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Welcome to Fiona's Granola
Happy Holidays!
This is such a festive time of the year. Snowy days brightened with holiday lighting, parades, Santas...and of course all the festive food!! As we enter this highly social season of parties and get-togethers, it's easy to get stressed our with all the expectations, shopping, and social gatherings. This issue focuses on holiday stress busters, fun facts about other winter holidays, and of course, a yummy recipe which will surely find a way into your treat exchange.
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Ways to combat Holiday Stress...
Each year, December brings a month filled with Holidays, festivities and celebrations, different traditions and gift giving practices, and a whole lot of family time. At the same time, the sheer amount of gatherings, shopping, and social obligations can leave many dreading this month instead of enjoying the festival season. Stress is not only psychological, but it is also physiological, leading to tension headaches, backaches, sleep issues, and a lower immunity level.
You might have heard some of these suggestions before, but here's a quick reminder how to keep stress at bay and enjoy this beautiful last month of the year.
- Keep moving: No matter what, maintain a certain minimum exercise.
- Moderation: Moderation is the key to beat stress, especially this time of year. Keep social gatherings, gift giving, and eating in moderation; don't overdo; and only accept what you can fit in your day.
- Get lots of sleep: Sleep is essential to keeping our system healthy, balanced, and rested.
- Carve out some quiet time.
- Breathe: Deep breathing is a great stress reliever. When overwhelmed, step outside and take a few deep breaths - this will elevate your mood greatly.
- Reach out to the community. Volunteer in whatever organizations call out to you; helping others will lift your own spirits!
- Be realistic, and set aside expectations.
- Stick to a budget and plan ahead: If you are a big holiday shopper and have a full calendar, this is especially important. Staying organized keeps you on track so you have a sense of what's next, rather than surprises which lead to more stress.
- Learn to say no: Saying "no" during the holiday season isn't easy. But you don't have to accept every party invitation or gift exchange that comes your way.
Lastly, it's important to give yourself room to relax and decompress during the holidays.
Information extracted from the Mayo Clinic website and other web sources.
A low glycemic breakfast complete with Fiona's granola, muesli, or Quinoa Crunch is always a good way to start your day, especially during the holidays, when sweets and sugar-laden baked goods are abound. Check out our products at fionasgranola.com
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Chocolate Chip Cookies (Wheat free)
Light and chocolatey, this is a healthy twist on the perennial favorite. Full of fiber- rich granola, they are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings!! Yum!!
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups barley flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. xanthan gum*
1 1/4 cups Fiona's Granola
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pre-heat oven to 350°. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum. Mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in the granola and chocolate chips. Drop by even tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 2" apart. Bake 12 - 15 minutes on sheet tray, until cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool 5 minutes on sheet tray, then transfer to wire rack to cool.
You can also use wheat flour instead of barley flour. If using wheat flour, omit the xanthan gum.
Warm and comforting, these cookies are a simple yet favorite treat any time of year!
Fiona's favorite : Orange Crunch
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Beckoning Back the Light
This year, the Winter Solstice begins at 4:38 pm Mountain Standard Time on December 21st. That is truly a time to celebrate, as our days will begin to get longer, and the sun will begin to warm the earth with a brighter shine.
As an added treat during this year's Winter Solstice, we will experience a Total Lunar Eclipse! The moon will b egin to eclipse at approximately 11:00 pm on
Dec. 20th, and will fully disappear
at 1:17 am Mountain Standard Time. It will then begin to
reappear, and will be fully
visible again about 3:00 am.
Anyone up for an Eclipse party?
Fiona wishes you a happy, healthy, and bright holiday season! May it be stress-free and shared with those you love!
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Did you know?...
December is one of the most celebrated months in the world...from Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa to a host of other winter holidays!!
While Christmas falls on December 25th and is celebrated to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, Advent and Christmas Eve are widely celebrated as well. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before
Dec. 25th, and is the preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Eve, on Dec. 24th, commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
Hanukkah/Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which falls on varying dates in December. The Holiday celebrates two miracles: the Jews' revolt and victory against Syrian tyranny (2nd century BC) which prevented their religious freedom; and the burning of a jar of consecrated oil which was expected to last only one night but instead lasted eight nights, during the cleansing and re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem.
Kwanzaa
is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st every year, and commemorates African heritage and culture. It was created in 1966 by author and political activist Dr. Maulana Karenga.
St. Nicholas Day
is celebrated on Dec. 16th for Nicholas (Nikolaos of Greece), who died on December 6th AD 343. Saint Nicholas gained a reputation for his generosity and gift-giving to the poor, sick, and needy, which paved the way for today's Santa Claus. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in many European countries with candies and small gifts.
Immaculate Conception of Mary
is celebrated on Dec. 8th in many Latin countries. According to Catholic doctrine, this day marks the day of the conception of the Virgin Mary.
Bodhi Day is also celebrated on December 8th. It's the Buddhist celebration of the Budhha's awakening or enlightenment.
Our Lady of Guadalupe (known in Mexico as the Virgin of Guadalupe) is celebrated on Dec. 12th. This Catholic holiday celebrates the miracle of the image of the Virgin Mary appearing on the cloak of a simple peasant, near Mexico City on December 12th, 1531.
St. Lucia Day
is celebrated in Sweden on Dec. 13th to honor the third century saint, St Lucia.
Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen's Day, or the Second Day of Christmas
falls on Dec. 26th and is a public holiday that is celebrated in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and a number of other countries on the day after Christmas. The Islamic New Year, known as Muharram, begins this year at sundown on Dec. 6th. It begins with the first sighting of the December crescent moon. Human Rights Day falls on December 10th.
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In Memory of a
Dear Friend
Fiona's dear friend, Francois Pellissier, unexpectedly passed away last month while on a business trip. Francois was Fiona's favorite Farmers Market customer. Always cheerful, positive, and offering fun words of wisdom, Francois rarely missed a market, and rarely missed an opportunity to brighten someone's day. The sparkle in his eye reflected his joie de vivre. He had a penchant
for passing out $2.00 bills, always with a smile and a witty explanation of why the recipient was receiving such a gift. He will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace, Francois.
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