The Holidays are Upon us…

Which means we all get to indulge in some seasonal fun: traveling to see friends and family, festive parties, warm savory meals, and seasonal treats we look forward to all year!

Start gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year with today’s line-up:

🎁 a pre-holiday self care gift 

🍲 3 tips for getting through the holidays with allergies

🎊 Your FREE Holiday Guide

🍐 late fall fruits and veggies!

Healthy News Doses

Tis’ the Season to Spice up Your Health

Holiday festivities shouldn't be dimmed by the sniffles. Fire Cider, a traditional tonic dating back centuries, popularized in the '70s by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, could be your immune-boosting ally. This zesty brew is steeped in healthful ingredients like rosemary, lemon peel, turmeric, jalapeños, and honey—customizable to your spice preference. Not only may it bolster your immunity, but it also infuses your space with its warm aroma.

Embrace this generational gem now for a holistic celebration of well-being.Here's how to craft your own aromatic blend:

Here’s the Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium organic onion, finely diced

• 10 cloves of organic garlic, minced

• 2 organic jalapeno peppers, finely chopped

• Zest and juice of 1 organic lemon

• 1/2 cup freshly grated organic ginger root, or substitute with ginger powder

• 1/2 cup freshly grated organic horseradish root, or use horseradish powder

• 1 tablespoon organic turmeric powder

• 1/4 teaspoon organic cayenne powder

• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves

• Enough organic apple cider vinegar to cover the ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw, local honey, adjustable to preferred sweetness

Directions:

1. Combine all the prepped roots, fruits, and herbs snugly in a quart-sized glass jar.

2. Overwhelm them with apple cider vinegar until they are fully submerged.

3. Seal with a natural parchment barrier beneath the lid to avoid any corrosion from the metal, or use a non-reactive plastic lid.

4. Store this jar in a cool, shadowy nook for about four weeks, giving it a good shake each day.

5. Once the time has passed, strain the mixture with cheesecloth, squeezing out the essence into a fresh jar.

6. Now, sweeten with honey, stirring for even distribution.

7. Keep tasting and add more honey as needed until it sings to your palate.

3 Tips For the Holiday With Food Allergies and Restrictions

Even if you’re a holiday super fan, it can be stressful trying to navigate various food scenarios, especially if you’re traveling. 

Explaining your dietary needs so you can enjoy meals with friends and family doesn’t have to be anxiety inducing. And avoiding the food all together doesn’t have to be your only option. 

I mean, no one wants to miss out on the spread … aka the best part of holiday parties!

So, if you struggle with:

• Food allergies

• Gluten or dairy intolerances

• Celiac disease

• Or any other restrictive diet

…then here’s a few tips that help alleviate some holiday stress so you can enjoy yourself just as much as everyone else!

Before attending a holiday event, inquire if your dietary needs can be accommodated. Reconfirm a day before for assurance. If not, bring your festive favorites to enjoy. For gatherings like Friendsgiving, Christmas, or potlucks, request dishes to be labeled with allergens—festive tags can add cheer and safety. If cross-contamination is a concern, opt to serve yourself first. It's okay to ask; understanding usually follows. Remember, the season is for rest and joy. Indulge in safe dining out, bake treats with friends, or unwind with movies and snacks. Prioritize well-being amidst the holiday bustle.

Any sort of food-related restriction can be challenging around the Holidays…do you find this season difficult?

Tastes Too Good to Be Gluten Free…

How much do you love to eat bread?

Furthermore…

How would you like to try the best tasting bread of your life!?

Full of flavor and character… Far more delicious than any store-bought gluten-free could ever be. And…

What if this bread was gluten free? – the healthiest bread of your life!!

Imagine…

How it would be to experience the heart warming, heavenly aromas…

With sweet, fresh-baked smells rising from your kitchen oven… flowing through your family home, and putting peaceful smiles on your family’s faces.

Or perhaps, savoring hearty breads perfect for winter feasts by the fireplace.

Get ready to transform cold days with the warmth of freshly baked bread.

Cooking Corner

Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

My family only had one complaint about this lentil meatloaf recipe—there wasn’t enough of it! This dish is absolutely delectable and surprisingly healthy, made with lentils, oats, and veggies. It’s meaty yet melts in your mouth, and the ketchup glaze is the cherry on top.

Although my dad is a big meat-eater, he said this vegan lentil loaf is better than the original meatloaf. Pair it with a fresh salad, and indulge in a guilt-free taste adventure.

Ingredients;

• 1 cup dry lentils (use green/brown)

• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 egg (see notes for vegan version)

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil (or steam sauté in ¼ cup water)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 medium carrot, grated

• 1/2 cup courgette, finely diced

• 1/2 cup GF oats

• 1/2 cup GF oat flour or finely ground oats (or any flour of choice)

• 1 tsp. dried thyme

• 1 tsp. cumin, optional

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• Black pepper & sea salt, to taste

Ketchup Glaze;

• 4 Tbsp. ketchup (I used one with no added sugar)

• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

Directions:

• Add lentils and vegetable broth or water to a pot (I used water and added ½ teaspoon salt). Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-low until done. Let cool.

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Make sure it’s sticking out the edges for easy transfer later.

• Heat oil in a saucepan on medium heat and sauté onions and bell pepper for 1-2 minutes. Add shredded carrots, courgette, and garlic, and stir fry until soft—about 4 minutes. Add spices and sauté one more minute until fragrant.

• Mash ¾ of the lentils with a fork or immersion blender. Add vegetables, oats, oat flour, and egg, and mix until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Transfer mixture to loaf pan. Combine ketchup, vinegar, and maple syrup and evenly brush on top.

• Bake for 45-50 minutes, then cool for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, carefully sliding it off the parchment paper.

  Dig into more free holiday recipes here!

December Shopping List!

The holiday season is prime time to pick up some amazing in season late fall fruits and veggies!! 

Kale

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron, kale is a powerful antioxidant and can help reduce inflammation. Vitamin K promotes bone health, while vitamin A supports eye health and the immune system! Chopped kale with cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese make a delicious winter salad!

Sweet Potatoes

Roasted, mashed, or sauteed… sweet potatoes are so versatile and are the ultimate comfort food! Plus they can go sweet or savory to complement any holiday meal. High in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, sweet potatoes can aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The high fiber content promotes digestive health!

• Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts support bone health and blood clotting due to vitamin K. They also contribute to a healthy immune system and help in DNA repair and maintenance due to their high vitamin C and folate content. Roasted brussel sprouts are always a hit at potlucks and parties!

• Pomegranates

A necessity to make your Holiday punch top-notch! Pomegranates are known for their heart health benefits, including improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Their high antioxidant content also helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress! 

• Pears

Pears aid in digestive health due to their high fiber content. They also support the immune system and skin health through vitamin C, and contribute to overall heart health. Swap them into your apple pie recipe for a seasonal pear pie twist! 

Food for Thought

“The Holiday Season” is a world-wide phenomenon!

Click here to check out Time’s list of 11 different global holidays celebrated in December.

I love to hear from you: what’s your favorite dish to make for your holiday celebration?!

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