Christmas…what a wonderful time of year! I mean we eat, we drink, and we be merry…so what’s not to love?
Well, the lead up to Christmas can be a nightmare. There’s the whole braving overcrowded shopping centres after going insane trying to find a parking spot. Then there’s dealing with the in-laws, enduring carols from November (seriously…there is only so much Michael Buble one can handle), untangling Christmas lights, and finally – catering for the day.
Catering for everyone at Chrissy can evoke mild anxiety at the best of times, let alone when there is the whole low FODMAP situation thrown into the mix. When shopping for low FODMAP dips and desserts, they are few and far between. The good news? We have got some great low FODMAP dip and dessert recipes that EVERYONE will love this Christmas.
Dips
Buying low FODMAP dips can be difficult, since virtually allll of them tends to contain garlic/onion (among other high FODMAP ingredients). Making your own dip is therefore an excellent option!
Our Roast Pumpkin + Walnut Dip and Spinach Dip (top left) are both crowd pleasers. If you are pumpkin fiend or miss the traditional spinach cob then these are for you!
For a colourful and delicious option go for our Beetroot Dip (2nd from left), but be warned, it is extremely moreish! Same goes for our Eggplant and Zucchini Babaganoush (top right).
Anddd you can also enjoy Hummus! Our Hummus (2nd from right) is low fodmap at ¼ cup serve!
Serve dips with low FODMAP crackers, such as place rice crackers, and veggie sticks for easy + healthy entertaining.
Desserts
It is hard to find a low FODMAP dessert. If it doesn’t have flour, it has milk, if there’s no milk, there’s cream…and so on and so forth. Luckily, we’ve developed some delicious low FODMAP dessert options for you to whip up this Christmas!
Firstly, brace yourself for brownie heaven! Our Choc-walnut Brownies (top left) and Fudgey Pecan Brownies (top right) will both be absolute favourites on the day. The Choc-walnut Brownies literally only require a pan, a wooden spoon and a slice-pan. They are quick, easy, and only contain 7 ingredients (most of which are pantry staples). The Fudgey Pecan Brownies require a little more prep, and have a few more ingredients, but they are worth the work if you have time on your side.
If you aren’t a huge chocolate fan, then go for our Banana Cake with Passionfruit Icing (2nd from left). Perfect for over-ripe bananas you want to get rid of!
If, however, you are a complete chocaholic – our Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake (2nd from right) has your name written all over it! Perfect served with lactose-free vanilla ice-cream and fresh raspberries.
Dessert Gifts
Baked goods make for a perfect gift as they are thoughtful, cost-effective, and delicious.
Our Dark Chocolate Truffles (top left) are a perfect Christmas gift. They can also transform into rum balls, with the use of rum-essence. Subtle disclaimer…these truffles were a wonderful accident, after slightly under-cooking our Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake. To gift them, wrap in cellophane with some ribbon, or divide into little gift boxes.
Christmas Cookie Jars (2nd from left) also make for an amazing gift, or delicious treat to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve! After being inspired by this recipe from Bakerella, we made a couple of tweaks to create our low FODMAP version! To make them gluten-free, replace the oats with quinoa flakes.
Now, who doesn’t love shortbread!? If you’re like me and cannot go past a nice buttery, crumbly shortbread then look no further. Our Lemon and Macadamia Shortbread (2nd from right) is a festive favourite, and doubles as a wonderful gift.
If you’re short on time or baking isn’t your thing, then try our Cranberry, White Chocolate and Macadamia Christmas Bark (top right). Super easy to make, and also doubles as an excellent gift.
Managing FODMAPs at Christmas
Watch this space for our upcoming article , which acts as a guide to managing a low FODMAP diet this Christmas. Includes some more links to great recipes, tips and ideas to help manage the festive season!
IG: @amandagaukroger_nutrition
Image sourced from Pinterest
Start feeling better now! By signing up to The FODMAP Challenge you will receive meal plans, recipe ideas, and regular support with other resources, such as a private Facebook group, to make this as easy for you as possible.