Christmas is fast approaching, and that can be a scary time for Dairy Free people.
I know that my first 2 Christmas’s dairy free were a total drag. No deserts, no cheese plates, no mashed potatoes… ugg..
So here are some suggestions, they won’t work everywhere, but you can try!
Please be cautious, these are things I have found to be dairy free, that doesn't mean that it still is 100%, products and labels change often. You are best off reading boxes, or not eating something if you are unsure.
____________________________________
At HOLIDAY PARTIES
Christmas Dinner
(source)
I wish I had better news here…
Unless I know the person well (and ask them to let me know what I can and cannot eat) I bring my own plate of food. Many people will accidently cook with margarine or put a splash of milk into things, which equals a turkey and a dairy hangover!
It’s just so much safer to bring your own, or if it’s a family ordeal, cook with them to do your own mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing etc.
Some good alternatives
Bring Earth Balance Butter with you! (I even trek mine to Newfoundland)
Chicken or Veggie Stock in mashed potatoes and stuffing is awesome.
Safe Appetizers Eats
I am basing this on what usually shows up at my parties – if you have any questions let me know.
Shrimp Cocktail
Crackers – Triscuts (be aware there is 1 flavoured with parmesan), wheat thins, saltines, water crackers, “mary’s gone crackers” crackers, most rice crackers, graham crackers,
Anything pickled – onions, pickles, asparagus
Olives, antipasto,
Spinach dip is a no no, but it means there will be sourdough bread – which is dairy free.
Fruit or Veggies – beware of dips though.
Smoked Salmon is fine
Salsa and guacamole (usually ok)
Sushi
Bacon wrapped scallops
Meatballs* this is one I would check for sure, usually these are ok, but there are some people who put parmesan cheese in them.
Devilled Eggs are usually dairy free, but double check if you can.
Chips – nacho chips, plain, ripple, for Canadians, most ketchup chips are dairy free, pretzels,
Nuts
Stay away from or beware of; cold cuts (meat), any dips, crackers (except the ones listed above), chocolate anything, anything that looks deep fried or store bought, chicken wings, always ask before eating, quiche,
Candy & Treats
Junior Mints, wine gums, jube jubes, suckers, jelly beans, candy canes (I have never seen one with dairy, even the creamy sounding ones, again double check those ones), candy corn.
Stay away from – cookies of any and every variety (sorry), caramels, chocolate anything (including white chocolate), peanut brittle unless you check first!
____________________________________
Starbucks drinks or goodies – Dairy Free
I don’t know about you guys, but I spend a lot of time at Starbucks over the holidays, I think it’s because of all the visitors. This list can work good at other coffee places too!
Soy Chai Latte
Soy Misto
Soy Cappuccino
Soy Toffee Nut Latte
Soy Steamed Milk with Toffee Nut (my fav), Caramel, Vanilla.
Soy Peppermint Latte
Any of the Teas
<source>
Lucy’s Cookies (in the little baggies)
Just Peeled Snacks
The Sahal Nut Snacks
Shaken Ice Tea Lemonade (the passion one is awesome)
BEWARE OF Рanything egg nog, the cr̬me brule, caramel, their smoothies have whey powder, but they are good about not adding it, and using soy milk.
_____________________________
They are great (at my Starbucks at least) about helping me figure out what to order, so ask away – this goes for any coffee houses.
_________________________________________
I hope this helps, even a bit! Feel free to leave a comment or contact me if you have any questions!! I know I probably missed lots!
Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season,
Jess
