Festive, Flavorful, and Fun: Holiday Workshops with the Nourish Program

This holiday season, the Nourish Program brought a little extra cheer to our research and demonstration kitchen with a series of festive workshops open to the public. Together, we explored mocktails and festive snack boards, with a focus on flavor, creativity, and balance. Read on for a few nourishing tips inspired by our holiday workshops.

Celebrating the Season with Festive Mocktails

The holidays often come with an expectation that celebrations include alcohol - but our mocktail workshop invited participants to explore flavorful, lower-sugar drinks that still felt elevated and fun. Participants enjoyed creating garnishes, specialty salt rims, and three different mocktail recipes, highlighting how small details can make any drink feel special.

Tips and takeaways:

• Mocktails can be much more than a simple mixture of juices

• Utilizing botanicals like teas, herbs, and spices can add complexity without alcohol or added sugar

• Choosing elevated glassware and cocktail-worthy garnishes can go a long way in creating a festive experience

Sample mocktail recipe: Honey-Ginger Chamomile Spritz

Building Festive Snack Boards with Balance in Mind

Our festive snack board workshop focused on creating boards that are beautiful to look at and even more fun to eat. We discussed how mixing flavors, textures, and food groups can help build satisfying snack boards that are easy to assemble and adaptable to different tastes and budgets.

Tips and takeaways:

• Variety in colors, flavors, and textures makes for an enticing snack board

• Including fresh fruit and vegetable options can gently support more balanced snacking

• Finishing touches like nuts, olives, and herb sprigs can help create a bountiful, inviting board

Sample: Balanced Board Formula

Gentle Holiday Reminders from the Nourish Program

The holiday season can feel hectic and, at times, overwhelming. As celebrations and obligations fill the calendar, we encourage you to be kind to yourself and allow space to enjoy the moment. Here are a few gentle reminders to carry with you:

• Nourishment includes pleasure, connection, and rest - slowing down and enjoying time with loved ones matters

• Balance doesn’t mean restriction - give yourself permission to enjoy your favorite foods alongside nourishing favorites

• It’s okay to keep things simple - easy meals and low-key moments can be just as meaningful as elaborate gatherings 

A Season of Connection and Care

We hope these workshops, and the ideas shared here, offer gentle inspiration for finding moments of nourishment throughout the season.

From all of us at the Nourish Program, we wish you a warm, restful, and nourishing holiday season.