Winter Comfort Food 🥶🍵

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Lately, I've been feeling nostalgic about the Holiday season. I know it's May, but Spring in Romania hasn't been spring-like, the weather's feeling ambivalent. (Thanks a lot, climate change! 😡) Reminiscing on the season epitomized by staying in our pajamas all day long, blasting Mariah Carey's iconic hits unapologetically, and savoring the sweet scent of our favorite holiday candles. Unfortunately, my stomach is also quite upset as it remembers hot chocolate, Santa's chocolate chip cookies with milk 🤫, etc.

Although we no longer have the facilities to give into our temptation of building snowmen, making snow angels, and engaging in a snowball fight; we can temporarily bring back the holiday spirit with a yummy and older relatives-approved recipe! 👩‍🍳

In today's article, I will be sharing with you the recipe ChatGPT recommends to live the "cozy winter aesthetic to the fullest", the health benefits of the winter produce that makes a guest appearance in the recipe of the dish, as well as my rating of the dish, so read until the end to see if it is worth adding to your seasonal menu.

Just because the Winter season has come to a close, doesn't mean that this recipe isn't delicious and appropriate all year round! If you'd like to broaden your culinary endeavors, I highly recommend trying this recipe out regardless of what season you're in! ❄️

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Winter Staple Fruits & Veggies

• Acorn Squash 🎃
  

• Pomegranates 🩷

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Their Nutritious Benefits

• Acorn Squash: has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart, and other vital organs. (University of California - Davis Health)
  

• Pomegranates: Has heart health benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer phytonutrients (similar to those of broccoli), urinary health support, digestive health benefits, elevated endurance, a boast in antimicrobial properties that fight oral germs that cause gum disease and bad breath. Furthermore, pomegranate juice could reduce oxidative stress on the brain and maintain brain health, helping with memory retention. (UCLA Health)

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The Recipe 🥗

Name:

Festive Dose Of Squash, Pomegranate, Cauliflower Bowl

Ingredients:

Bowl:

• 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 head of cauliflower, divided into florets

• 1 small squash (like butternut or acorn), peeled and diced (approximately 2 cups)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of one lemon

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons of paprika

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds (for sprinkling on top)
  

• Tahini Dressing
  

• 1/2 cup of tahini

• 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced

• A handful of parsley, finely chopped

• Juice of one lemon

• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

• 3 tablespoons of water, adjust for desired consistency

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   

2. Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas, cubed squash, and cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet.
   

3. Toss the vegetables with cornstarch, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices until evenly coated.

4. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the cauliflower is crispy, remembering to toss halfway through.
   

5. While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the dressing. In a bowl, mix together minced parsley, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, maple syrup, and gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
   

6. Once the vegetables are roasted, arrange them on a serving plate or bowl.
   

7. Sprinkle the top with pomegranate arils for a burst of flavor and color.
   

8. Serve immediately or store the roasted vegetables and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy!
   

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My Reaction To The Bowl

1 word, 3 exclamations: DELICIOUS!!! I feel super guilt-free even when stuffing my face.

The pomegranates and tahini sauce complement one another well, making your tastebuds feel like they're in heaven.

I also love the variety of textures, intriguing you to take another bite. It's really filling and nutritious, which is perfect because it also prevents emotional eating or eating to the point where you feel sick. This may have just become my go-to salad option 🥳

If you like sweet and salty flavors, you need to check this out!

I hope you enjoyed this second recipe and diet-centered article! If you have any suggestions to improve, I would love to see what feedback you have for me! Please leave me a comment at the end of this article to let me know what you think, and thank you to those of you who have already shared your thoughts with me via the comment feature or privately.

The Gilmore Girl's Fandom's favorite on-screen boyfriend hopes you all had a happy:

or any other beautiful tradition you celebrate, with lots of warmth, peace, love, and the company of those who matter most. 🎄 ❄️ 🕎

Sending virtual hugs and lots of happiness your way! 🧸 🌻 🤪