Tips and tricks for a healthy holiday menu!
The lights are twinkling and the tree is bedecked in tinsel. Candles are lit, bows are hung, garlands are strung around doorways and the stockings are hanging on the mantel.
There’s no mistaking it; the holidays are right around the corner. I couldn’t be more excited; it’s - by far - my favorite time of the year!
This time around, I'm hosting Christmas Eve and it’s a first. Considering that I've been living a healthier lifestyle for the past five years, I thought I’d make my holiday menu a little lighter. Maybe this year, I won’t feel like unbuttoning my pants at the end of the night!
I thought I'd share this with you in the hopes that you might find it useful. Don't worry - it'll be our little secret. I promise your guests won't be able to tell the difference!
So, without further ado, here is my version of a guilt-free holiday meal!
1. CANAPÉS
CROSTINIS
It isn't a party without a crostini! There are so many delicious combinations, both sweet and savoury. Here are some tips on how to make them a little healthier!
- Use protein-based bread instead of a baguette or crackers! They look and taste exactly like your run-of-the-mill crostinis, minus the carbs and the guilt. I use them all the time when I'm entertaining; they're a perfect conduit for my toppings. We sell them at VIP!
- Stick to lighter cheeses for your spread, like goat cheese or a low-fat labneh - a cross between greek yogurt and mascarpone. Don't be afraid of being creative! Mix salty and sweet for the perfect bite!
- Opt for a breadless crostini! My usuals are sliced cucumbers topped with a dollop of labneh and a sprinkle of za'atar and slices of colorful heirloom tomatoes garnished with a spoonful of avocado and fresh basil.
Mushroom caps make for some of the best finger foods! Clean them and roast them in the oven until slightly tender. Make sure to remove any excess moisture. Stuff them with your toppings of choice, finish them in the oven, and voilà! Watch as your guests gobble them up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Sautéed garlic and swiss chard, topped with fresh parmesan shavings
- Sautéed spinach mixed into ricotta cheese
- Diced tomatoes, arugula and toasted pine nuts
When the wind is blowing and it's cold outside, nothing is as comforting as a bowl of soup. To make it a little more party-friendly, I serve it in mugs! You can find cute little mason jars with handles at Dollarama that are perfect for this. Make your favorite recipe or try a new one! Here are a few I love:
- Roast Carrot and Fennel Soup
- Detox Crockpot Lentil Soup
- Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup
- Lemony Carrot and Cauliflower Soup
2. THE MAIN EVENT: ROASTED TURKEY
“It isn’t a Christmas dinner without a turkey! ”
I'm serving a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings! The centerpiece: the turkey! I ordered mine from a family farm just east of Montreal. They treat their animals humanely and they deliver right to your door! You should reserve your turkey in advance, as it'll be difficult closer to Christmas. I promise, this isn't a paid sponsorship and I wasn't given any free products - I just loved my experience with Les Fermes Valens!
Once you get your turkey, put in the fridge to defrost. You'll need 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds. Then, the magic begins.
one to three days before the feast: brine your turkey
Brining helps your turkey retain lots of flavour and moisture. Don't skip this step! You'll have succulent and tender meat by the end of it. There are two ways to brine a turkey. A traditional brine involves submerging the entire turkey in salted and flavored water. I couldn't be bothered with the hassle so I opted for the second method, a dry brine, as it takes up less space in the fridge and necessitates less cleanup.
Here are step-by-step instructions you can follow. You can use any spices you prefer - be adventurous! Make sure to get the salt mixture under the skin, especially over the breast area, as that is usually where the turkey is driest and needs some extra tender love and care. Be careful not to tear the skin but don't be too cautious; in my experience, it was quite elastic and I had no trouble at all.
on christmas day
Christmas is finally here! Make sure you're up early enough to finish that turkey.
A great way to lighten up your turkey is to forgo the butter. Don't worry! It will be tasty and juicy nonetheless. And no one will be able to tell the difference. I used olive oil instead.
Here is a great recipe. Gather all your favorite fresh herbs; no need to follow the ingredient list exactly. I used my food processor to speed things up a bit.
Don't forget to go light on the salt because you've already brined your turkey!
I quartered oranges, apples, lemons and onions and peeled a garlic bulb as aromatics. Make sure to not overstuff the cavity or the hot air won't circulate well and your turkey won't be fully cooked through!
Don't forget your gravy! It's the cherry on top of the sundae!
the trimmings
You can't serve your turkey without the traditional side-dishes! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Glazed Carrots: Traditionally, this involves lots of honey. But here's a little secret - steam your carrots for 20 minutes, then drizzle a little olive oil and cook them in a hot pan over medium heat for 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and squeeze the juice of an orange over them. After a few minutes, you'll have glazed carrots! Add some herbs for extra flavor.
- Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Mash: Say goodbye to boring mashed potatoes! Peel your butternut and sweet potatoes and roast them until they caramelize. Add your favorite spices and mash them. Enjoy!
- Roasted Asparagus - you can't go wrong there!
- A Warm Portobello Mushroom and Quinoa Salad - there are step by step instructions on how to cook quinoa on our facebook page!
3. BRING ON THE DESSERTS!
Eating healthy doesn't have to mean eating tasteless food. Believe you me, I wouldn't have lasted if that was the case - I love food way too much! You just have to be a little creative. Here are some ideas for guilt-free desserts!
chocolate dipped fruit
You should prepare these the night before. This would work on almost any fruit! Melt some chocolate using a bain marie. Make sure the water is boiling softly - patience is key here! Dip the fruit in the melted chocolate and place on a wax paper covered tray - you can skewer them to make it easier for your guests to pick them up. Sprinkle some toppings, cover the tray with foil and place it in the fridge. Some of my favorite combinations are dark chocolate and sea salt or milk chocolate and crushed nuts.
PARFAIT AU YOGOURT
This is really easy to do! Crush some of your favorite berries in a bowl and mix in some honey or maple syrup. Let it sit for 30 minutes minutes. Add some more fresh berries to the mixture. In a transparent cup, layer in some greek yogurt, the fruit mixture and crushed nuts. Repeat until you have a glassful of deliciousness!
HONEY GRILLED PEACHES
Another one of my favorites! Slice a peach in two and remove the seed. Brush the surface with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon and grill for 4 minutes in a medium hot pan. Serve with a dollop of honey flavored greek yogurt and fresh mint leaves!
So there you are - my version of a healthy holiday menu! Do you have any other tips and tricks to lighten up this meal? Please share them with us and let us know if you have any questions!