savor: hearty wheat berry stuffing

hearty wheat berry stuffing

this is a healthier alternative to traditional stuffing. i skipped most of the bread that’s normally required and opted for nutty and chewy wheat berries to serve as the filler. the bread that i did use was flax-quinoa, a hearty option with a specific nuttiness that works perfectly with the thyme and mirepoix. you can find flax-quinoa bread in most health food markets (like whole foods).

the flavors of this dish are quintessential thanksgiving: warm, savory, simple and delicious. what’s better: this dish is not only something great for stuffing a bird, but you could serve on its own, and anytime during the colder months. this dish is also vegetarian.

find the recipe on savor.

sugars: holiday-spiced panna cotta

holiday-spiced panna cotta topped with pumpkin granola, dried turkish figs, maple syrup, and fresh blackberries

this is another anytime recipe that works especially well for entertaining during the holidays. light yet creamy. rich yet tangy. served in individual glass containers i almost think of these little darlings like a pre-dessert. a warm-up, even. something that comes before the heavier chocolate fudge and pecan pies.

i chose to compliment the sweetness of the vanilla and creamy tang of the buttermilk with warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. you can serve the panna cotta solo, topped with fresh berries, or as i did for breakfast this morning: with a drizzle of maple syrup topped with dried turkish figs, pumpkin granola, and fresh blackberries.

find the recipe on sugars.

panna cotta with fresh blackberries

topping the panna cotta

 

savor and gather: baked brie by candlelight

baked honey almond and fig brie

words cannot begin to describe the joy that comes from this cheese recipe. shying away from soft cheeses, i never really used to like brie. until one fine day a good friend of mine told me shebakes her brie with honey. i thought, well, “baked and with honey.” honey. it can’t be that bad. right? i was wrong. it wasn’t bad at all. it was life-changing-ly delicious. the creamy slightly tangy brie combined with the nuttiness of the almonds, sweet honey, and smoothness of the fig, is absolutely divine. that, combined with wine and loved ones is a recipe for happiness.

find the recipe on savor.

this recipe will work for hors d’oeuvres, the cheese course, even dessert! you’ll return to it over and over again when making your holiday plans.

find out my suggestions for serving and how to set the table on gather.

brie by candlelight

table and enclosure cards

michelle brusegaard

rifle paper co.

lotta jansdotter for tiny prints

rifle paper co.

paper source

rifle paper co.

rifle paper co.

michelle brusgaard

rifle paper co.

there is an art to being a stylish, considerate, and gracious hostess. simple, and classic, details can go a long way to ensure your guests know just how thankful you are for their company, and friendship.

one important detail that mustn’t be overlooked is personalizing the table card. not only are you letting your guests know where you think they would have the most pleasure of company, but you are sending them a heartfelt message. include a few lines about your favorite memory together, how much the friendship means to you, or even a question to prompt a lively dinner discussion.

have fun with it! there are endless options to choose from, and numerous examples of cards that can reflect your personal style (which is of course, of high priority). here are several of my go-to shops for holiday (and anytime) stationary: rifle paper co., paper source, michelle brusegaard, and lotta jansdotter for tiny prints.