When it comes to entertaining during the holiday season, the menu can feel like a minefield.

I know this because I’ve been eating gluten and dairy-free for health reasons for well over 10 years (okay, sometimes I eat gluten-free pizza and it’s worth it) and I always appreciate my friends and family who make the effort to cook dishes I can eat.

And I know I’m not alone. According to JAMA Network, “In a population-based survey study of 40 443 US adults, an estimated 10.8% were food allergic at the time of the survey, whereas nearly 19% of adults believed that they were food allergic. Nearly half of food-allergic adults had at least 1 adult-onset food allergy, and 38% reported at least 1 food allergy–related emergency department visit in their lifetime.”

So, I know that there are people out there who are gearing up to entertain over the holidays…and are looking for recipes that might accommodate someone with food sensitivities.

Here are a few of my favorite things!

Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: These are delicious and don’t scream “SPECIAL FOOD.”

Gluten Free Lemon Curd Cookies: These cookies are one of my favorites – they’re super impressive and not difficult. (You can buy lemon curd at stores like Trader Joe’s, no need to make that yourself unless you want to. Check with your dairy-free guest to see if they can eat butter). This entire site has amazing gluten free desserts and breads.

Gluten-free Pumpkin Pancakes: If your guests are staying overnight and you want to serve a fun breakfast.

It can seem overwhelming to accommodate those with food allergies, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. It has become much easier to find alternative ingredients such as gluten-free flour blends, or vegan alternatives at your regular grocery store (especially here in Colorado).

Trust me, your guests will really appreciate the effort!