Easy Elegance: Festive Fashion and Fare

Entertain with festive fare for holidays that are healthy and hassle-free! 

At this time of the year, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush. I put together these light and lucious recipes to cut down on the hustle and bustle but also tuck healthy eating into my celebrations. They are all time- saving solutions for any busy host or hostess. 

However, whether I’m going out or staying at home I love to dress up and this time of the year gives me an extra excuse for more glitter and glitz! 

I was inspired by the sophistication and colors of the Classic Black Sheffield Daniel Wellington timepiece/bangle set  in rose gold to style this outfit. 







The set is now 10% off at https://www.danielwellington.com/us/ and if you use my special code: MTFxDW you will receive an ADDITIONAL 15% off !

My dress is Express brand found at http://www.thredup.com. My shoes and hat are from http://www.target.com and the necklace was a gift from my daughter found at http://www.charmingcharlies.com. 

Here are some different options available at https://www.polyvore.com/ for you to create your own ‘Daniel Wellington’ inspired outfit or shop for that special someone in your life. 

And of course, here are some healthy and hassle-free recipes to make any event easy and also elegant and special!

Glazed Beef Tournedos 

3 tablespoons steak sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons orange marmalade 

1 tablespoon lemon juice 

1 tablespoon finely chopped onion 

1 garlic clove 

4 beef tenderloin steaks 

In a small bowl, combine steak sauce, ketchup, marmalade, lemon juice, onion and garlic. Set aside 1/4 cup for serving.

Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill steaks, uncovered, over medium heat or broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, basting frequently with remaining sauce. Just before serving, brush steaks with reserved sauce. 

1 serving = 308 calories/ 12 grams fat 

Marinated Mushrooms

2 cups small fresh mushrooms 

3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1/2 teaspoon dried basil 

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 teaspoon mustard seed 

1/4 teaspoon onion salt 

Place the mushrooms in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Pour over mushrooms and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and discard marinade before serving. 

1/2 cup = 46 calories / 4 g fat 

Tortellini with Roasted Red Pepper Dip 

I package (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini 

1 jar (7 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers, drained 

3 garlic cloves 

1/2 cup fat free mayonnaise 

1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/8 teaspoon pepper 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1 large zucchini, cut into strips 

Prepare tortellini according to package instructions. Meanwhile, place red peppers and garlic in a food processor; cover and process until combined. Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper; cover and process until blended. Transfer to a small bowl. Drain tortellini; toss with oil. Serve with zucchini strips and red pepper dip.

14 tortellini and 4 strips with 4 tsp. dip= 143 calories / 5 g fat 

Cherry Cheese Pie

2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 

1/4 cup cold water 

1 package (8 ounces) reduced fat cream cheese 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Sugar substitute equal to 2 tablespoons sugar 

1 envelope whipped topping mix

2 cups fat- free whipped topping 

1 reduced fat graham cracker crust (8 inches) 

1 cup reduced sugar cherry pie filling 

In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Heat, over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla until blended. Gradually, beat in sugar substitute. Gradually add whipped topping mix; beat in gelatin mixture; beat 1 minute longer. Mix in 1 cup whipped topping. Fold in remaining whipped topping. Spoon into crust; top with cherry pie filling. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 

1 piece = 259 calories , 10 fat 

Thank you so much, for taking the time to read this post !! Hope you found it worthwhile and hope you are inspired to spend some time entertaining with festive fare – fashionably and healthfully, of course!!! 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo