As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the bountiful joys of family, friendship, and of course, delicious food. In this special edition of our Healthy Harvest Newsletter, we are thrilled to guide you through creating a Thanksgiving experience that’s not only heartwarming but also non-toxic.

Our focus this month is twofold: fostering healthy connections among family and friends and preparing meals that delight the taste buds without compromising on health. We believe that Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to strengthen bonds, share gratitude, and enjoy nourishing, delectable dishes together.

In this edition, we also share a recipe for delicious gluten and grain-free stuffing, as well as a warm and cozy non-toxic cinnamon candle recipe!

We are thankful for our vibrant Healthy Harvest community, and we can’t wait to share this journey of a healthful, happy Thanksgiving with you.

Creating a grain-free, gluten-free, healthy stuffing for Thanksgiving can be both delicious and nutritious. Here's a recipe that focuses on using fresh, wholesome ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower, chopped into small florets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped

• 1 apple, cored and chopped

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Cauliflower: Spread cauliflower florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned and tender.

3. Sauté Vegetables: While the cauliflower is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add celery, carrot, and mushrooms, and continue to cook until vegetables are tender.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped apple, dried cranberries, pecans, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

5. Mix with Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is roasted, add it to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Gently stir to combine.

6. Add Broth: Pour the broth over the mixture, stirring gently. The broth will help to moisten the stuffing and bring all the flavors together.

7. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is slightly crispy.

8. Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. It can be garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

This stuffing is packed with flavors and textures, and it's a perfect healthy alternative for those who are avoiding grains and gluten. The combination of roasted cauliflower, vegetables, and herbs creates a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy during Thanksgiving.

Creating a homemade non-toxic cinnamon candle is a delightful way to bring the warm and inviting scent of cinnamon into your home. This project is not only enjoyable but also ensures that you're using natural, chemical-free ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own cinnamon candle:

Materials Needed:

• Soy wax flakes (a natural, non-toxic wax option)

• Cotton wick (ensure it’s lead-free)

• Cinnamon essential oil (100% pure)

• A heat-resistant glass jar or container

• A double boiler or a makeshift one (a pot filled with water with a heat-safe bowl on top)

• A wooden skewer or pencil (to hold the wick in place)

• A thermometer (optional, but useful for monitoring wax temperature)

• Cinnamon sticks for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Container: Clean your glass jar thoroughly and dry it. Attach the cotton wick to the bottom of the jar using a little melted wax or a wick sticker. Make sure the wick stands up straight and is centered.

• Melt the Wax: Fill the bottom part of your double boiler with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Put the soy wax flakes in the top part of the double boiler. Stir occasionally as the wax melts.

• Monitor Wax Temperature: If you have a thermometer, keep an eye on the wax’s temperature. Soy wax typically melts at around 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit (77-82 degrees Celsius).

• Add Cinnamon Essential Oil: Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly, then add the cinnamon essential oil. The amount will depend on your preference, but generally, 10-15 drops per 8 oz of wax is a good starting point.

• Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared jar, leaving a little space at the top. Keep the wick centered and upright; you can wrap the excess wick around a wooden skewer or pencil resting on top of the jar to help.

• Add Cinnamon Sticks (Optional): If you want to enhance the aesthetic, you can add a few cinnamon sticks to the jar while the wax is still liquid. Be sure they don’t come into direct contact with the wick.

• Let the Candle Set: Allow the candle to cool and solidify completely. This may take several hours or overnight. Avoid moving the candle during this time.

• Trim the Wick: Once the candle is set, trim the wick to about a quarter inch above the wax. This helps ensure a clean, even burn.

• Curing the Candle: For best results, let your candle cure for a couple of days before using it. This allows the fragrance to properly infuse into the wax.

Your homemade non-toxic cinnamon candle is now ready to light and enjoy. The natural aroma of cinnamon will create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in your home. Plus, making your own candles allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and safer environment.