{"id":1020,"date":"2015-12-20T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2015-12-20T14:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/safaraf.com\/?p=1020"},"modified":"2015-12-07T12:29:38","modified_gmt":"2015-12-07T17:29:38","slug":"american-holiday-meals-variations-on-old-time-favorites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safaraf.com\/?p=1020","title":{"rendered":"American Holiday Meals: Variations on Old Time Favorites"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"healthy<\/a>Holidays don’t need to be a time when we fear the table. It’s a time to celebrate, emphasis should be on gathering together; not stressing about the food.<\/p>\n

Many of us have food intolerance or allergies\u00a0that keep us mindful of the foods we are served.<\/p>\n

When out to dinner with friends we may be the one that asks repeated questions of the server about the ingredient listing and endless requests for substitutions mimicking the likes of\u00a0Sally in the film\u00a0“When Harry Met Sally.”\u00a0Thankfully, restaurants are becoming more aware of these needs and attending to their customers with this in mind.<\/p>\n

But unlike restaurants the culture at home with our families can be at times less accommodating.\u00a0 You need\u00a0to\u00a0take care of yourself when it comes to food choices and the challenge may be how to\u00a0be inclusive of your family and their respective\u00a0meals.<\/p>\n

We can at times feel stifled when our health consciousness meets the family table.\u00a0 We don’t want to make a big deal of our needs at the table; while at the same time we know we will be utterly miserable without them.\u00a0 So what are we to do?<\/p>\n

Creating a holiday meal that can be enjoyed by both you and your loved ones is a goal.\u00a0\u00a0 Here are a few variations on some old-time “American traditional favorites” that encourage continued enjoyment of those dishes you look forward to, while being mindful of our health.\u00a0 Whether it’s a simple ingredient swap or a\u00a0 new take on the main dish, there are so many choices for us to help us\u00a0in the\u00a0kitchen.<\/p>\n

VARIATIONS ON “AMERICAN TRADITIONAL FAVORITES<\/strong>“<\/p>\n

1. Lasagna-<\/strong> (gluten, dairy, meats) A tofu and spinach lasagna is low-fat goodness.\u00a0\u00a0Using \u00a0tofu\u00a0and pea-based cheeses like “Daiya” along with\u00a0gluten-free pasta (Note: Following package guidelines for cooking time and temp can be very helpful with this) are an easy swap for meat, cheese and wheat.<\/p>\n

2. Apple Pie-<\/strong> (cornstarch)-\u00a0Recipes for apple pie can ask for cornstarch to be mixed in along with flour.\u00a0 Substitute the cornstarch for thickening ingredients like arrowroot or kuzu.\u00a0 Arrowroot has gained familiarity within baking recipes but kuzu is one you might add to your list.\u00a0 Kuzu root starch is a great strengthener for your intestines and is easy to incorporate into baking recipes.\u00a0(Note: Follow the packaging guidelines for preparation).<\/p>\n

3. Mashed Potatoes-<\/strong> (butter, dairy)- A typical mashed potato dish will surely have butter and cream if not milk.\u00a0 Adding in a mixture of flaxseed oil with a bit of umeboshi plum paste and water can create the same desired effect of rich, creamy deliciousness you\u00a0find with those\u00a0other ingredients.\u00a0 You will swear it taste just like butter.\u00a0 Sprinkle some chopped up nuts on top and you are good to go.<\/p>\n

4. Green Beans-<\/strong> (an allergen when avoiding legumes) –\u00a0 Green beans can be thought of as a completely wholesome vegetable.\u00a0 But for those who are avoiding legumes, it needs to be avoided.\u00a0 Easy swap is to \u00a0substitute the green beans\u00a0for a mixed green dish using various kales.\u00a0 Any local supermarket is usually stocked with at least two varieties, with their rich dark green and purple hues they make for a beautiful hearty side dish.\u00a0 Add some crushed\u00a0nuts like walnuts or seeds such as hemp or sesame for the crunch you’d get with the green beans.<\/p>\n

5. Pudding<\/strong> (gluten, dairy, sugar)- Rice pudding is a no brainer substitute for a pudding.\u00a0 choose brown rice as your base, cook it long and slow, creamy texture will develop.\u00a0 Adding the sweetness from rice syrup, with cinnamon, vanilla and a bit of milk substitutes (almond, hemp, rice).\u00a0 Chia pudding is another options if your family is really open to something new.<\/p>\n

6. Cranberry Sauce-<\/strong> (sugar) Cranberries are notoriously delicious; healthy exception when they are souped in sugar.\u00a0 Sugar substitutes are plentiful on the market today.\u00a0 Rice syrup is a natural, choose a darker variety.\u00a0 Other idea is to combine cranberries with sweet currents, gogi berries or better yet fresh berries you may have frozen from your summer pickings.\u00a0 You can spice it up with some ginger and lemon too.<\/p>\n

7. Macaroni and Cheese<\/strong> (dairy, gluten, meat)- Mac and cheese can become cheesier with varieties on tofu or pea based\u00a0cheeses\u00a0 as I mention for the lasagna, tofu crumbles and no sugar added\/ unflavored rice milks.\u00a0\u00a0Butternut squash can added a bit of sweetness when mashed up and combined in a casserole\u00a0and baked.<\/p>\n

I hope these American traditional holiday favorites still appeal to you with these simple ingredient swaps.\u00a0 The hope is that\u00a0they\u00a0will give you a chance to sit with your family and\u00a0friends and enjoy a meal.\u00a0\u00a0Whether these\u00a0dishes are a\u00a0part\u00a0of your family tradition or someone else’s you know, a variation is sure to be received by you and them with equal joy.<\/p>\n

In health with hopes for a peaceful, tasty holiday meal,<\/p>\n

Safara<\/p>\n

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