December '22 Newsletter
Hello and Happy December!
I’m writing this while basking in the afterglow of a Thanksgiving dinner that my husband and I hosted at our place for both our families. We finally had the dining table for it (see it in the photos above and below, an amazing Craigslist find!) and were so excited to do it. It wasn’t a fully plant-based Thanksgiving, since only 2 out of 7 people including me weren’t eating turkey, but everything I cooked was plant-based. For a veggie main, I made my lentil loaf from our holiday ebook, and the sides were homemade cranberry sauce, a very herby stuffing, mashed potatoes, silky Brussels sprouts, and squash gratin. Everything turned out so delicious, and the whole thing was just so heartwarming. I’m going to have a Youtube video coming out all about it soon, since I filmed everything I cooked over the two days of prep.
I didn’t do a gift guide this year, but I still stand by everything in last year’s gift guide, you can check it out here.
This month’s class is all about simple meals (it’s part 1, and I’ll be doing part 2 next month). As things get increasingly busier in December, I find it so useful to have some super simple meals in my repertoire, ones that I can fall back on and nourish myself with even in the busiest of times. I make Coconut Chickpea Stew, Lentils and Greens, and Quinoa Vegetable Stew.
Seasonal Pleasures and Other Stuff
⁕ I’ve been really into making my own nut butters lately. A powerful food processor makes it really easy (I have a Cuisinart and love it). A recent favorite combination I discovered is pecans and cashews. I shared my method and tips for making nut butter at home here.
⁕ This buckwheat bread from the very first month of the cooking circle has been on high rotation for us lately. In case you missed that recipe, and in case you’re ever looking for a simple, gluten-free loaf to bake at home, give it a try.
⁕ When it comes to holiday decor, I want it to feel like something out of Little Women, super cozy, and low key. Last year, I made popcorn chains for the tree. This year, I’m excited to make a garland out of dried orange slices, as well as pomanders (oranges studded with cloves). I also love making my own wrapping paper by carving a potato stamp, and stamping the paper with some sort of festive pattern. Can’t wait for some wholesome crafting evenings :)
Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday season,
