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Ringing in a New Year that may feel like every other day…

No matter where you are today, we can all agree that 2020 was difficult and ringing in the New Year feels different too, yet so much the same as all the days spent at home this year. Acknowledging that so much was lost and changed in 2020, I personally want to end this year with gratitude, a comforting meal, and some forward thinking. A good friend of mine once told me that learning to adapt to change is a really important life skill, and we all have to give ourselves a hand for adapting this year in so many ways. Restaurants, grocery stores, doctors offices, teachers, schools and people working from home have all pivoted and the list goes on and on. A few days ago I encouraged my family to take part in creating some vision boards to think about opening up some new space for change and opportunity in 2021 and set some intentions. We will all need to keep moving with the flow of change and I’d like to ease into 2021 tomorrow with my intentions whispering to me. With some wellness–a nice walk and a healthy breakfast, and a positive mindset on how I will continue to adapt to change in the New Year.

Tonight we plan to stay home and watch the ball drop on TV. We’ll be making homemade ravioli for the gluten eaters and for gluten free me “lucky” Italian lentils with mushroom and sausage. The tradition of lentils goes way back in Italy, when ancient Romans would give a pouch full of lentils as a gift which were believed to symbolize prosperity. I think about our loved ones who are gone especially this time of year and cooking these foods is definitely a way to feel closer to them and keep traditions alive. Wonderful memories of family holidays and my parents dancing the night away with friends and family on New Year’s Eve will be with me while we make the best of a night that just isn’t the same this year.

Whatever your old traditions are, or whatever new ones you have acquired this year, I wish you comfort and wellness in 2021. Happy New Year friends- raise a glass to your resilience!

Putting gifts together for friends we can’t be with in person


New Year’s Luck and Wellness Lentils

Comforting lentils made easy with a nod to loved ones and tradition.

Course: holiday, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: beand, lentil, lucky lentils, new years, sausage

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup green lentils

  2. 1/2 onion

  3. 1 bay leaf

  4. 1 clove garlic

  5. sprig of Thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried if you don't have it)

  6. salt and pepper

  7. 1 1/2 cup water

Sausage

  1. 4 Italian Sausages, sliced thick in 3-4 pieces

  2. 1 cup sliced mushrooms

  3. 3 carrots

  4. 2 tbsp olive oil

  5. 1/4 cup white wine

  6. 1 tbsp tomato paste

  7. 1/2 cup chopped fennel (if you have it)

Instructions

Lentils


Rinse lentils under cool water and pick out any small rocks or impurities


Place in water with the half onion, garlic and bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, salt and pepper


Boil uncovered then cover and simmer for 20 minutes until tender but not too soft.

Putting it together


Slice sausages in pieces and sautee until golden and cooked through, about 7 minutes per side.


Sautee onion, fennel (if you have it) carrot and mushroom in 1 TBSP of oil. Deglaze the pan with the wine, and when it is just about evaporated stir in paste to combine. Turn off heat. Then toss in cooked lentils and season with salt and pepper and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Tuck sausages into the lentils.


For an even heartier meal serve over polenta.

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