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 moreRoot Veggie Latkes with Honey Spiced Sautéed Apples and Greek Yogurt
You guys have probably figured out by now that I love me some fats. Fats are an integral part of our diet – they are a slow burning and long lasting energy source, help with inflammation control and management, improve cognitive function, contribute to heart health, and are integral to hormone balance. In fact, every single cell in our body is made up of something called a phospholipid bilayer (lipids being fats), and therefore are a major component to literally the structure of our entire body and existence...
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 moreGrain-Free Carrot Cake with Dairy-Free “Cream Cheese” Icing
As I write this, it’s both Easter and Passover. During Passover, Jewish people avoid foods that naturally “leaven” such as grains and legumes. And then there’s the association of Easter and springtime with rabbits and carrots. Plus a family member who can’t eat eggs and dairy, and then my own personal goal to avoid refined products in my cooking such as white sugar, while keeping it minimally blood sugar disruptive and as clean and natural as possible...
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...
Read moreHealthier Hamantaschen (Gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free)
Purim is one of my favorite Jewish holidays (and there are so many to choose from). You get dressed up, get wine-drunk, and tell stories about how a very oppressed group of people were saved buy a smart, courageous and beautiful woman named Esther. Talk about girl-power! But one of the tastiest elements of this celebration are also not very kind to the body. Hamantaschen represent the 3-pointed hat pf the evil oppressor, Haman, who wanted to completely obliterate the Jewish people (a plan that was foiled by the above mentioned Queen Esther). They’re usually made from white flour, vegetable oil, sickly sweet jams, and lots of refined sugar. But, as you’re already well aware, one of my missions is to find healthier alternatives to traditional treats and comfort-food faves...
Read moreSuperfood Chocolate Bark
I often get overwhelmed during the holidays by all the materialism. I absolutely LOVE giving gifts, but struggle with the insane amount of money spent, and goods wasted, when we should really be focusing on cultivating quality time with family and friends, and bestowing each other with goodness that comes from the heart. For me, nothing comes from the heart more than home-cooked nutrient-dense treats, like this chocolate bark...
Read more