NEW YEAR Quaintrelle Weekender
High protein veggie bowls, no-knead bread, a fantastic cutting board, and how to get what you want in 2025. 4 ways to a better new year.
I did a very* scientific poll over the holidays (accurate within one to two glasses of Chardonnay.)
I asked my friends if there were any major areas they wanted to focus on in 2025.
Not surprisingly, many came back with the broad categories of health (lose a few pounds/sleep better/run a race); finances (earn more/save more/get out of debt), improve relationships (strengthen marriages/see friends more often/stay patient with kids/parents/extended family); and general projects (take that trip/do a renovation/pick up a new hobby.)
As I discussed last Wednesday, my days of January detoxes, resolutions, and resets are behind me. But, I also know that the general populace is deep in the weeds of self improvement right now.
For some, that may mean forgoing all carbs as Enemy Number 1; others may be on the precipice of Veganuary. Some are jumping on the Dry January wagon. Even though I am doing absolutely none of those things, however you choose to embrace the “new year, new you” mantra, know you’ve got my full support. I am cheering you on from the cheap seats, glass of champagne firmly in hand.
With that in mind, all of January Quaintrelle will kinda, sorta focus the improvements many of us are attempting. I’ve got some really fantastic recipes for hearty, healthy, satisfying, company-worthy dishes in every Wednesday edition, plus ideas for super-fun gatherings that don’t necessarily focus on cocktail hour (which conveniently also checks the box for “try new things” and/or “get active.”) And, as far as cocktails go, I’m also including delicious, easy to make non-alcoholic tipples (which can be fortified with a shot of your favourite spirit, if you wish.)
These recipes and ideas will be sent out every Wednesday morning in plenty of time for the weekend. It’s part of the premium membership, so if you’d like to upgrade, you can do so here:
And, as this is the first Weekender of the new-and-improved month, today’s topics focus on a few of those popular resolutions, as well. Ideas for healthy eating, saving money, trying out new hobbies, and going green are all below.
*not at all
Veganuary
If you’ve committed to dialling back the meat consumption this year, or even going whole hog (forgive the ill-timed pun), I absolutely love this post from
about protein rich, vegetarian grain bowls. I’m a huge – HUGE – fan of salads, but not those sad, limp, and pallid mix of veggies and tasteless dressing. Make his crunchy za’atar topping stat and eliminate sad desk lunches forever.
Bake ’Em If You Got ’Em
NYT Cooking’s No Knead Bread (gift link!)
I’m decidedly not a baker. But, I decided to take this bread recipe for a spin over the holidays, and I have to agree with the 20k, 5-star reviews, it’s a winner.
I don’t eat a huge amount of bread, maybe half a loaf a week at best, so buying the really good stuff from a reputable Toronto baker was getting expensive – especially as a good portion of it often went into the garbage from not eating it all before it rotted.
In an effort to save a few pennies, cut down on food waste, and flex a new kitchen muscle, I tried out this super simple recipe and have to say, it’s going to be my go-to bread from now on.
The Board Strokes
Epicurean All-in-One Cutting Board
I’ve had my eye on this beauty since
recommended it on her newsletter back in the fall. It’s expensive, as far as cutting boards go, so one of those things you buy for someone else, and not for yourself. I gave it to my sister for Christmas, and admittedly, receiving a cutting board for Christmas is a bit of an underwhelming gift. At first.Here’s why this board is so great: it’s made by a proprietary composite called Richlite, which, as I understand it, is the material used to make skateboard ramps. The guys who developed this cutting board initially designed skate parks, using this highly durable, but also regenerative and sustainable wood. And it can take a beating – having been proven by thousands of pounds of pressure of skateboarders beating the heck out of it every day – as well as being left out in all the elements.
As I become more and more aware about micro-plastics (and having received a stern lecture from my 14-year-old nephew about them), this board ticks the boxes I want in the kitchen: durable, knife friendly, and non-slip. While it can go in the dishwasher without an issue, one thing I noticed using this throughout the holiday break cooking for family dinners (though it might just be all in my head) is the strong surface resists cuts, which in turn resists absorbing deep smells from garlic and onion, which is a big bonus. (But you can get out odours easily using this trick.)
Manifesting Magic
You may be surprised to learn that I believe in the power of manifesting and spiritual clues.
You may not be surprised to learn that I am also highly suspicious of charlatans peddling snake oil, promising fame and riches by simply chanting you are worth it. (But, seriously, you are worth it.)
So when I heard Dr James Doty on the Mel Robbins Podcast, I listened closely. Then I played it again and took notes. Then I bought his book.
Dr Doty is a neurosurgeon and a professor at Stanford. He’s also consulted with the Dali Lama. He’s also a multi, multi, millionaire who has built, lost, and regained his fortune. He seems to be the kind of guy who’s got the cred to back up his statements.
I’ll leave it to you to listen in, but the bottom line is Dr Doty suggests there is real, tangible, workable science behind manifestation. But it’s not the, “picture a million dollars in a bucket and it will appear on your front porch the next week” kind of daydreaming that’s being sold across the internet.
If this sounds interesting at all, and how could it not, this podcast is worth a listen. I’ve just started his book. I’ll let you know my thoughts on that in a few weeks.
Thank you for reading Quaintrelle.
This newsletter is written by me, Erin Henderson, journalist-turned-sommelier-turned-entrepreneur. I literally drink and throw parties for a living, and every Saturday, I share some of my favourite finds for better weekends.
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