Here are some holiday shopping tips from gluten-free expert Karen Morgan on making your holidays gluten-free. Karen Morgan is the author of Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free and host of the new online series produced by Whole Foods, Gluten Morgan. With celebrity clients like Courteney Cox, gluten-free lifestyle consultant Karen Morgan is at the forefront of the celiac movement in the United States as the owner of Blackbird Bakery. Besides working as a baker, Morgan develops custom gluten-free recipes for restaurant kitchens, maintains an award-winning food blog, and has authored the cookbook, Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free.
Five Gluten Free Holiday Shopping Tips
1. Nothing is more popular during the holidays than chocolate, but you need to be really careful when you are making your purchases. Remember that many mass produced Swiss milk chocoaltes have malt as an ingredient, so be sure to double check those chocolates so you are sure they are gluten free before you buy them.
2. A great gift idea is putting together a gluten free basket for that family member that has just started living gluten free. Fill it with a gluten free cookbook, gluten free pastas, sauces, flours, beers and candies that you know and love with your gluten free heart so you can help them with their transition by pointing out your favorite products. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
3. One of the most difficult things to do being gluten free is going out to dinner, so keep your eyes peeled for restaurants that have a gluten free menu and pick up a few gift certificates for your gluten free loved ones. Who knows–maybe they’ll take you out to say thank you!
4. Have a foodie in your house? Keep your eyes peeled for gluten free cooking classes in your area—these are a fabulous gift so that chef can learn the culinary ricks that make gluten free baking and cooking a breeze.
5. Skin care products are also a really popular gift to give during the holiday, but again, be sure that the products you are buying are gluten free so that even thought it’s cold outside, everyone will have that rosy glow.
Living a gluten-free lifestyle no longer means a life devoid of flavor and sweet treats for your family. Gluten Morgan quickly demonstrates step-by-step how to make simple but delicious gluten-free baked goods. Most recently, the show offers two delectable treats perfect for the Fall season, Frosted Spice Cupcakes and Outdoor Oatmeal Bars—the perfect treats to take on a hay ride or hike. Both recipes and episodes are fun and kid-friendly and can be viewed here, thrive.wholefoods.com.