The end of the year fills our diaries with commitments and meetings spent sitting around a table. It is easy to let yourself be carried away by the pleasure and to enjoy copious meals without any restrictions, enjoying the moments shared with our loved ones. I do it happily and without any regrets because, at the end of the day, this is a time to spend with our friends and family, and to create warm and entertaining memories.

Although during these days away from home I don’t think twice about eating heavy meals, my dad’s desserts and turrones, at home I try to make up for any excesses. I give our family’s stomachs a break with light but nonetheless tasty menus, which I prepare with quality organic ingredients. During these dates of lavish meals and flexibility as regards our healthy habits I am more aware than ever of the need to look after and protect our organism; that is why I continue to buy organic food.

This evening meal that I am sharing with you is a delicious and complete menu option which, in addition to going down well because it is easy to digest, includes foods that help me to detox and remove fluids. And although it is homemade and meant to enjoy at home, I like keeping the festive spirit alive and Christmassy by setting a beautiful table.

S T A R T E R S

Endive and pomegranate salad with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and apple vinegar. I love the contrast of flavours: the bitterness of the endives and the sweetness of the pomegranate.

Endives have anti-inflammatory properties.
Pomegranate is a seasonal fruit and it goes down a treat thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Sautéed green asparagus with parmesan cheese.

Asparagus are full of vitamins and help to remove fluids.

As an alternative for children, I recommend adding a cherry tomato and grated carrot salad with a lemon and olive oil dressing.

M A I N C O U R S E

Steamed fish with vegetables. I choose the “en papillote” cooking method (the fish is encased in a parchment or foil pouch) which my daughters love because the fish comes out tender and full of juice.

By cooking en papillote you are guaranteed to preserve all the flavour and aromas of the ingredients you use, in addition to it being a very healthy and low-fat way of cooking.

D E S S E R T

Organic cranberry yoghurt.

Cranberries are diuretic and have strong antioxidant properties, as well as helping to prevent urinary tract infections.

Organic yoghurts with cranberries, from Las 2 Vacas

I encourage you to enjoy looking after your diet and that of your family with menus such as this one, and I hope you find balance at the table during this festive season.

Bon appétit and a very happy new year.
V.