthier twist? Or perhaps, you have guests with food sensitivities. Here are a few ideas to enjoy the familiar flavors of Thanksgiving, while catering to various dietary needs.
- Try swapping out onions from a can for crispy shallots instead. Shallots are smaller members of the onion family, with a milder taste, and a melt in your mouth quality when cooked.
- Try a crustless pumpkin pie! This takes half the time to prepare, and way less effort than a traditional pumpkin pie. Try this gluten-free recipe for your guests with food sensitivities.
- Ditch the marshmallows on top of sweet potatoes for a healthier, sugar-free option. Boiled Sweet potatoes with a nutty crumble on top make for a yummy treat. Find this recipe here. Or, try them baked and topped with butter, green onion, chives and sour cream for a savory dish.
- Want a low-carb, gluten-free stuffing alternative? Try substituting cauliflower for bread. Cauliflower soaks up all of the flavors, so herbs and butter added make for a tasty treat.
- Mushroom gravy is flavor-packed, and comes together in minutes. This is a great dairy-free option, and vegetarian for your guests with food restrictions.
- Cranberry Sauce is a Thanksgiving staple! Try this sugar free version!
- Veggies are a must-have for a well-rounded Thanksgiving feast. You can make them crispy and delicious by using an air fryer for baked potatoes, brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Or, try a new twist on a favorite salad to bring new flavors into your feast.
In a nutshell, tweaking our recipes can make a big difference from everyone around the table. By being mindful of allergies, we can still enjoy the holiday feast without compromising on flavor or tradition. So, as you gather with loved ones, consider these simple changes to make your Thanksgiving not only tasty, but also inclusive for all.
You can check out more healthy and delicious fall recipes by visiting the USDA- SNAP-Ed Website. Happy Holidays!
