Full of flavor…and Fat Flush friendly!

The holidays can cause even the most organized person to become stressed. Maybe that’s why so many people experience the typical ten to fifteen pound weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

Dividing our precious time between work, family and social commitments often leaves us with little time for planning everyday meals…let alone for the holidays. And, when it’s time to cook a large holiday dinner, creating a healthy but delicious meal that your non-Fat Flushing relatives will savor can cause even more concern.

But, not to worry, a festive and flavorful Fat Flush meal can be enjoyed by all! I’ve put together a delicious holiday menu that is sure to be a crowd-pleasing success.

 

 

Holiday Buffet Menu

 

Baby Greens and Radicchio with Herbal Dijon Vinaigrette
Curried Delicata Squash Bisque

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Fresh Herbs

Wilted Red Cabbage with Fennel
Orange-Scented Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Root Veggies with Macadamia Nut Drizzle

Dessert
Tart Cherry Kanten
Hungarian Almond Torte with Fresh Whipped Cream

I’ve included the recipes for my two favorite dishes on the menu, and you’ll find others included on the Fat Flush Recipe Database. Click the links on the menu to access the full printable version of each featured recipe.

 

Curried Delicata Squash Bisque

This is an excellent soup for a chilly winter day. Delicata squash is very tender and cooks more quickly than other winter squashes. The spices are very warming. The apple cider vinegar adds a tartness that brings out the apples.

Makes 8 servings.

 

3 pounds Delicata squash (or other winter squash), peeled and seeded, cut in chunks

2 apples, peeled and cored

2 leeks, washed well and trimmed

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground cumin

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 cups vegetable broth

Steam the squash, apples, and leeks for about 8 minutes, or until tender. In a food processor, chop the mixture lightly, leaving some chunks. Place the mixture in a soup pot; simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes. Stir in the spices, apple cider vinegar, and veggie broth. Simmer for about 5 minutes longer.

 

Hungarian Almond Torte

Incredibly light, this torte makes a lovely dessert for year-round celebrations. Serve with berries and fresh whipped cream.

Makes 12 servings (one 10-inch cake).

 

 

 

Olive oil spray

6 large or 7 medium-size eggs, separated

½ teaspoon cream of tartar

2 teaspoons almond extract

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons honey

1 ½ cups almond meal

Cacao-Cinnamon Sprinkle*

1/3 cup chopped almonds, toasted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the bottom of a 10-inch tube-shaped springform or tube pan with parchment paper. Lightly coat the parchment paper and sides of the pan with a few spritzes of olive oil. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff but not dry. In a medium-size bowl, beat the egg yolks with the almond extract, lemon juice and zest, honey, and almond meal. Gently fold into the egg white mixture. Carefully pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the pan; carefully transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Let cool for 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a serving plate. Dust the top of the torte with Cacao-Cinnamon Sprinkle and top with chopped almonds.

*Cacao-Cinnamon Sprinkle: Mix 2 tablespoons cacao powder, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 4 teaspoons Flora-Key (optional).

 

My Holiday Wish for You…

Enjoy these healthy holiday recipes.  I hope you’ll find a favorite or two to return to your table in 2014!

While all of the dishes I’ve shared are Fat Flush friendly, we all sometimes skimp on healthy eating this time of year. In order to ensure you’re still getting all of the nutrients you need, a daily multivitamin (despite the recent negative press and poorly conducted studies) is essential.

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a glorious holiday season and a very happy New Year!