Pairing Thankfulness with Flavor

Thanksgiving is coming! With our kitchen remodel complete, I’m so ready and grateful to use this space that enables us to spend time with family and simplifies the food prep. It’s time to fill all our kitchens with flavors and smells of delicious fall foods. Fall is the time for more warming, grounding foods/meals. Think of stews, soups, nuts and roasted veggies. Another great way to do this is to use warming spices. This can include cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, cumin, fennel and so many more. Spices have so many antioxidants that add to health benefits, you should try to use them as much as possible.

Add New Flavors to Your Favorites!

I thought I would share some recipes that peaked my interest. I’ve been looking at classic recipes like cinnamon baked apples or this breakfast version. And, I’ve been perusing new recipes to use and share for Thanksgiving.

Ginger Sweet Potato Coconut Milk Stew with Lentils & Kale

Dairy-free cheese balls made with cashews

EASY INDIAN GREEN BEAN CURRY WITH POTATOES (INSTANT POT OPTION)

Stuffed butternut squash with quinoa and cranberries

Vegan New England Clam Chowder

QUINOA STUFFED SQUASH WITH WALNUTS AND POMEGRANATE (GLUTEN-FREE & VEGAN)

Paleo Apple Pie Bars

Try healthy alternatives of your favorites, too.

It’s actually not too hard to sub a few things in a recipe to make it healthier! I have to do it all the time with my food sensitivities. Using flax or chia for egg substitute, using alternative milks for regular milk, use stevia or monk fruit for regular sugar. If you ever have any questions about what you can sub to make it healthier, reach out to me!

Bring Out the Flavor

While I’m not 100 percent vegan, I tend to eat that style to support my health. (I tend to have high cholesterol directly correlated to me eating meat!) A good vegan recipe uses rich spices and herbs. It’s a useful approach that can and should be applied to everyone’s cooking. It’s amazing how fresh or dried herbs and spices will put a dish over the top while making it healthier. Try it! Update your recipes: drop the sugar and amp up your food with flavor!

Add Thankfulness

Even with the challenges of the last two years, I’m encouraging my family, myself, and you to keep looking at ways to stay healthy in body and mind. The stronger our base health, the better we will do, and thankfulness plays a strong role. Just look at these articles:

Thankfulness: How Gratitude Can Help Your Health

Giving thanks can make you happier

The Health Benefits of Thankfulness

This Thanksgiving, as we gather around a table in person or virtually, bring a new recipe and bring some thankfulness to share.