Holiday Favorites

Walnut pesto & a 4 ingredient fluffy marshmallow treat!

Super fluffy marshmallows that are perfect for hot cocoa! Refined sugar free and health benefits from gelatin powder make this treat even better.

Recipe adapted from Wellness Mama

Ingredients

1 cup water (warm, divided)

¼ cup gelatin powder

1 cup  honey (or maple syrup)

2 tsp vanilla

Optional: finely chopped peppermint or chocolate mint

Directions

Pour ½ cup warm water into mixing bowl, add gelatin, and whisk slightly and set aside. Allow the gelatin to bloom in warm water. Boil the remaining 1/2 cup water with honey in a saucepan and bring to boil, whisking continually. Pour mixture and gelatin into a bowl or stand mixer mixing bowl. Blend with the whisk attachment or handheld mixer for 12-15 minutes until the mixture is white and fluffy and has quadrupled in size. Add in vanilla and peppermint. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Let rest for at least 4 hours. DO NOT put in fridge as this will cause it to melt! Keep sealed on countertop for up to a week.

Walnut Pesto

A few years ago my husband and I visited Paris during the holidays; it was as magical and festive as you could imagine. One balmy afternoon we went into Buvette for lunch and had a delicious meal. We ordered the walnut pesto and it was unlike anything I had before. Now I make it every year for Christmas because it reminds me of this special time, plus it’s such a great appetizer.

Buvette's Walnut Pesto (adapted from Buvette, The Pleasure of Good Food)
1 cup of raw walnuts (make sure your nuts are fresh)
1/4 cup of packed sheep pecorino or Romano
1 small garlic clove, chopped
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp sherry wine vinegar
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp good quality olive oil
3 sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained)
fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Pulse everything in a food processor, drizzling in the olive oil last.
You want a chunky consistency, not a paste. Serve with a few slices of toasted country bread or a baguette.