My kids started playing Christmas music yesterday.
Somehow hearing Frank Sinatra sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” & watching Asher (my 7 year old) dance to “Jingle Bells,” made me deliriously happy.
And it’s begun to get cold here.
Salem & I went for a walk yesterday & I didn’t wear even a light sweater, though it was only 50 degrees out. I wanted to feel the cold. It feels like it’s been so long.
I’ve been pinning things to my holiday & festive food boards, drooling over the possibilities for holiday food & treats. The holiday spirit has struck our home & it’s only the beginning of November.
But lest I forget about Thanksgiving in my Christmas anticipation, I’m reminded of this important holiday–how gratitude is one of the foundations of happiness, and how without it, life is rather dull.
Shira’s list of 10 things got me thinking about my own list.
Here’s the short version, in no particular order:
1. Growing up.
I love to think of living in crescendo, that it just gets better & better. And you know what? I truly believe that life can, & does get better & better. I love maturing, learning, gaining perspective. Though painful at times, it’s an exciting process. And I love looking back, looking ahead, then taking in the beautiful that is the present.
2. Citrus fruit.
Grapefruit, lemon, oranges. Bright, aromatic, juicy, versatile, happy.
3. Talking with, living with a 2 year old.
I cannot tell you how many times Salem makes me laugh out loud. She lives with exuberance, an energy that can be at same time delightful, charming, & infuriating. I let her ride her bike to the park yesterday and it took an hour because she had to stop and look at everything along the way. That insatiable curiosity is inspiring.
4. Routines & rituals.
I love the ritual of good-bye kisses, welcome hugs, goodnight snuggles. I love dinner-time conversation. Walking my kids to school. Night time reading, Saturday morning breakfasts, & early morning devotionals.
5. Pandora.
6. Giggling.
It’s especially cute when Amalia, my 5 year old does it (which is all the time).
7. Reading.
I would die if my ability to read was taken away.
8. America.
Gosh, we’re a loud, sometimes obnoxious, dysfunctional lot, but I love that we can fight, make up, fight again, and somehow at the end of the day unitedly stand for values like giving, freedom of speech & religion, civil rights, innovation, & creativity. Not to mention, we do have some amazing sites & beautiful terrain. God bless America.
9. Loving being married.
Joseph & I are going on 10 years of marriage. Holy cow. He’s my partner, my equal, my best friend. Never any drama with him–it’s just straightforward & simple. Which is why I fell in love with him in the first place.
10. Texans.
I heard on the radio the other day: “God made Texas just to PROVE how awesome he is.” From Texas shaped cookie cutters, to HEB, the people here love their state, & you’ve gotta respect that. It’s a cultural experience living here & I’m loving it.
Can I add an 11th?
This cranberry sauce.
I hesitate labeling this as cranberry sauce, since immediately it conjures up images of the jelled molds that come out of cans and look more like jello on steriods. This is so much more. The taste is a little tart, a little sweet, and the texture is subtle and interesting.
It’s so simple to make cranberry sauce, & I know there are so many versions out there, but may a suggest this version? The apple cider adds a not-overly sweetness to the sauce while at the same time neutralizing the tartness of the cranberry. It’s tame, while also having just the right amount of zing.
I admit, I love cranberry sauce. I could eat this sauce straight out of the pan. But I understand some people don’t like it. I think this may be because: 1) their only experience with it is from a can (yuck) or 2) they think it’s only for turkey.
4 non-turkey ways to use the sauce:
1) Use as a jam (especially if you cook it down to a thicker sauce). I spread on rice cakes for a quick & easy treat.
2) Serve over a steamed sweet potato.
3) Use like a chutney–as a compliment to rice, quinoa, or potatoes.
4) On a sandwich: avocado, cranberry sauce, sprouts, & a few slices of sweet onion between two slices of whole grain bread.
Convinced yet? Give it a try:
An easy cranberry sauce sweetened with apple cider & coconut sugar
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 c. fresh cranberries
- 1 c. apple cider (NOT apple juice)
- 1/2 c. coconut sugar | sucanat or raw cane sugar would also work
- zest of one orange (this adds the christmas spirit, so don't skip it!)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil all the ingredients expcept for the orange zest--you'll want to save that for the end.
- Once it reaches a boil, turn down to medium low & simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll want to watch it--it may take more or less time depending on the exact temperature of your stove. I used frozen cranberries, so it took a little longer (not much though). It may seem a little too liquidy at first--but do not fear--as it simmers it will boil down & become more concentrated. If you like a thick, more jam like sauce, allow it to simmer for additional time. Take note that it will also thicken a bit after it cools & is refrigerated.
- Once your sauce reaches desired thickness (most, if not all of the cranberries will be broken down at the end), remove from heat. Add orange zest, stir.
- Stores in a glass jar, with a sealed lid, for up to a week.
Additional nutrition information: 2 g fiber, 26 g carbs, .2 g protein, 2 mg sodium; WWP 3 points
Recipe submitted to Ricki Heller’s Wellness Weekend–check it out for more healthy recipes!
♥
What’s on your gratitude list?
(Also, lots of love to you all for your excitement about my site’s new look. Super thanks to the talented Stephanie of wanderlively for a job well done.)
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