Are you looking forward to holiday gatherings with your family and loved ones? Maybe you are feeling depleted from a hectic schedule and looking for a reason to decline invitations. No matter which camp you are in, there are some tips that may help you get through the holiday season. Since what we eat plays such an enormous role in how we feel, physically and emotionally, let’s incorporate some healthy food habits into this year’s holiday feasts.

As a lifelong chef and herbalist, I have a deep appreciation for the flavorful impact of herbs and spices and the healthy benefits they offer. You probably already use herbs in your holiday cooking so why not try them in some new ways this winter? From the first sips of hibiscus ginger apple cider to the last bites of pear pink pepper pie, you’ll get digestive support, immune boosting, and calming for your nerves.

Before we get into the recipes, let’s cover a few basic healthy digestion tips from Ayurveda, India’s traditional medical system.

• Get some exercise every day. Something you enjoy and just enough, not to exhaustion. This boosts your metabolism, helps to boost circulation and immunity, and has enormous mental health benefits. Extra points if you get outside in nature.
• Sip hot water with lemon or hot herbal tea throughout the day. This aids digestion of fats, helps you stay hydrated, and helps to calm the nervous system.
• Try to only eat when you are hungry and pay attention to your food, eating until you are content but not “full.” Leave room for digestion. When the stomach is overfilled, digestion is more sluggish and needs more of our energy, hence the food coma.
• Lastly, try taking a short walk after eating your meal, or laying down on your left side for five to ten minutes. Both of these habits improve digestion and assimilation.

Try these delicious, herb-infused recipes for your next holiday gathering. They are simple, packed with nutrients, and help to keep your immune and digestive systems functioning well through the winter.

Mashed Cauliflower

Even if you aren’t following a low carbohydrate diet, you will love this light, fluffy alternative to classic mashed potatoes. Roasting the cauliflower gives it a nutty depth that pairs perfectly with veggie dishes and protein entrees. Serves 8.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of raw cauliflower (2-3 large heads)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
• Sea salt or Kosher salt to taste
• Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme

Preparation

1. In a large soup pot, add about two inches of water and a steamer basket with heat on high.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. While the water is coming to a boil in the pot and oven is heating, cut the cauliflower into bite size pieces.
4. Add cauliflower to the steaming pot and cover with a tight fitting lid. Reduce the heat to medium.
5. Steam the cauliflower until just tender (about 10-13 minutes), stirring 1-2 times while it cooks.
6. Remove the cauliflower from the steaming pot and place in a large mixing bowl, you may need two. Toss with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Spread the cauliflower evenly between the two baking sheets and place in the hot oven.
8. Cook the cauliflower until the edges are golden, about 15 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and place into large mixing bowl. Add the garlic, ghee, and thyme, mixing well.
10. I prefer using an immersion hand blender to mash the cauliflower but you can also use a food processor with the S-blade. If using a food processor, do small batches adding a little of the garlic, thyme, and ghee as you go.
11. To get a smoother texture, add a little olive oil and more salt if desired.
12. Once the cauliflower is mashed you can place it in an oven safe container and keep it warm in the oven.