Holidays and celebrations are a part of life where food is often the centerpiece. Whether your typical routine meals are low carb, slow carb or no particular diet approach at all, joy and tradition are more important than deprivation during the holidays.
That said, if you want to stay true to low carb or slow carb during holidays or celebrations, it does not have to mean tasteless, boring dishes. There are many options and many recipes that can stand in and stand up to joyful social eating.
Here are my favorites for each holiday (some are low carb and some are not)
Valentine’s Day
Quick Summary: Poblano chiles stuffed with sweet and savory pork picadillo, bathed in creamy walnut sauce (nogada), and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley. The colors represent the Mexican flag, making this the traditional dish for Mexican Independence Day in September. A complex, celebratory dish worth the effort. Prep: Day before + 2 hours | …
These terms get used interchangeably but actually refer to very different traditions. Understanding the distinction helps you plan the right kind of gathering, whether you’re hosting an elegant afternoon affair or a hearty early evening meal. Here’s what you need to know, plus my easy cucumber sandwich recipe for your next “afternoon” tea party. Quick …
Persian saffron rice pudding makes a scrumptious springtime dessert, often enjoyed for Ramadan or Easter. In this recipe, traditional Persian spices of cardamom, cinnamon and saffron pair with sweet rice for the classic rice pudding dessert. Rose water is also added, which gives it a floral hint that is quite unique. Jump to: RECIPE | …
Have a kid in college or a loved one living abroad? This holiday season, let them know you’re thinking of them by sending a themed holiday care package filled with homemade treats and other goodies. Below, you’ll find 7 festive recipes that ship well. Jump to: Chocolate Cherry Bark | Pumpkin Seed Brittle | Zucchini …
Quick Summary: Thin beef slices stuffed with prosciutto, pine nuts, Pecorino Romano, garlic, and parsley, then simmered for hours in robust tomato sauce. A Sicilian/Neapolitan celebration dish featured in “The Bear.” The braciole flavors the sauce; the sauce tenderizes the braciole. Serve with rigatoni. Developed with Italian friend Gloria Baldino. Prep: 30 min | Cook: …
Move over, fake-tasting and sugary supermarket vanilla vodka! Find out how to make delicious vanilla vodka yourself at home using just two ingredients: vodka and real vanilla beans. Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Method | Ideas for Drinks I love playing around with making my own liqueurs! Whether it’s something summery like blueberry-infused liqueur …
These savory Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for family or friends who don’t care for traditional sweet cookies. They are made with cheddar and parmesan cheese and then filled with hot pepper jelly or your favorite preserve. They are a festive way to enjoy holiday cookies that are not so sweet. Jump To: RECIPE | Other …
Chocolate and peanut butter is a combination that never gets old. Add a raspberry jam filling to these soft chocolate thumbprint cookies and you have a trifecta of flavor! Simple, loved by old and young and a hit around the holidays. Jump to: RECIPE This post may contain affiliate links, and you can read our disclosure …
Quick Summary: A unique twist on chili that uses Mexican mole sauce (homemade or prepared) for depth and complexity. The chocolate and chile notes of mole transform ordinary turkey chili into something special. Perfect for using leftover holiday turkey. Freezes beautifully for busy weeknight dinners. Slow cooker or stovetop. Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2-4 …
Farm to Jar’s resident expert on Spanish cuisine, Marijke, shares her authentic seafood paella recipe. She’s lived in Spain for over four years and makes paella regularly with friends using an outdoor gas burner. This is the real thing: bomba rice, saffron, seafood stock, and no chorizo (the Valencians would be horrified). The goal is …
Recipe for Hubert Keller’s Chow Chow sliders and an easy way to make a Michelada for Gameday or casual celebrations.
Recipes that include whipped cream or beaten egg whites often tell you to beat to “soft peaks” or to “stiff peaks”. What exactly does that look like and how long does it take before you see soft peaks? How long for stiff peaks? This is where a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words. …
Friends and family absolutely love to get surprise packages in the mail, and it’s even more special when you add a personal touch of a home-made treat. The problem with many baked goods is that they don’t ship well if they are crumbly or gooey. This chocolate bark is packed with holiday flavors, is easy …
These jam tarts are the easiest holiday dessert I make. Two ingredients: store-bought pie dough and quality jam. Ten minutes to assemble, fifteen to bake. Kids can make them, which makes them perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any holiday where you want homemade without the fuss. The only catch: use good jam. I …
This is a batch recipe for making a Watermelon Limoncello Drink for Ferragosto or any family or friend celebration