Oh man, have you heard Taylor Swift’s new song “Blank Space”? I am addicted. It is so catchy and so good. I mean, it’s Taylor Swift so why should I expect anything less…but if you have not heard it, then listen here. I turned Pandora on before I got started on the treadmill this morning and the first song to play on my Pop Fitness station was: Blank Space. I had to legitimately keep myself from singing out loud to the song….it was difficult, but I bet those other gym-goers appreciated my silence. So basically what I am saying is…you’re welcome gym-buddies.
Moving on… so I learned something pretty cool today. I was doing some prep work for my radio show and I came across an article on Huffington Post called “11 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Favorite Christmas Movies”. Well I suggest you read this list because there are a lot of interesting facts in this article. My favorite is #1. Did you know that Peter Billingsley, the boy that plays Ralphie on “A Christmas Story”, actually has a short uncredited cameo in the movie “Elf”. Yeah….check this picture out.
Mind blown. Elf is one of my favorite movies. I am not talkin’ one of my favorite Christmas movies….just one of my favorite movies in general. It is so hilarious so it made this fact even more wonderful.
Speaking of Christmas, it will be here before ya know it! Along with the holidays comes holiday parties! As fun as they are, they tend to lead to an increase in the consumption of alcohol and high calorie foods (I am assuming I’m not the only one here….). If you are going to a potluck or dinner party, then bring a healthy dish. That way even if every other dish is full of calories, then at least you know you have one thing you don’t have to feel bad about eating!
As you know I love Brussels sprouts. For another way to use Brussels sprouts, check out Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Sausage. This particular salad is awesome and it is perfect to take somewhere as a side dish. Who knew cinnamon in a salad dressing would be so delicious?! I found this on Pinterest and it comes from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen… I just modified it slightly. It is one that actually tastes better the second day. I like to make it a day ahead or at least 8-10 hours ahead of time. I once made it before I went to work (yes, it is that easy) and then I took it to the party after work. The dressing needs time to work its magic on the kale and Brussels sprouts, so more time is better.
The recipe might look like a lot of ingredients, but most of them are items that you should have in your panty such as olive oil, salt, cinnamon, etc. I do have to say that the red cranberries and the green veggies make this dish pretty festive for Christmas! Red & green together in a healthy salad… come on. Perfect for a dinner party! You can even throw some protein on top and take it for lunch. It would be delicious with chicken on top!
What is your go-to party dish?
- 3 c kale, chopped
- 2 c Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 1/2 c reduced sugar dried cranberries
- 1/2 c pepitas
- 1/2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (such as Bragg's)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- dash of salt
- Combine chopped kale and Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing. Toss kale and Brussels sprouts with the dressing. Chill in the refrigerator. Before serving, add dried cranberries and pepitas.
- If you do not have pepitas then you can substitute pecans. Also, I recommend letting this sit for at least 8 hours before serving.
So I’ve been stalking your blog and not following ever since you posted it on Facebook… sorry for being a creeper. 🙂 I think we need to have dinner together. Often. Because your recipes look amazing.
I meant not commenting, not not following. Maybe that’s because I can’t type the right words…
We should absolutely have dinner! Donny & I would both love to have you guys over! I am glad you read my posts. If you have any suggestions for recipes let me know!