With the festive season upon us, food lovers like myself are getting excited!
Those with food allergies, or those catering for people with food allergies, may be getting a little anxious though. Will there be delicious festive specialties that I can eat? What can I make that the whole family will enjoy?
This year, join me on an allergen-friendly culinary tour around the world with these recipes. We will visit several cultures, with each stop featuring a festive delight that caters to one or more dietary requirements – festive fun for the whole family!
Panforte
EGG FREE, DAIRY FREE
The exact recipe for this sweet is a closely guarded secret, held by the bakers of Siena in Tuscany, Italy. What we do know is that this confection has been around for centuries and is made up of dried fruit, spices, and honey. Its name translates to “strong bread” – a bit of a misnomer given the small amount of flour in it!
Apparently, panforte was originally intended for munching on while travelling great distances, and you know what doesn’t tend to travel well? Eggs and dairy! But that’s what makes this cake perfect for those with an egg or dairy allergy – no need for substitutions, panforte is naturally egg and dairy free! So here I present to you a delicious Christmas tradition that you can make ahead of time and share with most of the family.
Melomakarona
EGG FREE, DAIRY FREE, NUT FREE OPTION
Traditionally made for the fast that leads up to Christmas in Cyprus and Greece, during which time animal products are avoided, these biscuits are purposefully egg and dairy free. While it is traditional to top them with crushed walnuts, they happen to be delicious without them too! Simply keep some melomakarona aside in a separate container and dust with ground cinnamon for those with nut allergies before you top the rest.
Latkes
WHEAT FREE, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, NUT FREE
During Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights, oily or fried foods are eaten as a symbol of the Hannukah miracle, where a jar of oil that should have lasted just one day kept the temple’s candles lit for eight days. This simple version of the traditional recipe is easy to make and is perfect for those with wheat, dairy and nut allergies. These potato fritters can be made as a snack or side – sometimes you’ll even find them dusted with icing sugar and served for dessert!
Meghli
EGG FREE, WHEAT FREE, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, NUT FREE OPTION
This Lebanese sweet is made when a baby is born and at Christmas time, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. As with most traditional dishes, there are recipe variations from family to family. While this recipe avoids most allergens already, if you need to make it nut free as well, make the topping with just the coconut and pine nuts, neither of which are real nuts!
Mombasa Pumpkin Pudding
EGG FREE, WHEAT FREE, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, NUT FREE
This dessert from Kenya can also be found in other African countries at Christmas time. With only four ingredients, its delicious simplicity leaves little room for allergens! This recipe has been written with the pumpkin types available in Australia in mind, to make sure the pudding is indeed makeable here!
