Christmas dishes that will WOW everyone!

                     Coming from a huge family, Christmas dinner is a big deal. At my house things can get a little competitive when it comes to who brought the best dish. Sometimes people crack under pressure and buy pre-made dishes like deserts and canned yams at the store, but it is just as easy to make them at home. They will turn out tasting better and costing less money. Here are some great holiday dishes that will impress everyone.

Christmas Turkey

Candied Yams

Green Bean Casserole

Chocolate Cheesecake Candy Cane Bars

 One of my favorite things about Christmas is the warm and sweet smell of the house. The Christmas tree gives off a pine scent that  blends with mom’s cooking and smells of spices. A great thing you can do to make your home smell this way is to add spices (such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove) and some orange peels and grape fruit peels to apple cider. Then just bring this mixture to a boil and your house will be full of holiday aromas. Trust me, the smell with be worth it.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday!! Merry Christmas!! 

Holiday Cookies

        
            Holidays wouldn't be the same without Holiday Cookies! They are fast, festive and delicious. Whether you have a traditional type of cookie your family makes every year or you enjoy "mixing it up", here are some great recipes you and your taste buds will enjoy!  

       My favorite types of cookies to make are ones you can decorate. I make sugar cookies for almost every holiday of the year, but my favorite are Christmas sugar cookies. There are so many adorable shapes and designs to use. Here is a great recipe from Paula Dean for Snowflake Cookies. 

          I also love the flavor of fruit in cookies because it makes the cookies sweeter. Here is a five-star recipe for Butter and Jam Thumbprints. They are easy and fun to make with the kids. 

         These are one of the most delicious cookies I have ever eaten! They are Giada De Laurenrtiis’ Dried Cherry and Almond Cookies with Vanilla Icing. They are perfect for all ages and such a crowd pleaser. 

         

       My last recommendation is Alton Brown's recipe for Macaroons with coconut and macadamia nuts. I ordinarily do not like coconut flavor but enjoyed this cookie. You will be in love with these Paradise Macaroons.  

Quick Brain Food Snacks On the Go

             As a college student in the month of December, I have been very busy during exam week and have not had much time to cook. When you only have minutes to spare, sometimes our meals dwindle in quality and we find ourselves eating junk food. This can easily be avoided by turning to quick and easy recipes from the Food Network. So whether you are studying for exams or have a busy work schedule and need some extra energy, there is always time to cook some satisfying food that will give you energy to get you through your day.

            People tend to turn to sugar and junk foods when they are busy and low on energy and focus. This is a bad idea because later it makes us crash, leaving us lethargic and cranky. Instead you should turn to foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, OMEGA-3’s, complex carbohydrates and protein. Some examples are fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, nuts and fish. Proteins aid in tissue repair and are needed in all organs of the body, including the brain. The best proteins are “complete proteins" which are found in eggs, fish, meats, poultry and soybeans.

Here are some quick and easy recipes that will you have you performing at your best! 

Oven Poached Salmon a la Paige with Dill, Vidalia Onion and Cucumber Relish

Cook time: 15 minutes

Fruit Salad with Honey Dressing

Prep time: 15 minutes

Granola Bars

 Cook time: 30 minutes

Slow-Cooked Scrambled Eggs with Goat Cheese

Cook time: 5 minutes

Other brain foods include cacao beans, matcha, coffee, acai berries and blueberries.

Eating Healthy for the Holidays

Nutrition has always been important to me and should be important to everyone. What you eat determines the level your body and mind performs. So when thinking of adding extra butter or sugar to your holiday sweets, maybe reconsider!

            With the holidays coming up, we are all getting excited to indulge on some great foods that can sometimes be fattening and give us no energy. The Food Network has some great recipes that can keep you feeling and looking great after the holidays.

Here are some great holiday recipes from the Food Network that are healthy and will be saving you from calorie overload!

                           

   

             

Sparkling Cider Mimosa

Shrimp Cocktail with Tomatillo- Horseradish Sauce

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

                                                     

Lighter Chocolate Chip Cookies

      

                If you have foods that you traditionally make for the holidays, you can always modify them to make them healthier and less fattening. Using healthy sweeteners instead of sugar can do this. The most popular natural sweeteners are Agave Nectar, Lo Han, Stevia, Truvia and Xylitol. You can also turn to whole grains and fresh fruits to make food taste great while also offering your body vitamins and nutrients.

Start a new years resolution and eat healthy! It will have you feeling great without sacrificing flavor or portions! Check out the Food Network show Healthy Appetite with registered dietitian Ellie Krieger for fast, easy and healthy recipes. She also provided tips on how to eat healthy, even in challenging situations!

For more healthy holiday recipes visit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/holidays-made-healthy-smart-indulgences/pictures/index.html

Happy Holidays!