Traditionally a time of socially acceptable gluttony and excess, holiday indulgences are an important part of the season, within reason. There’s room for plenty of treats while still making space for some smarter choices. It’s been my distinct pleasure to create some more wholesome options for the winter festivities as part of my partnership with Kim Murphy at Simply Plant Based Kitchen.
Tasked with creating weekly recipes using only whole foods that are oil-free, refined sugar-free, and low-sodium, it’s been an inspiring undertaking that’s helped me eat better at the same time. Proof positive that you can have all the flavors you crave without the junk, I’m thrilled to share some of the best seasonal dishes to help facilitate a healthier, happier holiday season for all.
Cranberry Cheese Ball
Kick off your holiday party with a show-stopping starter! In this twist on the southern staple, creamy cashew cheese meets fresh cranberries simmered in orange juice, turning the soft spread a jolly pink color. Crusted with crisp pistachios and pomegranate arils, each bite is a little bit sweet, tart, and richly savory. It’ll be hard to leave room for the main meal when the appetizer is this compelling!
Gingered Butternut Squash Soup
Warming from the inside out, a steaming bowlful of butternut soup is just what the doctor ordered, even when you’re feeling perfectly well. Roasting the squash caramelizes the natural sugars, bringing out a greater depth of flavor while enhancing the velvety texture once blended. If you’re spice-sensitive, you might want to start with half as much ginger to be safe; you can always add more to taste.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
Everyone loves roasted Brussels sprouts, but have you tried eating them raw? Finely shaved into gossamer shreds, they form the crisp hearty foundation of this ode to autumn’s bounty. Combining juicy pears, crunchy toasted pecans, and bursts of tart pomegranate arils, a hint of orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note, making this salad a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Baked Latkes
Meet the healthiest, tastiest latkes ever! Although the miracle of the Hanukkah lights is all about oil, it’s entirely possible to celebrate without a single drop. Baked and not fried, these latkes are crispy around the edges and soft in the center, almost like little hash brown pancakes. Made with zero grease and no mess in the oven, they’re a modern miracle in and of themselves.
Cranberry Banana Bread
Banana bread never goes out of season, a perennial favorite that’s infinitely adaptable. Fresh cranberries dress up this humble loaf in autumn’s finest fashion, adding tart flavor to contrast the moist, maple-sweetened crumb. Sparkling with warm cinnamon and ginger, each slice is a cozy reminder of fall, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or sharing with loved ones during those chilly afternoons.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Warm, creamy, and comforting, bread pudding is the perfect dessert to ward off those autumn chills while celebrating the season’s bounty. Infused with the goodness of pumpkin and sweetened entirely with dates, this version is as satisfying as it is soothing. Consider this your invitation to customize your bread pudding to better suit your personal tastes; apple pie spices or chai spices would be delightful to swap in for this classic combo, and a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit would certainly be welcome, too.
Peppermint Crunch Bark
Homemade peppermint bark is one of the best crowd-pleasing sweets, crafts to make with kids, and last-minute gifts, all wrapped up in one bite-sized package. All you need is chocolate and peppermint extract to make it happen! Give your bark more bite this year by incorporating crispy rice cereal and cacao nibs, creating a texture that’s both lighter and more satisfying. It’s an easy and fun treat that everyone will love!
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