updated on December 14, 2017
My apologies to all of you my beautiful loyal Cuisinicity fans, for not writing a brand new blog for this holiday season but I have been dealing with family issues and just got back from France to tend to my elderly Mom, so I hope you will forgive me and just read on my updated post with some of my latest additions this year for you!
So this is it: the heart of the holiday season!
…and you are thinking, assuming, that you have to abandon all hope of bringing a healthy dish to that next holiday party from fear that it will be the one remaining on the buffet table, untouched…shunned by all (including yourself!). All right, all right, a bit dramatic –I know! Still, you know what I mean, right?
It doesn’t have to be so! There are many perfectly healthy and nutritious dishes that you may have loved all year long that you can just “dress up” a little to honor that festive table, and, all of a sudden, the array of choices is almost endless!
This week, I am devoting my special to that “dressing up” and simply going through my repertoire of dishes and identifying for you those that I deem holiday worthy! I will include links to them at the bottom of this post.
I am sharing several new ones I created this past year for you as well.
My Almond Orange Chocolate Torte and my Fresh Fruit Clafoutis are old favorites of mine that I created over 15 years ago and that have passed the test of time, gracing those holiday buffet tables with great acclaim!
My Almond Orange Chocolate Torte is one dessert you will be able to “indulge” in without any guilt! I love to dress it up with lots of fresh fruit and sprigs of fresh mint. It makes for a spectacular presentation, wouldn’t you say?
My Fresh Fruit Clafoutis is a hearty French peasant custard that I filled with fresh mango and blueberries instead of the traditional cherries, bypassing the cream, butter and loads of sugar of course. It is so festive on a buffet table, especially at Christmas time when people are just amazed to find such a luscious fresh fruit dessert!
And of course, my splendid Fresh Fruit Trifle that I published early for you at Thanksgiving because you demanded it! The wine cake layers blend perfectly with the vanilla yogurt, the rhum and the fresh fruit so that it tastes decadently delicious (the rhum-embued cake reminds me of a French “baba au rhum” and the vanilla yogurt becomes so thick you’d think it’s heavy cream!). It is absolutely spectacular as a centerpiece on a dessert buffet table. It’s always a hit–never fails–so I proclaimed this one the Holiday Special WINNER, again this year!
Another contender, and this one is BRAND NEW, is my Chocolate Lava Cake! It’s decadent tasting, and by the way, it is vegan and gluten free…I mean WOW! Talk about a crowd pleaser and a party talk of the evening!!! You can make it ahead of time, unbaked and then throw it in the oven when you need it! Take a look at how beautiful and enticing these are on a buffet table! I took this picture on my phone last week for a little holiday party I had at our home:
I also had a platter of chocolate-dipped biscotti–take a look in the background of the photo! Here is the recipe: Biscotti Dipped in Dark chocolate.
Of course, you can always count on my Crème au Chocolat! it looks absolutely MAGNIFICENT on a buffet table (you have to check out the photo I took here!)
WOOOOW!
Not only is it as decadent tasting as it is beautiful, it is truly outstanding nutritionally. You won’t believe how healthy it is! Every one of your guests will rave about it and I mean every one can enjoy it (it happens to be vegan, gluten-free and nut-free!)
Another lovely dessert is my genoise, or sponge cake with chocolate ganache–vegan at that!
Here is an appetizer that I absolutely LOVE and that your guests will too! It is a rustic savory Galette with Caramelized Onion, Oven-Dried Tomatoes & Goat Cheese…..OH MY!!! It’s wonderful as an appetizer because you can slice it and eat it with your fingers–no need for silverware here!
A variety on that theme is my Fresh Tomato, Olive and basil Galette–also delicious and so elegant!
I also have the dessert version of a galette made with a variety of fresh fruit: strawberries, or cranberry apples, or plum, and even a vegan version of these luscious sweet galettes you can adapt to whatever fresh fruit you have access to at your local market in your part of the world: Here is one made with fresh peaches but you can also make it with apples, pears, strawberries.
If you prefer to use canned peaches (in pear juice), and are OK with a non-vegan cake, here is a delicious Peach Flat Cake that is a wonderful crowd pleaser too!
And of course there is that good ol’ standby crudités basket filled with fresh raw veggies and my delicious, amazingly rich-tasting (it’s fat free and has loads of organic fresh baby spinach!) Spinach Dip. I present it inside a hulled-out fresh cabbage. It is so simple and just so inviting, bursting with color!
Another favorite is my Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip….wow!! I love the combination of fresh spinach and artichoke and this creamy dip is absolutely marvelous! Not only that, I have made it as healthy as can be–no mayo, or cream, or cream cheese, or sour cream or any of those ingredients I have seen in most recipes for this dip.
Here are some old time healthy favorites that I deem worthy of your holiday buffet table:
My Turkey Bean Pot-au-feu is SUPERB on a rustic holiday table by a fire. In fact, I did just that at a holiday party I hosted last year and it was a hit! Here it is, displayed in a beautiful copper pan, with my Simply Quinoa as a side dish and a beautiful platter of oven roasted root vegetables (you can inspire yourself here with any of my simply veggie recipes).
Other wonderful healthy dishes that I recommend for this “dress up” week special are:
How special to this wonderful Mediterranean whole wheat couscous salad filled with artichoke hearts, bell peppers, tomatoes, chickpeas, fresh basil, and topped with roasted sunflower seeds!
….and I think I will let you go right to the links below to see for yourself how MAGNIFICENT these other ones with my mistletoe stamp of approval will look on your holiday table too!
Apple Butternut Squash Soup (I served this creamy luscious soup as an appetizer in a demi-tasse for a Fall evening party-WOW!).
Even some gluten-free Desserts: Classic Mousse au Chocolat, served individually in little expresso cups…take a look!
Orange Polenta Petits Fours, Flourless Chocolate Cake (MARVELOUS!)
…and the list could go on! In fact, I would say that about every one of my recipes, with the exception of smoothies and breakfasts, are fair game for the holiday, so just peruse the website and pick whichever healthy recipe you deem worthy of your holiday table and please let me know if I should add a little mistletoe stamp of approval for them too. I wouldn’t be surprised…and that was my point all along!
BON APPETIT and HAVE FUN WITH THIS!
Catherine, I just wanted to send you and your family my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Thank you so much for your devotion to us, your readers. I am sending prayers to your Mother.
Thank you so much Anita, I appreciate it so much, feel your love! 🙂
Dear Catherine,
I wish you and your family very happy holidays! I hope your mom is doing ok!
Inspired by your “dress up” remarks, I turned my normal whole grain-lentils bread into Xmas buns (with the help of star and teddy bear shaped silicon muffin forms. It was a huge success …
So thank you for the inspiration!
Sibylle
WOW!! Sybille,now I am going to need your recipe!! I am not kidding! You are so very welcome for the inspiration, I love how you just run with it and make it so special for your family,aways! I wish you a peaceful and healthy new year, filled with joy!
love
Catherine
Take care of your maman, Catherine. No worries about not posting a new blog…my heart went boom boom when I saw your chocolate recipes posted here and that Chocolate Lave Cake: OH MY!!! We are so spoiled to have your recipes come to us — just a click away! I wish you and your family all the best during the holiday season. Thanks again for all that you and David do! Take care of yourself.
Avec mes sincères amitiés, Julie
Thank you Julie, vous êtes ADORABLE! Votre petit mot me touche beaucoup, MERCI MERCI! I wish i could be as productive as you! I LOVE everything you make and post WOW!!! Je vous souhaite à vous et votre belle petite famille de belles fetes remplies de joie et de bonne santé bien sur!!
love
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Your email about dressing up some of your recipes for Christmas just arrived in my inbox. It’s so full of wonderful ideas that I hardly know where to begin.
I’d just like to say thank you for Cuisinicity. It’s such an impressive and friendly site. I have tried lots of your recipes and they are always great.
I hope your mother is doing better. It’s tough being far away from loved ones, especially at this time of the year.
I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
Anna
Thank you sweet Anna!! You are so positive and just lovely, I am very touched, it makes it all worthwhile!! I wish you and your family a beautiful holiday!!
love,
Catherine
Dear Catherine, There is nothing more important than family — in this case your mother. I do hope your trip was resolved in happiness or at least OK-ness.
Thank you for these beautiful dishes we can emulate or at least try to copy in some fashion.
I love being able to communicate here, like a best friend.
You are so right, Donna! I echo your sentiments.
Catherine, I hope this season brings health and happiness for your family. I love when you bring back a special post and give us some additions. It reminds me to go back and check out all of your rcipes. T’is the season to try something fancy, fun and packed with nutrition.
Thank you Arlene!! I wish you a very happy and heartwarming holiday…filled with yummy recipes, and most importantly with good health and cheer!
love
Catherine
Thank you both Donna and Donna!!! I am so touched by your beautiful words and kindness! I wish you a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to sharing more yummy recipes with you next year!!
love
Catherine
I have to go for the flourless chocolate cake as my favorite b/c well chocolate is chocolate. I have a party to go to and your confetti orzo salad would be a lovely contribution. Just looked at the ingredients and love it. I will have to follow your presentation of encircling it with lime slices.
Happy Holidays to you Catherine.
HAHAH YES Barbara!! I agree!! Happy Holidays to you and your family! 🙂
Always love to try new recipes from your website. You are inspiring us to eat healthier!
The Orange Spinach Wild Salmon is one of my favorite recipes!
I am so looking forward to trying out more of your vegan recipes (especially the desserts) for the holidays! This is a fabulous website.
I had no idea you could comment here! I have tried so many of your recipes and loved them!!! I have made some baked goods too. So many more I would like to try. Thank you for such healthy and delicious recipes Catherine! Have a wonderful holiday and New Year!
Catherine, do you have plans on publishing a print cookbook? I know everything is e(lectronic) now, but so many of us would love a copy to hold, with beautiful pictures to see.
I would definitely buy a copy. I love that your dishes look elegant,sophisticated, healthy and delicious!
I was intimidated at first with your culinary/French culture and neuroscience background, but I adore you! You and the food you love are down to earth, wholesome
and simple. I think you make ALL of us feel at home around your table, no matter our background. Thank you for that!
Hi Jody, I am BLOWN AWAY by your wonderful and kind words!!! WOW!! Thank you so much! It is so gratifying to me to feel your beautiful enthusiasm, embracing not only my recipes but the spirit with which I so much want to share and impart them, and the fact that you feel at home at the Cuisinicity table is all that I could wish for! I adore YOU for such a gift to me! Did I say WOW?!!! As for a book, I am starting to think about it, and definitely encouraged by your beautiful endorsement!! 🙂
Catherine, I am a huge fan of your recipes and of the work and messages you and of course your husband relay.
I especially love your walnut crusted salmon and your chocolate lava cake!
Happy Holidays and all the best for 2017.
YAY!!! Pat, Thank you so much for your lovely comment!! I am delighted to hear about your 2 favorites! just made my walnut-crusted salmon last night for dinner, as a matter of fact, and of course, the lava cake is quickly becoming my very favorite for this holiday season! I am sending you and your family warm wishes for the holidays! 🙂
I enjoy your videos and how beautiful the healthy food is presented in pictures for reference. Very nice to have ideas for food that is good for you to share with others for the holiday. Thank you.
Cuisinicity has become my go-to website…I’ve raved about your recipes to our friends and
Neighbors…so much so that when I put a new dish on the table, my husband laughs and says, “let me guess, it tastes great AND it’s good for us!” : ) Please keep up the great work, we’re enjoying it immensely!
Oh my goodness Darlene, I can’t tell you how delighted I am to hear this!!! Thank you so much for your kind and very special words! I am very grateful 🙂
I’m a dietitian at a small rural hospital and have enjoyed making and sharing your chocolate goodies made with black lentils with my coworkers. They are always amazed at how good real, plant-based food tastes!
YAY Nita! Those are my pride and joy and I just love that you love them too and are sharing with those around you! Thank you so much! 🙂
Your Apple Walnut Scones were my favorite treat this past year. I try to eat vegan most of the time and because these were so delicious, I certainly didn’t miss the butter and sugar at all. I’ve made them several times and they are always a hit in our home. Learning to cook the apples was a great trick and so easy to do. Thank you for a great recipe Catherine (and I really love your enthusiasm for healthy food that tastes great)!
Yay!! Janet, I LOVE these scones and I even surprised myself how rich and sweet they tasted when I first created them! I am delighted that they have become your favorite treat! Thank you so much for your lovely comment! 🙂
Janet, I am so happy to hear that! 🙂
Your chicken tenders / Parmesan is a staple when I get together with my family. In fact it has been requested when we gather over the Christmas holiday. I am happy to do so. Happy Holidays to all!
oh WOW!!! I haven’t made those in so long, since my kiddies were still at home! I LOVE that it has become a staple in your family!! 🙂
The simple way you present healthy food, food that continues to support traditions and family. Thank you for all of the knowledge you have shared and will continue to share.
Thank you so much Monica! What an absolutely lovely thing to say! I am so touched! 🙂
I just found your website through an on-line health summit that your husband participated in. I made your vegan burgers yesterday and loved them. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes, as well!
That makes me so happy Beth! WELCOME TO THE CUISINICITY TABLE!! 🙂 Which variation of my vegan burgers did you make? I have 3 wonderful recipes for them!!
Hi, Catherine. I am new to your beautiful and generous gift of shared healthy recipes. I would like to try the Turkey & Bean Pot-au-feu, but can’t seem to find 3 lbs organic, free-range Turkey Breast (split bone in, skinless)* in grocery stores in the New Haven , Ct area. Are you able to share some advice on this? Thank you very much.
Welcome Eleanor! Thank you for your kind words! I love having you join me in the Cuisinicity kitchen!!
I used to find it at the Whitneyville food Market in Hamden (https://whitneyvillefood.com), but they don’t always carry it, which is why I specify in the recipe that you can also make it with organic chicken thighs which also work well in this recipe and is absolutely lovely as well! I hope this is helpful!
Thank you for a quick and wise response! It is like having a new friend to call on when I need cooking advice! I will try the chicken thighs in the recipe this weekend. Many thanks!
You are most welcome Eleanor! Anytime, I am here!! Do let me know how you like (love!) it when you make it! 🙂
I’m going to make a galette for my dad. And I think I’ll bring the artichoke dip to Christmas dinner. Can’t wait to share the results with you, Catherine!
That sounds perfect Donna! I can’t wait to hear how it goes! 🙂
I am invited to a Holiday cocktail party and am wondering what appetizer I can bring that doesn’t need an oven/broiler… spinach dip? I don’t want to bother the hostess and ask to use her oven – thanks!
Yes Greg, I think the Simply Spinach Dip is perfect for the occasion!
After looking at all these. I am so hungry!!! Beautiful food and Great presentation.
Who knew healthy food could make me feel so festive and recipes could be so entertaining to read?! Loved this, can’t wait to dress up my meals this holiday!
Thank you Rebecca! I love that you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it! Let me know which dishes you dress up this holiday and take pictures I ALWAYS LOVE that!!
bonsoir ! c’est féeerique ! c’est la Magie de Noël!!! ….je sens que je vais piquer beaucoup de bien belles idées pour les fêtes de Noël!!!
un grand merci pour ce gentil partage! plus besoin de se casser la tête , vous avez ouvert votre hotte remplie de délicieuses recettes !!! mais …vous ne seriez quand même pas le Père Noël ? non? alors… c’était vous? MERCI! Martine
Merci Martine! Féerique est exactement le mot que j’adore pendant cette belle saison de fêtes!!! J’adore votre enthousiasme!