Caramelized New Years Detox Recipes

The holiday cookies must go. The cocktails must (temporarily) cease. Let's kick off the first Monday of the year in high gear. The following ten Caramelized recipes are healthy staples for this week and every week. If you try one, be sure to snap a photo and tag Caramelized on social media. I hope y'all are having a lovely new year thus far.

1. A morning breakfast bowl

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2. Asian chopped salad

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3. Zucchini pad thai

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4. Mini meatballs with mushrooms

5. Spaghetti Squash Topping Bar

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6. Skillet shakshuka

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7. Halibut with edamame and truffled cauliflower rice

8. Vietnamese spring rolls

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9. Green bean salad with mustard seeds

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10. Chocolate-dipped candied fruits

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End the Year with a Bang

I feel like I blinked, and an entire year passed. From a new home (purchase!) and its exciting national features...to local recognition as the "best of" blogger...to trips from Mexico and Cali to New York and New Orleans...to kitchen tours and workshops and intimate gatherings...It's surreal, truly. I have never been more ready to pause, clink the champagne flutes on Thursday evening with my very favorite people in the world, and celebrate the year ahead.

My Caramelized goals for 2016 have been written, and they range from advancing my culinary skill-set (hello, bouillabaisse) to featuring more Caramelized "conversations" and field guides. It's a challenge, but it's a worthwhile one. But for now, before we get back to work and begin our anticipated efforts of resolutions, let's sit back and enjoy the final two days of 2015...

1. Reminisce and reflect over sparkling wine and good company. 

2. Eat a donut, and don't feel guilty. (image source)

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3. Treat yourself and your friends to brunch.

4. Read something fulfilling. (image source)

5. Write something fulfilling.

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The Eleven Best Dishes of 2015

The annual summary of irreplaceable dishes continues. Though I initially thought last year's list was tough to beat, this year's new offerings (particularly in my hometown of Memphis) absolutely surpassed my expectations. From pasta and pancake to tamale and toast, I clearly indulged in 2015. Did you too, I hope? What were your favorite dishes of the year? Share on social media with #caramelizedblog, or comment below.

1. Gold Coast Benedict from Ralph Lauren Restaurant (Chicago).

2. Avocado Toast from St. Roch Market (New Orleans).

3. Short stack from The Second Line (Memphis).

4. Birthday ice cream sandwich from Launderette (Austin).

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5. Crab claws from Hog & Hominy (Memphis).

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6. Fried cauliflower from Bounty on Broad (Memphis).

7. Tamales from La Tianita (Puerto Vallarta).

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8. Beef bourguignon from James Lee House (Memphis).

9. Crab toast from ABC Kitchen (New York).

10. Pad Thai from Pranom Pop-Up at the Tennessee Brewery.

11. Wild mushroom pasta from Ecco (Memphis).

Rosemary Wreath Tags

Looking for a last-minute DIY element to elevate your Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas morning brunch? Enter the itty-bitty, extra adorable wreath tag made with bundles of rosemary and grapevine. I truly believe that the extra effort will provide unmatched value at the dinner table or cocktail party, and the compliments will overwhelm you! Because who doesn't love a mini version of a holiday classic? Each tag takes only a moment to pull together for either the base of a champagne flute or atop a linen napkin at the table. Follow along for simple instructions, and share your Christmas creations on social media by tagging Caramelized! Happy holiday week, y'all.

Mini grapevine wreaths or wrapped brown cord Bunch of fresh rosemary and leftover greenery Floral wire Wire cutters Twine Hand written name cards (optional)

1. Cut rosemary stems and floral wire into 3-inch pieces.

2. Wedge the bottom of the rosemary into the "wreath," wrapping the rosemary around the curve and securing with a piece of floral wire. Add more greenery, if desired. Trim excess wire.

3. If securing to a flute or wine glass, cut a gap in the wreath with wire cutters and retie with twine or wire. If using atop a place setting, simply place wreath on linen napkin.

4. Tie name tags to each wreath with a piece of twine. Repeat for each guest.

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Last-Minute Holiday Pinspiration

My social media feeds are flooded with holiday decor and jaw-dropping tablescapes; and while I hope to recreate the look in my home over the next few weeks, I must go ahead and share my most recently pinned images and sources of inspiration. Scroll and swoon, and enjoy your weekend, my friends. Click here for all Pinterest credits.

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A Seasonal Saturday in Memphis

Though frequent moments arose in my sugared cranberry-filled kitchen when I truly didn't believe this day could come, Friday has at last arrived. This weekend's forecast presents a wonderful (and seemingly confusing) mix of warmer temperatures and holiday spirit -- I couldn't be more thrilled. If you have yet to plan your Saturday agenda, below spells out a dreamy Saturday in my hometown of Memphis. Thanks so much to Eventbrite for challenging me to create a 24-hour winter guide! If you don't know Eventbrite, they are the largest self service ticketing platform where you can find and sell tickets to your own events.

Plan accordingly; and if you're heading to the holiday market, I'll see you on the Muddy's Midtown patio!

SATURDAY LINE-UP

8 a.m. Gingerbread latte at City + State (photo below courtesy of city + state)

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10 a.m. Breakfast at the Beauty Shop

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday shopping at the Memphis Indie Holiday Market at Muddy's Midtown

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3 p.m. Afternoon brew and bike perusing at the new Bike Smith on Broad

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