Time to settle in . . .
You’ve carved your pumpkins, planted mums, brought out your cozy sweaters, enjoyed unseasonable warm and cool weather, and maybe even snacked on some candy. Now you get to take a deep breath of crisp fall air and really settle into this season. What a wonderful month! This month has one of those holidays that you can slow down and really enjoy! It’s a celebration of family and friends building memories and traditions . . reflecting on all that makes you grateful. Make plans to spend some time outdoors before the snow really flies, think carefully about the delicious recipes you want to share with loved ones, and take time to thoroughly relax.
A Few Fun Ideas . . .
Memorize some interesting Thanksgiving facts to wow your friends and family when you’re together. If you are feeling adventurous plan a trip to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or visit a friends who lives in one of those iconic New England towns full of gift shops and espresso bars. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving), whip up an easy fall centerpiece made with things in your yard – colorful leaves, evergreens, pine cones, mums, etc… If you say every year, “Next year we’re going out for Thanksgiving”, make this your year and make reservations now at a trusted restaurant that makes your heart happy. Write out some of your favorite fall quotes on little cards to place at each table setting. Here’s one to get you started.
“It looks like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.”
~ Sarah Addison Allen
Cauliflower Mushroom Stuffing
A Fast & Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish!
You’ll get all the flavor of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing in this Roasted Cauliflower Mushroom Stuffing but it is grain free, gluten free, AND vegan!
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Yield: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 6 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups baby bella OR Portabello mushrooms, chopped (about 18 ounces)
- 2 leeks, white and green parts, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 stalks celery, diced (about 1¼ cups)
- 1 cup walnuts or fresh cooked chestnuts
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tsp fresh sage
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 egg whisked optional*
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Add cauliflower florets to the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, and pepper, and toss to combine so all the cauliflower is coated in the oil.
- Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until lightly brown, turning once to brown evenly. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium low heat. Add leeks, and celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until celery has softened.
- Add mushrooms and garlic. Sauté 10 minutes until mushrooms have softened. Remove from heat.
- In the meantime, put walnuts, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, sage, and salt into a food processor. Pulse 3 or 4 times to coarsely chop. Scrape down the sides.
- Add half of the roasted cauliflower florets and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pulse the mixture until it forms a crumble-like consistency. Don’t over process, you don’t want a puree.
- Add contents of the food processor to the pan with the mushrooms. Add the rest of the roasted cauliflower, taste to adjust seasonings. Add egg if using. Mix to combine.
- Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish and roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until brown on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
How About Hot Stone Massage?
Anyone else not enjoying this temperature drop?
UGH! It’s COLDDD out there!
Gina Toce, LMT says we can warm up and customize your next massage @ Sparkle Health to include your choice of Himalayan Hot Stones, Synergy Stones OR BOTH!
Adding heat to a massage not only feels good, but it actually DOES good for your body as well!
- Warmth, Custom Pressure and Heat-Wave Techniques blend into an Ultra-Relaxing Sensation.
- Warms muscles, tendons and ligaments for true healing therapy.
- Promotes relaxation of muscle knots and trigger points with custom pressure.
- Relieves muscle pain and discomfort by spreading tight muscle fibers.
- Soothes the Millions of Pressure, Motion and Temperature receptors in the Skin.
- Encourages improved Blood and Lymph circulation.
- Helps detoxify the body and tone the skin.
- Stimulates the immune system and activates the body’s Healing Response.
- Calms the nervous system, Calms the mind and Decreases stress.
Saltability Deep Tissue Himalayan Salt Stone Massage (video)
- Supports a healthy respiratory system and sinuses.
- Boosts bone health and prevents muscle cramps.
- Improves circulation.
- Improves digestion and reduces acid reflux.
- Relieves anxiety and addresses insomnia.
- Provides a great alternative to aluminum-based antiperspirant products.
- Lightly exfoliates the skin and is highly relaxing.
- Emits negative ions when heated, delivering a myriad of health benefits, from higher mental alertness to protection against germs in the air.
And all massages at Sparkle Health include a 15-minute session in our Infrared Sauna. Come in and warm up @ Sparkle Health, contact us at 603-328-8101 to book.
Look Forward > New Years Detox
Led by Kate Swords, Functional Nutritionist
January dates will be announced in December’s Newsletter
A Nutritional Cleanse is a great way to reset digestion and strengthen the immune system to feel better and increase your defense against illness through the winter.
WHY DETOX?
- Help jumpstart habit change
- An opportunity to improve chronic symptoms
- Spark weight loss
- Work on reducing your toxic burden
- Support and be supported by like-minded people