A Nourishing Holiday Table for You
Plus, a heartfelt giveaway for one special reader!
Welcome to the Michelle Seguin MD newsletter. I’m Dr. Michelle—thank you for being a part of this community! Today, I’m sharing seasonal recipes, holiday inspiration, and a special giveaway to celebrate YOU!
Hello friends,
As the cooler air settles in, the kitchen becomes my sanctuary—a place to weave the season’s quiet beauty into the meals we share. This time of year, I’m drawn to the grounding flavors of winter produce, celebrating their simplicity and nourishing flavors. Today, I’m sharing a few favorite seasonal recipes for your holiday table, a roundup of inspiring newsletters brimming with festive ideas, and a must-listen interview with Chef Amy Thielen, where she offers thoughtful tips for creating meaningful, joy-filled meals.
With gratitude,
Dr. Michelle
Seasonal Sides That Shine
This year, why not try a twist on traditional sides? These colorful, comforting dishes bring warmth and brightness to your holiday table, all while celebrating the season’s natural rhythm. Two of my favorite strategies for boosting flavor and phytonutrients in holiday meals are to increase the color on our plates and herbs in our dishes.
1. Herb-Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
Bring a rainbow to your table with a mix of parsnips, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. Toss them in olive oil, sea salt, and fresh rosemary, then roast until golden. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a caramelized finish.
Get the recipe here from Love and Lemons
2. Creamy Parsnip Purée
A velvety alternative to mashed potatoes, this purée combines the sweet, nutty flavor of parsnips with a hint of garlic and a splash of cream (or milk). Serve it as a base for roasted vegetables or proteins—it’s as comforting as it is elegant. We’ve enjoyed it for years with braised beef short ribs thanks to inspiration from Smitten Kitchen.
Get the recipe here from Cook’s Illustrated
3. Maple-Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts become the star of the show with a touch of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. For a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted pecans, hazelnuts just before serving and pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of color.
Get the recipe here from Love and Lemons
4. Sage Salsa Verde
This vibrant, herbaceous sauce from Samin Nosrat is a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or vegetables, adding brightness (aka acid) and a pop of flavor to any holiday dish. Made with fresh sage, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, it’s a versatile addition to your table that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare. It’s also a tasty flavor booster to leftover turkey sandwiches.
Get the recipe here from Samin Nosrat
5. Pumpkin Tahini Pie with Maple-Oat Crust
For a dessert that’s both rich and wholesome, this pumpkin pie recipe from
/ Brain Health Kitchen combines the creaminess of pumpkin with the nutty complexity of tahini and a crisp maple-oat crust. It’s a perfect way to end your holiday meal on a memorable note. We made it last Thanksgiving and it was a hit—I’m definitely making again this year!Get the recipe here from Brain Health Kitchen
Holiday Recipe Roundup
Looking for more inspiration to plan your holiday table? These newsletters (from some of my favorite food writers) offer delicious ideas, creative menus, and practical tips for a memorable holiday meal. Whether you’re hosting or simply bringing a dish to share, you’ll find something special here.
10 Brain-Healthy Ideas for Your Thanksgiving Celebration by Annie Fenn
Annie’s thoughtful approach to Thanksgiving focuses on dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. From vibrant salads to satisfying sides, her ideas are designed to support brain health while adding beauty and flavor to your table.The Big Thanksgiving Planner by
This ultimate planner from Smitten Kitchen’s Deb Perelman is your go-to guide for navigating Thanksgiving with ease. Featuring everything from make-ahead tips to favorite recipes, it’s the perfect resource for staying organized and stress-free.I’m Only Here for the Sides (Well, Same) by
Alison celebrates the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving: the sides. Packed with bold flavors and creative twists, her recipes prove that side dishes deserve to take center stage on your holiday table.
Bonus Inspiration from Chef Amy Thielen
For even more holiday cooking inspiration, I highly recommend Chef
’s recent interview on The Splendid Table. She shares thoughtful strategies for holiday meal prep, a family-favorite alternative to mashed potatoes, and tips for staying calm and grounded while cooking for a crowd. Her insights are both practical and deeply inspiring—a gentle reminder to approach the kitchen with joy and intention.Amy’s latest book, Company, is a beautiful resource for anyone hosting during the holidays or beyond. She writes about the joys of cooking for others and creating moments of connection through food. The book features menus inspired by life in the Upper Midwest, including a Thanksgiving spread and even a Nordic backcountry ski supper. From recipes that highlight regional flavors to her heartfelt reflections on gathering around the table, Company reminds us that cooking is as much about creating memories as it is about the food itself.
In 2023, I had the pleasure of meeting Amy in person during her Company book tour in Charleston, SC. This trip was unforgettable—a story for another time, but for now, I’ll simply share this photo from our long-awaited meeting. There’s a reverence that shines through in her writing and cooking that touches my heart, making her work a continued source of inspiration—in the kitchen, garden, and beyond
Book Giveaway: Share Your Holiday Traditions!
In the spirit of gratitude for this community, I’m thrilled to offer a giveaway for a copy of Amy Thielen’s Company! To enter, comment below or reply to this newsletter with your Thanksgiving menu or a cherished holiday food tradition. I’ll announce the winner in early December!
This giveaway is my way of celebrating YOU—this thoughtful, inspiring community of home cooks and seasonal living enthusiasts—and the shared joy of creating connection through food.
In Closing
As we gather with loved ones this season, may your table be filled with nourishing dishes, meaningful traditions, and moments of gratitude. Thank you for allowing me to share this space with you—it’s a gift I cherish deeply.
With love and care,
Dr. Michelle
Physician, Gardener, Home Cook, and Forever Curious
P.S. If you’re enjoying this newsletter, please consider sharing it with a home cook, gardener, or nature lover in your life. Together, we can inspire more people to embrace the beauty of seasonal living.
Here are my most recent Substack sharings:
From Garden to Stillness: Finding Calm and Gratitude in Winter’s Transition
Harvesting Gratitude: Nourishing Body and Spirit through Seasonal Eating
A New Season, A New Rhythm: Introducing a Weekly Newsletter format just for you!
Yum! What a round-up!
The colours! Thank you for all the resources, Michelle. And happy cooking 😘💛🌈