If you came here looking for a balanced menu of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and a smoothie, then you’re in the wrong place. 😂 The 11-year-old planned our 2020 Spirited Christmas Menu (the 7-year-old planned our 2020 Spirited Thanksgiving Menu), and she went all in for baked goods and chocolate.
And I’m so excited for it, I can’t wait to start baking. It reminds me so much of how my family did Christmas when I was a kid. So even though we won’t be with extended family this year, it’ll be like they’re with us in spirit. They’d definitely approve this menu, and I can’t wait to share it with you. The 11-year-old absolutely outdid herself, and this Christmas menu has sweet and savory and comforting written all over it.
DAIRY-FREE HOT CHOCOLATE
The girls love Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate, and I love that the recipe is flexible enough they can each adjust the flavor to their liking. One batch and each girl adds more ingredients as desired. It’s also ready in a matter of minutes, so it doesn’t hog a burner while other Christmas foods wait their turn for cooking.
K-Hubs and I are going to partake in some Dairy-Free Chai Tea, which has become a holiday morning tradition for the two of us.
GLUTEN-FREE SHORTBREAD BARS
These vegan Gluten-Free Shortbread Bars were the surprise discovery of the season. We made several batches and the 11-year-old was hooked. She declared right then and there we needed to eat these on Christmas day. And so we are. What’s so great about the recipe is how easy these shortbread bars are to make.
I’m sneaking in Cranberry Pecan Cookie Bars and Strawberry Jam Bars, too, because I cannot seem to get enough of either!
SLOW COOKER SHREDDED BEEF
Where do I even begin with juicy, succulent Slow Cooker Shredded Beef? Originally, we were going to enjoy Slow Cooker Bottom Round Roast for Christmas. But when we discovered shredded beef, the 11-year-old decided she wanted that on Christmas day instead. We concurred it was a smart move. This recipe tastes like something straight out of a beloved restaurant, where the recipes are simple and the flavors are mouthwatering. Since it’s made in a slow cooker, the leg work is minimal. And K-Hubs and I like that!
We’ll also use the drippings from that recipe to make Gluten-Free Gravy, and use that as an excuse to sneak in a vegetable – Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes.
PALEO ZUCCHINI BROWNIES
Who knew vegetables could taste so good? Paleo Zucchini Brownies with drizzled chocolate and coarse sea salt are where it’s at this holiday season! And since it contains a culinary vegetable, I guess we technically have our greens covered. Way to go, Toodle!
And there you have it, Spiriteds. All the baked goods. All the comfort foods. Wherever you are this holiday season and however you celebrate, please know K-Hubs, the girls, and I wish you merriment and wonder and joy. We are glad you’re here. ❤️
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