The holidays are about gathering everyone around the table, and that should include guests who eat gluten-free. Chef Julia LeRoy shows you how to build a festive, Southern-inspired menu that is gluten-free from the first cocktail nibble to the last bite of cake. Nothing feels like a substitute, and no one has to eat a “special” plate. It’s simply a great holiday spread that every guest can enjoy.

Chef Julia will walk you through the techniques that make gluten-free cooking reliable: working with alternative flours so savory doughs come out flaky and crisp, thickening a rich braise without wheat, and adding texture with smart swaps like roasted squash in place of bread croutons. You’ll also learn how to plan and prep a holiday menu ahead, so you can spend the party with your guests instead of in the kitchen. You’ll leave with recipes you’ll make well past the new year.

What’s on the Menu:

Pimento Cheese Straws: A Southern cocktail-hour classic, these cheese straws are sharp, buttery, and crisp, with a gentle kick of pimento and spice. They’re easy to make ahead and hard to stop eating.

Kale Salad with Squash Croutons and Parmesan Dressing: Tender massaged kale gets a seasonal update from caramelized roasted squash “croutons” and a creamy, savory Parmesan dressing. It’s bright, hearty, and festive enough for a holiday table.

Chicken Fricassee with Braised Vegetables and Crispy Shallot: This is French comfort food at its coziest. Chicken is gently braised with vegetables in a silky sauce, then finished with a shower of golden crispy shallots for crunch.

Oatmeal Cake with Pecan and Coconut Frosting: A moist, warmly spiced oatmeal cake is crowned with a broiled-style pecan and coconut frosting. It’s a nostalgic Southern dessert that tastes just like grandma’s.

Come hungry, because you’ll enjoy generous tastes of every dish as Chef Julia cooks. Whether you’re hosting a houseful of family in Ansley Park or bringing a dish to a neighborhood party in Decatur, you’ll head home ready to set a holiday table where every Atlanta guest can dig in.

ABOUT THE CHEF!--Julia LeRoy is a Culinary Institute of America graduate and founder of EverydayAlchemy.com, where she shares seasonal, wellness-driven cooking.

Wednesday, December 16th - 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Prices are listed per person.