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We got our first dusting of snow this past weekend as we pulled out holiday lights and hunted for a Christmas tree, and a week of hearty soups sounds like the most soul-filling meal plan imaginable.

I’m also taking the opportunity to big-batch some soups with help from my slow cooker in order to stock the freezer for my family, as we have a bit of travel and some house guests in December (which is busy enough). Here are the four slow cooker soups (plus our Friday night pizza) we’re eating this week that are also filling our freezer.

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Making cookies is a serious business in December. Do you go for a classic holiday cookie like gingerbread men, or try something new and exciting? Do you make a vegan treat for your friends, or go crazy with the chocolate and butter? Decisions need to be made.

But whether you’re attending a cookie exchange this year or want to make a small selection for your family, we’ve got 18 recipes that won’t let you down. From classic sugar cookies to chocolate thumbprints to peppermint cream-filled butter cookies, all of these recipes are winners.

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Many of us have memories of mint juleps in summertime. While it’s certainly a cooling drink perfect for the intense summer heat, winter’s quintessential flavors also claim mint among them. With a bright taste and fresh bite, mint juleps are often made with bourbon and syrup. That’s a little heavy (and sweet), however, for those on a lower-carb protocol like Primal or keto.

Here’s a lighter, less potent version of a julep with just as much classic flavor. Mix up a garnished pitcher for your guests at your next party.

Servings: 8

Time in the Kitchen: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine of choice
• 1 cup seltzer water
• 3 sprigs fresh mint
• 1 single serving packet stevia (substitute powdered Swerve if prefer)
• Extra large ice cubes

Instructions:

“Muddle” (crush and press) six mint leaves, powdered or liquid stevia and small amount of seltzer water in a pitcher or cocktail shaker.

Pour in rest of seltzer and wine. Stir well.

Serve over ice and garnish cups with additional mint.

The post Low-Carb “White” Mint Julep appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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Everyone enjoys a drink at holiday parties, and going low-carb shouldn’t mean having to entirely abstain. Not everyone wants hard liquor straight up, however.

Here’s one perfect choice for the low-carb cocktail hour. With your favorite dry white wine and club soda (or sparkling water) flavored with the classic pairing of ginger and lemon, our Ginger Bliss version is a fizzy and festive option or you or your low-carb guests.

Servings: 8

Time in the Kitchen: 6 minutes

Ingredients:

• Bottle of dry white wine or sparkling white wine (approximately 25 ounces)
• 12 ounces of club soda or sparkling water
• Crystalized ginger, sliced
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Put crystalized ginger and lemon wedge in bottom of pitcher.

Add equal amounts of wine and club soda.

Stir and chill covered for 15 minutes.

Pour into individual glasses and garnish with additional lemon and ginger.

The post Low-Carb Ginger Bliss appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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There are a lot of features to love about the Instant Pot when you need to get dinner on the table fast nothing beats its pressure-cooker function. Dump in the ingredients, seal the lid, and watch as recipes that would otherwise require a slow simmer or hands-on work at the stove are ready in a flash with very minimal effort. Here are 10 quick-cooking Instant Pot recipes to start you out.

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Cocktails are always welcome, but this time of year nothing rings in the festivities like traditional mulled wine. Warm, spicy and rich, it’s the perfect drink for both comfort and celebration.

Regular mulled wine recipes include a hefty dose of sugar, but that’s unnecessary when you take advantage of the many incredible varieties of natural low-carb sweeteners out there. All the flavor, none of the added sugar. Tradition is back on the table.

Servings: 7

Time in Kitchen: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry red wine
• 2 oranges
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 allspice berries
• 3 star anise pods
• 3-4 cinnamon stick (cut in half)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup of erythritol sweetener like Swerve (alternatively, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia-monk fruit blend if preferred)

Instructions:

Peel one orange into decorative strips and insert cloves into the peel. Cut the other orange into decorative slices for serving later.

Combine orange peel, spices, water, and sweetener of choice in a saucepan over medium heat.

Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add wine. Let stand for 30 minutes.

Warm just before serving or keep on a low-heat burner. Serve with orange wedges and cinnamon sticks.

The post Low-Carb Mulled Wine appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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Sangria is a drink that takes on the feel and flavor of whatever fruits you put in it. Citrus, apples, even peaches are often used for traditional summer versions of both the “red” and “white” recipes. But we think this holiday version is the best yet. Light, fruity and festive, white wine and seltzer are brightened up by cheery pomegranate seeds and cranberries for a tart taste and fresh finish—all with a beautiful presentation that will add wow-factor to your cocktail serving or dinner table.

Servings: 8

Time in the Kitchen: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of dry white wine
• Festive fruits (2 cups of pomegranate seeds and cranberries)
• 8 ounces sparkling water
• Stevia or monkfruit sweetener to taste (optional)

Instructions:

Cut up fruit and let soak in wine for two hours.

Add sparkling water. Stir well.

Chill for 30+ minutes. Stir again before serving.

The post Low-Carb Holiday Sangria appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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We’ve heard for years about the wonders of the Mediterranean diet. Featuring foods like olive oil, whole grains, fish, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, it’s equally colorful and crave-worthy. It’s also incredibly easy to work a few more Mediterranean-inspired meals into your weekly menu plan, even if it’s just for the bright and satisfying flavors alone.

Here are 20 of our favorite recipes — from breakfast to dinner to snacks — that will help you do just that.

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As if you needed a good reason to go to Target this weekend, there is a super-special, once-a-year deal that you need to know about: On Sunday, December 2, you can save 10 percent on all Target gift cards, bought in stores and online. That’s right — gift cards are on sale! And gift cards, in general, almost never go on sale!

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I have finally found the END ALL, BE ALL condiment, people! To be completely honest, when I first heard about my favorite grocery store’s (Trader Joe’s) new Blue Cheese Mustard, I had a few questions and concerns.

1. Do those two entities go together? Why are we messing with a good thing?
2. Do I really need another mustard in my fridge? (I already have yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, honey mustard, and spicy brown mustard.)
3. What will it SMELL like?

But, for the sake of research, I threw all caution to the wind and made the two-block journey to pick myself up a jar. Behold!

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