Month: November 2023

Comfort

Fall Salad Delights to Brighten Your Palate

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s easy to find comfort in hearty, warm meals during the winter months. However, that doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to salads until spring. Fall and Winter salads can be just as satisfying and flavorful, incorporating seasonal ingredients that add a burst of freshness to your plate. Here are some delightful salad recipe ideas that will keep your taste buds happy and your body nourished during the cold season.

Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese by From a Chef’s Kitchen
  1. Roasted Root Vegetable Salad:

Roasting root vegetables not only intensifies their flavors but also adds a delightful warmth to your salad. Start with a mix of carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. Toss them in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary, then roast until tender. Combine the roasted veggies with baby spinach, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a satisfying and nutritious salad.

Fall Harvest Salad with Tahini Maple Dressing by Running on Real Food

2. Winter Harvest Salad (vegan):

Celebrate the bounty of winter with a harvest-inspired salad. Start with a base of mixed greens, such as kale and arugula. Add roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and red onion for a hearty foundation. Top it off with pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of maple tahini dressing. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors will leave your taste buds dancing.

Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate, Feta and Mint by The Sunny Side Up Recipes
  1. Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad:

This quinoa and pomegranate salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. Cook quinoa according to the package instructions and let it cool. Add pomegranate seeds, chopped fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of honey. The tartness of the pomegranate seeds and the freshness of mint will make this salad a winter favorite.

Kale and Brussel Sprouts Salad by Well Plated
  1. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad:

Kale and Brussels sprouts are cold-weather champions, and when combined, they create a hearty winter salad. Shred both vegetables finely, and then massage them with a lemony vinaigrette to soften and enhance their flavors. Add sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth and crunch. It’s a nutrient-packed salad that’s perfect for the season.

Mushroom Salad with Lentils and Caramelized Onions by Viktoria’s Table
  1. Warm Lentil and Mushroom Salad:

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great choice for a satisfying winter salad. Cook green or brown lentils until tender, then sauté them with sliced mushrooms, garlic, and thyme until the mushrooms are golden and tender. Toss the lentils and mushrooms with baby arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and a simple mustard vinaigrette. The warm lentils and earthy mushrooms make this salad comforting and nourishing.

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Comfort

November: A Time to Gather, Give Thanks, and Feast!

November is here, and that means Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s that wonderful time of the year when we gather with our loved ones, express gratitude, and enjoy a hearty meal together. As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves pouring over recipes and having marathon cooking sessions to create a feast that shows our loved ones just how much they mean to us. We’ve gathered some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help you prepare a delectable meal. Plus, we’ll explore how to set the table in a way that creates a magical ambiance, ensuring this Thanksgiving won’t be forgotten for years.

Photo by Amaris Sachs Photo

The Thanksgiving Feast:

  1. Roast Turkey with All the Trimmings: Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the star of the show, the turkey. Roasting a turkey can be a labor of love, but the result is worth every bit of effort. Season the bird with your favorite herbs and spices, and don’t forget to baste it for that golden, crispy skin. Serve it with classic stuffing, cranberry sauce, and rich gravy.
  2. Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must on any Thanksgiving table. Boil or steam your potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, cream or dairy-free alternative, salt, and pepper. These fluffy spuds pair perfectly with turkey and gravy.
  3. Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Say goodbye to canned cranberry sauce and say hello to this sweet and tangy homemade version. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
  4. Pumpkin Pie: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. Discover this recipe for the ultimate dessert that will leave your guests craving more.
Photo by Amaris Sachs Photo

Setting the Thanksgiving Table:

While the food undoubtedly takes center stage, setting the table plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting ambiance for your Thanksgiving gathering. With a few simple touches, you can transform your dining area into a place that will be remembered for years to come.

  • Table Linens: Start with a clean and well-ironed tablecloth, placemats, or table runners in neutral or warm autumnal colors. Consider using seasonal patterns or textiles that add a touch of coziness.
  • Dinnerware: Opt for elegant or rustic dinnerware, depending on the style you wish to achieve. Mix and match patterns or use vintage dishes for a charming, eclectic look.
  • Centerpieces: Create a beautiful centerpiece with seasonal flowers, gourds, and candles. For a personal touch, craft your own centerpiece using natural elements like pinecones, leaves, nuts and fresh or dried fruit.
  • Place Cards: Design place cards with the names of your guests to make them feel extra special. Handwritten notes or small tokens of appreciation can be a lovely addition.
  • Candles and Lighting: Add warmth to the table with candles or fairy lights. The soft, flickering glow creates an enchanting atmosphere as the sun sets.
  • Final Touches: Don’t forget the small details like polished silverware and fresh, folded napkins. Consider incorporating rustic elements like wooden or woven chargers or place mats for an extra dash of charm.
Photo by Amaris Sachs Photo

As we enter November, we are reminded of the joy of Thanksgiving, a time to celebrate love, gratitude, and delicious food. The act of preparing a heartfelt meal for your loved ones is a true labor of love, and the art of setting the table can turn your gathering into a magical experience that will be cherished for years to come.

We hope that our Thanksgiving recipes and table-setting tips inspire you to create a memorable and meaningful holiday celebration. So, gather your loved ones, pull out all the stops in the kitchen, and let the ambiance you create remind everyone just how much they mean to you.

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