We made it to December, and life is looking up. Thank you so much for your support since sharing Cookie’s lymphoma diagnosis last month. You’ve shared webinars, supplements and nutrition resources, and the kindest of sentiments. You have carried us through a difficult time. Thank you.
I’m thrilled to share that Cookie’s oncologist declared full remission last week. Hallelujah! We will complete her chemo regimen and hope that her little body will stay in remission for a long, long time.
Commercial photographer Lauren Pusateri heard about Cookie’s diagnosis and invited us to her amazing Kansas City studio. I couldn’t pick just one photo to share, so here are several. Lauren, thank you so much. We had a blast and I will treasure these forever!
Below, you’ll find a collection of healthy seasonal recipes to carry us through December. If you’re shopping for gifts, don’t miss my 2020 holiday gift guide. Stay well, eat well!
Apples
Simple Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)
“I’ve made this twice now with a mixture of apples from a co-Workers apple orchard. Super delicious! What made it most fun was my 3 year old grandson stealing apple slices from the cutting board as I sliced the apples can’t wait to try some of your other recipes! Thanks!” – Louise
Beets
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
Gluten free and vegan
“This could be THE best salad I have ever made. I have a vegan friend who I am always trying to find interesting recipes for and she also loved it. I made it exactly as per your recipe apart from adding a mixture of toasted almond flakes and pumpkins seeds.” – Heather
Broccoli
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Easily gluten free, and vegan
“My super picky daughter even had seconds! I thought this was very good, and definitely the best “cheese” I’ve had. I usually steer clear of nutritional yeast based cheese sauce, but I pretty much love everything I’ve made from your blog, so I gave it a try. Served with your recipe of Apple Kohlrabi salad, and was a lovely meal!” – Sarah
Brussels Sprouts
Coconut Rice with Brussels Sprouts from The Love and Lemons Cookbook
Gluten free and vegan
“Made this for dinner last night and it was wonderful! I can hardly wait for my Love and Lemons cookbook to arrive tomorrow. Thank you again” – Luann
More Brussels sprout recipes »
Cabbage
Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
Gluten free and vegan
“I just had a Mexican fiesta in my mouth without any of the guilt. So easy and my family thought it looked so gourmet – thanks Kate. I have shared the recipe with foodie friends to try – I am making one recipe a week from your site for 2016 and so far -ROCK STAR hits.” – Terri
Carrots
Creamy Thai Carrot Sweet Potato Soup
Gluten free and vegan
“Today was our first cool day for the season. When I stepped outside for my morning walk I knew I would be making this soup for dinner. It was so good. Thanks so much for choosing to share this tasty recipe. I can’t wait to get Angela’s new cookbook.” – Cathy
Citrus fruits
Honey Lemon Curd
Gluten free
“It turned out just perfect! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!” – Yelena
More lemon recipes » (also grapefruit, orange, lime and clementine)
Hardy greens (arugula,
chard, collard greens & spinach)
Herbed Quinoa & Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I have made this twice already since you posted it, Kate. A great combination of flavors, especially with the parsley and cilantro together. This will certainly be going into our regular repertoire.” – Sophie
Kale
Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Beans)
Potentially gluten free and vegan
“Literally one of the best recipes ever! I’ve made this numerous times over the past few weeks as the weather has started to turn colder. It’s so delicious!!! Thanks for sharing!” – Lauren
Pomegranate
Pomegranate & Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing
Gluten-free and easily vegan
“This was the best looking salad I’ve ever made, and the taste lived up to the appearance. I loved how bright and fresh it was, and the ginger dressing added just the right amount of zing and pulled everything together. This was literally the centerpiece of my Christmas dinner table, and everyone loved it!” – Josh
Potatoes
Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
Gluten-free and vegan
“I’ve made these at least a half a dozen times! My husband, the potato enthusiast, loves them. Super easy and cooks up nice and crispy while I make our eggs. No more staring at the potatoes in the skillet and praying they don’t stick. Thanks, Kate!” – Heather
Radishes
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs
Vegan and gluten free
“Hi again! Thanks so much for this one! I made it for my husband and I and we loved it so much we made it for a recent housewarming and everyone went wild… Sent this one to a few guests who had requested a copy! Thanks!” — Krystal
Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
Gluten free and potentially vegan
“The Roasted vegetable enchiladas were delicious! Even family members who claim to not be fans of veggies ate this and had seconds. Score one for plant based goodness!!” – Erin
Winter Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Made these along with your Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos. We kinda mixed and matched all the toppings. It was all amazing. This will be our new family favorite. Taco night will never be the same:)
Thanks for the wonderful recipes.” – Debbie
More butternut squash recipes » (also acorn squash and delicata squash)
Don’t forget to tag your Instagram recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: My 2020 gift guide, 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch, and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Lauren
Kate, I’m always so happy to see the “what to cook” posts for the month. It really helps when I’m trying to cook items that are in season and reasonably priced. I love all your recipes, and you’ve made it so easy for me to transition to a full-time vegetarian and still keep a omnivorous boyfriend happy. I’m going to be moving in the next week into my first owned house as well and I know the pain of moving and cleaning everything. We just need to be mindful of the moments that we do have time to spend with our friends and family over the holiday season.
Happy early birthday (we’re birthday twins!!) and I cannot WAIT for your cookbook!!
Kate
Hooray for being birthday twins! And congrats on your new house, Lauren! It’s a relief to hear from someone who can really relate. I’m glad to know that you and your boyfriend have been enjoying my recipes. Can’t wait for you to see the book! :)
Rachael
These recipes have made me hungry! I love the look of those squash tacos, yumyum!
Kate
Thanks, Rachael! Those tacos taste as good as they look, if I can say so myself. :)
Dhyan Atkinson
Your birthday is in 24 days, is it? Are you a Christmas Eve baby like I am? Thanks for all the great December recipes. I am learning to balance my type 2 diabetes with great vegetable laden meals and your recipes help a lot! Dhyan in Boulder
Kate
Almost, I’m a Christmas baby! Happy early birthday. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes. I have a tendency toward hypoglycemia so that’s why they’re all full of veggies and whole grains!
Sarah
I have a request! I am sitting here looking out the window at the snow falling and raiding the soup section of your blog & thinking that you should do one of these “what to make” guides for your favorite winter soups!
Kate
That’s a great idea, thanks Sarah! I published one a couple of years ago (here), but it needs updating. Here are all of my soup recipes in the meantime. Stay warm!
Karlie
You are killing it as always! Thanks for providing these round ups they always give me great ideas before the Saturday farmers market. Can’t wait for your cookbook!
Kate
Thank you so much, Karlie! I can’t wait for you to see the book!
Corrie
Your recipes are a staple for me and lured me into the world of food blogging! You’re awesome – and Cookie too of course!
Kate
Thank you so much, Corrie!
Lauren
I feel you Kate! The holidays get me every year, in the best and worst ways. Can’t wait for your cookbook!!
Kate
Thank you, Lauren!! I’m glad you know what I mean. Happy holidays!
Melanie
Hmm I have made two recipes from this list but so many are appealing! I don’t know how I have missed seeing the Butternut Squash tacos–are they similar to your popular and yummy Sweet Potato Black Bean tacos? I often am stumped for what to do with a Butternut but tacos are always a good idea ;)
I also would like to mention that I think there might be a mistake on your first item on this list. An apple tart and oatmeal are both easily breakfast dishes for me but I think the text is meant to announce your Gluten Free Apple Tart instead of the steel cut oatmeal :)
Kate
Oops! Thank you for pointing out that error, Melanie. I was working from last month’s list and I guess I forgot to update the name. Will fix now. Yes, the butternut squash tacos are somewhat similar to the sweet potato ones. I love the crunchy cabbage.
Severien
Oh, I just finished my lunch and now I am ready to cook again after seeing all these recipes! I love ‘What’s in Season Recipes’!
Sara @ Last Night's Feast
I love these posts, Kate. They are so helpful!
Jenna
Happy early birthday! I just turned 30 this past year and am single as ever as well haha! Let’s embrace it! Looking forward to your new cookbook :)
Jamie | A Sassy Spoon
My birthday is 27 days away so I feel ya. Also, doesn’t it suck having a birthday during the craziest month of the year?!? Ahhh. Gotta make the best of it though. Happy early birthday! :)
karen
You sound like you need a hug so here you go x
Danica
Kate, this month also brings about a lot of conflicting emotions for me, too. It’s hard to be merry and sanguine when you are busy and tired. However, your beautiful recipes really bring a lot of pleasure to my life and have transformed my diet for the better. They are something I look forward to making every week, especially now, when I am so busy otherwise. Thank you and I hope you find some restorative moments this month.
Christine @ Yum and in Love
Thanks for rounding up December produce. I need to make more veggies in the winter- I veer towards soups, chilis, bread and cookies!
Stephanie
Kate, I love your recipes and photos and also your writing! I love the voice you have on your blog.
Hope you find some moments to relax in the upcoming weeks :)
Cassie
I absolutely love all of these vegetables–beets, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, carrots, arugula, spinach, kale, winter squash and SWEET POTATOES, of course!
Max
I am learning to balance my type 2 diabetes with great vegetable laden meals and your recipes help a lot!
marta
That Time I Made Nothing but Cookie + Kate Recipes: hmm, my family also lives on your recipes. Every single day. We all love the food, and I, the cook, love how manageable to prep work is and how budget-doable the dishes are. As a highlight each weekend, I choose one of your recipes I haven’t tried before. So yummy!
Kate
You are so sweet, Marta! Thank you :)
Barbara K.
The butternut squash tacos were actually the first meal I cooked in my first owned house a few weeks ago! Of course, with a margarita from your cookbook. Thanks for the fabulous recipes!
Kate
A great combo, Barbara! Sounds like something I will need to add to my future menu :)
Jeanne
I’ve ordered four of your cookbooks so far. One for me (of course) and three for my sister, son, and running partner. It’s simply not fair to keep your awesome recipes to myself. You are my culinary hero. Thanks for being you.
Kate
I love hearing that! Thank you, Jeanne for your continued support and your sweet comments. :)
Cassie Autumn Tran
I have been eating Brussels sprouts this December NON-STOP! They are absolutely amazing when roasted! You can’t go wrong with sweet potatoes, winter squash, pomegranates, kale, broccoli, and other greens as well!
Kate
I agree, Cassie! Thank you.
luci
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas! I love all the beautiful seasonal produce you’ve included!
Kate
You are welcome! I am happy to hear you found it helpful.
Victoria @ SalmonRecipes
Pretty obsessed with this dish. I’ve made it so many days now that my spouse has ever requested me, how can you be sick of that? ….it’s delicious, balanced and straightforward. I typically stick in certain broccoli and top off it with enoki and half an times I”ve left itI’ve used trout. No Broad City though, I’m binge Seeing Downton Abbey in the moment.
Kate
I love that! Thanks for sharing, Victoria.
Melissa
These look amazing. We are staying tonight so maybe I’ll make something from this post! We were in NOLA last winter and while everything was amazing, we had the best experiences at Muriel’s in the Square and Trinity. And check out Frenchman’s street for great music!
Kate
Thanks! I will add it to the list.
Claudia
Ditto on the above posts! Love having a handful of delicious, in-season recipes that I know I can have as “go-to’s” for the month. Xx
Kate
Thank you, Claudia!
ANNA MANCINI
Hi Kate, New Orleans at Christmas should be a fun place. The food is always incredible, and the parties are around the clock.
Make sure you enjoy some charbroiled oysters at Drago’s Hilton.
New Orleans had 4 James Beard awards this year, hope you get to check some of them out:
– Outstanding Bar Program: Cure
– Best Chef South:Nina Compton, Compère Lapin
-Dong Phuong Bakery, New Orleans, Owners: Linh Tran Garza
-Lally Brennan and Ti Adelaide Martin Co-proprietors, Commander’s Palace
Kate
I will have to add this to my list! Thanks, Anna!
Katie
I went to New Orleans with my dad a few years ago. While we were there, I had one of the best restaurant meals I’ve ever had at The Court of Two Sisters. We went for dinner and sat on the outdoor patio, where there were greenery and fairy lights strung above our heads. Great ambiance and amazing food!
Kate
Thanks for the recommendation, Katie!
Heather Hans
I’m a Christmas baby, too! I’m glad you’re getting to spend your birthday somewhere fun! Thank you for all the great recipes; you’re my go-to source for recipes, especially for dinner and healthier baked goods!
Kate
You’re welcome, birthday buddy! I’m glad you love the recipes. :)
Heather Hans
:)
Abby
Hi Kate! I’ve loved your blog for years now (and am a proud owner of Love Real Food). If you have time for a day trip out of the city and are into a historical/educational field trip, I highly recommend the Whitney plantation – it is the only preserved plantation in Louisiana that focuses on the perspective of enslaved Africans, and is a notable exception to the prevailing narrative at other plantation sites across the South. And perhaps already on your list – I think the carousel bar in the Hotel Montleone would be right up your ally :)
Kate
Thanks for the support and the recommendations!
Alli
NOLA for Christmas and a Birthday! How fun. Yes make reservations now! Some of my fave eateries: Compere Lapin (good bar also), Coquette, Saba, Shaya and Felix counter for oysters (do you eat oysters?). Fun casual…Maison on Frenchman for music, Bacchanal for wine and outside music, Tonique for quick cocktail, Elizabeth’s for breakfast, the Ace roof for an afternoon cocktail weather permitting or evening dancing downstairs (it’s a scene but it’s fun). Ride the streetcar to the Garden District. Tour the cemetery (pay a guide if available in front). Take a self-guided tour of the districts houses then hit the Hot Tin for a sunset cocktail. Tour the WW!! Museum (it’s amazing) or wander Julia Street to look at galleries. Museum of Art is nice. Of course you can always just wander the Quarter and take in the tourist sites. It’s all fun!!!!
Kate
Good to know! Thank you for all your recommendations, Alli!
Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite
The veggie enchiladas look and sound delicious!
Kate
They are delicious! :)
Laurie
Jealous! I love New Orleans. Here’s my recs:
If you want to do Commander’s Palace, go for lunch. 25 cent martinis (be careful)! Then walk around the Garden District.
Cochon Butcher is also a great place for lunch, but not sure what vegetarian options they have.
If you have a car, go to Dong Phuong’s in New Orleans East.
Brunch at Elizabeth’s.
Ride the streetcar from Uptown to the French Quarter. The homes on St. Charles Ave are impressive.
Cafe Au Lait and beignets – Cafe du Monde is the most famous. Don’t wear black. Trust me.
Have your palm read in Jackson Square. Stroll around the French Quarter and just admire the architecture. Bourbon Street is worth seeing, but there is so much more to enjoy there.
Walk lots so you can eat more. Have so much fun.
Kate
Thank you so much for this detailed list, Laurie! I’m really excited. I love all the recommendations I’m getting.
Elizabeth Gray Topp
Try Seed while you’re in NOLA. It is a vegan restaurant, and it is fabulous!
Elizabeth
Try “Seeds” in NOLA. It’s vegan, and it’s fantastic!
Kate
Thank you! I will do some research on it!
Ashley
Just want to say that I’ve always loved your “What to cook this [month]” posts (and your blog in general — and your book!), because I always try to eat seasonally, but we FINALLY signed up for a CSA and just got our first order and now I am *living* for this post and this series, with our box having most of the produce you’re listing here; the ability to search recipes by produce is so amazing, and is going to be even more clutch with each CSA box we get!
Kate
I’m really happy to hear that! That’s fun that you can use this with your monthly CSA order. Thanks for sharing, Ashley!
A
Thanks for all your awesome recipes which I have been loving and using for years! One thing I appreciate about your recipes is that they use common ingredients that are in-season and nutrient packed. Makes it very convenient to eat healthy and delicious food all the time! If you are able, I would love to see more Instant Pot recipes or any of your takes on Indian-style food.
When in New Orleans, give Sweet Soulfood a try (vegan, amazing locally owned spot on Broad Street)! Also you’ll love Thousand Figs and Green Goddess. Have fun and enjoy!
Lori
Thanks guys can’t wait to try it!
Beks
Love it
Thanks
Darcie
This is just a general praise for your recipes!
We used a few recipes from your cookbook for Thanksgiving and…wow. Each one was a hit! Carrot, wild rice, and arugula salad; almond cherry crisp; even a cocktail (or two). I am allergic to soy and a family member is gluten free, but your book makes it so easy to adapt recipes as necessary. This is very much appreciated and what makes me reach for Love Real Food again and again. (The fact that the recipes are delicious and nutrient rich goes without saying!)
Also, I have been completely converted to your “pasta” method for cooking rice. Brilliant! I can’t remember if that’s in the book or here on the site, but I think it’s a sign of full adoption that I can’t remember the exact location!
Thank you so much for your approach to healthy, appealing food and your sharing of new techniques!
Kate
Thank you for commenting, Darcie!
Tammy
My favorite cookbook is yours, naturally. Please, please, please come out with another???
Kate
You’re so sweet! Thank you :) I don’t have any plans yet, sorry!
Lori
I’m so happy to hear about Cookie!! <3 <3
Kate
Thank you so much, Lori!!
Susan
Hello, I always read your posts but do not see you on Instagram and just learned the GOOD news re Cookie and her diagnosis. My heart is with you and prayers for full remission!!
Love, Me
Kate
Thank you so much, Susan. She is doing great. Most days, you would never guess that she’s in treatment!
Allie
About 3 weeks ago I was pretty disgruntled that I hadn’t seen any photos of Cookie on your recipes lately, so I scrolled through your IG until I found the post about her diagnosis. So distressing. She is just adorable, and clearly the light of your life! Thrilled to hear about her remission!! Wishing her the best.
Kate
I know, I need to share more Cookie pics! She’s doing very well and I’m so thankful!
Andrea
Adorable pictures of Cookie! So happy to hear that she’s in full remission!! Thanks for the great recipes!
Kate
Thank you, Andrea! Happy holidays. :)
Kathryn Wilkinson
So glad that Cookie is doing well… her pictures are precious!
Thank you for all the recipes. I haven’t had time to make it yet, but that pear and pom salad is so beautiful, I can’t wait to try the recipe.
Kate
Thank you, Kathryn! That salad is one of my all-time favorites.
Ann
So thankful that Cookie is DONE with Cancer!!!! Take care of each other and keep bloggin!
Kate
Thank you, Ann!
Lorrie
Hi Cookie & Kate !
I recently bought your cookbook and LOVE the Spaghetti with Roasted Cauliflower & Kale recipe. Oh my goodness. Yummy !! I roast a can of rinsed/drained Garbonzos bathed in EVOO and cayenne pepper for a little extra protein. One of my many faves of yours.
Glad to read Cookie is doing well !
Kate
Wonderful, Lorrie! I’m glad you are loving my cookbook.
Dana
Wonderful news about sweet and beautiful Cookie! I am a dog lover too.
Kate
Thank you, Dana! :)
SHIRA ROME
Hi
I love your recipes,, the food a great and it looks beautiful you are the best
Carrie @ Season It Already!
COOKIE! So good to hear.
Kate
Thank you, Carrie!
Jill Harrison
Kate – don’t know where to start — all these recipes look so good and are good for you which we need especially this time of year and this year in general! Love the pix of Cookie.
Happy and safe holidays!
Kate
Thank you, Jill! You as well.
Tracy
Rock on Cookie! Xxxooo
Kate
Thank you, Tracy!
Marissa
I made the creamy Thai sweet potato and carrot soup and the pasta e fagioli yesterday to meal prep for the week, and we ended up having a “soup sampler” dinner and ate a little bit of both! I told my fiancé that I was testing out a new (to me!) food blog by making those recipes, and after that delicious dinner we declared ourselves Cookie and Kate fans! Looking forward to exploring more wonderful recipes here! :)
Susan
I am very pleased with your book Love Real Food. I have only had it a short time but enjoying reading it and trying some of the recepies. I find it easy to follow and interesting to read. Photos are a great addition and helpful. Thank you Kate for a really good cookery book.
Kate
Thank you so much for purchasing my book and letting me know how much you enjoy it! I appreciate your support, Susan.
Andrea
Your recipes have transformed my cooking! I am continually delighted with each new recipe I try out. I love the way you use herbs and spices in ways I’ve never tried before with delicious ( and healthy) results.
Thank you for your wonderful book and really looking forward to the next one!
Sasha
Belated response as I’m catching up with email, but OMG! Remission! Absolutely fantastic news. Woohoo!