Gluten Free Christmas Stuffing

I was just thinking what an incredibly healthy meal Christmas dinner is with so many opportunities for vegetables, fruits and even herbs. Just what we need to boost the old immune system at this time of year and Turkey stuffing is no exception. Don’t worry too much about the ingredients. As long as you have GF sausage meat and onion and a few herbs the rest is up to you to add in your favourites.

Gluten Free stuffing is available in supermarkets with own brands and Mrs Crimble offering veg and meat versions. M&S are particularly clever at this as they have very conveniently made gluten free their default position on sausages, sausage meat and stuffing. Even their ready stuffed Turkeys have GF sausage meat. Ask your butcher to prepare you some GF sausages or sausage meat. Some butchers are already doing this so find out who is in your area.

If you prefer a veggy stuffing or like to add oatmeal (popular in Scotland) remember you can buy GF oatmeal in any supermarket in the Free From sections. Oats are already gluten free but buying a specific GF brand guarantees no cross contamination in the Food Production and packaging.

Recipe ideas

Meat Free:

2 large organic onions chopped

5 or 6 celery stalks chopped

3oz butter

5 small cups oatmeal

Garlic and seasoning plus sage and thyme or as preferred

Method

1. Soften onions and celery in butter.

2. Mix in oatmeal and seasoning with herbs of choice.

3. Add a little water to moisten

4.Stuff turkey!

Sausage Meat Stuffing

Ingredients

3oz butter

2 or 3 celery stalks chopped finely

1 large onion chopped finely

1Ib (500g)GF Pork sausage meat or sausages skinned

3 or 4 oz GF Breadcrumbs ( throw any GF bread into food processor or break up by hand)

Seasoning plus herbs, sage and thyme or as preferred.

1 chopped desert apple

4 or 5 tbsp dried cranberries

100ml or4 fl oz GF chicken stock

2oz butter melted

Oven 200C/400F/Gas 6

1.       Heat butter in frying pan and soften celery and onion for a few minutes.

2.       Then add sausage meat. Cook until pork is thoroughly cooked through (about 10 min)

3.       Pour into a dish to cool, then mix in remaining ingredients adjusting herbs and seasoning to taste and add further breadcrumbs or a handful of oatmeal if a bit too moist.

4.       Stuff Turkey!