November « 2007 « ForkBytes

Isabel on UrbanDivas

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Red Wine Poached Pears

Note: this piece first appeared as the November 2007 ClarkWellness.net Recipe of the Month.

Serves 2 to 4

This easy, delightful recipe makes a fabulous dessert; it’s also a delicious breakfast or snack. The pears will fill your kitchen with a wonderful holiday smell! This is a great way to use up leftover red wine.

2 cups apple juice
2 cups red wine
2 pears, peeled and halved (seeds removed)
2 whole cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon salt
mint leaves for garnish

Combine the juice and wine in a small sauce pot over medium high heat. Heat until the liquid is just starting to bubble. Add the pears, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and salt. Place a circle of parchment paper directly on top of the pears to keep them submerged. Cook, turning occasionally, until pears are tender, about 20 minutes.

Remove pears and set aside. Strain the poaching liquid and return to the pan over high heat. Boil 30 minutes or until slightly syrupy (sauce will reduce about 75%). Pour the sauce over the pears, garnish with mint leaves, and serve immediately.

Quote of the Month

“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving / make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!”

—Amanda Bradley

Roasted Butternut Squash

Note: this piece first appeared in the November 2007 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.

Serves 4

1 whole butternut squash
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place the squash in a large roasting pan and add olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Toss to coat well. Roast in preheated oven about 45 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.

Surviving the Season

Note: this piece first appeared in the November 2007 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.

Every year, the holiday season seems to begin earlier. Last month, D.C. experienced some unseasonably warm days, and I chuckled when I realized I was looking at one store’s window display with snowmen and Christmas trees while wearing a tank top, flip flops, and sunglasses!

But with the arrival of November, I think it’s safe to say we have officially entered the holiday season. With all the hustle and bustle, the running around, and the mile-long to-do lists that this season brings, it’s easy to get caught up in the madness and forget to prioritize self-care. Most other animals spend this season slowing down, resting, living off of stores, and sometimes even hibernating. Human beings do the opposite: our lives become even busier as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter. This season, I invite you to explore ways to honor the winter’s natural energy of slowing down. How can you use this idea in your daily life?

Below, I’ve shared some of my favorite strategies for surviving the holiday season healthfully and with finesse.

1. Remember the spirit of the season. Of course, cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a great goal year-round, but it’s especially poignant during the holiday season when you may be spending time with your loved ones. As you hurry through the shopping mall or fight your way through holiday traffic or especially when you glance around your Thanksgiving table, take a moment to remember how lucky you are.

2. Honor your financial health. This year, take a few minutes to work out a budget for all your holiday expenses: gifts, travel, party clothes, charitable donations, etc. These end-of-the-year expenses often sneak up on people; you can make this year different by defining a budget and really sticking to it!

3. Set a realistic schedule. There are so many great events during the holidays, from big galas to volunteer opportunities to small gatherings with friends, and it’s tempting to try to say yes to everything that comes up (only to find that you’ve double-booked yourself for this evening when you’d really rather just stay home and hide under your comforter!). Avoid overcommitting to lots of social and professional events this season so you’ll have energy left over to enjoy your holiday!

4. Reserve time for relaxing treats. You deserve a massage, a cup of tea, AND a hot bubble bath! Schedule all three in your calendar in ink, and guard that commitment well. Choose whatever activities really nurture and rejuvenate you, and enjoy them without guilt!

5. Prioritize your physical health. Adequate sleep, appropriate food, and physical activity are easily forgotten around the holiday season, but neglecting these areas makes for a very unhappy you. Do whatever it takes to ensure you meet your body’s needs this season!

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