### Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews

As the festive season draws near, many are engulfed by decadent, lavish foods. Yet, at times, a rejuvenating salad is exactly what the body desires amidst the celebration. This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews is a colorful, crunchy creation that offsets the richness of holiday fare with its lively flavors and textures.

#### Ingredients

**For the Spiced Cashews:**
– 1 cup (115 grams) cashews
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

**For the Salad Assembly:**
– 1 pound (455 grams) red cabbage, sliced thin or shredded (approximately 4 cups)
– 1 small or half a large fennel bulb, halved and sliced thin (about 1 cup)
– 3 regular or 4 thin scallions, sliced thin (green and white parts)
– A small handful fresh mint leaves, cut thin
– 3 mandarins (clementines and other small oranges are suitable), divided
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white wine vinegar
– 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sumac, plus extra for finishing
– Spiced cashews (from above)

#### Instructions

**Prepare the Spiced Cashews:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cashews in a colander without shaking them off. The moisture helps the spices stick.
3. In a bowl, mix the cashews with dark brown sugar, kosher salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Stir until well coated. If it appears dry, add an extra teaspoon of water.
4. Arrange the cashews on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 8 to 10 minutes. For a richer flavor, you may roast them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Let them cool completely.

**Assemble the Salad:**
1. In a large bowl, mix the sliced red cabbage, fennel, scallions, and mint.
2. Juice one of the mandarins and pour 2 tablespoons of juice into a small bowl. (You can enjoy any leftover juice as a refreshing beverage.)
3. Add white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and sumac to the bowl with mandarin juice, whisking to combine.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly. Taste and modify seasoning as needed. If making ahead, the salad can marinate for a couple of hours while retaining its crunch.
5. Peel the other mandarins and separate them into segments. Layer half of the dressed salad on a serving platter, topping with half of the mandarin segments and half of the spiced cashews. Repeat with the remaining salad, mandarin, and cashews.

#### Serving Suggestions

This salad complements a variety of holiday dishes, from crunchy latkes to robust braises. It can also serve as a light brunch option or a refreshing side at any gathering. Relish the pleasure of a nutritious, flavorful salad that stands out among holiday delights.

#### Conclusion

The Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews is more than just a dish; it’s a tribute to flavors and textures that offers a rejuvenating counterpoint to the abundance of the season. Whether savored alone or as part of a festive spread, this salad is bound to become a favorite.

# Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage: A Convenient One-Pan Meal

Sheet pan gnocchi and sausage is a simple, one-pan meal that bursts with roasted flavor. Soft gnocchi, succulent sausage, and vibrant vegetables blend seamlessly with straightforward seasonings for a speedy dinner that everyone in the family will adore.

## Reasons to Prepare It

– **No Need for Boiling**: Boiling gnocchi isn’t necessary, which saves you time, reduces dishwashing, and results in a beautifully golden, roasted finish.
– **Cost-Effective**: This dish is wallet-friendly, made with a short list of easily accessible ingredients and transforming three sausage links into a hearty, gratifying dinner.
– **Easy Cleanup**: A rimmed baking sheet and parchment paper are all you’ll need for simple cleanup.
– **Serving Ideas**: Pair it with a basic green salad and some garlic bread to complete your meal.

## Ingredient Insights

– **Gnocchi**: Opt for pantry-stable gnocchi, as it retains its shape and crisps nicely around the edges when roasted.
– **Sausage**: Select hot Italian sausage for added spice, or go for mild for a family-friendly option. Substitute with chicken sausage for a lighter taste. Be sure to remove the casing before breaking it apart.
– **Vegetables**:
– Keep the cherry tomatoes intact; they will soften and burst while cooking, creating a built-in sauce. If opting for grape tomatoes, slice them in half beforehand.
– Cut the zucchini into ½-inch slices to ensure it remains tender during baking. You can replace it with yellow zucchini or mix both for a colorful dish.
– **Alterations**: Incorporate red onions or mushrooms for enhanced flavor, or exchange zucchini for broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans. Add a handful of spinach after baking until just wilted, or top with pesto instead of olive oil for an herbaceous twist.

## Instructions for Making Sheet Pan Gnocchi & Sausage

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 425°F.
2. **Prepare Gnocchi and Sausage**: On a large rimmed baking sheet, combine the gnocchi with half of the olive oil, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Break the sausage into large chunks and add to the sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. **Incorporate Vegetables**: As the gnocchi and sausage cook, mix the cherry tomatoes and zucchini with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, and seasonings. Add this veggie mixture to the pan and continue baking for another 12 to 16 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the sausage is fully cooked.
4. **Mix and Serve**: Take it out of the oven and stir to combine all components. Top with parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and chili flakes. Drizzle with more olive oil if you like.

### Success Tips

– **Utilize a Large Sheet Pan**: Spread the potato gnocchi evenly and ensure it’s not overcrowded for perfect roasting, not steaming.
– **Cut Sausage into 1-Inch Pieces**: This technique helps retain juiciness while browning.
– **Add Vegetables After the Initial Bake**: This allows the sausage to brown properly and prevents the zucchini from becoming overcooked.
– **Stir at the End**: If you want to maintain the gnocchi’s crispy edges.

## Store for Future Use

– **Storage**: Keep leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. Gnocchi and zucchini may be softer after thawing and reheating.
– **Reheating**: Warm in a 375°F oven or toaster oven until heated through to regain some texture of the gnocchi. The microwave is convenient, but it will result in softer gnocchi.

## Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

– **Calories**: 590
– **Carbohydrates**: 47g
– **Protein**: 20g
– **Fat**: 36g
– **Saturated Fat**: 12g
– **Cholesterol**: 68mg
– **Sodium**: 1407mg
– **Potassium**: 566mg
– **Fiber**: 4g
– **Sugar**: 4g

This sheet pan gnocchi and sausage creation is not just tasty but also a practical option for hectic weeknights. Relish the roasted flavors and the straightforward cleanup, making it an ideal family dinner.

# Fudgy Chocolate Tahini Cookies: An Irresistible Vegan and Gluten-Free Delight

While whipping up our tahini cookies yet again, we wondered, *Why not throw some chocolate into the mix?* The outcome exceeded our expectations. Presenting: fudgy chocolate tahini cookies loaded with chocolate chips! They’re **vegan**, **gluten-free**, and utterly scrumptious — akin to a brownie and cookie fusion!

## Reasons to Adore These Cookies

What do you need for these? **1 bowl**, **8 ingredients**, and around **20 minutes**. Do we need to say anything else? Let’s get baking!

### Chocolate Tahini Cookie Essentials

– **Tahini** – this smooth seed butter crafted from blended sesame seeds is now one of our top ingredients for sweet delights thanks to its rich, nutty, slightly bitter taste. It also provides moisture, substituting for butter or oil in a traditional cookie recipe, making them naturally oil-free and nutrient-rich!

– **Maple syrup** – the luscious, rich taste of maple syrup complements tahini beautifully, adds moisture, and keeps these cookies naturally sweet. If you seek an alternative, honey or agave might work well!

– **Almond flour & tapioca flour** – this gluten-free and grain-free flour mix keeps these cookies light, airy, and fudgy. If almonds are off the table, cashew flour would work nicely! For nut-free options, you might explore seed-based flours or a smaller amount of all-purpose or oat flour, though the texture and flavor would differ.

– **Cocoa powder** – yum, chocolate! No further comments needed.

– **Baking soda & sea salt** – classic cookie components that contribute lift and flavor.

– **Chocolate chips** – more chocolate = more yumminess! When enjoyed warm, the chocolate chips melt and are especially delightful.

### Steps to Create Chocolate Tahini Cookies

We’re well acquainted with the wonder of **tahini + maple syrup**, and that’s our starting point for these cookies! When whisked together, these two elements form a rich, caramel-like mixture that strikes the ideal balance between bitter and sweet.

Next, we incorporate the dry components (almond flour, tapioca starch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt) and mix until a cookie dough appears. Cookie preparation doesn’t get easier than this!

The last touch before scooping and baking: chocolate chips! Because who wouldn’t want gooey chocolate pieces in their cookies?!

A brief bake in the oven (~10 minutes) followed by a short cool-down (~5 minutes), and the cookies are ready!

These cookies might just become your new go-to treat! They’re:
– Decadent
– Fudgy
– Crispy on the outside
– Soft on the inside
– Just the right amount of sweet
– Chocolatey
– Quick & simple
– Unavoidably tasty!

These delightful cookies (5 g protein per serving!) are perfect for a sweet + energizing afternoon indulgence, Valentine’s Day parties, holiday baking, and so much more. They also freeze well (both as dough and finished cookies), making them ideal for quick chocolate cravings!

### Additional Tahini Treats

If you decide to try this recipe, share your thoughts! Leave a comment, rate it, and remember to tag a photo on Instagram. Enjoy, everyone!

## Recipe Overview

### Prep Time: 10 minutes
### Cook Time: 10 minutes
### Total Time: 20 minutes
### Yield: 13 cookies

### Ingredients
– 1/2 cup tahini, smooth and unsalted
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup tapioca starch
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp sea salt
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks

### Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a medium bowl, combine tahini and maple syrup and whisk until blended. Add almond flour, tapioca starch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out ~1 1/2 tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball.
4. Bake for 9-12 minutes until edges feel firm. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then savor!
5. Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1

# The Wanderlust Kitchen: A Culinary Adventure Across the Globe

## Introduction
Step into The Wanderlust Kitchen, a lively environment where culinary discovery meets travel escapades. Crafted by Linda, this space welcomes both food lovers and travel aficionados to embark on a journey through genuine recipes and cultural moments from across the globe.

## Honoring Authentic Culinary Traditions
At The Wanderlust Kitchen, the focus is on honoring the diverse mosaic of international cuisines. Each recipe represents its cultural background, highlighting traditional cooking techniques and ingredients that have been cherished over time. Linda believes that food transcends mere nourishment; it narrates tales waiting to be unveiled.

## Contemporary Techniques and Ingredients
In addition to respecting traditional recipes, The Wanderlust Kitchen also adopts contemporary culinary techniques and groundbreaking ingredients. This blend enables home cooks to recreate cherished dishes with a modern flair, making them accessible and enjoyable for today’s tastes. Whether it’s infusing new spices or employing advanced cooking styles, Linda motivates her readers to experiment and modify recipes according to their preferences.

## A World of Adventure Awaits
The Wanderlust Kitchen encompasses more than just cooking; it embodies adventure. Linda encourages her audience to step beyond their comfort zones, sample new recipes, and delve into cuisines from various cultures. Each dish acts as a portal to a new locale, fostering a sense of wanderlust and inquisitiveness.

## Bon Appétit! Bon Voyage!
The guiding principle of The Wanderlust Kitchen is straightforward yet impactful: “Bon Appétit! Bon Voyage!” This motto captures the core of the platform—savoring delightful food while embracing the essence of travel. Linda’s recipes are crafted to inspire readers not only to cook but also to envision distant places and adventures.

## Conclusion
The Wanderlust Kitchen is beyond a mere recipe blog; it stands as a celebration of food, culture, and adventure. With a dedication to authenticity and a zeal for exploration, Linda invites everyone to accompany her on this culinary expedition. So don your apron, discover new tastes, and allow your palate to traverse the globe!

# Indulge in a Colorful Raspberry Martini

This simple Raspberry Martini recipe is a vibrant and sophisticated cocktail that everyone will appreciate. Fresh raspberries are blended with sugar and water to make a sweet and tasty simple syrup. After it cools, the syrup is combined with robust vodka and zesty lemon juice to craft a delectable fruity drink.

## Reasons We Adore This Raspberry Martini

– You’ll only need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have at home!
– This martini is ready in just 15 minutes!
– Its bright hue is ideal for Valentine’s Day, Galentines, Christmas, or any lively gathering.

## Ingredients for the Recipe

– **Vodka** – The foundational element for this fruity martini.
– **Lemon Juice** – To introduce a gentle tangy taste that offsets the sweetness.
– **Raspberry Simple Syrup** – A sugary syrup made from fresh raspberries, sugar, and water that provides that signature raspberry essence.

## Instructions for Crafting a Raspberry Martini

**Step #1:** In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, and water.

**Step #2:** Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

**Step #3:** Strain the raspberry syrup through a fine mesh sieve (avoid pressing down on the raspberries; this will result in a cloudy syrup). Set it aside to cool.

**Step #4:** Once the syrup is cool, in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, raspberry simple syrup, and lemon juice.

**Step #5:** Shake for 30 seconds.

**Step #6:** Pour into your preferred martini glass and relish!

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is vodka a must for this raspberry martini?**
No. If you would rather use another spirit like gin, feel free to swap it for the vodka.

**What can I use to garnish this raspberry martini?**
I suggest utilizing a toothpick or wooden skewer and threading fresh raspberries onto it to place either inside or on top of a martini glass.

## Storage Details

You can keep any extra raspberry martini in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 2-3 days. Leftover raspberry syrup can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.

## Additional Exciting Cocktails to Explore

Check out more delightful cocktail recipes to enhance your mixology talents and wow your guests!