December has arrived quicker than ever! The lights on our Christmas tree are brightening this cold day. We had our first snow a few days ago, which was beautiful.
Below, you’ll find a collection of healthy recipes to carry us through December and the holiday season. Cooking with fresh, seasonal produce is generally more delicious and more affordable, so it’s a true win-win.
If you’re shopping for an easy gift, I hear that my cookbook makes a great one. It’s on sale for about $15 at Amazon and Target (online only) right now, and it’s also now available in a cool spiral-bound format that lays flat. Stay well, eat well, and happy holidays!
Apples
Simple Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)
“Amazing recipe (as always!!). I followed exactly, including the 2 tbsp of water and 2 whisky (Canada) as per recommendations. I used Courtland apples and also added the Greek yogurt to the topping which I have never done in a crumble and it was amazing. Honestly best crumble hands down (GF or otherwise!)” – Giselle
Beets
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
Gluten free and vegan
“This could be THE best salad I have ever made. I have a vegan friend who I am always trying to find interesting recipes for and she also loved it. I made it exactly as per your recipe apart from adding a mixture of toasted almond flakes and pumpkins seeds.” – Heather
Broccoli
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Easily gluten free, and vegan
“My super picky daughter even had seconds! I thought this was very good, and definitely the best “cheese” I’ve had. I usually steer clear of nutritional yeast based cheese sauce, but I pretty much love everything I’ve made from your blog, so I gave it a try. Served with your recipe of Apple Kohlrabi salad, and was a lovely meal!” – Sarah
Brussels Sprouts
Coconut Rice with Brussels Sprouts from The Love and Lemons Cookbook
Gluten free and vegan
“Made this for dinner last night and it was wonderful! I can hardly wait for my Love and Lemons cookbook to arrive tomorrow. Thank you again” – Luann
More Brussels sprout recipes »
Cabbage
Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
Gluten free and vegan
“I just had a Mexican fiesta in my mouth without any of the guilt. So easy and my family thought it looked so gourmet – thanks Kate. I have shared the recipe with foodie friends to try – I am making one recipe a week from your site for 2016 and so far -ROCK STAR hits.” – Terri
Carrots
Creamy Thai Carrot Sweet Potato Soup
Gluten free and vegan
“Today was our first cool day for the season. When I stepped outside for my morning walk I knew I would be making this soup for dinner. It was so good. Thanks so much for choosing to share this tasty recipe. I can’t wait to get Angela’s new cookbook.” – Cathy
Citrus fruits
Honey Lemon Curd
Gluten free
“It turned out just perfect! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!” – Yelena
More lemon recipes » (also grapefruit, orange, lime and clementine)
Hardy greens (arugula,
chard, collard greens & spinach)
Herbed Quinoa & Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I have made this twice already since you posted it, Kate. A great combination of flavors, especially with the parsley and cilantro together. This will certainly be going into our regular repertoire.” – Sophie
Kale
Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Beans)
Potentially gluten free and vegan
“Literally one of the best recipes ever! I’ve made this numerous times over the past few weeks as the weather has started to turn colder. It’s so delicious!!! Thanks for sharing!” – Lauren
Pomegranate
Pomegranate & Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing
Gluten-free and easily vegan
“This was the best looking salad I’ve ever made, and the taste lived up to the appearance. I loved how bright and fresh it was, and the ginger dressing added just the right amount of zing and pulled everything together. This was literally the centerpiece of my Christmas dinner table, and everyone loved it!” – Josh
Potatoes
Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
Gluten-free and vegan
“I’ve made these at least a half a dozen times! My husband, the potato enthusiast, loves them. Super easy and cooks up nice and crispy while I make our eggs. No more staring at the potatoes in the skillet and praying they don’t stick. Thanks, Kate!” – Heather
Radishes
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs
Vegan and gluten free
“Hi again! Thanks so much for this one! I made it for my husband and I and we loved it so much we made it for a recent housewarming and everyone went wild… Sent this one to a few guests who had requested a copy! Thanks!” — Krystal
Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
Gluten free and potentially vegan
“The Roasted vegetable enchiladas were delicious! Even family members who claim to not be fans of veggies ate this and had seconds. Score one for plant based goodness!!” – Erin
Winter Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Made these along with your Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos. We kinda mixed and matched all the toppings. It was all amazing. This will be our new family favorite. Taco night will never be the same:)
Thanks for the wonderful recipes.” – Debbie
More butternut squash recipes » (also acorn squash and delicata squash)
Please tag your Instagram recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch, and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
