To Snack: Honey-Sesame Garbanzo Beans

A twist on the classic favorite of homemade honey-sesame roasted cashews, these little babes are a perfect little accompaniment to a healthier cocktail hour {holiday season or not}. Serve in small bowls with spoons, or colored mini cupcake wrappers for a more festive and fun presentation.

recipe adapted from Whole Living Magazine

Ingredients:

2 cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons sesame seeds

sea salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. In a bowl, combine honey, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Warm the mixture so the honey melts and whisk everything together.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread garbanzo beans on the baking sheet. Pour honey mixture over the beans, toss to coat with your hands, sprinkle with sea salt and (at least) 4 tablespoons of sesame seeds.

Place in the oven for 30 minutes, or until brown and a bit crispy, stirring halfway so each bean browns evenly.

To Sip: Cinnamon-Ginger Spiced Whiskey {or Rum}

Notes: This cocktail can be served hot or cold. Double awesome.

Ingredients:

(serves 4)

6 oz whiskey or rum

1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and grated

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (grade b is best)

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

juice of 1/2 lemon (or orange if you are using rum)

4 cinnamon sticks and lemon (or orange) slices for garnish

Directions:

If you have time, add whiskey and fresh ginger to a mason jar and let sit for up to 24 hours before serving to let the flavors infuse together.

If not, add whiskey, fresh grated ginger, pure maple syrup, lemon juice and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker or pitcher. Shake or stir together.

Serve in glasses full of ice, with an optional splash of sparkling water for a bit of fizz. Add lemon or orange slices and a cinnamon stick to each glass before serving.

To Sip: Pomegranate Infused Vodka Sparkler

With no added sugar, this cocktail gets it beautiful red color from a splash of unsweetened pomegranate juice. A festive little addition to any holiday party, and a easy crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

(serves 4)

6 oz good quality vodka

6 oz sparkling water

3 splashes pure, natural and unsweetened pomegranate juice

prosecco to float

pomegranate seeds for garnish

Directions:

In a pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine vodka, sparkling water and pomegranate juice. Stir or shake to combine. Garnish each glass with pomegranate seeds in the bottom of the glass.

Add ice and pour cocktail over the top, leaving room for a prosecco float. Stir each with a spoon and serve.

I hope you all have the happiest + healthiest holiday season yet! I am so thankful for your loyalty and love, and to have readers and clients as wonderful as you are. Enjoy all of the great food, time with family and friends, and every joy that the season brings with it. Cheers to the best!

xo,

Sarah

Grab your copy of the beautiful Simply Real Health Cookbook here!