The holidays are nigh. But for many kids, the ingredients in seasonal sweets are a nay.

The solution: Serve pies made with this gluten-free almond crust recipe from chef Ana Amat, who specializes in working with dietary restrictions.

Almond Pie Crust
Makes one pie

Ingredients
1 c. almond meal (grind up almonds or buy at a specialty grocery store)
¼ c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. chilled butter
1½ tbsp. cream (can be nondairy)
Dusting of cornstarch or tapioca flour
Pie filling (in flavor of your choice)

1. In a food processor, blend all the ingredients into a dough that clumps together.

2. Chill the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes, then roll it out on wax paper dusted with cornstarch or tapioca flour.

3. Transfer the dough to a nine-inch tart pan and top it with pie filling. Bake according to filling instructions.

It tastes great — any way you slice it.

Want the help of a pro? Contact Ana Amat (305-403-1881 or anaamat.com).

SEE
Just Dance It Holiday Show
What: Children ages 3-12 perform jazz, ballet, tap, and hip-hop to Christmas songs.
Why: Thumpity, thump-thump. Look at kiddos go.
When: Sat., 2 p.m.
Where: Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St. (305-547-5414). Tickets available at studio locations.

ESCAPE
Parent’s Night Out
What: Kids eat dinner then play safely under supervision.
Why: Hit the town, Ma and Pa.
When: Fri., 7-11 p.m.
Where: My Gym, 2531 Coral Way. Reservations (required) at 305-285-9440.

SWEETEN
Holiday Baking at the Biltmore Culinary Academy
What: Kids (ages 7 and up) bake and decorate holiday sweets to take home.
Why: Sign up and a sibling or friend gets 30 percent off.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. Reservations (required) at 305-913-3131 or e-mail culinaryacademy@biltmorehotel.com.

Photo: Nicholas Muray / George Eastman House Collection / Flickr