Festive Holiday Recipes

By Ashley Danielson, RDN, LD

The holidays are coming. Wait, they’re here… That happened fast. This year has flown by, and I would be lying if I said I’m not thinking ahead to all the upcoming holiday get-togethers and parties. Life is busy, and when we offer or are asked to bring a dish to share at the next festivity, it can be hard to think up a memorable and tasty option. As a registered dietitian, I think it’s important to enjoy your food at all times of the year. But, of course, it’s extra fun to embrace this idea at the holidays. Read on for some of my favorite recipes that are delicious, nutritious, and bound to be a hit at your next gathering.

 

Roasted Sweet Potato Pear and Pomegranate SaladĀ 

Iā€™ve made this vibrant salad a couple times, and I love it! The best part? It’s easy to prep the ingredients a day early. Along with beautiful colors, this salad is loaded with antioxidants from the spinach and pomegranates + fiber from the pears and sweet potatoes. Layer it on a platter when you arrive to your destination, and you’re sure to wow the crowd. (This one should be on your go-to list for anytime of the year!)

 

One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread

Ever tried flaxseed + water in place of eggs? Donā€™t fret. It is easy and it works! Tailored to the gluten-free and vegan crowd, this recipe offers a twist on the typical pumpkin bread. The addition of rolled oats makes it dense but also fluffy, and the sprinkle of the pepitas on top provide a bit of crunch.

 

 

Christmas Tree Cheese Board

This seems too pretty to eat, but I assure you it’ll be a huge hit. Whether you go all-in and create the festive shape, or just use the suggested ingredients and make a pretty board of your own, you can’t go wrong. I love appetizers like this because they allow you to try different items you may have otherwise overlooked. With so many options, this board is perfect for a crowd!

 

Crispy Garlic Ranch Roasted Potatoes

Running short on time? This is a great option! These potatoes only take 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. Plus, you likely already have the seasonings in your pantry. If not, it would be a quick grocery trip to make an extremely delicious dish. These are perfect for holiday get togethers, but again, would also be suitable year-round!

 

Wild Mushroom StuffingĀ 

Potentially unpopular opinion… I donā€™t love stuffing. I typically pass on it at any occasion, and Iā€™ve never had the desire to make it. But this is a tasty twist, and it might even make an appearance on my plate. Did you know mushrooms are the only produce item that contain Vitamin D? During the winter months, our exposure to sunshine takes a dip, so add mushrooms to your grocery list to give your body what it needs!

 

All of these recipes have one thing in common – celebration. Whether this time of year includes for you lots of hustle and bustle or time to slow down and soak in a fresh snowfall, we hope you’re able to do it all with the people and food you love most. What are some of your favorite holiday recipes? Feel free to share them in the comments below or tag us on social (@wearepowerlife) when you present them at your next gathering!

 

 

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About Kirk: 

Kirk was working 80-hour weeks and wearing his shoulders as earrings when he found yoga in 2005. Forever the competitive athlete, he loved the physicality of yoga. When the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga were exposed to him, Kirk was hooked. Yoga provided him with what other activities couldnā€™t -- the ability to foster the benefits of practice both on and off of the mat. Yoga was something that Kirk could bring into all aspects of his life. 

Kirk knows that yoga can be intimidating, so he crafts a class that is playful and inviting, while still being challenging and safe. His creatively planned classes build strength and flexibility in your body and mind while establishing clarity, giving you more confidence to overcome obstacles in your life, and keeping you injury-free. His classes are themed with a message that is relatable and will inspire you to take it with you off your mat. Kirk has been teaching yoga since 2008 and lead his first teacher training in 2012. Where Kirk truly shines is in coaching, developing and bringing out the best in others.  

Kirk enjoys traveling (40+ countries to date!), snowboarding, and cherishes time with his wife and two daughters. 

About Christen: 

Christen Bakkenā€™s yoga journey began in 1998 in a Bikram studio that provided a safe and secure place to practice. She saw the yoga mat as a place to remember her purpose and a place to play. As she continued her studies and began her journey to teaching in 2006, Christen infused yoga classes with devotion and the yoga mat became a place of personal transformation and healing. Her classes are filled with laughter, song, sweat, and usually heart openers. In 2013, Christen began training yoga teachers. This is the place where she finds the most joy - in community with folks looking to grow and be of greater service in their homes, on their mats, and in the world. Over the years, she has led trainings in Denver, the Midwest, Florida, and now abroad. She has trained in continuing education modules, 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour programs. Beyond the mat, Christen is a passionate adventure seeker - she loves to bike, snowboard, and spend time with her husband and pups. She sees each day as a blessing and hopes to remind all who interact with her of this truth.  

Two Light Studio Parking Information

We validate parking for THREE garages in the area!

  • Two Light garage located directly north of the studio. Please bring your ticket inside for validation.

  • Three Light garage at Main and Truman. Garage entrance on Truman. Please bring your ticket inside for a validation sticker.

  • Power & Light garage at 13th and Grand. Please ask for a parking pass at the studio front desk. (Hot tip: the Power & Light garage has a ton of space! But be sure to give yourself a little extra time to walk to the studio.)

If you find that you are running a couple minutes late due to parking, please call the studio to let the instructor know to wait for you before locking the doors.

Blackstone Studio Parking

  • We have partnered with our friends at Greenslate to provide 1 hour and 15 minute validated parking for Power Life students in the lot at 36th and Harney (just south of the Cottonwood Hotel).Ā Read below to learn how to take advantage of this perk:

    • Step 1:Ā Scan the QR code located in the lot.

    • Step 2:Ā Select your destination (i.e. ā€œyoga studioā€).

    • Step 3:Ā Ask for the validation code at the Blackstone studio front desk and enter it on your phone.

    • Step 4:Ā You are all set! Have fun at class!

    Please note:

    • The validation provided by Power Life and Greenslate is for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Need to add additional time to your parking space? You can do that conveniently from your phone!

    • This option is valid once per day per license plate.

    • Please do NOT park in the Crescent Moon lot āˆ’ you will be towed!

East Village Studio Amenities

  • There is a paved lot and gravel lot on the West side of the building.

  • Meters on Court and 4th (by Peace Tree) for $0.25/hour, 9am-9pm Mon. ā€“ Sat. 12-hour max*

  • Meters on 4th (to the North) for $1.25/hour. Mon ā€“ Sat. 4-hour max.

  • All meters are free on Sundays and major holidays.

*Starting July 8, 4th Street will temporarily become a one-way. Students will only be able toĀ enterĀ our parking lot from the North via Court Ave. andĀ exitĀ it going south. Thank you for understanding!

Festive Holiday Recipes Info