With so many temptations on offer and lots going on, I know that the Christmas period often feels like a difficult time of year to eat healthily!
My hope is that by sharing a few quick and easy recipes, you and your families can feel festive and celebratory without consuming too much sugar and processed food in the meantime.
Wishing you a wonderful festive period!
01
Festive breakfasts
Here are a few nutritious but easy breakfasts to keep you well throughout the winter months:
My ‘make ahead of time’ granola with spiced compote can be made on the weekend for wintry weeks ahead or prepared in advance to be ready for Christmas morning!
You might think that poaching eggs and making hollandaise for guests is hard work, but with this video (where my 7-year-old cooks up a storm) and my easy ‘cheats’ recipe, you’ll be making 12 poached eggs and hollandaise in minutes!
02
Healthy lunches and dinners
The recipes below make hosting friends and family over the holidays light work.
My easy cranberry meatballs are comforting and delicious but full of good ingredients.
Have you ever made my easy and quick salmon en croute? This healthy omega-3 dinner will wow family and friends! Click here to see my 9-year-old showing you how.
Comforting food in a bowl is always popular in my family; this is a delicious yet simple dinner idea.
03
Festive quiches
A quiche is always a great idea for lunch when you have guests over as it can be made in advance. It’s warm, filling comfort food and can be made with seasonal ingredients all year round.
Over the Christmas period, I like to make these variations: Smoked salmon, creme fraiche and chives, beetroot and dill, butternut squash, feta and caramelized onions, Stilton and quince jam…
See a video here of just how easy it is, or follow these steps... it's so simple even a four-year-old can make it.
04
Sharing Platters
During the busy festive period there are some nights I don’t want to cook a full meal, especially on Christmas Eve!
On these evenings we enjoy a sharing board/platter/bowl around the fire instead.
Platters can be mostly no-cook and all thrown on a wooden board or tray but there is something for everyone and they always look beautiful.
05
Christmas classics
If you’d like to make homemade sausage rolls (so much better for you and tastier than bought ones, yet so easy to make), click here to see my 4-year-old making them. They are delicious! Add chopped cranberries for an extra special touch.
Leftovers? Try my samosa recipe for a quick and tasty way to transform your boxing day meal. You can also use leftover turkey in my festive curry recipe here.
06
Festive snacks
A lot of snacking occurs at this time of year, however sadly, most Christmassy snacks are loaded with sugar. To help get around this, I’ve shared a list below that are almost sugar-free.
A quick and easy one, these chocolate tangerines are refreshing, healthy and delicious.
My cranberry and orange mini cakes are perfect for around the fire with a cup of tea after a long, cold walk. A nice snack to have around the house for hungry children are these gingerbread energy balls.
07
Christmas desserts
If you want to impress friends and family this Christmas, the recipe ideas below are healthy, delicious and easy to make!
My autumnal spiced nutritious custard dessert is so silky and rich yet full of nutritious yolks and low sugar.
This winter probiotic trifle takes no time to make at all but will wow guests in a large trifle bowl!
I adore chocolate orange mousse; this version is low sugar and rich in good-for-you egg yolks.
