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: An overview of traditional Spanish rice dishes, from the three classic Valencian paellas to lesser-known regional specialties like arroz negro, fideuà, and arroz caldoso. Learn the differences, what makes each unique, and which to try first. Jump to: What is Paella | A Short History | Three Traditional Paellas | Other Spanish Rice …
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 | …
Quick Summary: High tea is a hearty working-class evening meal served around 5-6 pm with substantial savory food, while afternoon tea is a lighter, more elegant gathering served between 3-5 pm featuring finger foods and a focus on the tea itself. The terms reflect British class history, with afternoon tea originating in upper-class social gatherings …
Quick Summary: Quick Summary: A creamy rice pudding perfumed with saffron, cardamom, and rosewater, traditionally served cold for Persian New Year or special occasions. Garnish with pistachios, rose petals, and cinnamon. Prep: 15 min + 6 hr soak | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Serves: 8 Jump to: RECIPE | A Brief History | …
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: …
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 …
Quick Summary: Authentic Spanish seafood paella with mussels, shrimp, squid, and clams cooked in saffron-infused fish stock. This recipe comes from my contributor Marijke, who lived in Spain for four years and made paella regularly with friends over an outdoor gas burner. The goal is socarrat, that coveted crispy rice layer on the bottom that …
Recipe for Hubert Keller’s Chow Chow sliders and an easy way to make a Michelada for Gameday or casual celebrations.
Quick Summary: Quick Summary: Soft peaks barely hold their shape and flop over when beaters are lifted. Stiff peaks stand straight up firmly. In whipped cream, soft peaks take about 90 seconds; stiff peaks take about 2 minutes. Watch carefully once soft peaks form, as stiff peaks follow quickly. Over-beating turns cream to butter. Prep: …
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 …
Quick Summary: British jam tarts made with store-bought pie dough and your favorite jam. Roll the dough thin, cut rounds, fill with jam, bake 15 minutes. Use different colored jams for different holidays. Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Makes: 12 tarts Jump to: RECIPE | Best Dough to Use | Substitutes for …
Quick Summary: Tender skirt steak seared quickly in a hot cast iron skillet, topped with fresh Argentinian chimichurri sauce. The tangy, herby sauce adds brightness to the beefy flavor. Slow carb compliant. Ready in 20 minutes. Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 min | Serves: 4 Jump to: RECIPE | What is Chimichurri? | How …