Food and Recipes

ARTICLE COURTESY OF FFES

THE HOLIDAYS are filled with rich, delicious food - from indulgent breakfasts to decadent desserts - but don’t forget to add in some healthier, bite-sized snacks! Make a few batches of these pecan recipes and you’ll be ready with on-the-go snacks and treats when you need something tasty to tide you over.

Although beloved in pie, pecans are a versatile nut that can be used beyond the pie shell - add them to a snack mix, incorporate them into granola, or simply munch on them straight from the bag. Delicious and nutritious, 1 ounce of pecans offers 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber, plus 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fats and only 2 grams of saturated fat - perfect to power you through those long days spent getting ready for the upcoming holidays.

This season, try munching on a handful of these spiced Gingerbread Pecans for a sweet and savory snack while decorating the house or wrapping presents late at night, and be sure to set out a bowl for the family to enjoy!

Snack-sized versions of your favorite holiday desserts are great to have on-hand when you’re craving a quick and tasty treat. Chopped pecans add a flavorful and nutrient-dense crunch to these paleofriendly No-Bake Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bites, while pecan halves provide a festive touch to these cute Reindeer Pecan Brownies.

Reindeer Pecan Brownies

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Yield: 20 brownies

Ingredients: » Nonstick cooking spray » 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted » 1 tablespoon pecan or canola oil » 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, granulated sugar » 2 large eggs » 1 teaspoon vanilla extract » 1/2 cup all-purpose flour » 1/2 cup cocoa powder » 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional) » 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt » 20 raw pecan halves, cut in half » 40 candy eyeballs » 20 red chocolate candies » 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions: Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, and sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until mixture is thick and pale in color, about 1 minute. Sift in flour and cocoa powder. Add espresso powder, if desired, and salt. Using rubber spatula, fold dry ingredients into butter mixture until just combined. Batter should be thick. Using 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, transfer batter to prepared mini muffin tin. Bake 13-15 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean, with some lingering crumbs. Add chocolate chips to a heat-proof bowl; microwave until smooth and melted. Pour melted chocolate into sandwich bag and cut off small portion of one corner to use as tip. Use melted chocolate to “glue” on pecan antlers, candy eyeballs, and red candy noses to brownies. Allow chocolate to set before transferring brownies to airtight container.

No-Bake Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bites

Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 1 hour Yield: 12 bites (6 servings)

Ingredients: Crust: » 1 1/2 cups raw pecan pieces » 3/4 cup pitted medjool dates (about 7 dates), soaked in hot water 10 minutes » 1 pinch pink salt

Filling: » 1/3 cup pumpkin puree » 1/3 cup full fat coconut or pecan milk » 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, ginger, cloves & nutmeg) » 1/4 cup maple syrup » 1 pinch pink salt » 1 scoop collagen peptides (optional) » 12 raw pecan halves for topping

To make crust: In food processor, process pecan pieces, drained dates, and salt until combined and “dough” starts to form into ball. To make filling: In bowl, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, pumpkin spice, maple syrup, pink salt, and collagen peptides, if desired. Whisk until smooth. Line cupcake tin and evenly distribute crust mixture, about 1 1/2 tablespoons in each cupcake opening. Press crust into even layer with your fingers. Evenly disperse pumpkin pie filling among openings until tins are about half full. Top each with one pecan half and place in freezer at least one hour.

Gingerbread Pecans

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Yield: 2 cups (6 servings)

Ingredients: » 1 large egg white, beaten » 2 cups raw pecan halves » 2 tablespoons granulated sugar » 2 tablespoons light brown sugar » 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice blend (cinnamon, ginger, allspice & nutmeg) » 1 pinch salt

Directions: Preheat oven to 300º F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In large bowl, use fork to whisk beaten egg until frothy. Add pecans and stir until coated. Sprinkle pecans with granulated sugar, brown sugar, gingerbread spice, and salt. Stir to coat evenly. Spread pecans in even layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake pecans 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Allow pecans to cool completely.

Nouveau Classics Contemporary Furniture & Interior Design “Decorating is not just about function, it’s also about fashion.” – Paula Clancy

DESIGN, FASHION, and function are all key to Paula’s designs. A sharp awareness of new trends around the world has kept her a step ahead of the competition. She also has the unique ability to connect with her clients on a personal level. That connection and experience create energized, inspired, comfortable spaces.

“I sell a complete package… whether the client is buying one piece or a whole room, I am there from beginning to end,” states

FLOWERS AND PLANTS are staples in many homes, adding to the aesthetic of virtually any space. While the visual benefits of plants are widely embraced, many people are unaware that they support mental and physical well-being, too.

“Plants offer benefits beyond beauty,” explains Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com. “From improving air quality to having calming and healing benefits, plants are an important component for any home.”

Stress Reduction

Have you noticed that when you visit a garden or park, you instantly feel at ease? Greenery has the ability to calm and reduce stress. The sights and smells promote calm and a feeling of escape, which is particularly important during times of stress.

Work is a top source of stress for many, so plants are a smart addition to workspaces. “The positive effects of office plants” by Nursery Papers Technical found employees had many benefits, including: » Depression/dejection reduced by 58% » Anger/hostility reduced by 44% Paula. “Listening to my clients, helping them achieve the look they are after, originality, and customer service are key elements to a successful end result.”

Paula has 30+ years’ experience in retail furniture and interior design through her business, Nouveau Classics. During this time, she has built long-term relationships with high-design companies that offer superior, quality products from Europe, Canada, and the U.S. As a result, Paula is able to offer nothing but the best for her clients. ARTICLE COURTESY OF BPT » Tension/anxiety reduced by 37% » Confusion reduced by 30%

Because many people are now working from home and children are attending school remotely, add plants to office and study spaces to reduce stress and make them more welcoming.

Plant to consider: Lavender has delicate purple buds that offer a splash of color and a scent with its calm-invoking characteristics.

Improve Air Quality

Plants can improve air quality by decreasing the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by up to 89%, according to NASA Stennis Space Center. VOCs are commonly found in household items and paints and include formaldehyde, benzene, and trichlorethylene, among others.

Many green houseplants can: » Reduce carbon dioxide levels » Control humidity levels » Reduce indoor pollution levels » Reduce airborne dust levels » Add oxygen to the air

Plant to consider: Peace Lily can remove pollutants and absorb harmful substances like ammonia and xylene, plus it has a pleasant scent when in bloom.

Whether you engage Paula for designing, renovating, or staging, she will challenge you to take your spaces to a new level. One that is beautiful, sophisticated, and stands the test of time.

Nouveau Classics Contemporary Furniture & Interior Design 101 S. Gay Street Knoxville, TN 37902 865.525.4755

Beyond Beautiful: How Plants Improve Mental and Physical Wellness

www.nouveauclassics.com

Healing and Health-Promoting

Plants are believed to calm and promote healing in people of all ages. Scientists believe the calming effects of nature can reduce cortisol levels and improve mood, effectively speeding up the healing process.

A Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine article found that patients recovering from surgery with plants and flowers in their room have experienced: » Lower blood pressure and heart rate » Lower ratings of pain, anxiety and fatigue » Fewer intakes of pain medication

Whether you’re recovering from an illness or want to promote overall wellness, consider placing plants throughout your most-used spaces to reap the benefits.

Plant to consider: Aloe Vera is an ancient natural remedy that adds visual appeal, plus the clear gel from the plant’s leaves also soothes the skin.

“The power of plants is incredible,” said Palomares. “Whether you bring plants into your own home to promote calm and wellness, or you gift a loved one with a special surprise, greenery is a wonderful way to elevate a space.”

Learn how plants can boost wellness at 1800flowers.com/blog/plants.