Cheers to the last day of 2022 (though it may already be 2023 for those of you opening this up on Sunday morning). Regardless, we all still have to eat! The focus here is all about stepping into the New Year with a mindfulness about nourishing ourselves well and enjoying every bite. I’ve also included a fun one under Bonus Recipes for those of you doing game day gatherings.
Brothy Chickpeas with Garlic Croutons
These braised chickpeas taste like comfort in a bowl. They stew in a flavorful broth, then get topped with crunchy garlic croutons, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. Nourishing and delicious.
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
We’re deep in cozy weather, and these meatballs are just right for this time of year. They’re easy to make, on the lighter side as far as meatballs go, and just as good over vegetables as a heap of spaghetti. hese meatballs are quick to make and cook right in the sauce (no browning on the stove or oven).
Crunchy Thai-Style Salad with Tofu or Chicken Skewers
I love this light, super crunchy, and plenty satisfying salad. It’s really packed with flavor and is just as good with a chicken as tofu skewers (or make both!).
Savory Winter Vegetable Pie
Give this brand-new-to-the-blog recipe a whirl. It’s made with roasted squash, kale, and mushrooms that get folded into a base of eggs, cottage cheese, and glorious Gruyère. It’s got a very unfussy, whole-grain crust that uses olive oil instead of butter and can be made ahead and reheated.
Cauliflower Tostadas with Chipotle Sauce
Though not exactly traditional tostadas, these are definitely crave-worthy. The dish is on the lighter side, so add a side of homemade or canned pinto or black beans embellished with a spoonful of salsa.
Pineapple Orange Green Smoothie
A morning smoothie is my go-to for resetting healthy habits and this is a tasty one to try. Frozen pineapple makes it quick to whiz up in a blender and the recipe includes plenty of ideas to boost the nutrition over the top.
Walking Tacos
Since some of you will be rallying around bowl games, I figured something fun to nosh on was in order. Assemble these for guests, or set it up as a buffet and let them do up their own.
SHOPPING LIST
Roasted Winter Vegetable Pie
- ¾ cup whole-wheat flour
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red or white wine vinegar
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, quartered
- 3 cups cubed (1-inch) butternut squash, fresh or frozen (no need to defrost)
- 2 cups stemmed, chopped, lightly packed kale (any variety)
- 8 ounces shallots
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup low-fat milk or plant milk
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese, 3 ounces, divided
Cauliflower Tostadas
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 six-inch corn tortillas
- ½ heaping cup plain yogurt
- 1 small chipotle pepper en adobo (sold in cans in the Mexican food section of the market)
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Pickled onions or pickled jalapeños
- 1 ½ cups finely shredded red or green cabbage
Brothy Chickpeas with Olive Oil Croutons
- 1 baguette or loaf of crusty bread (such as levain)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 stalk celery
- 2 medium carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas (two 15-ounce cans)
- 2 cups chicken broth, ideally homemade (or vegetable broth), plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 link uncooked spicy Italian turkey sausage (~1/4 to 1/3 pound)
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
- One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
Crunchy Asian-Style Salad with Tofu or Chicken Skewers
- Crunchy Asian-Style Salad with Tofu or Chicken Skewers
- ½ cup lime juice (3 to 4 juicy limes) 2 tablespoons sambal oelek (or sriracha)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (use soy sauce for a vegan version of the recipe)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 ½ tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or firm, drained tofu
- ½ head Napa cabbage
- ½ head red cabbage
- 2 large navel oranges
- 2/3 cup roughly chopped fresh basil or fresh cilantro
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh mint
- 3 scallions
- 1/4 cup roasted salted peanuts
Pineapple Orange Green Smoothie
- 1 cup plain kefir
- 1 1/2 cups packed baby spinach
- 1 peeled seedless Navel or Cara Cara orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cubed pineapple
- 1 ripe frozen banana
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 thick slice crusty bread, ideally whole grain
- 1/3 medium ripe avocado
- 1/2 lemon
- 2 dashes sumac (or other favorite spices or herbs, such as za’atar, paprika, chives, or dried chili flakes)
Walking Tacos
- 3/4 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked pinto beans
- 1/2 packet taco seasoning mix
- 6 one-ounce bags tortilla chips, Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips, Siete brand tortilla chips, or wax paper bags with 1 big handful of tortilla chips
- 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 2 1/2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 medium chopped tomato
- Any of the following garishes: taco sauce, Mexican salsa, diced avocado, thinly sliced scallions, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, plain yogurt