With holiday gatherings and seasonally inspired dinners in full swing, and Christmas just around the corner, my mind is unavoidably drawn to warming images of festive feasts and friends gathered around heaps of sweets, treats, and nostalgic nibbles. But you know what’s not so festive? Crushing a bunch of refined sugar and foods you might be sensitive to, and feeling like garbage all season long...
Read moreHow to Have a Happy (and Healthy) Holiday Season
One of the best parts of the holiday season is the delightful abundance of delectable goodies, festive libations, and social gatherings. In fact, for many, these elements are in and of themselves nourishing rituals creating a sense of cozy, joyful, and hyggeligt magic. Because they’re often so ritualized, and therefore incredibly abundant and seemingly set in stone, it can be hard to draw the line when surrounded by gingerbread cookies and rummy eggnog, and have about ten Christmas parties awaiting your RSVP. But fear not, a few simple tricks can help navigate the slippery slope of a sleigh-ride that is about to ensure…
Read moreLeftover Turkey Pie with both Gluten-Free + Grain-Free Crust Options
As you guys know I’m a sucker for leftovers. Well more accurately I’m a sucker for not throwing perfectly edible things in the trash, having nourishing dishes ready to go, and using up as much of the plant or animal as possible for maximum nutrient density and minimal waste. Because of this the week following Thanksgiving is basically my dreamland play time. I take that whole roasted delicious bird and concoct as many fun and creative ways I can to use up every last inch of turkey, as well as the thanksgiving east leftover and any other scraps that were accumulated in the aftermath. Pulled turkey tacos and chili, bone broth and other soup for days, and of course this little crowd pleaser…
Read moreGrain-Free Gingerbread
In North America, when we think of “gingerbread” we often think of people-shaped cookies with gumdrop buttons and icing sugar smiles. While these are more accurately referred to as “gingerbread men” the only thing they have in common with traditional gingerbread is that telltale spicy flavour profile. Classic gingerbread is just that, bread. Or perhaps more accurately, a loaf. Because of this, it is also known as gingerloaf, pain d'épices ("spice bread") in French, or lebkuchen (“loaf cake”) and pfefferkuchen ("pepper cake") in German. Whatever you call it, it’s damn tasty and wonderfully warming especially during the winter months when most mouths savour the spicy flavours of this delightfully dense folk food...
Read moreSimple Seasonal Dark Chocolate Mousse, Four Ways
Enter the following incredibly simple, and seriously tasty delight that, with an All-Clad immersion blender, takes only a few minutes to make. Plus, it’s free of grains and gluten, dairy, refined sugar, eggs, and is completely paleo and vegan friendly. Best part of all, you can whip it up the day before so that it’s all ready to go when the dessert course arrives and you’re a rummy eggnog or two deep...
Read moreRoasted Butternut Squash Puree with Maple Candied Walnuts
This simple yet satisfying side is a real showstopper, and provides a nice alternative to regular old mashed potatoes, or candied yams at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Better yet, butternut squash boasts a bevy of nutrients including potassium (important for bone health, and adrenal function), vitamin B6 (mood and energy enhancing, and immune boosting), and folate (great for heart health, cognitive function, and reproductive health)...
Read moreTahini Cardamom Cookies with Cranberries and Pistachios
I’m a sucker for Mediterranean and middle eastern flavours. Maybe it’s because my mom was born in Jerusalem and I visit Israel often and die over the food there every time I go. Maybe it’s because I have many Persian friends who are constantly showering me with their delicious creations. Or maybe it’s just because things like dates, honey, tahini, rose water, and the vast array of spices utilized in eastern cuisine are insanely delicious AND incredibly good for you...
Read moreSpiced Pear Zinger
Once you’ve tried this festively fun sipper, you won’t believe that it’s actually pretty good for you! But with a combination of anti-inflammatory and blood-sugar regulating spices, probiotic-rich kombucha, and digestive stimulating bitters, you’ve got yourself one pretty decent holiday cocktail that won’t leave your body feeling like a pile of garbage...
Read moreButter Pecan Bars
Here’s a holiday treat that is safe for the GF folks in your life (you might be included in this), but so yummy the non-GF people won’t mind…or even notice! No, they’re not dairy-free if that’s a concern for you, and yes, there’s a hefty serving of sweeteners like coconut palm sugar and maple syrup terrible for blood sugar control, but as long as you’re using quality ingredients, and only having a small piece, the harm is arguably minimal. And in all honestly, if you can avoid the refined sugar, refined flour, chemical-laden, shit-storm that consumes so many people’s lives at this time of year, you’re doing alright in my books...
Read moreCranberry Kombucha Shrub
Whether used for their singular medicinal values, or as a way to prep the body pre-meal and then soothe the gut post-feast, there are a number of ways boozy libations can be a benefit to your health. Take shrubs for example! While you certainly can enjoy a zero-proof shrub, traditionally these vinegar-based beverages were consumed with a touch of spirit right before a meal to stimulate stomach acid production and enzyme secretion...
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