HOLIDAY RECIPES & TIPS

Though the season has kept me busy enough that I haven't documented as many of my own recipes for your plates as I'd hoped, I have been bookmarking a few recipes by some of my favorite food bloggers for you to peruse, and am including them below. All of these recipes would have to be adjusted for my own diet, but they are exciting foundations to work from.

BREADS & SPREADS
Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Biscuits @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Pumpkin & Feta Muffins @ 101 Cookbooks
Garlic Chive Drop Biscuits @ Affairs of Living
Yeast-Free Pumpkinseed Teff Sandwich Bread @ Affairs of Living
Pepper-Crusted Cashew "Cheese" With Herbs @ Affairs of Living
Cashew Pumpkin Seed "Cheese" With Apple-Cranberry Sauce @ Affairs of Living
Macadamia Nut Cheese @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

SAVORY SOUPS
Christmas Lima Bean Stew @ 101 Cookbooks
Creamy Spinach & Celeriac Soup @ Affairs of Living
Creamy Sunchoke, Broccoli & Leek Soup @ Affairs of Living
Turnip & Pear Soup @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Roasted Chestnut & Parsnip Soup @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs

SALADS & SIDES
Quinoa, Roasted Beet & Walnut Salad @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Gluten-Free Chestnuts & Brussel Sprouts @ Elana's Pantry
Cauliflower, Parsnip & Bean Mash @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
The Ravishing Rutabaga: 4 Recipes... @ Affairs of Living
Rutabaga Gratin @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Root Vegetable Lasagna @ GLOW

PROTEIN
Vegan Haggis @ Swell
Easy Breakfast “Sausage” Patties and Biscuits with Smoky Almond Gravy @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Portabello Steaks @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Wild Lentil Loaf With Parsnip Gravy (and more) @ Affairs of Living
Crockpot Beef Roast With Root Vegetables & Flourless Gravy @ Affairs of Living
Balsamic Roasted Chicken with Figs and Sweet Onions @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

DESSERT
Holiday Nog @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Orange Olive Oil Mini Cakes @ The Sensitive Pantry
Buckwheat Cinnamon Rolls @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Pumpkin Custard @ Elana's Pantry
Fig & Walnut Baked Apples @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Mock Tapioca Pudding @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Chocolate Dipped Dates with Spiced Nuts @ Tasty Eats At Home
Kim's Dessert Index @ Affairs of Living (So that I don't end up listing them all here!)

If you are on a restricted diet for health reasons, treat yourself well during the holidays by arriving prepared to the festivities. Preparation can include both the physical, spiritual and emotional. First, either communicate with others involved in cooking regarding collaborating on dishes that you can enjoy, or bring them yourself. I like these tips from Marni Wasserman on what to consider when preparing your fare. Second, redefine the term "treat". Typically we think of this as something indulgent, not necessarily good for us, but a signal to ourselves that we deserve the best. For those of us with severe food sensitivities, though, considering the consequence of a "treat", it can end up feeling more masochistic than genuinely rewarding to indulge. Keep perspective, and remember that the most important thing is to feel well enough to enjoy your friends and family without being distracted by pain and discomfort. Third, bring your medicine. It's easy to make exceptions in our routines when we're traveling, but I've found that when I make the effort to bring my supplements and herbs with me, I have a significantly better visit. For me, the most important items to bring are my probiotics, my loose herbs and my tea ball. Pack your probiotics in ice, and select some herbs or teas that will soothe your typical symptoms. I find it especially helpful during the holidays to include blends with sweet flavors, particularly licorice root, as it is exceptionally sweet, and it helps to keep candida in check. Finally, stay grounded. It's easy when visiting with family to become a bit detached from our core; it's classic survival mode. The result of that, however, can be a lack of connection with our intuition, which tells us what our body and soul need to remain healthy and comfortable. Check in, stay aware of your needs, and take care of yourself.

Happy Holidays, dear ones.

8 comments:

BÆRER said...

I'm exited to see the vegan haggis link you posted. I recently read a tour-diary in which someone ate vegee-haggis and I've been eager to try some ever since. Thanks!

GLOW said...

Yeah, if you make it, tell me about it! I can't eat it, but man, it looks so good!

Ricki said...

These are some really great tips, Kris--thank you. I love the redefinition of "treat." :) And thanks for including my recipes!

I also laughed out loud when I read your most recent comment--glad you like the look of the nog! Have a wonderful, healthy holiday and take good care! :)

GLOW said...

Thanks as always for stopping by, Ricki, and much gratitude to you for coming up with so many inspiring recipes! I'm more than happy to share them. I hope you have a lovely holiday as well!

Kim - Affairs of Living said...

Thanks so much for all the great tips and for including so many of my recipes in the abundance of delicious-looking links! And yes, those tips are great. I agree that the idea of "treat" needs to be reevaluated! And yes, I am an expert when traveling iwth medicine. thanks for a great post! Kim

GLOW said...

Thanks Kim! I try to spread out my loyalty, but I can't help giving most of to your lovely blog! Your recipes and candid descriptions of your struggles with health have brought me much comfort this year. I hope that you have a happy and healthy holiday!

BÆRER said...

I made a vegan haggis mostly based on the link you posted here. I think it may have a permanent spot in my recipe repertoire (very tasty). Even my wife, who is not very open to new foods, complimented it. Thanks!

GLOW said...

Oh, good! Happy to hear that it graced your table.

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