Happy Holidays!
It’s our favorite time of year and we’ve already started celebrating. This is the year I’m finally going to make a proper Beef Wellington for my husband — he’s only been asking for twenty years. And I’m getting a jump on Thanksgiving by working on an amalgamation of the most interesting pumpkin pie recipes I see online — I’m excited to try sweetened condensed coconut milk! I hope you’re enjoying the crisp air and all things cozy. Wishing you good health and a joyous season with the people you love.
xx-Rachel
Za’atar Tahini Sauce
Za’atar is a savory Middle Eastern spice blend traditionally made with Hyssop, which is considered to have extensive health benefits. Some less traditional versions use thyme or oregano as an alternative. I recommend The Spice Way, Traditional Lebanese Za’atar with Hyssop. Keep a bowl of this zesty sauce in the fridge to drizzle on roasted root veg, asparagus, grain bowls — or anything that gets in the way. Here I’ve paired it with roasted sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of freshness. I don’t love the sweeter varieties of sweet potato, but the Hannah and Purple Stokes I’ve used lean more savory, with a texture similar to regular potatoes.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup well-stirred tahini
1/3 cup filtered water
1 large lemon (1 teaspoon lemon zest + 3 tablespoons juice)
1/2 teaspoon pink salt
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon za’atar
Make the sauce:
Stir the ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate until use. Make a few hours in advance so the flavors can develop. Holds well in the fridge for a week.
How I roasted the sweet potatoes:
I halved the Hannah (white) sweet potatoes and quartered the really large Stokes purple sweet potatoes. I tossed them in a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil and pink salt, and baked them in the top third of the oven on a rimmed baking sheet at 500F for 25 minutes.
(Better for you) Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin spice latte devotees: serve your holiday guests a legit pumpkin spice latte that is loaded with flavor and free of the faux stuff. Mix up a single serving or see the notes for a larger batch. Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top if you’d like to fancy it up!
Makes one serving
Ingredients:
1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon dried pumpkin powder
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup strong brewed coffee
Optional: coconut whipped cream
Instructions:
Whisk all the ingredients (except the coffee) together in a glass Pyrex 2-cup measuring cup with spout. Microwave for one minute and whisk again until there are no remaining lumps of pumpkin powder. Add one cup (8-ounces) of hot coffee and stir to combine. Pour it into a glass or mug and top with coconut whipped cream if desired.
Shortcuts:
Use instant coffee or bottled cold brew coffee.
Make 10 servings, and refrigerate for up to two weeks:
3 (13.5 ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
1-1/4 cups pure maple syrup
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons dried pumpkin powder
2 -1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Holiday Gifting
Simple, practical, affordable
1)These minimalist design Oil + Vinegar Dispensers come with with labels and make for a pretty and practical gift set. The 36 pre-printed labels include extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil and a selection of vinegars. ($25.95)
2) Whether your interest is purely aspirational or you intend to cook your way through it, you will enjoy getting lost in the dreamy landscapes of Freedom Maine, in Erin French’s new cookbook: Big Heart Little Stove. You may have seen her show on The Magnolia Network called The Lost Kitchen — now you can bring a little of the magic to your own table. ($26.60)
3) Saie Glowy Lightweight Illuminator If you don’t like the feel of makeup, you can still get your glow on and bring a little more life to your look with this super lightweight gel. I use the shade called starglow — it’s very subtle, and makes an excellent stocking stuffer! ($16)
4) Powdered pumpkin: pumpkin spice latte lovers, you deserve the real deal! This dried pumpkin powder is nutrient-dense and can also be used to make a righteous pumpkin spice energy ball. Serve it to your guests or pop a bag into stockings! ($16.99)
5) Sweet Laurel Bake Shop in LA has created these Sweet Laurel Baking Mixes and use my baking ingredients of choice: almond flour and maple syrup. Choose between chocolate cake, pancakes and chocolate chip cookies. Most Sprouts Markets carry this line of baking mixes as well! ($12.50)
6) Whether you're a runner, a walker or a stander, Brooks Ghost Running shoes were life changing for me because they have an innovative midsole that’s specifically designed to feel plush underfoot while providing lots of structure. We don't wear shoes in our house and my feet suffered on days I spent time in the kitchen. So I ordered an extra pair to be strictly my indoor shoes. ($140)
7) Peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat that never goes out of style. Wait for free shipping and you have a really affordable gift to send anyone who loves sweets and appreciates tradition. This nostalgic fave is crafted using custom-blended Guittard chocolate and double-distilled oil of peppermint, and it’s finished with a snowfall of crushed peppermint candy. This year they’ve added their bark in truffle form and I can’t wait to give it a try! ($29.95)
(8) My wonderful old friend Steve Moore is an ubertalented international wedding designer who has just launched a stunning new holiday line. I have so many favorite items — like the hand-dyed velvet ribbon and 2.75-inch star ornaments which I’ll be tying onto my kraft gift bags and bakery boxes. The Bordeaux ribbon color is especially luscious! All the ornaments are gorgeous and come in unusually substantial keepsake boxes that make them perfect for storage or gifting. The faux greenery was painstakingly perfected with hand-painted detail. It’s the very first time I’ve opted for faux greenery because this is the most authentic version I’ve ever seen. I’ll be wrapping the garland around our large wrought iron chandelier, and hanging the oversized cedar wreath — tied with the wide Bordeaux velvet ribbon — above our entry console table. After deciding we weren’t going to go through the fuss and expense of getting a tree, we’re really excited to bring some seasonal beauty into into our home through this reusable greenery. And because it’s not going to wilt, we’re decorating early this year!!!
I always look forward to your holiday newsletters - especially your gift guide. I often struggle to find just the right gift and I appreciate this year's selections! The cookbook by Erin French looks fantastic and I love gifting ornaments - thanks for these beautiful suggestions. You also had me at peppermint bark! I am eyeing some of these items for myself, lol.
I am excited about the Za'atar tahini sauce on roasted sweet potatoes - you bring together some of my favorite flavors with this recipe. I love Za'atar and appreciate you introducing me to this magical earthy spice blend.
I am also thinking about attempting beef Wellington this year. My mother and her best friend used to make it every Christmas Eve. Good luck with yours!
LOVED this years Holiday Gift Guide!
I couldn't agree more about the Brooks, totally life changing.
Erin French's food always looks so yummy!
The powdered pumpkin, wow, who knew that even existed. I bet its freaking AMAZING and such a great shortcut or even if you just need a smidge! A PSL I cant get behind.
I have always wanted to try the Saie illuminator gel. I know coming from you its got to be simple, elegant and serve a purpose.... I may give it a shot during the Sephora sale. ;)
I think I am most excited to see/hear how this beef wellington comes out- whoa, what a feat!