December 2011 Edition

Flexitarian Recipe Box

To enjoy high-flavor holiday fare you don't need sticks of butter, gallons of heavy cream or bags of sugar ... and you don't have to spend lots of time. Here are a couple of my favorite wholesome & simple seasonal recipes ...


Pumpkin, Black Bean & Poblano Tacos	Ginger Pear Quinoa Crumble

Visit the new recipe section on my website. It's a great resource whether you need to bring something sensational to a holiday party or you just want to throw together a weekday meal for yourself.

Real Smart Swaps

Cheeseless Cheese Plate
So you want to bring something quick to a party or throw something out for a few unexpected guests? Instead of the standard high cal, low nutrition cheese & crackers, upgrade to a cheeseless cheese plate! Below are wholesome ingredients to have on-hand for a no-fuss, show-stopper snack in minutes. Just line up any of these ingredients on a stylish serving plate or classy eco-friendly cutting board.

Spiced nuts
Assorted olives
Jarred oil-marinated artichokes
Jarred roasted red peppers
Hummus
Pesto
Dried fruit such as figs, apricots, tart cherries
Pear slices
Grape tomatoes
Crunchy whole-grain, multi-seed crackers

Have a little more time? Here's my recipe for a simple vegan antipasto tray.

Ask Dawn

Question: Holiday party invitations are arriving and I want to stock up on healthy hostess gifts. What ideas do you have?

Answer: An organic, sulfite-free table wine is always a possibility such as Our Daily Red. But if you want to think outside of the usual wine bottle, here are three other healthy hostess options under $20:


Fancy fruit bowl $15.00 (fill with clementines, pears or apples)	Organic dessert tea sampler $15.95 (carob mint, coconut vanilla, raspberry caramel, etc.)	Decorative owl measuring cups $19 (yellow, coral or light blue)

Eat This

Red Alert Mocktail
Tart cherries are available year-round in dried, frozen and juice. They are packed with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which may decrease symptoms of muscle soreness after exercise and contribute to a healthy heart. Try this mocktail recipe using tart cherry juice to help stay hydrated during the holidays:

Combine 4 ounces coconut water + 2 ounces 100% tart cherry juice + 2 ounces sparkling water. Cheers!

More recipes available at www.choosecherries.com.

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