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
How to Make Biscochitos (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)
Quick Summary: Biscochitos (bee-sko-CHEE-tohs) are anise-and-orange-scented Mexican shortbread cookies dusted in cinnamon sugar, traditionally served during Christmas celebrations. The dough works with lard, butter, or shortening depending on your texture preference. Prep: 15 min + 30 min chill | Cook: 10 min | Makes: 36 cookies Jump to: RECIPE | | What are Biscochitos? | …
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 …
8 Specialty Martini Drinks For the Holidays
Looking for a nice martini recipe for the holidays, to wow guests at your next party, or just to celebrate Friday night? I’ve got you covered! Have a look at my 8 favorite martini drinks for every occasion. What Exactly is a Martini? Let’s clarify one thing first. Traditionally, a martini is just a mix …
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 …
Traditional Pork Pozole Rojo: Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew
This pozole rojo comes from mi amiga from the Bajío region of Mexico. She taught me the traditional method: pork with bones simmered slowly, hominy added for that distinctive chewy texture, and a rojo sauce made from rehydrated dried chiles. Pozole is celebration food in Mexico, served at fiestas and family gatherings. The garnishes on …
10 Drinks to Make with Homemade Vanilla Vodka Recipe
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 …
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 …
Alcohol on a Low Carb Diet | What You Should Know
Alcohol can certainly be part of a low carb diet, but it pays to know how each type of alcohol is metabolized and what is to be avoided
Mexican Ponche Navideño: Christmas Punch
Looking for a hot drink to serve for the holiday season? This year, let’s skip the mulled wine and go for a warming classic from Mexico instead. Mexican ponche navideño is a traditional fruit punch bursting with comforting flavors and a spiced aroma that will make your home smell heavenly. Serve it like a tea …
Holiday Cranberry Apple Tea in the Crockpot
This winter, warm up with a hot cup of tea prepared using a simple homemade cranberry apple syrup (and, of course, an optional splash of rum or vodka). This spiked cranberry apple tea is easy to make in a crock pot for a crowd, or just for yourself – for the holidays and beyond! Jump …
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 …