The holiday season, for many of us, is the busiest time of the year. Managing the food, the family, the stress, and the shopping, the holidays can be an extremely difficult time to stay on top of your to-do list. Holidays are meant for cozy nights by the fire, hot chocolate, and eating delicious food. Check one thing off the holiday to-do list by saving and cooking some of the in-season holiday recipes below instead of frantically trying to hunt for holiday recipes.
Foods eaten in season contain peak nutrients and generally put less of a dent in your budget than if purchased out of season. Eating the most nutritious and freshest ingredients can make or break your holiday budget. Whether you want to grow your own fresh produce, stop by a farmers’ market, or shop at your local grocery or co-op, the following hints and tips will lead you to the freshest produce and where to find it in order to stay healthy and budget friendly this holiday season.
Holiday Favorites
Try out these healthy versions of holiday favorites this November and December. Eliminating ingredients that come from a can, or a bag can make a minimize consuming extra calories, sodium, and sugar this season. For example, opt for homemade gravy and homemade cranberry sauce instead of getting packets of gravy and canned cranberry sauce. The next few recipes are delicious easy ways to add more fresh ingredients to holiday dishes you love while not adding unnecessary, unhealthy ingredients.
‘Tis the Holiday Baking Season
It is holiday baking season and for many it is one of the best parts of the holidays. Many of us enjoy the aromas and flavors of the season, from walnuts and cinnamon to peppermint and nutmeg.
Easy as Pie- the Holiday Choice
Pie is near and dear to the holiday table, so we made six pie recipes for fall that honor the oldies, but have some new goodies added to them. Your friends and family will beg for second…
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
These cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies are everything a shortbread should be-buttery and crumbly with the perfect balance of sweetness and a bit of pistachio crunch! The red and green will help them fit right in…
Hosting Appetizers
Fending off those hungry holiday munchers can be an added difficulty to cooking a deliciously complicated holiday meal. Everyone wanders around trying to sneak bits and pieces of the scrumptious meal you are working tirelessly to prepare. Give these munchers something to occupy their hungry hands by making a few of the easy holiday appetizers below.
Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers are spicy, savory, and simple. They are a big hit at a July 4th get together, or anytime you’ve got a craving for a spicy taste of the South.
Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs
Meatballs are a popular party snack- and these meatballs are great because they are cooked in a sauce and do not require an extra dipping sauce.
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Gluten-free Tortilla Chips
When you’re spending time with friends or having a family game night at home, spinach artichoke dip is a party favorite—especially with homemade grain-free chips!