Hoppin John with Collard Greens: A New Year’s Tradition
Hoppin John is a cajun stew (slow carb compliant) popular on New Years Day for bringing luck in the new year!
Christmas Recipes and Gifts
Christmas is a time where both traditional recipes and innovative spins on holiday recipes come into play. Here are some of my favorite dishes for the holiday, as well as ideas for gifting to loved ones.
Guide for Making a Holiday Cheese or Charcuterie Board
Detailed, comprehensive guidelines for building a perfect cheeseboard for any occasion, with a focus on preparing a low carb cheeseboard
Mexican Shortbread Cookies (Biscochitos): Making with Lard vs Butter
Quick Summary: Biscochitos (bee-sko-CHEE-tohs) are anise-and-orange-scented Mexican shortbread cookies dusted in cinnamon sugar, traditionally served during Christmas celebrations. Includes an explanation of texture differences when using lard vs butter. Prep: 15 min + 30 min chill | Cook: 10 min | Makes: 36 cookies Jump to: RECIPE | What are Biscochitos? | Regional Variations | …
Best Gifts for Loose Leaf Tea Lovers (Plus Hibiscus Tea Recipe)
Quick Summary: Five practical gifts for tea enthusiasts, from electric kettles with temperature control to portable tea infuser thermoses. Includes a recipe for hibiscus tea (Agua de Jamaica) that works hot or cold. Whether your gift recipient is new to loose leaf tea or a longtime connoisseur, these items make brewing easier and more enjoyable. …
Essential Mexican Pantry: Ingredients for Traditional Mexican Cooking
Quick Summary: A complete guide to stocking your pantry for Mexican cooking, from everyday meals to holiday celebrations. Covers dried chiles, spices, masa, canned goods, and specialty ingredients. Includes guidance on where to source ingredients and how to substitute when needed. Built from years of cooking with friends from the Bajío region of Mexico and …
Holiday Care Packages: 7 Homemade Treats to Send
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 …
Peppermint Espresso Martini
Make the holidays extra festive with one of my favorite twists on the classic: a peppermint espresso martini! The perfect boozy pick-me-up to serve after a long family dinner, your guests will love this sweet and minty holiday cocktail. Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Directions Peppermint Espresso Martini Ingredients Espresso martini… but make it …
Pork Pozole Rojo: Traditional Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew
Quick Summary: Pozole rojo is a classic Mexican stew of pork and hominy in a red chile broth, slow-cooked until the flavors meld. This recipe comes from a friend in the Bajío region of Mexico. Made in large batches for celebrations and crowds. The garnishes (radishes, cabbage, lime, avocado, hot sauce) make the dish. Prep: …
Easy Swedish Potato Bake for the Holidays (aka Jansson’s Temptation)
This simple potato side dish is a mainstay on the Swedish smorgasbord at Christmastime, where it is referred to as Jansson’s Temptation or Janssons frestelse. It is a rich and creamy comfort food made with potatoes, onions, cream and the secret ingredient of anchovies. Perfect for the holiday table, no matter which country you celebrate …
Ponche: Traditional Mexican Christmas Drink (Plus Regional Variations)
Quick Summary: Ponche navideño is Mexico’s traditional Christmas punch, a warm, spiced fruit drink simmered with tejocote, guava, cinnamon, and piloncillo. Served throughout Las Posadas (the nine-day celebration leading to Christmas). Drink it like a hot fruit tea or add a shot of tequila for ponche con piquete. Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr …
Chocolate Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies: Nutella & Dulce de Leche Fillings
Thumbprint cookies are one of the easiest cookies to make along with being one of most flexible and festive. Change out the chocolate sprinkles for a different color and change out the filling to your favorite preserve and poof, you have thumbprint cookies that will match any holiday. These are filled with Nutella and with …
Ginger-Spiced Thumbprint Cookies with Champagne Jelly
Thumbprint cookies are iconic around Christmas time and no other cookies can compete with the simplicity and amount of flexibility in flavors they offer. These ginger-spiced thumbprint cookies can be filled with endless possibilities, but using a jewel-toned champagne jelly makes them shimmer and sparkle for the holiday cookie tray. Jump to: RECIPE | Best …
Thumbprint Cookies with a Lemon Filling
These shortbread thumbprint cookies are filled with a bright, citrusy lemon filling and then dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for spring baking or for an Easter treat. The lemon filling can be store-bought lemon curd, lemon marmalade or even an orange jelly. The shortbread cookie part is easier than making a pie crust, so they come …
Calabaza en Tacha (Candied Pumpkin) Recipe
Calabaza en Tacha (aka candied pumpkin) is one of the traditional treats served on Mexico’s Day of the Dead Celebration, “Dia de Muertos”. The flavor is similar to what is served in the US as candied yams or sweet potatoes, but the key ingredients to this Mexican recipe include piloncillo syrup, cinnamon sticks, orange peel …
Make-Ahead Breakfast Strata (Casserole) with Swiss Chard & Sausage
Strata is basically an egg casserole with varied fillings and a creamy custard base. It is often likened to a bread pudding. This breakfast strata is filled with swiss chard and sausage and topped with a smoky cheese. It is perfect for serving a crowd at brunch or as a stress-free make-ahead dish for holiday …