As the carols play and the lights twinkle, the holiday season celebrates all the merry moments. For Tiffani Thiessen, holiday food adds extra cheer to her celebrations. The actress and cookbook author appreciates how food brings people together. This year, she is adding a new secret ingredient to her family’s favorite treats.
Holiday recipes can be a little extra indulgent. It does not mean that people throw healthy eating out the window. But, people are more willing to say yes to that dessert or even fill the plate with a little more food.
While that willingness to say yes can be part of the holiday festivities, some recipes can be transformed creatively to keep the scales from tipping too far into the naughty column. One or two ingredient swaps are a simple way to keep food balanced.
Recently, Tiffani Thiessen partnered with Isopure to use some of its products in her family’s favorite holiday recipes. Without altering the flavor that they love, the protein boost can keep them satisfied during all the seasonal fun.
Through her partnership with Isopure, Thiessen graciously answered some questions. From transforming traditional holiday favorite foods to keeping the seasonal stress in check, Thiessen has some approachable advice that anyone can follow.
Cristine Struble: Holiday recipes are often rooted in tradition. How can beloved, family recipes get an update that makes them a little more balanced?
Tiffani Thiessen: The holidays are such a special time for me and my family, and we love celebrating together through food. It does get a little tricky as gatherings are often heavy on sweets and don’t always offer nutritious options. I’ve been adding the Isopure Zero Carb Unflavored Protein Powder to my favorite recipes for a boost of protein like my delicious Savory Holiday Tarts! I love that this recipe uses unique seasonal flavors like pomegranate and the best part is that Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder helps meet my daily protein needs with 25 grams of protein per scoop without compromising the taste or texture of the dish!
CS: While many people appreciate having friends and family gather during the holidays, how can hosts avoid feeling overwhelmed? Do you have some hacks that help to keep the stress away?
TT: As someone who loves hosting during the holidays, I go by two rules: prep ahead as much as you can and delegate! Food prep is a no-brainer to save you time and helps keep the kitchen clean as guests start coming in. Also steering clear of trying out a new recipe the day of your gathering – trust me! Recipe testing at least a few days (or even weeks) before your big event helps spare you disappointment the day of and gives you enough time turn it into something you’re confident serving your guests.
I used to think I had do it all when hosting, but was more often than not stuck in the kitchen and not able to enjoy spending time with my guests and taste all the yummy food. Delegating tasks is a great way to share moments together in the kitchen with your loved ones. My daughter loves taking on the baking with my mom, and my son is an all-star on helping with other hosting tasks like setting the table.
CS: Bringing family together in the kitchen can make for the merriest of memories. How does your family cook and/or bake together during the holiday season?
TT: My family loves spending quality time together and slowing things down during the holiday season. It really sets the tone for closing out the year strong and building new memories and traditions that we will continue year after year! In the kitchen, everyone has their favorites they gravitate towards but favorites we all love are my mom’s cream cheese pie (often requested by my kids for their birthdays instead of cake), braised short rib enchiladas and Cuban black beans!
CS: The holiday season is often about gratitude. What are you grateful for this holiday season?
TT: There are so many things that I am grateful for to be honest. My family and friends, my health and my home would be on the top of that list I have to say. Those are always the most important to me.
As one year ends and another begins, simple solutions, creative food concepts, and gratitude for a full table are all sentiments that should be front of mind. Life has a bounty of deliciousness waiting to be enjoyed. The resolution for the new year should be welcoming the positive possibilities that are waiting to be celebrated.