With 2020 thankfully behind us, and the food frenzy of the holidays now just a memory, it’s time to look ahead to 2021 and happier, healthier times for all of us. Between any bad eating habits picked up while quarantining, to the (to be expected) overindulgence of traditional holiday goodies throughout December, it’s likely that even the healthiest eaters may have found themselves falling off the healthy eating wagon for the past few months. The good news though? January is the perfect time to get back on track. And, the even better news? With a few simple substitutions and easy recipes, the return to healthy eating is easier than you think!

Throughout the Lowcountry, the authentic charm of historical sites and allure of scenic sunsets and backroads continuously win the hearts of its visitors, but the real blue ribbon of the Lowcountry rests upon the cuisine. Southern cooking is what brings dancing to the kitchen, the licking of spoons and connection with the ones you love.

This year’s holiday may be a little different than in past years, but there’s one thing sure to stay the same: A focus on the festive foods of the season. From the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through the house, to the fruitcakes that will make their way onto countless holiday tables, some things just say—and taste—like the holidays. This year, perhaps more than any other, the traditional foods of the season can take on a whole new level of importance and meaning for many families.  And, with some simple substitutions and a focus on wholesome, nutritious ingredients, you can turn some of your favorite holiday recipes into healthier options—giving you and your family the best gift of all this year.

Every Christmas season there’s a light dusting at our house, causing family to come together, bells-a-ringing, smiles ear-to-ear and plenty of holiday cheer. Oh, did you think I was talking about snow—haha, not in the South... The forecast is for flour, lots and lots of flour! Baking and the holidays go hand-in-hand and whether it’s the boys sneaking into the kitchen for a taste, or the women all enjoying quality time together as we ice cakes, it never fails to bring a wonderful world of joy and memories.

Growing up in the country, I had the pleasure of walking out my back door to pecan trees laden with nuts waiting to be cracked. From an early age, Dad taught me how to crack them by hand, and whenever we were outside during the Fall, we were sure to be cracking and snacking. I distinctly remember sitting on our screened-in porch shelling pecans for hours on end with my sitter, Mama Ellen. and how the bowl of shelled ones never seemed to get full, as we ate most of the rewards. To this day, I always sneak a peek in mom’s freezer to see if she has a bag of them put away. Whether you’re a “PEE-CAN” or a “PAH-CON” person—and you know which you are—the crisp texture and rich, buttery flavor of pecans is the perfect addition to everything from salads to pie.

It’s hard not to get excited about what is undoubtedly one of the biggest, most festive, food days of the year—Thanksgiving! But just because you’re cutting out carbs or sugar this year doesn’t mean you have to cut out flavor—or fun—from your bountiful harvest dinner.

The good news for those following a keto diet and/or watching their carbs and sugar intake or trying to generally eat healthy is the centerpiece to most Thanksgiving dinners is a perfectly prepared, right-from-the-oven, zero carb and keto-approved turkey—even the dark meat. Although the “main event” may be something you can dig into without guilt, what about all of those delicious side dishes that have undoubtably been a part of many happy harvests in the past? And, equally important for many of us who literally live for leftovers … is there a way to make leftovers from your holiday meal into even healthier harvest celebrations in the days following Thanksgiving—going beyond the typical turkey sandwich to create dishes that truly delight your health-conscious family long after that last piece of fat-free/sugar-free pie?

Nothing signals the flavors of fall more than that first sip of a pumpkin spice latte, or dreaming about holiday pumpkin pie. But there is far more to pumpkins than lattes and pies! Another star of autumn is squash, particularly the increasingly popular butternut variety. But did you know it’s a superfood, literally packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants? Titillating most of the senses, these fall favorites bursting with delicious flavors will satisfy family and friends with delightful sights, smells and tastes.

Private chef and Georgia native Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser recently released her debut memoir with recipes, Some Kinda Good: Good Food and Good Company, That’s What It’s All About. Seasoned with southern sass, her book serves up heartfelt stories and easy-to-execute recipes from her Savannah kitchen.

Originally from Augusta, GA, Rebekah’s culinary journey is sprinkled with time-honored traditions like church homecomings and large family gatherings, prominently featuring tables laden with Southern classics and prized recipes handed down through generations. It’s no wonder Rebekah’s love for food began at an early age.

As September rolls in, nature turns her thermostat down ever so slightly, and steamy summer nights become bearable. In other words, it’s time to get grilling! Just imagine smoke-kissed meat and charred veggies, a flavor bomb only your grill can create. Can’t you just smell it, taste it?  Get outside and “Fuel Your Fire” this fall with Kingsford!

Often considered the “man’s domain,” the grill can be intimidating. Girls, I feel you! I’ve never grilled in my life. But, it’s time to stop dismissing succulent skewers and juicy steak recipes only because they involve learning a new trick or two. Just like tackling your newest kitchen gadget, or DIY, it’s all in the research. But alas, look no further... The King of Grills—Kingsford—has everything you need to become a grill master! Check out www.kingsford.com for a plethora of step-by-step guides for every type of grill and cooking style, hundreds of recipes, grilling tips and so much more. It’s only a click away.

No matter how you slice them, apples are one of fall’s favorite—and healthiest —fruits. Nothing signals the start of fall more than a visit to an apple orchard, the sweet taste of caramel apples and hot apple cider … or the smell of a freshly baked apple pie warming in the oven. As the old English proverb reminds us, nothing could be healthier than enjoying an apple a day! Whether eating them whole on-the-go, or as a key ingredient in a delicious, savory dish that is sure to make you the apple of someone’s eye.

So what is behind the apple’s appeal? In addition to being packed with a wide variety of different flavors and textures (tart, sweet, mild, crunchy and crisp just to name a few), apples are also bursting with distinctive and amazing health benefits. According to USApple (www.usapple.org), a nonprofit organization representing the nation’s 7,500 apple growers, as well as 1,000 individual firms in the apple business, “recent research link apple nutrients with promising results that suggest “a link between apples and weight loss, brain health, including Alzheimer’s disease, certain forms of cancer, lung and heart health and stroke.” In addition, apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber and a healthy source of antioxidants, which is linked to the prevention of many diseases. How ‘bout them apples?

Hot, steamy summer nights call for light and fresh when it’s time to sit down for dinner, and the bounty of seasonal vegetables are a delicious go-to. Whether you’re hitting the grill, or sautéing or roasting in the blissful air conditioning, Pero Family Farms is making sure you get the freshest quality vegetables to take your meal to the next level and with little to no prep. Little to no prep? Yes please, now we’re talking my kind of recipes.

Founded by Sicilian immigrant Peter Pero in 1908, Pero Family Farms began humbly as a small town farm in New York. Now the largest vegetable distributor in the Southeast USA, they are the epitome of an authentic American dream and farmer success story. After Peter’s passing, his wife Dea Pero and their sons followed in his footsteps and sustained the farming operation, continuing the solid foundation with arduous labor and dedication. Now in the family’s fifth generation and a move to the prime growing conditions in Florida, the company is a growing legacy with innovative techniques, a sophisticated delivery network and more than 30 premium products (including an organic line), Pero Family Farms still holds true to its deep roots and carries on the legacy of the finest quality vegetables grown on a family-owned and operated farm.

It’s safe to say that watermelons are the symbol of summer. Because let’s be real, is there anything more American than chomping away on a chin-dribbling slice of juicy watermelon on a hot afternoon? No summer celebration—especially Independence Day—is complete without sweet, scrumptious and succulent watermelon.

In order to give your next wedge the edge, we went to the experts to bring you everything from flavorful fare to ripe refreshments. Representing 800 watermelon growers, shippers and importers nationwide, The National Watermelon Promotion Board boasts #watermeloneveryday from the vine to time to dine. Their website www.watermelon.org is a complete guide on everything watermelon from a "meet the growers" to hundreds of delicious recipes and staple sweet treats of summer.

Sweet, delicious and filled with the wonderful flavor of citrus, oranges can be a juicy addition to nearly every meal. That’s right, your new favorite summer squeeze offers up zesty bright notes with each succulent slice or sip. From dressings and marinades to seafood and sorbet, oranges are tasty treats for fun-filled family feasts.

When you think of Florida, you think of oranges—they’re as synonymous as America and apple pie. But why is that? Citrus was first farmed commercially in Florida i'n the mid-1800s, with the first orange trees planted in St. Augustine in the mid-1500s. Oranges thrive in Florida’s subtropical temperatures, abundant rainfall, plentiful sunshine and unique, sandy soil. Florida’s natural conditions tend to grow juicier oranges with a distinctive taste and look.

Ready to kick your family’s dinner flavor up a notch? Take the time to try something new for Cinco de Mayo and bring your home cooked meals to a new level with Pace® Foods’ products. Your family will celebrate you and the delicious dinners you can craft with the pleasing picante and salsa flavors perfected by Pace®.

Cooking is the perfect way to bring the family together for a delicious meal that will spice up the day. Pace’s® family favorites like slow-cooked chicken tacos and slow cooker chicken tortilla soup are simple meals to prepare and great to get the children involved, too.

Reddi-wip has been whipping it good in millions of homes long before the 80s Punk band, Devo, told us to “Whip it good.” Since 1948, this favorite refrigerator shelf staple, with its ever-popular white and red capped canister, has given America and the world an easy way to put smiles on faces young and old. There are few other food products as fun to eat as a dollop, or a wallop, of the creamy, cold deliciousness of Reddi-Wip!

Come on. Admit it. You’ve tilted the Reddi-Wip canister straight from the fridge for an mouth full of luscious, sweet creamy delight. And why not? Reddi-Wip is REAL cream and always has been!