Healthier For The Holidays

Traditionally a time of socially acceptable gluttony and excess, holiday indulgences are an important part of the season, within reason. There’s room for plenty of treats while still making space for some smarter choices. It’s been my distinct pleasure to create some more wholesome options for the winter festivities as part of my partnership with Kim Murphy at Simply Plant Based Kitchen.

Tasked with creating weekly recipes using only whole foods that are oil-free, refined sugar-free, and low-sodium, it’s been an inspiring undertaking that’s helped me eat better at the same time. Proof positive that you can have all the flavors you crave without the junk, I’m thrilled to share some of the best seasonal dishes to help facilitate a healthier, happier holiday season for all.

Cranberry Cheese Ball

Kick off your holiday party with a show-stopping starter! In this twist on the southern staple, creamy cashew cheese meets fresh cranberries simmered in orange juice, turning the soft spread a jolly pink color. Crusted with crisp pistachios and pomegranate arils, each bite is a little bit sweet, tart, and richly savory. It’ll be hard to leave room for the main meal when the appetizer is this compelling!

Gingered Butternut Squash Soup

Warming from the inside out, a steaming bowlful of butternut soup is just what the doctor ordered, even when you’re feeling perfectly well. Roasting the squash caramelizes the natural sugars, bringing out a greater depth of flavor while enhancing the velvety texture once blended. If you’re spice-sensitive, you might want to start with half as much ginger to be safe; you can always add more to taste.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

Everyone loves roasted Brussels sprouts, but have you tried eating them raw? Finely shaved into gossamer shreds, they form the crisp hearty foundation of this ode to autumn’s bounty. Combining juicy pears, crunchy toasted pecans, and bursts of tart pomegranate arils, a hint of orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note, making this salad a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Baked Latkes

Meet the healthiest, tastiest latkes ever! Although the miracle of the Hanukkah lights is all about oil, it’s entirely possible to celebrate without a single drop. Baked and not fried, these latkes are crispy around the edges and soft in the center, almost like little hash brown pancakes. Made with zero grease and no mess in the oven, they’re a modern miracle in and of themselves.

Cranberry Banana Bread

Banana bread never goes out of season, a perennial favorite that’s infinitely adaptable. Fresh cranberries dress up this humble loaf in autumn’s finest fashion, adding tart flavor to contrast the moist, maple-sweetened crumb. Sparkling with warm cinnamon and ginger, each slice is a cozy reminder of fall, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or sharing with loved ones during those chilly afternoons.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Warm, creamy, and comforting, bread pudding is the perfect dessert to ward off those autumn chills while celebrating the season’s bounty. Infused with the goodness of pumpkin and sweetened entirely with dates, this version is as satisfying as it is soothing. Consider this your invitation to customize your bread pudding to better suit your personal tastes; apple pie spices or chai spices would be delightful to swap in for this classic combo, and a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit would certainly be welcome, too.

Peppermint Crunch Bark

Homemade peppermint bark is one of the best crowd-pleasing sweets, crafts to make with kids, and last-minute gifts, all wrapped up in one bite-sized package. All you need is chocolate and peppermint extract to make it happen! Give your bark more bite this year by incorporating crispy rice cereal and cacao nibs, creating a texture that’s both lighter and more satisfying. It’s an easy and fun treat that everyone will love!

Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments

Nuts To Nog

Christmastime without eggnog would be simply nuts. Nuts that taste like eggnog, however, and that’s how you get into the spirit!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

For yet another year, I’ve been denied the pleasure of creating a new Nog-Off, with only one fresh contender of note. I will not, however, be denied my nog. For someone who’s never had the original egg- and dairy-based beverage, it has a hold on me like few other foods. And yes, though it is a drink, I think it’s substantial enough to qualify as a food too. That much is certainly true when you factor in a generous handful of crisp, freshly toasted nuts.

Nut Nog or Nog Nuts?

Nut nog is nothing new, of course, with some of the most popular recipes beginning with reliable old raw cashews, blended into creamy submission. What I’m talking about is a snack that straddles the line with dessert, could be served as a party starter or wrapped up as a gift at the end of the night, and has all the hallmarks of eggnog.

Aromatic nutmeg, bourbon, eggy kala namak, a touch of umami nutritional yeast, and lightly caramelized sugar all swirl together in a heady glaze that lacquers any combination of pecans, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, and so forth, that your heart desires. In fact, I even snuck in some pepitas for a subtly seasonal addition, so I’m calling seeds fair game, despite the official title.

Use Your Coconut

Coconut milk powder is a specialty ingredient that gives the mixture an additional richness, seeming to melt like freshly fallen snow, while creating a lightly frosted appearance. It’s entirely optional, so don’t fret if you can’t find it. Alternately, you can replace the alcohol with full-fat coconut cream, adding in a small splash of bourbon flavoring at the end if desired.

As the holidays descend and the festivities unfold, don’t let the absence of traditional eggnog dim your spirits. Embrace the joy of eggnog candied nuts; a sweet and savory blend that captures the essence of the season in every crunchy bite. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering, gifting it to loved ones, or hoarding it all for yourself, this novel approach is sure to add cheer to the occasion, all without raising a glass.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)6 Comments

Juicer Couture

A gift doesn’t need to be given to be received.

That’s what I tell myself when I’m staring down my wish list, debating how much might be reasonable to receive in a given calendar year. There must be special allowances, however, for a gift that’s practical, thoughtful, and genuinely useful, right? That defines the Hurom H310 Easy Clean Slow Juicer in all respects. I can confidently say it’s a pragmatic present you would only regret not treating yourself on.

I’ve been utterly hooked on juicing from the moment I plugged in my H400 by Hurom and suddenly can’t imagine life without such a luxury. Starting the day with a glass of fresh juice is better than any wake up call, rivaling the potency of a trusty espresso shot at times. Now, with this practical indulgence, I never need to deny myself. Compact, lightweight, and highly packable, this little juicer has completely changed the game. You can juice anywhere and everywhere—even while camping out in the wild, if you bring a power source. Limited luggage space makes the notion of putting a whole masticating juicer in a carry-on bag sound downright comical, but this machine always makes the cut.

Have Juice, Will Travel

The defining characteristic of the H310 Easy Clean that sets it apart from everything else on the market is how portable it is. Conventional juicers are hulking, heavy contraptions you could only park on your kitchen counter and leave there, taking up valuable real estate. This one seems to defy the laws of physics with a diameter of just 4 inches and weight of less than 8 pounds. Despite that, it’s still remarkably spacious, capable of accommodating a whole apple or orange with ease, stems, pits, and all.

I’m not one to compromise on quality, which is why the results are so spectacular. Like all Hurom juicers, the low-speed auger maximizes juice extraction from both fruits and vegetables, leaving behind completely dry pulp. As far as efficiency is concerned, this juicer is no slouch. It’s surprisingly quick to assemble, use, and clean, so rather than dreading the process, it’s a rewarding experience from start to finish.

No Mess, No Hassle

The biggest pain point for me has always been the clean-up. Who wants to spend half their morning scraping pulp out of mesh filters and washing a dozen parts? The H310 completely eliminates that stress. Its Easy Clean design means there are fewer parts to deal with, and the few pieces that do require cleaning come apart and go back together effortlessly. For the first time ever, I don’t feel like I’m cleaning a juicer more than I’m actually using it. That, to me, is worth the price of admission alone.

Besides, there isn’t much to clean up in the first place. This juicer’s low-speed masticating system ensures you’re getting a high yield with minimal pulp. You get nutrient-packed juice with minimal foam that stays fresh longer than the average home-pressed options.

A Juicer for Your Life, Not Just Your Kitchen

The H310 isn’t just eye candy to bejewel your countertop; it’s the kind of appliance that keeps pace with your busy life. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or just trying to streamline your daily routine, this juicer makes healthy living feel doable, no matter where you are. Once you’ve tasted the fresh juice it creates, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.

At this point, I’d argue it’s not just a want, but a need, as a simple, thoughtful gift that feels both luxurious and practical. If I could give it to everyone I know, I would, because it really does make life just a little bit better.

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Putting On Airs

When it comes to growing plants, especially in a temperamental, often extreme region like Central Texas, I’m still a complete novice. That’s why I’ve turned to the professionals to kick start my edible landscaping projects at home. I had the pleasure of meeting Fig Beard at a fig tree workshop hosted by the Central Texas Food Bank way back in April, and I couldn’t wait to share his expertise. Fig Beard’s passion for sustainable gardening and plant propagation is truly inspiring; his approach to growing plants is as rooted in practicality as it is in tradition.

In today’s guest post, Fig Beard dives into one of his favorite propagation techniques: air layering. Whether you’re looking to expand your fruit tree collection or simply want to learn how to clone your favorite shrubs, air layering is a reliable and rewarding method. In the following article, Fig will walk you through the steps of air layering, share tips for success, and explain why this technique can be especially effective for certain plants. Prepare to propagate with confidence!

Air Layering: A Fast and Reliable Way to Propagate Fruit Trees

Growing fruit trees at home is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce, cultivate natural beauty, and foster a deeper connection to the earth. When you propagate trees yourself, it’s even more rewarding!

Air layering is a propagation technique favored by many gardeners, allowing you to create new, fruit-bearing trees that retain the desirable qualities of the parent plant. This guide walks through the benefits of air layering, necessary materials, and step-by-step instructions so you can begin air layering in your own garden.

What is Air Layering?

Air layering is a method of propagating plants by encouraging a branch to grow roots while still attached to the tree. Once the branch develops its own root system, it can be cut off and planted independently. This allows you to create a genetically identical clone that bears the same fruit as the original tree.

Why Propagate with Air Layering?

Fast-Track to Reliable Fruit Varieties

Growing a fruit tree from seed can take many years, and trees grown from seed often don’t produce desirable fruit. Air layering allows you to clone a tree that you know has excellent fruit, giving you faster access to produce from an identical tree.

Higher Rates of Propagation Success

Air layering tends to be more successful than rooting cuttings because the branch remains connected to the tree’s resources while developing roots. This direct support encourages faster, healthier root growth.

Better for Hard-to-Root Varieties

Some trees are naturally harder to root from cuttings and may require extra nurturing. Air layering offers an alternative for these varieties, ensuring they develop robust roots with less stress and better overall success.

Best Fruit Trees for Air Layering  

Air layering is ideal for trees that are also able to take root from cuttings. The best candidates include:

  • Figs: Figs are among the most successful fruit trees to propagate with air layering.
  • Pomegranates: Pomegranates are strong candidates for air layering, but they may take more time to develop roots.
  • Citrus: Many types of citrus trees respond well to air layering.

Trees like apple, pear, persimmon, and stone fruit trees generally do not root from cuttings and similarly, they will not be good candidates for air layering.

Materials Needed for Air Layering 

  1. Sharp Knife or Pruning Shears: Essential for making precise cuts on the branch.
  2. Rooting Hormone (Optional): Helps speed up root development.
  3. Moist Medium: Sphagnum moss or peat moss works well; avoid heavy soils and soils that don’t retain moisture.
  4. Plastic Wrap or Plastic Bag: Encases the moss and retains moisture.
  5. Twine, Twist Ties, or Tape: For securing the wrap around the branch.
  6. Aluminum Foil: Shields the developing roots from sunlight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Layering 

  1. Select a Healthy Branch

Choose a branch that’s at least pencil-thick, about 12-18 inches long, and has fresh leaf growth. This will give you a strong, vigorous branch for propagation.

  1. Make a Cut

Using a sharp knife, make two shallow, circular cuts below a bud node and gently remove a 1-2 inch ring of bark to expose the cambium layer.

  1. Apply Rooting Hormone

If available, dust the exposed area with rooting hormone powder. This helps stimulate quicker, stronger root formation, especially for trees with tougher branches.

  1. Apply Moss and Wrap

Moisten the moss, wrap it around the cut section, and cover it with plastic wrap to retain moisture. The moss should be damp, not soaked, to prevent root rot.

  1. Secure the Wrap

Secure both ends of the plastic wrap with twine, twist ties, or tape. Then add aluminum foil around the plastic to protect the roots from direct sunlight.

  1. Monitor the Layer

Over the next few weeks, check the moss regularly to ensure it stays moist. Re-moisten it as needed. Root formation generally takes 4-8 weeks, depending on the tree type and growing conditions.

  1. Separate the Branch

Once you see a robust root system, it’s time to separate your new tree from the parent. Cut just below the root ball with sharp pruning shears.

Potting and Pruning for Best Results

Remove Most of the Leaves

Before potting, remove most of the leaves to reduce strain on the new roots. This ensures the young plant can support itself without excessive moisture loss.

Acclimate in a Pot

Carefully place the new plant in a pot with nutrient-rich soil and keep it in a shaded area. This step allows the roots to stabilize and develop further before being exposed to full sunlight. When the tree is well-rooted, it’s ready for its final planting spot and will eventually provide fruit as reliably as its parent.

Figbeard is a fruit tree specialist who consults and advises home growers and commercial orchards. Don’t miss his series of educational fruit tree workshops in Austin, Texas. If you haven’t followed Figbeard’s Instagram, you’re missing out on some gorgeous fruit in your feed!

Hannah (BitterSweet)3 Comments