By Samantha Lowe
If maintaining a special diet wasn’t hard enough through the year, the holiday season is upon us. And nothing says Thanksgiving and Christmas like the ever-tempting confections that fill the season. If you struggle with a digestive or intestinal disorder, are vegan, or dealing with any issue requiring a strict diet, this time of the year can seem pretty dismal.
The Library gets it. We have many cookbooks on making delicious plant-based, gluten free, or low-FODMAP meals that will wow any guests. Make your statement this holiday season with a menu built from books in our collection:
Appetizer
From The Sexy Vegan’s Happy Hour at Home by Brian L. Patton:
Sunflower Seed Spread with Crackers (include gluten-free crackers to complete this health-conscious crowd-pleaser)
Main Dishes
From Nom Yourself: Simple Vegan Cooking by Mary Mattern:
Cauliflower Steaks (surprisingly hearty, and crusted with delicious savory seasonings)
From The Low-FODMAP Cookbook by Dianne Benjamin:
Maple-Marinated Salmon with Sesame Spinach Rice (sweet and savory, this easy dish is sure to wow your holiday guests)
Sides
From Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking by Dana Shultz:
Butternut Squash Garlic Mac ‘n’ Cheese (vegan and gluten free)
*FODMAP tip – skip the garlic, and use a garlic infused olive oil to make a gentler dish for IBS or Chron’s tummies.
From The Occasional Vegetarian by Elain Louie:
Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Butternut Squash, and Apple with Candied Walnuts (vegan)
*FODMAP Warning – keep Brussel sprout or apple servings to a minimum; 2 Brussel sprouts are a safe serving size
Dessert
From The Complete Quick and Healthy Diabetic Cookbook (2nd Edition) by The American Diabetics Association:
Cherry Cheesecake (made with sugar substitute, fat-free cream cheese, fat-free evaporated milk, and unsweetened cherries)
You can search for these and other cookbooks on our catalog! Use keywords such as ‘gluten free,’ ‘FODMAP,’ ‘diabetes,’ and ‘vegan’ in your search to explore all the library has to offer for your special dietary needs.