A Gestational Diabetes-Friendly Christmas Menu: Delicious Recipes for Mains, Sides, and Desserts

Hi, it's Julija here (HIgedi's founder), and I wanted to talk about Christmas!

It's my favorite time of the year, and this time is especially dear to me. As someone who has managed gestational diabetes, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate holiday meals while staying mindful of your health. That’s why I’m excited to share my personal festive (carb-conscious) dinner menu with all of you! I hope you'll find something here that you can enjoy with family and friends while keeping your blood sugar balanced. Let's dive into my favorite recipes for Christmas dinner!

Mains

1. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Apples and Creamy Sauce

A flavorful and elegant main dish that’s perfect for a festive table!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 8 strips of bacon

• 1 large apple, thinly sliced

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken stock

• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, pepper, and salt. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap each chicken breast with 2 strips of bacon and secure with toothpicks if needed.

3. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish. Arrange the apple and onion slices around the chicken.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

5. Remove the dish from the oven and pour the heavy cream and chicken stock over the chicken, apples, and onions. If using, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top.

6. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.

7. Remove the toothpicks if used, and serve the chicken with the creamy apple-onion sauce spooned over the top. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a low-carb mash for a festive feast!
   

2. Slow-Roasted Spiced Meat (Beef or Pork)

A tender cut of meat slow-roasted with aromatic spices. It’s a flavorful and juicy centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb beef roast or pork loin

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

2. In a bowl, mix together cumin, cinnamon, cloves, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Rub the spice mixture over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

4. In a large ovenproof pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meat on all sides.

5. Once browned, add minced garlic to the pan and place it in the oven. Roast for 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the meat, until tender.

6. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Sides & Snacks

1. Garlicky Cabbage

A simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with just about any main.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded

• 1 medium onion, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add shredded cabbage, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.

6. Serve warm!

2. Entire Baked Cauliflower with Spiced Oil Rub

A stunning side dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole cauliflower head

• 3-4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

3. Rub the oil and spice mixture all over the cauliflower head.

4. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.

5. Roast for 40-45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.

6. Slice and serve!

3. Cheesy Cauliflower-Potato Mash

A low-carb and creamy mash that’s just as comforting as the classic version.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets

• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/4–1/3 cup half-and-half or milk (adjust for desired creaminess)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil cauliflower and potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 10–12 minutes.

2. Drain and mash the cauliflower and potatoes together until smooth.

3. Stir in the cheddar cheese, butter, and hot half-and-half or milk. Mix well until creamy and smooth.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve warm as a delicious and comforting side dish!

4. Stuffed Eggs

Christmas-Inspired Deviled Eggs, My Way! I promise, these will be a hit at any festive gathering! These deviled eggs are a fun and delicious twist on the classic, and they’ll add some festive flair to your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup fried onion, chopped

• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut hard-boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks.

2. In a bowl, mash the yolks and mix with mayonnaise, fried onion, walnuts, salt, and pepper.

3. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and serve!

5. Chicken, Pistachio & Cheese Salad

A refreshing, protein-packed salad that's perfect for the holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped

• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped

• 1/2 cup grated hard cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino works well)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 3 cups mixed lettuce, baby spinach or shredded cabbage (I am a cabbage girl!)

• 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, pistachios, grated cheese, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar.

2. Add mixed lettuce, spinach or finely shredded cabbage, and toss everything together.

3. If using, add chopped red onion and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
   
   

6. Caprese Bites

A festive, and easy-to-make snack perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 20 cherry or grape tomatoes

• 20 small fresh mozzarella balls

• 20 fresh basil leaves

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Toothpicks or small skewers

Instructions:

1. On each toothpick, thread one tomato, followed by a basil leaf folded in half, and then a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

2. Arrange the skewers on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.

3. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.

   
   

7. Stuffed Mushrooms with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

These savory, bite-sized treats are perfect as an appetizer or a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 large mushroom caps (cremini or white mushrooms)

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Clean the mushroom caps and remove the stems. Set aside.

3. In a bowl, mix crumbled blue cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and chopped walnuts. Stir until smooth.

4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Additional: Holiday Platter

This one is too cute! Create a festive platter shaped like a Christmas tree, and I guarantee all your guests will love it. Perfect for snacking throughout the day or as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Various cheeses (choose pasteurized options for keep align with pregnancy….)

• Assorted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)

• Veggies (cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, pickled onions, pickles, olives)

• Crackers

• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, cranberries)

• Herbs (tyme, rosemary) for decoration

Instructions:

1. Arrange the cheeses, nuts, veggies, and crackers in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large platter.

2. Add a few fun elements, like a star made from pickles or cherry tomatoes at the top!

Desserts

1. Almond & Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

A low-carb, nutty cookie that’s a perfect Christmas treat.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup peanut butter

• ½ ripe banana

• ½ cup almond flour or meal

• ⅓ tsp baking powder

For the Thumbprint Filling:

• 1 tsp peanut butter mixed with 2 pieces of melted dark chocolate
  OR

• Plain peanut butter for a lower-carb option

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, mashed banana, almond meal, and baking powder. Mix until a smooth dough forms.

2. Roll the dough into small balls (about 9–10 pieces). Place them on a parchment-lined air fryer tray or baking sheet. Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press the center of each ball to create an indent.

3. Cook the Cookies:

   • Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 340°F (170°C) for 8 minutes.

   • Oven Method: Bake at the same temperature for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and slightly golden.

4. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes. Fill the indent with either the peanut butter and melted chocolate mixture or plain peanut butter.

5. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
   
   

2. Crustless Cheesecake with Cardamom

A rich and creamy cheesecake without the added carbs from a crust.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (120g) sour cream

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup sweetener of your choice

• ½ tsp ground cardamom

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, sweetener, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The top should be lightly golden.

4. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

5. Slice and serve chilled, optionally garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of ground cardamom for extra flair.

Drinks

1. Sparkling Water with Lemon, Frozen Cranberries, and Thyme (or Rosemary)

A refreshing, festive drink to enjoy with your meal.

Ingredients:

• Sparkling water

• Lemon slices

• Frozen cranberries

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with sparkling water.

2. Add lemon slices, frozen cranberries, and a sprig of thyme or rosemary.

3. Serve chilled.

2. Winter-Spiced Hot Cocoa

A rich, warming drink to enjoy on a chilly holiday evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• Sweetener of choice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

2. Gradually pour in the almond milk, starting with a small amount to help combine the dry ingredients without clumps, then add the rest. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and hot.

3. Taste and add sweetener if desired.

4. Serve warm and enjoy!

I hope these recipes inspire you to create a delicious, festive holiday spread that’s not only GD-friendly but also full of flavor. Let me know if you try any of these recipes or share your own creations in the HIgedi app—our GD mamas will definitely appreciate it!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season! ✨🎄