A sure sign of spring– Easter is nearly here! Even though where I live it won’t feel too springy (temps predicted in the 4o’s), we’ll do our best to celebrate the day– even though we’ll be wearing winter clothes in the spring.
Fabulous meals and snacks often accompany the day. You may be shopping, preparing, decorating soon, so here’s a quick resource list on as you get ready for your big weekend.
Gluten Free Easter: The List:
PAAS Easter Egg Dye Kits: I just got off the phone with the company. They confirm there are no gluten-containing ingredients in the dye tablets. Also, as a reminder distilled vinegar is gluten free so enjoy coloring eggs with your kids!
Easter Candy List: So now you still need to go out and get some candy. About.com has a great list that was updated last month. The only bummer is SweeTarts and their jelly beans are no longer considered gluten free. But don’t worry, you can still load up on Peeps, Dove Chocolate, Jelly Belly and Starbursts!
Food ideas: We love an Easter ham and cheesy hash browns. Ham suggestions can include Hormel Cure 81 (don’t use the glaze) and Honeybaked Ham. Again, Jane Anderson at About.com compiled a comprehensive list in 2013. Take a look at the list to see if your favorite ham is on there. If so, look up on the company website or give them a quick call to ensure it is still gluten free.
Our cheesy hash browns recipe was crafted by my mom when we had to remove cream soup from the recipe after Emma was diagnosed with celiac. It is pretty plain but very tasty. Feel free to add extra fixins like bacon if you desire.
1 package of Dell’s Hash Browns (other brands, make sure the hash browns don’t contain wheat)
One 8 oz package of CoJack shredded cheese
1/2 c. Half and Half
1/2 c. Whipping Cream
1 Tbsp. minced onions
2 Tbsp. butter cut in small sections
If you have the time, thaw the hash browns, otherwise add time if you are putting them in frozen. Spray a 9 x 13 pan and empty the bag of hash browns inside. Mix the cream, half and half, cheese and onions and pour over the hash browns. Top the hasbrowns with the random chunks of butter.
Bake at 350 for about 1 hour. Depending on how crisp you want them it may be more or less time. I would recommend taking them out, stirring/turning them over to crispen them up. If it still needs a little more help getting crisp, then put them under the broiler for a few minutes and stir them.
If it seems too dry for your taste, you can always add a little more liquid and cheese. I usually make that decision about 10 minutes into cooking when I can have a better gauge on how it looks.
Dining Out: If your family prefers to skip all the cooking and just go out for a great meal, check in with the Easter Buffets that are happening around you. Many of them can accommodate a gluten free meal. You will want to ask about getting food straight out of the kitchen to reduce any chance of cross contamination.
Easter can be a great time with your family and friends. Hopefully these gluten free Easter tips help ease your mind and have some fun!
Tags: candy, dye, Easter, egg, gluten-free, ham, hash browns, holiday, Paas
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