I am going to keep this short and to the point. Eat whatever you want this holiday. Don’t add to your stress by fretting about your food. Enjoy this time with friends and family. Enjoy the couple of days when the stores are closed and enjoy the days when the stores are open with bargains galore. Basically, just enjoy. Plan some special time just for you and make sure you have some fun. In other words, be normal and do as you please as much as you can. This is my holiday wish for you.

I am not sure how much you are immersed in nutrition world, but I can tell you, as someone who is, that it is time for everyone to just be quiet and stop talking. It’s is causing too much stress about eating and stress is not good our health. So let’s just relax, embrace some of our favorite traditions, whether they be food or activities and don’t give it another thought. I wish you all the very best for the season and the new year. Happy Holidays!

And to help inspire you, here are few recipes that I have been and will be working on for the holiday season:
Pecan Balls: These are so simple and quick to make. It includes two different ways to finish them – one traditional and one with a holistic spin – both are delicious.

Golosso Biscuits: My family’s version of biscotti and one of my favourite treats this time of year. Not too sweet or too crunchy. I have add some whole grain flours but they work just as well just work with unbleached white flour if that is your preference. Hazelnuts (filberts) are the nuts we have always used but almonds, walnuts or pecan will also work.

Chocolate Hazelnut Pots de Crème: I was considering this for Christmas Day dessert and they are delicious. It would be especially nice for the chocolate lovers. It is quite easy to make but they are baked in single serve dishes and we are going to be 11 people for dinner – I do not have 11 ramekins. I am also not sure that I am baking for a chocolate crowd this year.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: Here is what I will be making for dessert on the 25th. I just have to make two puddings in Bundt pans. The toffee sauce is very simple to make and I will serve it warm with homemade ice cream. It is a family favourite but I have been told to “whiten it up” So I will and not think twice about it. Yum!