One of the best parts about the holidays is being able to spend time with loved ones. Of course, this year looks a little different. That doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy the season of togetherness, merely that we will have to make adjustments to our routine. The following three recipes are both delicious and healthy when enjoyed in moderation, and they come from Touchmark residents! Share in the joy of the season by incorporating them into your own holiday—or everyday—routines.
Curry-glazed Chicken
A great meal to make during the holidays, thanks to its simplicity and deliciousness, this heart-healthy recipe can be enjoyed over rice or by itself for a low-carb option.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. margarine
¼ cup honey
3 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. curry powder
2 ½ lb. fryer chicken, skinned (thighs work well)
Directions:
Melt margarine in a pot on the stove and pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stir in honey, mustard, and curry powder. Add the chicken, turning to coat all sides. Bake at 375°Ffor 40-45 minutes.
Gin Slush
Nothing says “happy holidays” like a delicious bowl of punch. This gin-slush recipe can be adjusted to be non-alcoholic. The cranberry juice adds brightness to the drink and makes it a little more festive and flavorful. This recipe makes approximately sixteen servings and can be frozen to keep longer.
Ingredients:
1 12-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate
12 oz. cranberry juice
1 liter 7-Up or Ginger Ale
12 oz. gin or vodka (if desired)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and freeze before serving. Enjoy!
Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread is a traditional holiday goodie. First cultivated in China as a medicinal root, ginger quickly became popular throughout the world as a flavoring agent and appears in many different cultural traditions, not to mention the famous fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. This recipe for gingerbread cookies is a Touchmark resident’s family favorite and great way to end a meal, thanks to ginger’s digestive properties.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
2⁄3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup plus 3 tbsp. sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 egg
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. In a large bowl, beat the oil and one cup of sugar until well mixed, then beat in molasses and egg. Stir in the flour mixture until it is well blended. Form into balls and dip the balls into the three tbsp. of sugar. Place them on a baking sheet and bake eight to 10 minutes or until the tops are crinkly. This recipe makes about three dozen cookies, which can be frozen to keep longer.
No matter how you celebrate the holiday season, good food is sure to bring a little extra cheer. Eating well doesn’t necessarily mean adhering to strict dietary guidelines—it’s okay to indulge a little, especially if you know how your food is being prepared. Good ingredients and a healthy mindset are key!
Are you a Touchmark resident and have a recipe you’d like to submit? Email them to Recipes@touchmark.com. Please include your name, the significance of the recipe, ingredients, and instructions when submitting.