Conscious Eating For The Holidays....

Today as I put the finishing touches on my menu for the Holiday I found my soul getting excited. The last few days I was pulling out recipes and rereading magazines to see if I could  be inspired to create a wonderful Christmas experience. I was looking for something warm and also traditional. I must say I feel excited about my choices.. 

First for Christmas Eve, a hearty and flavorful dish of Homemade Marconi and Cheese and Cornbread. 

I will have to make some changes of Coarse.. 

Starting with using Quinoa elbow that will keep the pasta gluten free. 

I will also be using vegan butter Earth Balance and my cheese will be  one of the Daiya brands. It is a great cheese alternative and melts wonderfully. Last but not least I will be using Hemp milk to round things off. I really enjoy converting recipes over so that I can eat them and I am really lucky I have a son willing to experiment with me. I wish I could say my cornbread was gluten free and egg free but it's not. In case my Marconi is a disaster I promised Austin the cornbread would be good!  So I will be substituting 1 Tbsp of Milled Flaxseed with 3 Tbsp of water for 1 egg in the recipe and taking my chance with the rest of the ingredients. I have made myself a commitment to learn how to bake a few of my favorite carbs gluten free this upcoming year and I am really looking forward to that!! 

I will maybe round the meal off with a nice simple salad and hope that it warms our soul and delights are taste buds all at the same time. 

As for Christmas Dinner this year, I have decided in keeping with my warm hearted winter holiday theme to serve a Traditional  Lamb Shepherds Pie with a side of seasoned green beans and rolls. 

I debated between vegetarian or traditional most of the day. I knew that it was a great transitional dish as well and that removing the meat would not harm its essence or flavor if done with love and care.  I also knew that the traditions dish of Shepard's Pie made with lamb would also make for a wonderful winter meal as well. Either way I knew Shepard's pie would make for the perfect Christmas dinner. I wanted something that said home cooking but with a taste of gourmet flavor, I mean it is Christmas. So with out any restrictions I created a shopping list of sweet peas, mushrooms, mixed corn and carrots. I got some fresh thyme and rosemary, picked up a sweet onion and fresh garlic. I also picked up some red wine and Worcestershire sauce to add some flavor to the lamb.  I would flavor the green beans with stewed tomatoes, mushrooms and pancetta. I would have to settle for some store bought gluten free rolls for now but next year they will be freshly made.

Like a painter with a plate of colors to choose from I am excited to be creating such a warm and loving dish for such a special day...

I have a feeling that the next two days my kitchen will be full of joy and my taste buds in heaven while staying true to what my body needs and my soul desires to keep me in balance with all things.

This Christmas food is my medicine but also my therapy.......