Get Into The Spirit Of The Season With These Paleo Christmas Cookies

Rumor-Stirring Blueberry Lavender Fizz

You can't have brunch without a fun, easy drink to kick things off! This fruity mocktail features flavors of blueberry, lemon, and lime, and it comes with a foamy, pastel finish. What could be more springlike than that?

Ingredients

Serves 1

• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
• 1 tablespoon blueberry jam
• 1⁄2 ounce lemon juice
• 1⁄2 ounce lime juice
• 1⁄2 ounce heavy cream
• 1 large egg white, pasteurized
• 8–12 ounces cooled sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Muddle lavender in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add remaining ingredients except sparkling water and lemon zest. Shake vigorously until texture changes to a foam, about 10 seconds.
3. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds or until cocktail is well chilled.
4. Strain into a Collins glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with lemon zest.

Household Hasty-Bake Oatmeal Pies with Sugared Berries

This dish might look fancy enough to serve Queen Charlotte, but it's actually very simple to make! You can use instant oats, which speeds up everything about the process. All you need for the sugared berries (other than the berries themselves) is sugar and an egg white, which is so easy that we're taking notes for all of our spring berry cravings.

Ingredients

Makes 4 (4") Pies Or 1 (9") Pie

For Sugared Berries:

• 1⁄3 cup superfine sugar
• 1 large egg white, pasteurized
• 1 cup fresh berries of choice

For Oatmeal Pies:

• 1 1⁄4 cups instant oats
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 4 cups vanilla yogurt for filling
• 4 tablespoons amber honey

Instructions

1. Prepare a surface with wax paper. Place superfine sugar in a small shallow dish
2. Whisk egg white lightly in a small bowl until bubbles form on the surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each berry with egg white.
3. Gently roll berries in sugar and place on wax paper. Let dry 20 minutes.
4. To make Oatmeal Pies: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat four 4" pie pans (or one 9" pie pan) with butter and set aside.
5. In a food processor, pulse oats, flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until butter pieces are no larger than a pea.
6. Pour mixture into a large bowl and mix in water until dough ball forms. If dough is too dry, add more water.
7. Separate dough into four equal parts and, using wet hands, press dough into pie pans. Make sure crust is even and without holes.
8. Bake 20 minutes until edges begin to brown.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes. Fill with yogurt and Sugared Berries and drizzle with honey before serving.

Portia's Green Soup

We're all about filling, warm soups when temps drop, but when it's feeling lovely outside, switch things up with a chilled (and healthy) soup recipe. Avocado and buttermilk keep things creamy and garlic, chives, and salt add a nice flavor. Top with radishes, nuts, and greens.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 large seedless cucumber, sliced into 1⁄4" discs 2 tablespoons sliced red onion
• 4 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 6 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided 2 tablespoons aji-mirin or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except 3 tablespoons chives to a blender and blend until smooth. Chill 1 hour.
2. Serve in six small bowls garnished with remaining 3 tablespoons chives.

High Society Scones

These tasty scones will go great with brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea. Just don't forget the marmalade! If you don't have access to barberries, swap for currants or cranberries and you're good as gold.

Ingredients

Makes 12 scones

• 1⁄2 cup barberries
• 1⁄16 teaspoon ground saffron
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 5 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
• 3 large eggs, divided
• 3⁄4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F and set out two lined baking sheets.
2. In a small bowl, soak barberries in warm water for 30 minutes. In a separate small bowl, crumble saffron into 1 tablespoon water and set aside.
3. Add flour, baking powder, salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, and butter to a food processor and pulse until a very fine sand forms.
4. In a medium bowl, beat 2 eggs, saffron water, and milk until well combined. Gently mix in contents of food processor until just combined. Drain and stir in barberries.
5. On a clean, lightly floured surface, knead dough minimally and form into a rectangle 1" thick. Dough should be very sticky. Don’t overwork. Use a 2" round cookie cutter or glass to cut twelve circles of dough, setting them on the baking sheet 21⁄2" apart.
6. In a small bowl, beat remaining egg and water and brush lightly onto scones, then sprinkle remaining
   1 tablespoon sugar on top of scones. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly browned.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes before serving. Will last up to 1 week in refrigerator.

Pack protein like lemon tofu and edamame to this salad that's filled enough to be its own stand-alone dish. The tangy vinaigrette is so refreshing, too! (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)

This light meal is made magical with some crispy chicken cutlets that you can either prepare yourself, or buy at the store to save you some weeknight time! The blood orange brightens things up a bit, while the fennel and toasted walnuts add some wondrous texture. (via Brit + Co)

Rich in nutrients, this veggie salad packs a mouthful of sweet flavors from the roasted butternut, paired with perfectly with a homemade apple cider dressing. (via Brit + Co)

This NASA-inspired recipe, originally developed for deep space travelers, only requires seven ingredients: soybeans, poppy seeds, barley, kale, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes are all tossed together to create an (ahem) out-of-this-world salad. (via Brit + Co)

There's a little bit of everything in this tasty salad recipe: protein from fish and eggs, crunch from spinach and tomatoes, and tons of flavor from the homemade dressing. (via Brit + Co)

Here's our favorite go-to spring salad recipe, chock full of fresh fruit + veg we love to savor all season long. (via Brit + Co)

We recreated one of Pinterest's most popular Whole30 recipes and learned exactly what all the fuss is about, so good! (via Brit + Co)

The Japanese-style tahini-ginger dressing in this salad is so good that you'll want to drizzle it on all your veggies — sauteéd kale, steamed broccoli, and more. (via Season Cookbook x Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad With Sauce Verte

Low-carb fans will love this bright spring salad with seasoned chicken and a mix of veggies like asparagus, English peas, and plenty of greens. (via Brit + Co)

Watermelon radishes are nothing like your average watermelon. Earthy and packed with a spicy kick, these vegetables go best paired with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Salad

This hearty salad mixes together roasted sweet potato, fluffy quinoa, arugula, crumbled feta, and a quick + delicious hummus dressing. (viaLive Eat Learn)

Grilled Cajun chicken, orzo, romaine lettuce, and avocado and peppers tossed together with a creamy thousand island dressing is a meal we'll happily add to our weekly salad rotation ASAP. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Roasted beets, farro, goat cheese, and crunchy almonds is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own but also a dish you'll totally want to share. (via Barley & Sage)

Peach lovers, unite! This salad puts the juicy stone fruit front and center and finishes with a sweet and tangy olive oil dressing. (via Feel Good Foodie)

The best thing about salads is their versatility. Swap the endive here for radicchio, chicories, frisée or some other favorite and grill the stone fruit for added flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Top this beef salad with your favorite taco toppings and an easy and delicious 2-ingredient dressing! (via Salt & Lavender)

Loaded with asparagus, peas, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing, this salad will satisfy you through summer and beyond. (via Munching With Mariyah)

This gluten-free and vegetarian salad features shaved broccolini, Brussels sprouts and kale (*all* the greens) and is so easy to make. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad

Toss crispy romaine hearts, spicy buffalo chicken, and all your favorite veggies with a healthy and super tasty avocado ranch dressing for your next salad craving. (via The Endless Meal)

Berry season is a perfect time to make this salad, mixed with kale, red leaf lettuce, blackberries, blueberries, apples, and walnuts. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

These Are The Best Salad Recipes To Mix Up This Summer

Snap peas, cucumbers, radishes, and creamy burrata cheese is the healthy + totally satisfying mix we want in a salad. (via Cozy Cravings)

This Chili's copycat salad recipe is loaded with spicy chicken, yummy veggies, tortilla strips and a zesty Santa Fe sauce. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Panzanella Bread Salad

This salad made with grilled bread, heirloom tomatoes, capers and herbs can be served warm or cold depending on the season and mood. (via Veggie Society)

Make the most of summer's best produce with a delicious dressing and crunchy homemade pita chips for the ultimate bread salad. (via Forks & Foliage)

Grains are a great way to turn a salad into a meal. This Mediterranean-inspired salad uses turmeric and rice to add a beautiful color, great texture and a lot of nutrition. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Inspired by the classic club sandwich, this salad uses similar ingredients grilled to perfection. (via The Edgy Veg)

This easy, 10-minute salad is packed with antioxidants and introduces dragonfruit to your salad go-to ingredients. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

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Turkish Shepherd Salad

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This peppery, sweet, and savory bo luc lac is delicious served on a bed of crisp watercress, red onions, and cherry tomatoes, so salad-esque. (via Takes Two Eggs)

This colorful kale salad made with a fresh strawberry vinaigrette is an ode to California cuisine. (via Culinary Hill)

This winter salad is a great one to bookmark come the holidays or try anytime you're craving crunchy and sweet. (via Allo Simone)

This plant-based version of the Middle Eastern dish still has the same kick of spices but with hearty chickpeas and a dressing that’s tangy, sweet, and tart all at once. (via Chef Bai)

This healthy summer salad is quick and easy, featuring toasted almonds, sliced cucumbers and in-season strawberries, plus an easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. (via Two Spoons)

There are few things better than watermelon in season, and this salad takes advantage of all of it with complimentary flavors of feta, basil, and balsamic. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Black Eyed Pea + Cornbread Salad

This Southern-style salad had us at cornbread, plus plant-based toppings that are healthy and delicious and totally filling. (via This Wife Cooks)

"Ultimately I could love myself, or I could just be like, 'Here I am,'" Claudia Jessie says. "Most of the time, none of us know what we're really doing anyway. So I think I'm just letting go of any attachment of trying to feel confident."

"You should be confident because everybody loves you," Hannah Dodd counters. "Everybody's obsessed with you! I think, if you surround yourself with the right people as well, like my friends give me confidence, the right people, like your team and you guys."

"'How are you so confident to be so different?' I say at one point to Eloise," Jessica Madsen says. "And when I read that in the script, it was just like [how] I feel about you, and I really mean it...I remember saying it and really feeling like that was 100 percent true from me to you, [Claudia]."

The love is totally reciprocated, and when I ask what the three women would write in their own Lady Whistledown column, Claudia hypes up Jessica's love of music.

"I love music. I love making playlists," Jessica says. "I went through a little stage where Spotify was my everything. I wanted to be a DJ."

"You'd look great as a DJ," Claudia adds. "I don't know your DJ'ing skills yet, but you'd look amazing behind the deck like that."

Hannah adds that they talk a lot about their dogs, and books. "I do love books," Claudia, who just finished Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes, agrees. "I'm a big reader. Basically I like things that don't mean I have to leave the house. I could talk about the inside of my flat thoroughly. I could write about that, my four walls."

Bridgerton season 3 opens after Eloise's discovery that Lady Whistledown is actually her best friend Penelope Featherington. The middle Bridgerton child has had to keep it a secret all this time, and Claudia Jessie admits she's a good secret keeper, just for a different reason: "I'm good because I forget them immediately," she says.

"I'm like the grave," Jessica Madsen promises.

"I wouldn't say I'm a grave," Hannah Dodd adds. "I just have a group of people that I'm like, 'They don't count.' I will not tell anybody. But like, except for these...one or two very trustworthy people."

In the show, multiple characters' trust in one another is threatened — learning about Penelope's secret identity challenges Eloise's trust in Penelope, and Colin's remarks that he'd never court Pen threaten her trust in him. While we see these relationships evolve in unexpected ways, we also see new sides to characters we thought we knew. Namely, Cresside Cowper.

"Other than, obviously the really sad passing of the Bridgerton dad, Eloise comes from an incredibly sheltered, privileged, happy, nourishing environment where they can all be themselves," Claudia says. "So I think it is really important to see just how different it is [from the Cowper household], cause it also informs us a bit more about how difficult the situation is for Cressida and why she might be colder or a bit closed off."

"[She's] very lonely as well," Jessica adds. "She's got nobody. Not her mum, and definitely not her dad. It's opposite ends of the spectrum."

And while season 3 of Bridgerton is just about to debut, Jessica Madsen, Hannah Dodd, and Claudia Jessie already have dreams for Bridgerton season 4.

"I'd love for Eloise to get political, do you know what I mean?" Claudia says. "I'd love that because there's so much room for Eloise to go there."

"She could be the first Prime Minister!" Jessica chimes in.

"I don't know for Francesca," Hannah says. "I'm so excited to see what the writers come up with. I just hope she steps into herself a little bit more and kind of goes after things that make her happy, and knows that she's deserving of that. But I'm new here. So, like anything they give me, I'm gonna be happy with."

Brit + Co Rapid Fire With The Bridgerton Cast

Brit + Co: We've talked so much about books, what are you all reading?

Claudia Jessie: I just finished a book called Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. And it literally says on the cover "Low stakes, high cozy vibes"...It was beautiful. Really comforting. It was like a big hug.

Hannah Dodd: I'm reading Yellowface at the moment, and I just finished Lessons in Chemistry. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo [was] good. And that really took me a while to find another book that filled that hole.

Jessica Madsen: I have Dopamine Nation...I love audio books. So I actually have Viola Davis reading to me every night her autobiography, which is amazing.

B+C: What music is on repeat for you at the moment?

CJ: I'm listening to a band called Say She She. They're like three sexy, beautiful girls doing like funk, disco pop. Beautiful, cool stuff. And they're really, really cool.

HD: I'm less cool and very generic. Beyonce's new album and Ariana Grande's new album, and I'm obsessed with Noah Kahan at the moment as well.

JM: I'm a mixed bag. I've got a lot of different stuff that I love. Yeah, I've, I've been listening to a lot of Fat Freddy's Drop cause they've got a great summer vibe. Two Feet I really enjoy...I like jazz. Disco.

B+C: Bridgerton is our next watch, what's the last thing you binge watched?

CJ:Barry, which I think is the best comedy that's ever been written, ever. I know I'm gonna re-watch it as well cause it's just unbelievable. The amount of respect they show that comedy is so beautiful.

HD: I haven't binged anything in a while, but I'm really excited to watch Ripley. And I think the last thing I binged was One Day as well, which left me heartbroken.

JM: I just binge watched — I say binge gently — Yellowstone, so I want to be a cowgirl now, really badly. I want to live in denim for the rest of my life, in cowboy boots, badly. And then I just I always put Schitt's Creek on. I've watched it 10 times now, which is embarrassing. I love it. We need laughter. We need fun.

B+C: What's on your summer 2024 bucket list?

JM: I would love to get on a beach. I wanna be on a beach for a bit and just feel the sand and the sea.

HD: I'd just like to get through this part of my life, which is quite exciting and new for me and I don't know. I wouldn't say no to a beach either.

CJ: Just a load of iced coffees. That's great when that season comes around, you can have iced coffee. That's like my favorite cause I kid myself into thinking it's not the same amount of caffeine as a hot coffee, so I'm like 'I can have three!' and then I'm rattling.