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5 Must-Try Healthy Holiday Recipes from The Real Food Academy Miami

December 23, 2024

Are you looking for delicious and nutritious meals to serve this holiday season? The Real Food Academy team has put together a list of 5 recipes that you can follow step-by-step or use as inspiration for your own holiday creations!

Holidays are all about joy, connection, and sharing delicious food with the people you love most. At The Real Food Academy, we firmly believe that sweet treats and filling holiday meals can—and should—be enjoyed during your celebrations. But how do you enjoy holiday food while staying true to your smart food goals?

The answer is Balance!

By lightening up on some ingredients, making simple swaps, or sneaking in a little extra nutrition, you can indulge in the flavors you love while still feeling great about what you’re serving and eating.

To inspire your healthy holiday desserts and meals in Miami, FL, here are 5 recipes from the Real Food Academy team:

An image of The Real Food Academy Miami's best winter salad recipe.

1. The Best Winter Salad

Looking for a fresh, nutrient-packed dish to kick off your holiday meal? Our Winter Salad recipe is the perfect blend of seasonal flavors and textures.

This salad features delicious ingredients like butternut squash, Granny Smith apples, feta cheese, and a rich, maple-Dijon dressing made with garlic, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of mayo for extra creaminess.

Check out the full recipe

An image of The Real Food Academy Miami's cranberry cookies recipe.

2. Cranberry Cookies

Add a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table with The Real Food Academy’s Cranberry Cookies.

These delicious treats perfectly balance the tartness of dried cranberries with natural sweeteners like maple syrup and a hint of vanilla, creating a lighter, more wholesome twist on traditional holiday cookies.

Check out the full recipe

An image of The Real Food Academy Miami's after-thanksgiving turkey soup recipe.

3. After-Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Contrary to its name, our After-Thanksgiving Turkey Soup recipe is perfect for any holiday or whenever you have leftover turkey.

This easy, flavorful dish combines shredded turkey with hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, all simmered to perfection in a warm broth. It’s a comforting winter meal that’s both satisfying and a great way to make the most of your holiday leftovers.

Check out the full recipe

An image of The Real Food Academy Miami's gingerbread cookies recipe.

4. Gingerbread Cookies

Try a healthier twist on this classic treat with The Real Food Academy’s Gingerbread Cookies recipe.

Made with wholesome ingredients and a blend of spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies bring the festive flavor you know and love. Whether you’re decorating them, sharing them with loved ones, or serving them at a holiday gathering, they’re sure to be a hit.

Check out the full recipe

An image of The Real Food Academy Miami's hot chocolate recipe.

5. Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a classic winter treat, and our recipe delivers the rich, creamy flavor you’re craving.

By using smarter ingredient choices like oat milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a touch of maple syrup, you can skip the processed mixers and enjoy a warm, indulgent cup that’s simple and delicious!

Check out the full recipe

Tips for Holiday Cooking with Health in Mind

If you want to create health-conscious holiday meals, these simple cooking tips can help you balance flavor and nutrition without compromising on taste.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Choose Natural Sweeteners: Swap refined sugars for natural options like maple syrup, honey, or dates. They add rich, sweet flavor while being a more wholesome alternative.
  • Incorporate Whole Grains: Opt for whole-grain flours, quinoa, or oats to boost fiber and add a hearty, satisfying texture to your dishes.
  • Load Up on Seasonal Produce: Add color, flavor, and nutrients to your meals with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
  • Lighten Up Creamy Dishes: Replace heavy cream or butter with Greek yogurt, avocado oil, or coconut milk for a creamy texture with a healthier twist.

Remember to do what feels right for you and enjoy the process. Balance is key, and a little mindfulness in the kitchen can help you create meals perfect for you and your family's needs.

Healthier Holiday Cooking with The Real Food Academy Miami

Are you looking for unique things to do in Miami, FL this holiday season? Explore your passion for cooking at The Real Food Academy!

Join our hands-on holiday cooking classes to learn the recipes like the ones we’ve shared in this blog and so much more. Perfect for kids, teens, and adults, our classes are a fun and engaging way to create delicious, smarter holiday meals while spending quality time with family and friends.

Save your seat at one of our events and make this holiday season one to remember!

570-A NE 81st St
Miami, FL 33138

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Real Food FAQs

No. All Payments and Deposits are non-refundable: When a payment or deposit is made, that day and time is no longer available to other customers on our calendar. For that reason, all payments and deposits are non-refundable.

In the case of a cooking class, the ingredients are shopped for and prepped in advance. Staff is also scheduled according to the number of people on the roster.

See our Wine and Beer list for your in-house kids party options. Optionally, you can bring your own wine or beer and page a corkage fee.

Corkage Fees

  • $15 per 750 ml bottle of wine
  • $30 per 1.5 L bottle of wine

Bring outside beer: $40 for beer (any quantity)

We love it when our customers decorate our place. That said, you have no idea how difficult it is to clean these types of things up. As far as noisemakers go......you will be glad you left them at home as well. So please do not bring any of those things.

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