2018 Ends on a High Note as Adventurous Jupiter Comes Home for the Holidays
The planet of luck and largess returns to its own sign, Sagittarius, where it will stay for the next 12 months. That means the quest is on as Jolly ol’ Jupiter lights up the house where you’re most inclined to welcome the call of adventure. Move forward with confidence and consider just what adventure you want to embark on. In any event, it’s cause for celebration.
By Lisa Lisa and the Star Jam*
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) Venus, the Goddess of love, and Mercury, the fleet-footed messenger, have crossed paths, exchanging information about what’s worthy of your arrow’s aim. Good tidings are in the wind along with this intel. The question for Archers remains: what quest or experience will you set your sights on? Pro tip: The bigger the better. Your ruler, Jupiter—the good luck planet—provides a warm thermal beneath your wings, ready to lift you up and over the hurdles that have been holding you back. The phrase “the sky’s the limit” comes to mind. A burst of energy the last week of the month fuels whatever endeavor you choose.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) All the fresh connections you made while Venus was revisiting the underworld this fall come back, perhaps in spectral form. Don’t be surprised if this holiday season ushers in a few visitations from ghosts of Christmas’s past. Don’t be afraid – instead use their rattling as an opportunity for insight. Delving deeper into a meditation practice sharpens your manifesting abilities. All these machinations under the hood are preparing you for a big reveal coming next year that could set you up financially for years to come. By month’s end, you’re stoked to broadcast a powerful message you’ve been working on, one that could change everything.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) It’s been said of Aquarians that while you’re all about humanity, it’s people you can’t stand. Maybe it’s time to focus on the positive. With the planet of opportunity in your house of friends and groups, you’re going to do more than just get by with a little help from your friends. People are where it’s at. You’re poised to be carried on a jet stream powered by community. Meanwhile, the astrological omens towards the end of the month move you to flex your financial muscles and transform your career in a way that’s bound to bump up your income and status, too. Expect an exciting shake-up in your daily routine, anything from a new exercise regimen or diet to suddenly moving to a whole new place.
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) You’ve reviewed your philosophy and learned just about all there is to learn from your studies and travels. With your co-ruler, lucky Jupiter, and a new moon (on the 7th) bringing fresh opportunities to your career house, you’re lit up like a Christmas tree. It’s time to take that act on the road. By the end of the month, you’ve got energy to burn, so gear up for the latest fitness craze; and don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of energy left after your workout to channel towards transmuting your goals to align with your passion. Finally, take a trip during the holidays. The journey just might turn up a surprise romance.
ARIES (Mar 21-April 19) You’ve made a new investment and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and work the long haul. It’s all good news as the heavens are in full support and bring you energy to tackle big projects (especially toward the end of the month) that may have seemed daunting just a few weeks ago. Stamina is your new middle name. Use your deepest skills of negotiation when working with others and don’t worry if you feel you need to prove yourself, you warriors are built for that. There really is something about this new investment that’s going to expand your consciousness. Either that or get you published.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Following a thorough examination of your closest relationships, a new perspective on intimacy positions you for an expansion in the realm of shared resources. By putting a value on the intangibles that feed your soul, rather than material things, you can effortlessly shift the debate about what’s theirs versus what’s yours and instead, attract abundance. One caution to heed: don’t get too wrapped up in other people’s problems. This shouldn’t be an issue, Bull’s are deft at avoiding unpleasantries and people they don’t like. You’re reimagining yourself and, come spring, even your biggest fans will be surprised.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) The goddess of romance just passed a note to your chief correspondent, Mercury, sending a clear message that all you’ve gleaned about love in the last few weeks (years really) has forged your heart into a golden vessel that’s ready to hold the real thing. Perhaps you’ve spent the last few weeks running into old paramours, revisiting some comforting yet outgrown ground and now the universe is rolling in a wave of fresh prospects or, for attached Twins, the strengthening of a committed partnership. In any case, it looks like love is headed your way. In addition to retiring from the Lonely Hearts Club, you’re likely to see a boost in your income. Hello, holiday bonus!
CANCER (June 21-July 22) With the planet of luck and opportunity visiting your house of health and habits, the terrain of your day-to-day life is shifting to support a healthier, happier lifestyle. If you’ve been thinking about recommitting to an exercise program, December is your month to get a jump on that New Years resolution. With a powerful surge of energy propelling you, you’re feeling and looking good all around, making the holiday season a great time to socialize and enjoy your family and friends. Go ahead, Crabs, deck the halls with extra glitter.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Now that you’ve spruced up your place and made your castle worthy of well, you know, a king or queen, you’re ready for company. A flawless host, you should consider hosting a holiday party. Who knows what creative electricity it may stimulate! With Jupiter, the planet of plenty galavanting through your house of self-expression and romance for the next year or so, expect an uptick in suitors as well as creative output. It’s time you took your paints off the shelf. Meanwhile, as you drift off to sleep, don’t discount any sugar-plum fairies flashing insights from behind the curtain of consciousness. While it won’t hurt to start now, particularly toward the end of the month, keep pen and paper by your bedside to ensure you don’t miss any unexpected dreamtime dispatches.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) Now that you’ve proofed and reproofed the manuscript, it’s time to turn your skills of improvement to your environment. Jolly Jupiter has moved into your house of home and family and he’s encouraging you to fix it up and add your personal flair to the details. Whether that means moving to bigger, better digs or adding on to the ones you have, the stars are aligned for you to expand your living arrangements or perhaps your family. Later in the month, you may suddenly close a door on a friendship or group that no longer jives with your changing beliefs. This makes room for a new relationship you’re forging with your local dream team.
LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22) Your social charms and charisma sizzle this month. Call a meeting, apply for a job! With that silver tongue, you’re able to convince anybody to do whatever you want. You’re brimming with creative ideas, connecting with new people, and testing out attitudes that could lead to pleasant surprises in your career, finances, or love life. At the end of the month, when the pressure is on, it may feel like people block your path. Employ your natural tact and diplomacy; you could write the chapter on picking your battles so listen to your own wisdom now.
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) It’s subtle, but you’re sporting a new look and feel. Now, you’re ready to wrap your mind around increasing your value, literally. With the planet of more-is-better in your money house (where it’ll be for the next year) you’re primed for a considerable pay bump. If you’re not working, it’s an optimum time to find a job that pays what you’re worth. Recently, you’ve done some work on this and here comes the opportunity to ask for it. Meanwhile, the year closes out on a creative surge of energy that gives you the confidence you need to take on a major project. Channel any power surplus into something physical, like hatha yoga. Take it one step further and join a class in your community. This simple practice could change not just your body, but your whole being.
If you know your rising sign, read that, too; it’s often relevant.
*Lisa Awrey and Lisa Carroll
illustration by @boccaccinimeadows
2018 Ends on a High Note as Adventurous Jupiter Comes Home for the Holidays
The planet of luck and largess returns to its own sign, Sagittarius, where it will stay for the next 12 months. That means the quest is on as Jolly ol’ Jupiter lights up the house where you’re most inclined to welcome the call of adventure. Move forward with confidence and consider just what adventure you want to embark on. In any event, it’s cause for celebration.
By Lisa Lisa and the Star Jam*
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) Venus, the Goddess of love, and Mercury, the fleet-footed messenger, have crossed paths, exchanging information about what’s worthy of your arrow’s aim. Good tidings are in the wind along with this intel. The question for Archers remains: what quest or experience will you set your sights on? Pro tip: The bigger the better. Your ruler, Jupiter—the good luck planet—provides a warm thermal beneath your wings, ready to lift you up and over the hurdles that have been holding you back. The phrase “the sky’s the limit” comes to mind. A burst of energy the last week of the month fuels whatever endeavor you choose.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) All the fresh connections you made while Venus was revisiting the underworld this fall come back, perhaps in spectral form. Don’t be surprised if this holiday season ushers in a few visitations from ghosts of Christmas’s past. Don’t be afraid – instead use their rattling as an opportunity for insight. Delving deeper into a meditation practice sharpens your manifesting abilities. All these machinations under the hood are preparing you for a big reveal coming next year that could set you up financially for years to come. By month’s end, you’re stoked to broadcast a powerful message you’ve been working on, one that could change everything.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) It’s been said of Aquarians that while you’re all about humanity, it’s people you can’t stand. Maybe it’s time to focus on the positive. With the planet of opportunity in your house of friends and groups, you’re going to do more than just get by with a little help from your friends. People are where it’s at. You’re poised to be carried on a jet stream powered by community. Meanwhile, the astrological omens towards the end of the month move you to flex your financial muscles and transform your career in a way that’s bound to bump up your income and status, too. Expect an exciting shake-up in your daily routine, anything from a new exercise regimen or diet to suddenly moving to a whole new place.
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) You’ve reviewed your philosophy and learned just about all there is to learn from your studies and travels. With your co-ruler, lucky Jupiter, and a new moon (on the 7th) bringing fresh opportunities to your career house, you’re lit up like a Christmas tree. It’s time to take that act on the road. By the end of the month, you’ve got energy to burn, so gear up for the latest fitness craze; and don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of energy left after your workout to channel towards transmuting your goals to align with your passion. Finally, take a trip during the holidays. The journey just might turn up a surprise romance.
ARIES (Mar 21-April 19) You’ve made a new investment and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and work the long haul. It’s all good news as the heavens are in full support and bring you energy to tackle big projects (especially toward the end of the month) that may have seemed daunting just a few weeks ago. Stamina is your new middle name. Use your deepest skills of negotiation when working with others and don’t worry if you feel you need to prove yourself, you warriors are built for that. There really is something about this new investment that’s going to expand your consciousness. Either that or get you published.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Following a thorough examination of your closest relationships, a new perspective on intimacy positions you for an expansion in the realm of shared resources. By putting a value on the intangibles that feed your soul, rather than material things, you can effortlessly shift the debate about what’s theirs versus what’s yours and instead, attract abundance. One caution to heed: don’t get too wrapped up in other people’s problems. This shouldn’t be an issue, Bull’s are deft at avoiding unpleasantries and people they don’t like. You’re reimagining yourself and, come spring, even your biggest fans will be surprised.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) The goddess of romance just passed a note to your chief correspondent, Mercury, sending a clear message that all you’ve gleaned about love in the last few weeks (years really) has forged your heart into a golden vessel that’s ready to hold the real thing. Perhaps you’ve spent the last few weeks running into old paramours, revisiting some comforting yet outgrown ground and now the universe is rolling in a wave of fresh prospects or, for attached Twins, the strengthening of a committed partnership. In any case, it looks like love is headed your way. In addition to retiring from the Lonely Hearts Club, you’re likely to see a boost in your income. Hello, holiday bonus!
CANCER (June 21-July 22) With the planet of luck and opportunity visiting your house of health and habits, the terrain of your day-to-day life is shifting to support a healthier, happier lifestyle. If you’ve been thinking about recommitting to an exercise program, December is your month to get a jump on that New Years resolution. With a powerful surge of energy propelling you, you’re feeling and looking good all around, making the holiday season a great time to socialize and enjoy your family and friends. Go ahead, Crabs, deck the halls with extra glitter.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Now that you’ve spruced up your place and made your castle worthy of well, you know, a king or queen, you’re ready for company. A flawless host, you should consider hosting a holiday party. Who knows what creative electricity it may stimulate! With Jupiter, the planet of plenty galavanting through your house of self-expression and romance for the next year or so, expect an uptick in suitors as well as creative output. It’s time you took your paints off the shelf. Meanwhile, as you drift off to sleep, don’t discount any sugar-plum fairies flashing insights from behind the curtain of consciousness. While it won’t hurt to start now, particularly toward the end of the month, keep pen and paper by your bedside to ensure you don’t miss any unexpected dreamtime dispatches.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) Now that you’ve proofed and reproofed the manuscript, it’s time to turn your skills of improvement to your environment. Jolly Jupiter has moved into your house of home and family and he’s encouraging you to fix it up and add your personal flair to the details. Whether that means moving to bigger, better digs or adding on to the ones you have, the stars are aligned for you to expand your living arrangements or perhaps your family. Later in the month, you may suddenly close a door on a friendship or group that no longer jives with your changing beliefs. This makes room for a new relationship you’re forging with your local dream team.
LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22) Your social charms and charisma sizzle this month. Call a meeting, apply for a job! With that silver tongue, you’re able to convince anybody to do whatever you want. You’re brimming with creative ideas, connecting with new people, and testing out attitudes that could lead to pleasant surprises in your career, finances, or love life. At the end of the month, when the pressure is on, it may feel like people block your path. Employ your natural tact and diplomacy; you could write the chapter on picking your battles so listen to your own wisdom now.
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) It’s subtle, but you’re sporting a new look and feel. Now, you’re ready to wrap your mind around increasing your value, literally. With the planet of more-is-better in your money house (where it’ll be for the next year) you’re primed for a considerable pay bump. If you’re not working, it’s an optimum time to find a job that pays what you’re worth. Recently, you’ve done some work on this and here comes the opportunity to ask for it. Meanwhile, the year closes out on a creative surge of energy that gives you the confidence you need to take on a major project. Channel any power surplus into something physical, like hatha yoga. Take it one step further and join a class in your community. This simple practice could change not just your body, but your whole being.
If you know your rising sign, read that, too; it’s often relevant.
*Lisa Awrey and Lisa Carroll
illustration by @boccaccinimeadows
The Very Best Paleo Latke Recipe
There’s no rule that says that latkes have to be made with potatoes. Other root vegetables, like parsnips and celery root, make more flavorful vegetable pancakes with a lower carb count than the traditional Hanukkah fare. And because we’re not the types to leave good enough alone, we tweaked the traditional applesauce topping by flavoring it with some of our favorite cozy spices and thickened it on the stove to make warm apple butter.
Paleo Root Vegetable Latkes with Spicy Apple Butter
Serves 10
Shopping List
Spiced Apple Butter
One 24-ounce jar organic unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ cup coconut sugar
Marash chile flakes, to taste
Latkes
3 medium or 2 large organic parsnips (about ½ pound total)
1 small or ½ large organic celery root (about ½ pound total)
1organic onion
1 bunch organic fresh chives
1 organic egg
¼ cup arrowroot powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
Kosher salt and pepper
Avocado or coconut oil for frying
Tools
Peeler, optional, box grater, optional, large bowl, medium sauce pot, large frying pan
1 Make the apple butter
In a medium sauce pot over medium heat, combine the applesauce, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, coconut sugar, and as much Marash chile as you like. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and brown, 25 to 35 minutes. While the apple butter cooks, prepare and cook the latkes.
2 Prep the latkes
- Scrub or peel the parsnips and celery root.
- Using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor fitted with the grating attachment, coarsely grate enough parsnip and celery root to measure 1½ cups each.
- Peel and finely chop enough onion to measure ½ cup.
- Finely chop the chives. Set aside ¼ cup for the latkes and 2 tablespoons for the garnish.
In a large bowl, using a fork or whisk, mix together the egg, arrowroot powder, and baking soda until the mixture begins to thicken, about 1 minute. Add the parsnip, celery root, onion, and chives. Season generously with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until the vegetables are evenly coated.
3 Assemble and cook the latkes
- Form the latkes by scooping ¼ cup of the mixture into your hands and flatten to form thin patties.
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking.
Working in batches if needed, add the latkes and cook, turning once, until golden brown and crispy on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add more oil between batches if needed.
Serve
Transfer the latkes to individual plates, spoon over the spiced apple butter, garnish with the chives, and serve immediately.
Chef’s Tip: You can serve these with a variety of other paleo toppings, such as coconut yogurt, a fried egg, or smoked fish. For non-paleo accompaniments, try sour cream, cucumber, and fresh dill, or make your own harissa Greek yogurt or turmeric honey mixture and top with fresh pomegranate seeds.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 110, Protein: 2g (4% DV), Fiber: 2g (8% DV), Total Fat: 3.5g (5% DV), Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Saturated Fat: 0g (0% DV), Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV), Sodium: 100mg (4% DV), Carbohydrates: 18g (6% DV), Total Sugars: 9g, Added Sugars: 3g (6% DV). Not a significant source of trans fat.
Bonus recipe—ingredients not included in box.
8 Food Styling Tips for Home Cooks
Whenever my dad and I get together, we cook and eat ridiculous amounts of food (usually paired with ridiculous amounts of wine). Dad loves to wow people with his skills in the kitchen (he’s a lawyer by day), and as a kid I was his loyal sous chef. Since I became a chef by trade, and now a food stylist, I still love to join him in the kitchen, but these days I have a few ideas of my own. Since we’re both headstrong, competitive types, we’ve turned cooking into a sport, challenging each other to make the most beautiful presentation of the most delicious food. Then, we force our loving family to choose sides and vote for their favorite. I’m not too proud to say that dad still wins sometimes—the guy is good.
Here are a few of our tricks for styling a winning plate:
At odds
When plating multiple items such as tacos, meatballs or appetizers, showcase an odd number and try not to get too symmetrical.
Drop it like its hot
Crank up the heat. A hard, fast sear puts a char on vegetables and meat without overcooking them and reads really well in a photo.
Fo-drizzle
Assemble dishes like salads and pasta one ingredient at a time. Rather than tossing everything together, drizzle dressing and sauces on top. This keeps colors vibrant and makes the dish look more dynamic.
Ice ice, baby
Shock your salad greens and garnishing herbs in ice water for extra curly, crisp leaves.
Insta-filter
Olive oil is the lo-fi filter of food styling. Brushing your food lightly with olive oil before serving will make it look luscious, fresh, and juicy.
Looks are everything
It may seem obvious, but if you’re vying to make a beautiful plate, good-looking produce will make the job a lot easier. Shop the farmers’ market to find fruits and vegetables with bold colors and interesting shapes that will catch your audience’s eye.
Not all heroes wear capes
Set aside a few “heroes”—that’s stylist-speak for the best-looking ingredients—to add to the plate just before serving. It goes without saying that they deserve a prime spot on the platter.
Swoosh, there it is
When showcasing a main protein or vegetable served with a sauce, take a large spoonful of sauce and using the back of the spoon, swirl it around the bottom of the plate. Then, place the main on top of the sauce. If you’re serving dip with crudités, use the same swooshing method on top of the dip.
How to Make Celery Shrub
Our tart and bracing celery shrub is both unusual and delicious. If you’ve ever had a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda, the flavor will be familiar. Made with vinegar and syrup, shrubs can be mixed with seltzer or tonic water to make sodas and cocktails. In this version, we’ve opted for honey rather than sugar, but make sure you use light amber honey to maintain the shrub’s bright green color. Stir 1 tablespoon of the shrub into your next Bloody Mary or gin and tonic, or stir together ½ ounce celery shrub and 2 ounces of dry vermouth before topping off with seltzer.
Celery Shrub Recipe
Makes 3 cups
Shopping List
1 bunch organic celery (about 10 ribs with leaves)
1 organic lemon
2-inch piece organic fresh ginger
1½ teaspoons black peppercorns
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
½ cup light amber honey
½ cup organic apple cider vinegar
Sparkling water or tonic watrer, for serving
Tools
Peeler, fine-toothed grater, fine-mesh strainer, medium bowl, blender
1. Prep and blend the shrub ingredients
- Trim the root end from the celery bunch. Cut the celery ribs and leaves into 2-inch pieces.
- Using a peeler, remove the zest in wide strips from the lemon, being careful to remove only the outermost yellow layer and leave behind the bitter white pith; twist the strips and set aside for garnish. Juice the lemon.
- Grate the ginger.
In a blender, combine the celery, ginger, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, lemon juice, and ½ cup water. Blend on high just until smooth, about 30 seconds. If large chunks remain, scrape down the blender sides and blend again.
2. Strain the puree; finish the shrub
In a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl, strain the celery mixture, lightly pushing the liquid through with the back of a spoon or spatula; try not to push too much celery pulp through. Discard the solids.
Add the honey and apple cider vinegar to the celery juice and stir to combine.
Serve
Fill individual glasses with ice. Pour equal parts celery shrub and sparkling water or tonic water into each glass, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 110, Protein: 1g (2% DV), Fiber: 2g (8% DV), Total Fat: 0g (0% DV), Monounsaturated Fat: 0g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 0g (0% DV), Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV), Sodium: 70mg (3% DV), Carbohydrates: 29g (10% DV), Total Sugars: 23g, Added Sugars: 21g (42% DV). Not a significant source of trans fat.
Bonus recipe—ingredients not included in box.
The Paleo Friendly Cauliflower Hummus That Every Party Needs
Cauliflower’s can-do attitude has gotten a lot of play lately. This adaptable crucifer has been made into “rice,” “flour,” and even pizza “crust.” We’d like to add cauliflower “hummus” to the list. To make this paleo-friendly dip, leave the chickpeas on the shelf and blend roasted cauliflower with tahini and spices like smoked paprika and coriander. It can do anything your standard hummus can do, even serve as the sauce for your next cauliflower “steak.”
Cauliflower Sesame “Hummus” Recipe
Makes about 2 cups
Shopping List
1 head organic cauliflower
2 cloves organic peeled fresh garlic
1 organic jalapeño, optional
½ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon white sesame seeds
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 organic lemon
2 sprigs organic fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Tools
Food processor, fine-toothed grater, medium bowl, sheet pan, small frying pan
1. Prep and roast the cauliflower
Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets, discarding any leaves or thick stalks.
- Coarsely chop the garlic.
- If using the jalapeño, remove the stem, ribs, and seeds; coarsely chop the jalapeño. Wash your hands after handling.
In a medium bowl, stir together the cauliflower, garlic, paprika, coriander, the 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and as much jalapeño as you like.
On a sheet pan, spread the cauliflower mixture in an even layer. Roast, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
2. Make the hummus; toast the sesame seeds
- Zest and juice the lemon.
- Strip the cilantro or parsley leaves from the stems; coarsely chop the leaves.
In a food processor, combine the cooked cauliflower with the tahini, 1½ teaspoons lemon zest, and 2½ tablespoons lemon juice and process until just smooth (don’t overprocess). Fold in the 2 teaspoons olive oil, season to taste with salt, and stir to combine.
In a small dry frying pan over medium heat, cook the ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve
Transfer the hummus to a bowl or swirl on a plate. Drizzle with the sesame oil, sprinkle with paprika and the toasted sesame seeds, and garnish with the cilantro or parsley. Serve as a dip with radishes, carrots, endive, cucumbers, gluten-free crackers or pita breads or spread it on falafel or sandwiches.
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 60, Protein: 1g (2% DV), Fiber: 1g (4% DV), Total Fat: 5g (8% DV), Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.5g (3% DV), Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV), Sodium: 135mg (6% DV), Carbohydrates: 3g (1% DV), Total Sugars: 1g, Added Sugars: 0g (0% DV). Not a significant source of trans fat.
Bonus recipe—ingredients not included in box.
8 Ways to Take Better Food Photos with Your Phone
Look up from your matcha cappuccino next time you’re at your favorite coffee shop and it’s a good bet that all around you people will be snapping photos of the latte art and mochi muffins. Everyone’s a photographer, but it takes more than a fancy filter and a beautiful plate of food to take a great photo.
Nicole Beck, Sun Basket’s director of photography, offers some tips on how to take better food photos with your phone. Because, if you ate brunch and didn’t post of picture of it did you really eat brunch?
Three keys to great photos
- Lighting: Great photography, no matter what the subject matter, is all about good light. Overhead and the artificial lighting often found in restaurants or home kitchens are the least flattering. Instead, move close to a window or take your plate outside if possible. Try to find natural, soft window light (streaming in from the side). Using your phone’s flash is one of the biggest mistakes people make when taking photos of food.
- Composition: What else is happening outside of the rim of your dish? It’s easy to focus on a plate of food and forget to look at what else may be visible in the frame. This is where you can get creative. Taking away distractions like the pan you just cooked in or a menu on the table or adding elements like napkins and glassware to the frame can elevate your photo.
- The food, of course: Food has a short lifespan, and after only a few minutes herbs can wilt, sauces can congeal, and meat can start to look dry. It’s important to move fast. When you’re ready to take your shot, do a quick survey to make sure everything looks fresh and delicious.
Find your angle
Show off the graphic quality of flat foods like pizza and open-faced tacos by shooting them from above. Dishes with a lot of height like sandwiches, burgers, and piled-high salads are perfect candidates for side shots, because you often can’t see those vertical details and textures from above.
Food is for friends
Eating is often a very social activity. Including friends and family in the photo adds a human element to the picture and helps tell your story.
Forget the flash
Using your phone camera’s flash is disruptive to other guests, and it also makes food look very unappetizing. Try shooting in HDR mode instead, this is when your phone’s camera takes three photos at once and blends the best parts of each into a single image with better color and details. Then, play around with exposure and brightness settings in your photo editing app.
Keep snapping
Put the food in the best light before you start shooting, then have fun. Try different angles and play around with the placement of other items in the frame. Just don’t go overboard, you don’t want your food (or your dining companions) to wilt because you’ve spent 15 minutes trying to get the perfect shot.
Props or not
If you want to tell a compelling narrative, adding props like condiment bottles, drinks, and things like sunglasses or keys will help you tell your story. If you want to achieve a high-end look, less is more. Keep the focus on the food. Either approach is great. The important thing is to be intentional in your choices.
Settings for success
Try using Portrait mode if you have one of the newer iPhone models. This setting creates a shallow depth of field (blurring out the background while focusing on the foreground object) and also makes your food look crisp and bright. If that’s not an option, you can play with the exposure of your camera’s by tapping the screen when you’re in the camera app. You’ll see the lens refocus, and a small sun icon with a vertical scale will pop up. Slowly move your finger up and down the scale to manually adjust the light level of your photo so it’s not too bright or too dark.
Take a bite
Perfectly plated food can look static. Go ahead a eat a little, break the yolk on a soft-cooked egg, or put a few breadcrumbs on the side of your plate. Your picture will look much more lively.
There’s an app for that
Snapseed and VSCO are lovely tools, especially if you don’t want to rely on filters and want a little more control over your editing.
Think before you filter
Using filters is all about personal preference. Many people like using the same filter for all of their photos on Instagram because it makes their feed look visually cohesive. Think of filters as a way to give photos a style. For instance, the Brannan filter will give a photo a Victorian look, while Hefe gives a vintage 70s vibe. For food, that isn’t always the best way to go. The most important thing is to choose a look (often no filter at all) that makes the food look its best.
Find Your Holiday Zen Zone
Drink more (water)
Put. down. the dessert wine. And pick up a glass of H2O. Even if you’re a stellar hydrater 360 days of the year, you don’t have the luxury of routine to keep you ahead of dehydration induced by food comas, hangovers, and plane travel. Set a silent reminder in your phone every morning and evening to remind yourself to find the nearest sink and fill a cup. Staying hydrated is a simple, but often overlooked, essential to feeling your best physically and mentally.Make a point to meditate
Have you been meaning to try meditation, but haven’t worked it into your daily routine yet? Or maybe you’re curious and have some extra time on a layover. Now is the perfect time to spend a few minutes a day experimenting by yourself or with an app. There are a ton of great online resources, but we recommend Headspace’s 10-day free trial or Chopra center’s quick how-to guide. And who knows, maybe you’ll walk into 2019 with a brand new calming habit.Move (a little)
The holidays can put a crimp in your fitness routine, which can add to your stress. Skimping on high-quality endorphins may put you in a funk. The good news is, even a little movement can have a positive effect on your mood. Suggest going on a hike to your family, or wake up a little bit early for a solo walk. If you’re in a place that lacks walkable weather, consider a quick “25 x 4 workout” where you pick four of your favorite at-home exercises (think: push-ups, tricep dips, chaturangas, squats, jumping jacks, anything) and do 25 reps of each. If that’s not quite enough to get your heart going, repeat once or twice. It’s lightning quick and surprisingly effective.Turn on some tunes
Not to be confused with your tween niece who refuses to take her off headphones. Several clinical studies support music’s ability to enhance mood. So go ahead and zone out for a couple of minutes by tuning in to your favorite playlist. If nothing else, putting on a song or two allows you to break the cycle of whatever negative or stressful feelings may be building up. You’ll plug in, recenter, and be better equipped to move on with a higher, more zen perspective.Write down your gratitude
This one may sound too simple, but countless clinical studies continue to show that expressing gratitude, especially in writing, encourages happier, healthier states of being. We suggest recording three things that you’re thankful for in a notebook or in your phone if you’re in a pinch. Be specific. Instead of being “grateful for a great family,” be “grateful everyone can spend time together this week.” It’s a good practice to cultivate year round, but especially when your loved ones are getting under your skin.A Holiday Salad to Rule Them All
This salad has a little bit of everything: it’s sweet, salty, and just the right amount of bitter to keep things interesting. Serve this by itself as a lovely lunch, at your holiday table, or alongside roast chicken or pork for dinner. For extra crunch and protein, add a handful of toasted walnuts. Refrigerate any remaining salad dressing for up to three days. It makes a great (and slightly indulgent) dip for raw vegetables.
Pear Salad with Bitter Greens and Blue Cheese Recipe
Serves 6
Shopping list
Dressing:
1 organic lemon
1 small garlic clove
1 ½ ounces (⅓ cup) blue cheese, preferably Point Reyes
1 small bunch organic chives
¾ cup organic buttermilk
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salad:
2 heads organic Belgian endive
1 head organic radicchio
1 head organic frisée
4 to 5 sprigs organic flat-leaf parsley
1 or 2 organic pears, preferably Bartlett
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Tools
Fine-toothed grater, garlic press, optional, large measuring cup or small bowl, 2 large bowls
1 Make the dressing
- Zest and juice the lemon.
- Finely chop, grate, or press enough garlic to measure ¼ teaspoon.
- Crumble the blue cheese.
- Finely chop the chives; measure out 1 tablespoon for the dressing and reserve the rest for garnish.
In a large measuring cup or small bowl, combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, oil, lemon zest and 1½ teaspoons lemon juice, the garlic, blue cheese, and 1 tablespoon chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir to incorporate.
2 Prep the salad ingredients
- Trim the root end from the endive and separate the leaves.
- Trim the root end from the frisée and coarsely chop the leaves.
- Cut the radicchio half in half, cut away the core, and separate the leaves.
- Strip the parsley leaves from the stems.
- Core the pear and thinly slice the fruit lengthwise.
3 Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, toss together the endive, frisée, radicchio, parsley, and pear.
Add as much dressing as you like and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve
Transfer the salad to individual plates, garnish with as many chives as you like, and serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 100, Protein: 5g (10% DV), Fiber: 7g (28% DV), Total Fat: 3g (5% DV), Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV), Cholesterol: 5mg (2% DV), Sodium: 150mg (6% DV), Carbohydrates: 13g (4% DV), Total Sugars: 5g, Added Sugars: 0g (0% DV). Not a significant source of trans fat.
Bonus recipe—ingredients not included in box.
Not Your Typical Holiday Survival Guide
There’s no doubt that the most wonderful time of year can also be stressful, whether you’re hosting the festivities or traveling to them. But most holiday survival guides only offer strategies for how to handle the pressure when you’re in the middle of it. We want to help you plan ahead so you can enjoy the celebrations rather than feel sabotaged by them. Whether you’re anxious about cooking for a crowd, worried about finding the perfect gift, or feeling guilty about needing some alone time, here are seven tips for surviving the season before your worries kick in.
Ask for help before anyone offers
The word “delegate” is in nearly every holiday survival guide, but the suggestion of when to pass on responsibilities is always a little too late. Don’t wait until you’re stressed out to ask for help peeling potatoes or setting the table. If baking isn’t your thing, ask the baker in the family to contribute. Alternatively, send an email to everyone attending your dinner with a list of what you plan on cooking and whatever else needs to be done and ask everyone to sign up for a task. Include everything from picking up sparkling cider from the grocery store to plating appetizers to washing dishes.
Don’t shop until you drop
Whether it’s for groceries or gifts, frequent trips to the store are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be more functional. Instead of trying to find time to both shop for gifts and attend get-togethers with friends, do them at the same time. Plan a time where you can meet some friends for coffee and then do your shopping together. You’ll get some much-needed friend time in, and it will make a sometimes daunting task more fun.
Start a baking brigade
Instead of spending hours alone in the kitchen making cookies, host a baking party. You’ll get baking out of the way and enjoy quality time with your friends. You might even convince them to do a cookie exchange so your dessert table can have a little more variety with a lot less work.
Have an exit strategy
If the party circuit is wearing you down, make a plan for getting out before you ring the host’s doorbell. If you only want to briefly stay at a gathering, let the host know when you arrive. Sandwich your, “I can’t stay long!” with something about how you didn’t want to miss the party and how excited you are to try their famous dip, this way, the host won’t feel offended when you slip out early. If your significant other is in tow, check in with each other ahead of time and set expectations about when you plan to leave.
It doesn’t always have to be dinner
We’re not sure who made the rules that holiday feasts have to be dinner. Instead, consider hosting a brunch party and purchasing bagels, pastries, and sandwiches, rather than making them yourself. All you have to do is set out a mimosa bar and some fresh fruit. If you prefer evening gatherings, host a cocktail party instead. Make a dip and crudité platter, a cheese and charcuterie board, and mix up a batch cocktail. Alternatively, opt for a potluck. Assign a dish to yourself and have everyone share what they plan to bring ahead of time so you don’t wind up with three platters of potatoes and no dessert.
Schedule a silent night
Self-care may seem like an afterthought during a time when gathering with friends and family is a priority, but giving yourself permission to reset is essential to enjoying the season. Go for a solo run, take yourself to a movie, or find a quiet corner to read a book with your morning coffee. If it’s hard to find the time once the festivities have started, talk to a few family members in advance and let them know that you’re going to skip dinner to take a night to yourself. Setting expectations before you arrive will make it easier to carve out alone time.
Say goodbye to gift guilt
Hoping your presents don’t wind up in the re-gift pile can be anxiety-inducing. Instead of buying something for everyone in your family or friend group, suggest a white elephant or secret Santa gift exchange instead. Everyone buys one present and goes home with one, guilt-free. If you don’t think that’ll fly with your crew, consider making something instead. Homemade beauty products, chocolate truffles, or a spiced winter syrup for desserts and cocktails all great ideas.
Artwork by ekströmdesign
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