A Peaceful Holiday Plan (with cookies, of course!)

The holidays can be joyful. But let’s be honest, they can also be overwhelming. Between shopping, wrapping, and cooking, it’s easy to lose your peace (and your plan).

This week’s focus: reduce stress and create a calm, joy-filled season that keeps your health (and sanity) intact.

🍪 Make-Ahead Cookie of the Day

One of my favorite ways to simplify baking season is to make cookie dough ahead and freeze it. You’ll have warm, homemade cookies anytime, straight from freezer to oven!

Watch & Bake:

• Snickerdoodles

• Buttery Sugar Cookies

• Chocolate Chocolate Chip

👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for daily cookie recipes!

Pro Tip:
Roll your dough into balls, flash freeze for 30 minutes, then store in freezer bags. Label each bag with baking time and temperature — instant stress relief when guests drop by!

🛍️ Shop Early, Wrap Easy

Avoid the crowds and chaos by shopping early! I’ll be sharing my favorite links for:

• Big Christmas Easy Wrapping – beautiful, reusable options

• Simple Gift Ideas for everyone on your list

• Time-Saving Kitchen Tools that make holiday prep a breeze → Shop Here

Extra Time Saver:
Create a Holiday Bin to store all your wrapping paper, tape, tags, and scissors together. You’ll never have to hunt them down again!

🍲 Make-Ahead Freezer Meal (No Sugar!)

🥘 Chicken Alfredo Bake

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 min Bake Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken thighs or breasts, shredded or cubed

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 4 oz cream cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce:

   • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.

   • Add cream, broth, and cream cheese; whisk until smooth.

   • Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).

2. Assemble the Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, and sauce.

   • Spread into a greased 9x13" baking dish.

   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

   • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

3. To Freeze:

   • Let cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.

   • To reheat: Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, covered with foil.

Chef Tip (Fitness Chef Chris Style):
Swap heavy cream for 1 cup Greek yogurt + ¼ cup chicken broth for a lighter, higher-protein version. You can also mix in spinach or zucchini ribbons for extra fiber and color!

💆‍♀️ Stress-Less Tip

Set aside 10 minutes each day just for you even if it’s sipping tea by the tree. Deep breathing, a walk, or quiet journaling can lower cortisol and keep your mind clear through the rush.

✨ Blessing of the Week

Stay strong, stay grounded, and savor the season.

With love and calm,

Fitness Chef Chris 💛