We know! We know! You still probably have leftover Halloween candy in the house, and here we are at New Planet Beer, already talking about Thanksgiving! But we’re doing it for you! If you’re anything like us, the holidays seem so far away and then BAM! your mother-in-law is ringing the doorbell with her “World Famous” fruitcake.
Take it from us: It is never too early to start planning for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving can be a tough holiday for folks with Celiac or who have a gluten sensitivity. There is so much excitement around classic family dishes and traditional staples that it is easy to forget that a friend or loved one might have a sensitivity or allergy. So, be the favorite person at the Thanksgiving Table this year, and follow the New Planet Beer guide to a gluten-aware meal!
Let’s Get it Started
Thanksgiving is a time to surround yourself with family and friends. Hopefully, you can spend the holiday with people you love. And if you’re travelling, well, we hope it is quick and painless! And if you’re the one doing the hosting this year, make sure that your road-weary travellers are taken care of when they step into your home!
For Thanksgiving, this means appetizers. Before you stuff yourself with turkey and pumpkin pie, get your guests primed and ready to go with some amazing apps. One of our personal favorites is shrimp cocktail. Not only is it delicious (because, shrimp!) but it is also a gluten-free solution that everyone can love. Pair it with a tasty cocktail dipping sauce and a spritz of lemon, and it’ll be gone before you know it.
Another great gluten-free Turkey Day appetizer is bacon-wrapped potatoes. Using small potatoes (think fingerling or golden potatoes), wrap them in a slice of bacon and bake until the potatoes are soft and the bacon is done. For the full recipe and cooking instructions, click here.
Side Dishes to Wow
Is it just us or should there be specialized “oversized plates” for Thanksgiving? After all, by the time the turkey comes around the table, you’re lucky if you can squeeze any on your plate with the abundance of amazing side dishes.
Here’s a side dish idea that is on the lighter side, which everyone will appreciate in between bites of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Arugula salad with peach and avocado. This one is simple, and the beauty of it is that not only is it gluten free, but it doesn’t require the stovetop or oven, which means you don’t need to sweat over a hot stove to make this delicious dish.
Take 2-3 ripe peaches and (optionally) remove the skin. Slice them up into crescents and set them aside. Next, take 1-2 ripe avocados and slice them into crescents, as well. Set aside. Slice one red onion into thin slivers, and also set aside. In a large bowl, add your arugula. Then, toss all ingredients together in the bowl with a light dressing (try olive oil, cracked pepper, and lemon juice for a light, refreshing dressing). This simple salad will be a hit and leave everyone feeling a little less full (maybe).
Imbibing and Feasting
Before we make it to the main course (the bird), chances are there will be plenty of wine, spirits, and beer at your Thanksgiving table. The words “Eat, drink, and be merry” come to mind! New Planet Beer is proud to be a staple at many Thanksgiving feasts, and the good news is that our gluten free and gluten-reduced beers pair great with a variety of dishes and meats.
Even if you aren’t Celiac or don’t have a gluten sensitivity, it is always nice to have a non-gluten beer on hand in case any of your guests are. They’ll be happy that they aren’t “left out” of the toasts, and it will make your event that much more seamless. Pick up our popular Pale Ale or Blonde Ale.
The Bird is the Word
Okay…now that you’ve got a New Planet Beer in hand at the table, it’s time to talk turkey!
Thankfully (pun very, very much intended), turkey is by its very nature gluten free. But depending on how you prepare it, you may introduce gluten to the mix. We’re huge fans of this recipe from the folks over at Food & Wine. Its straightforward (meaning you probably have most of the spices already, and the other ingredients are easily picked up at the supermarket), and it leaves the turkey with a just-crispy-enough skin and a tender, juicy inside.
It only takes about 4 hours, which includes time to let the meat rest, and needs just occasional basting. While that beauty is roasting, chow down on those appetizers, catch up with loved ones, enjoy the extra days off from work, and soak it all in.
No matter where you find yourself this Thanksgiving, we hope you have a wonderful holiday.
At New Planet Beer, we are truly thankful to have such a wonderful community of people who enjoy good beer and good company. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for joining us as we do what we love!
