The holidays are about people and flavor—not food rules. Here’s my no-drama game plan so you can enjoy the classics, keep your energy, and roll into December feeling good.
1) Menu Math (the simple formula)
Every plate starts with this: protein + plants + flavor. That’s it. Think turkey + roasted carrots + cranberry-orange relish. Or salmon + green beans + lemon-dill sauce. The formula keeps variety without rigid plans.
2) Smart Swaps That Don’t Feel Like Swaps
- Oils: choose avocado or olive oil for roasting/sautéing.
- Sweetness: use maple or a little coconut sugar where it counts—taste first, then add.
- Creaminess: try cashew cream or silken tofu sauce for soups, gravies, and dips.
Here’s a new recipe where I offer simple swaps to make a crowd pleasing recipe a little healthier:
Feel-Good Lasagna (cashew ricotta layer)
3) Bring-A-Dish Playbook (be the hero)
Bring one colorful dish you love to eat:
- Roasted veggie tray + lemon-tahini or herb “yogurt” dip (dairy-free options welcome)
- Wild rice + herb mushroom pilaf
- Crisp salad with apple, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette
4) Crowd-It-Out Strategy (my favorite mindset)
Instead of telling yourself what you “can’t” have, pile your plate with the good stuff first—roasted veg, salad, protein. The traditional favorites naturally take up the remaining room. Flavor first; no drama.
5) Travel & Leftovers
Pack a small snack kit (nuts, fruit, jerky, dark chocolate) for flights and road trips.
Next-day bowls: turkey + greens + roasted veg + warm gravy drizzle.
6) Pantry Prep Before the Big Week
Stock broth, tomatoes, beans, rice, gluten-free pasta, onions, garlic, lemons, and herbs. With these, you can build a soup, skillet, or pasta in 15 minutes when plans change last minute. This has been a game changer for my sanity.
Shelley’s Daily Tool (Amazon pick of the month)
Here’s a kitchen tool that’s been used daily lately—and I’m Loving it: Rimmed sheet pans.
Why I reach for it:
- Holiday quantities without extra dishes
- Even browning for veggies and proteins
- Great for make-ahead roasting
Shop it on Amazon → https://amzn.to/42ggB8E
Tools I Actually Use (and why)
Caraway sauté pan: even heat, easy cleanup
Glass storage containers: prepped veg stays fresh and visible
Try This Today (quick win)
Pick one swap you’ll use this week (oil, sweetness, or creaminess). Write it on a sticky note and put it on the fridge. Done.
Want a collection of simple, cozy recipes all in one place?
Browse my cookbook—perfect for the holiday season.
Thanks for being here in my kitchen. Let’s keep the flavor and ditch the drama.
P.S.
Save this to revisit the week of your big meal—future you will be very happy.
