Holiday Hemp

a Holly Jolly Hello!  can you believe it’s the holiday season already?  i cannot.  i sit here, in my office, amidst a plethora of fabulous holiday offerings overflowing my inbox, a to-do list growing with things i’d like to make or do in the next month, and the great hope that this year my tree will not die two weeks before Christmas — however, i’m not sure if my holiday spirit has caught up yet with the calendar!  I told my friend i’d be from “bah humbug” to “Christmas is my FAVORITE” - by the end of the weekend with visions of snowflake watching and cozy nights filled with Christmas lights dancing in my head — so here we are on Sunday and i’m getting there — my online shopping cart is filled with Christmas pajamas.   i have the Michael Buble’ channel singing me holiday tunes on Spotify — have you checked out Spotify- or Pandora??  my other favorite playlist is Rend Collective Holiday Playlist on Pandora - such a great way to listen to music….but i digress. do you know what really gets my holiday joy happening — food!  i know, i know — food.  it’s amazing and delicious and we all love to eat - have to eat…  all the better that during this month we spend a lot of time eating together with people we love.  i’m not sure that there is much else that fills the soul than a good meal spent with good people!

with all the hustle and bustle of the next few weeks, we thought you’d enjoy some yummy and easy dishes for your gatherings-  and of course wanted to give you some ideas for bumping up the nutrition by adding humming hemp to your recipes- since there is nothing better than combining party+healthy — am i right?!?

bake it up for breakfast or brunch:

this is one of my favorite winter recipes - in fact, i’m going to make it today when i do some meal prep for the week.  i absolutely love fresh cranberries and i’m so happy when they are in season.  if you’re with me, grab an extra package or two and freeze some to have on hand later.  this is a quick and easy option to take to a work breakfast or to eat during the week at your house and have one less meal to prep on a holiday program or other party day
Cranberry Pear Baked Oatmeal -adapted from The Balanced Life Sisterhood recipe collection

Serves 4-6

ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cup rolled oats -1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped humming hemp seeds
  • 1 cup diced pear (or/and apple)

instructions

preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly coat an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and sugar and mix well. in a separate bowl, crack in eggs and beat well. add in milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil and whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed. fold in the cranberries, hemp seeds, and diced fruit.

pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. let set for a few minutes before serving.

blend them in for a lunch potluck:

bring a platter full of delicious cut veggies and a pumpkin hummus to dip them in.  there are so many options to choose from but i love this kid friendly version - perfect for a class party - and the richness of the roasted garlic+rosemary combination in these recipes below:

**for both dishes - add 2-3 tbsp humming hemp seeds with other ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth - add a bit more olive oil or water if needed until desired thickness**

— Pumpkin Hummus for Kids

— Pinch of Yum’s Roasted Garlic+Rosemary Pumpkin Hummus

** on the go hack — buy plain hummus, a can of pumpkin and pre cut veggies - combine hummus with a few spoonful’s of pumpkin in serving dish, make a little well at the top and add some humming hemp seeds, pour a little glug of olive oil over the top and serve with veggies **

sprinkle it up at the evening party:

It’s that time of year y’all — the cheese ball is back again — this classic party dish is fun to make and fun to eat — up level it with the addition of nutty and delicious hemp seeds.

Cheese Ball - adapted from Kraft party cheese ball recipe

  • 2 pkg (8oz each) cream cheese
  • 1 pkg shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped onions
  • 1 tbsp chopped red bell peppers
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 c. humming hemp seeds  or 3/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted mixed with 1/2 c. humming hemp seeds

instructions:

beat cream cheese and cheddar in a bowl with mixer until blended.  add all remaining ingredients except hemp seeds and mix well.  chill for a bit until it’s cold enough to form into a ball.  shape and roll in hemp seeds.  serve with crackers or veggies.

have some extra time?  make your own homemade crackers and use hemp seeds as the seed- mix in or  sprinkle on top — or both!

— Homemade flax, almond, and hemp seed crackers (paleo, grain free)

— How to make make crackers at home

**on the go hack - buy a box of crackers, a package of cream cheese and a jar of red pepper jelly — place cream cheese on serving dish - pour red pepper jelly on top and sprinkle with hemp seeds.  serve with crackers**

from our heart, for yours  -sierra m.