 A stress might be high today all around the world, with holiday season getting its peak this weekend. I am one of those annoying people who gets all the buying and wrapping and sending done by the first Advent and then just enjoys the December feels with a little baking and candy making, going to the Christmas Market, and spreading holiday cheer. By now all the hams, turkeys, lamb, whatever it is you are preparing for the festivities, should be out of the freezing temperatures, and safely defrosting or dehydrating, depending on where you live and what you are going to prepare. When it comes to turkey, I know a lot of people use bacon while roasting a turkey, my go to recipe uses oranges. And even if I am using just a breast of turkey to a smaller group pf diners, lining the turkey breast with clementine slices gives it a boost with juiciness you can't believe! The turkey doesn't taste like a citrus fruit but it does have a lovely, light and fresh flavor from the herbs and clementines. The favorite side dishes for a Christmas meal are numerous and I covered a lot of those last year through December. You find them with the search word 'seasonal' or 'Christmas'. This year I am prepared to make a several side dishes, but I know my scalloped potatoes will have some peppered cheese in them, to give them an extra kick and deeper flavors. Just remember, simple can be even better, no need to stress while trying to impress. Consider focusing on just couple things and doing them well and worry free, instead of trying to accomplish more than possible in the timeframe you have. I hope you will have a peaceful, joyful, and delicious holidays. ~ Cheers!
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 When you have the words parmesan and roasted in the same topic I will be there! Ah, everything is better roasted, especially during winter time and the veggies get the best flavors as they slowly roast in the oven... This recipe is a great side dish recipe for the holidays, every day, summer days... It came my personal fast favorite with the first try, and the best part - you can just put the rest of the meal, the protein, into the oven with the cauliflower. So without a further ado here is the recipe for roasted cauliflower with Parmesan. Hope you enjoy it! ~ Cheers PS. A great holiday baking recipe today on the BOOKS page, yes, we are mixing things up these days! Go check it out :)
 Meatballs, that familiar and favorite meal of many ever since childhood! Most of us have that recipe passed on from our parents, and many of us tweak them with our own ideas to create something unique. An old acquaintance once said to me that everytime he catches on with my recipe, next time I have twisted it a bit again, and he has to wonder what did I do to manage the new flavor. Usually, that is accomplished with just one question, but some like to try to figure it out on their own. But back to the matter of meatballs. Here is the very basic recipe for them, that is the base from where I go to different directions depending on what I am going to use them for. To make them is not that time consuming, but since I am going to make the effort, I tend to make enough for at least two or three meals, or even more and set the rest in the freezer. The binder with breadcrumbs and milk can be also made with heavy cream or with vegetable broth if wanting to avoid using a milk product. If using a broth, adjust the amount of salt accordingly, some of them are mighty salty products if using a ready-made one. Like with many other proteins, changing the side dishes served with meatballs can change the mealtime drastically. In my home country, they used to be served with mashed potatoes, others only eat them with pasta, but there are really endless opportunities and only imagination is the limit. Rutabaga is part of the season's traditional meals up here in northern Europe, and as an adult, I have really fell in love with its strong, deep flavor. To make it more family friendly, you can add a couple of carrots and a potato to the rutabaga puree, softening the flavor considerably. Also, grated root vegetables are often served during the wintertime in the place of salads. To mix a little fresh fruit juice, like orange juice, into grated carrots and toss in a handful of lingonberries and you have a colorful side dish filled with vitamins and fiber! I hope you enjoy these meal ideas and have a great weekend. Until next time ~ Cheers!
 Hey guys, a quick midweek recipe, and dinner idea. I don't know how the weather is where you are, I just hope it is warmer than up here north of everything. But this soup is going to keep you warm! It came about really fast, and it had such a nice heat to it, yet a soft taste, I wanted to share it with you all. I hope you enjoy it! Stay warm! Till next time ~ Cheers!
 Every once and awhile it is nice to take a little time to make a good meal if you have a chance for it. Risotto made with white wine is a tasty meal with endless possibilities, but it does take an effort and you need to pay attention to it constantly, and then be ready to serve everything at the moment it is ready... So I understand it is not the first choice for most of us when thinking about what's for dinner. But one Advent Sunday might just be worth the effort, at least it was for me. I had some chicken tenders that were marinated in Balsamico to serve with the risotto, and I added cranberries and asparagus heads into the risotto as well. A very flavor-rich meal, just so perfectly in balance with all the tastes, I wanted to have some of the leftovers for breakfast the next morning. Yes, it was good. So without further ado - a white wine risotto with cranberries for your holiday celebration. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Till next time ~ Cheers!
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