Cookie and Kate

Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

November 14, 2018 114 Comments

Let’s talk about cranberry sauce! It’s the neglected, afterthought condiment of Thanksgiving, but no holiday table is complete without it. Cranberry sauce adds a very necessary burst of sweet-tart flavor and ruby red color to an otherwise beige meal.

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe is much prettier than store-bought, not to mention extra delicious thanks to the honey or maple syrup.

Plus, this homemade cranberry sauce couldn’t be easier to make. It’s ready in about 10 minutes. If you need a quick and easy Friendsgiving option, sign up for the cranberry sauce!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cranberry sauce recipe:

1 bag of fresh cranberries
honey or maple syrup
water
the zest from one orange, or orange juice

And a pot to cook it in. That’s it.

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Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans

November 14, 2018 35 Comments

These roasted Brussels sprouts are so good, I have to stop myself from devouring the whole platter. They’re irresistible! While the recipe is simple enough to make on a weeknight, I hope they’ll also make an appearance at your Thanksgiving feast.

This festive side dish recipe features roasted Brussels sprouts, plump dried cranberries, toasted pecans and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. I like to add some Parmesan cheese or a few little pats of butter for added richness. Have mercy.

This recipe is famous in my boyfriend’s family. I haven’t had their version yet, but he got the recipe from his sister and I tinkered with it from there. The original recipe has pancetta in it, which I don’t eat, so I adjusted the ingredients and method and came up with this one.

Part of the reason why I haven’t mentioned this great presence in my life is because the word “boyfriend” makes me cringe. What’s the grown-up alternative? Another reason is that I decided to stay quiet about my dating life after some heartbreak a few years ago. However, I met this man for spring rolls and beer one year ago today, and that seems worth mentioning.

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Arugula and Wild Rice Salad with Zippy Lemon Dressing

November 12, 2018 144 Comments

Have you tried wild rice in your salads yet? I’m hooked! Wild rice is chewy, nutty, and hearty. It’s high in protein and B vitamins, and adds a strong backbone to healthy green salads.

This salad is wholesome and filling, with plenty of bold arugula and bursts of flavor in the form of toasted almonds, creamy feta, dried tart cherries and fresh basil.

I shared this recipe several years ago, but I’m afraid the photos weren’t doing it justice. This salad should be a strong contender for your Thanksgiving table. It could pull double-duty as a hearty vegetarian option and serve as wild rice stuffing. It’s also a great healthy weekday option as the holidays approach (leftovers pack well for lunch).

If you aren’t quite sold on the concept yet, I have a little story for you. My boyfriend usually claims that arugula is too “peppery” for his liking, and initially declined the salad. Then, he got a look at it and asked for a bite. Then, I heard, “This salad is really nice.” After a few more bites, “Why is this so good? What’s in it?” Finally, “This is so good. Will you make this for me on my birthday?” Victory!!!

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Perfect Roasted Carrots (Three Ways!)

November 8, 2018 23 Comments

Move over, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts! I have a new favorite vegetable side dish, roasted carrots.

Like those other vegetables, carrots develop deep, concentrated flavor and golden, caramelized edges as they roast in the oven. Carrots are also affordable and easy to keep on hand.

If you’ve ever been underwhelmed by steamed carrots (been there), I promise that they’re far more interesting in roasted form. Roasted carrots are an easy and healthy weeknight side dish, and would also add a welcome jolt of color to your Thanksgiving table.

Today, I’m sharing my recipe for perfect roasted carrots. I love variety and I know you do, too, so I developed two fun variations as well. One is a little spicy and the other is a little more indulgent, featuring a light honey-butter sauce. Who knew carrots could be so tempting?

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Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

November 5, 2018 92 Comments

Behold! Lusciously creamy, yet cream-less, cauliflower soup. This cauliflower soup recipe will absolutely satisfy your craving for warm, creamy soup—no cheese required.

I know “cauliflower soup” might not sound super appealing if you’ve never had it before. Trust me, it can be so delicious! Today, I’m sharing my favorite cauliflower soup recipe, and I can’t wait for you to make it at home.

My friend Tessa introduced me to cauliflower soup a few years ago. I loved it so much that I developed my own recipe for my cookbook, Love Real Food.

As the temps and leaves have dropped this fall, I’ve had a hankering for warm, creamy soups. So, I thought I’d share a slightly simplified version of my cauliflower soup for everyone to enjoy. Let’s make some!

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What to Cook This November

October 30, 2018 46 Comments

We’re just one Halloween away from November! Cooler evenings call for cozy fall comfort foods and roasted veggies, so I’m stocking up on winter squash, sweet potatoes and hardy greens. What are you craving this fall?

I’m finalizing several new recipes that I’m super excited about. I can’t wait to share them with you. For now, I’m sharing some links that I’ve found helpful or interesting lately, and a whole slew of seasonal recipes to cook up in November. Here we go!

Links lately:

My nutritionist friend Leigh is launching a free email series to help you have a healthy holiday season! (“Prepare, not repair.”)
How Time Batching Will Change The Way You Work
This is cute: A Secret to a Happy Marriage
I answered some fun questions on OKC Veggie
It’s about that time of year: Eczema 101
Shared from a sitting position: The Health Hazards of Sitting
Do good with your Friendsgiving by fundraising for No Kid Hungry
Completely obsessed with Everlane’s new affordable stretch jeans (affiliate link—I have them in both dark wash blue and washed black and they never bag out!)

Apples

Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Gluten free and vegan (see notes)

“We made the apple oatmeal on this cool morning here in Kansas…and it was perfect. Topped it with some almond butter and a swirl of maple syrup. My 3 year old ate most of my portion along with his. So, kid friendly, as well! Another recipe well done!” – Jamie

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