We know the winter months can be rough on your mental health. The sun sets early every day, and the frigid temperatures and mounds of snow make you want to stay inside. The first few months of the year can feel like years in and of themselves.
But it doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom. In fact, you can bring a little happiness and light into your life right inside your kitchen. There are plenty of ingredients out there whose properties that can decrease the effects of depression and increase serotonin in the body. Take a moment to bring one of these ingredients into your life through one of our recipes below. Chances are you’ll find yourself smiling before you’ve even taken a bite from the pure joy that is cooking.
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid in eggs and spinach, can exert an antidepressant effect by influencing the production of serotonin, making our Creamed Spinach Dippy Eggs a nutritious dish for any time of day. Plus, spinach contains folate, which produces dopamine, another calming and happy source of emotion, in your brain.
Add a vivid start to the morning with these naturally bright delights thanks to the addition of spinach. Just like the recipe above, this dish is packed with tryptophan for a deliciously cheerful breakfast. Not to mention, studies show that the brighter and lighter the color, like our gorgeous Green Eggs, the happier and more optimistic it can make you feel.
Blueberries, rich in flavonoids, can help bring about an antidepressant-like effect. When combined with the tryptophan content of bananas, you have a superfood power duo. Our Berry Cobbler with Banana Ice Cream makes use of both these ingredients for a sweet, feel-good treat.
Not only can this soup full of turmeric, fresh vegetables, ginger, and lentils help ease your inflammation issues, but, it could also help ease depression. Butternut squash is rich in Vitamin B6, the absence of which has been connected to depression. So, simmer a pot of our Anti-Inflammatory Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup the next time you’re feeling down.
The omega-3s in salmon are known to be a wellness booster, but did you know they can be a mood booster, too? EPA and DHA are two types of omega-3s found in salmon which have been linked to lower levels of depression. Add cistrus yuzu to a Salmon Poke plate: it has a stress reducing effect…and it makes an utterly joyful flavor combination.
The coziness of this soup will warm your heart and add a little extra comfort to your day. Beyond just its warming effects, pumpkin has amino acids. Like many of the other recipes on this list, pumpkin has L-tryptophan, and it also it has antioxidants that can give you an extra boos.
Simmer yourself up a steaming pot of umami goodness with this rich, earthy Mushroom Stock recipe. Mushrooms are full of potassium and ergothioneine, which could help prevent stress and regulate nerve signals. You’ll be ready to dig in after a sprinkle of cheese and green onion on top.
You’ve already heard the health benefits of bananas above, but have you ever heard about the antidepressant effects of peanut butter? The compound beta-sitosterol within peanut butter works to help reduce feelings of anxiety. Just slather some butter on a slice of this moist, decadent Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread for a little morning pick-me-up.
Incorporate the feel-good ingredient of yogurt into this filling family dinner. Gut health is an essential part of mental wellbeing and the probiotic lactobacillus in yogurt can improve both these elements. We turn yogurt into a special tahini sauce that compliments the Grilled Zucchini but still lets the Corn Relish shine.
This unique Savory Cheesecake with Grapes combines the richness of cream cheese and blue cheese, the crispy crunch of phyllo, and roasted grapes. Not only does a bite of this savory starter tingle your taste buds, but the blue cheese can be a preventative measure against depression. LH dipeptide, found in fermented foods such as blue cheese, can help suppress depression-related symptoms.
It’s time to take everything you just learned about antidepressant foods and put it into one big Charcuterie Board using fresh produce from your local farmers. Start with a grilled cheese filled with tryptophan-laden cheeses like Abondance and Tomme de Savoie. Then, move on to completing the board with omega-3 rich salmon and whatever other serotonin fulfilling foods you enjoy.
Oysters are often called a natural mood booster because they’re packed with nutrients that support brain chemistry and emotional balance. They’re one of the richest food sources of zinc, a mineral linked to lower rates of depression and better stress regulation. Oysters also provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and amino acids to help you feel as good as you can. The warming green chile here doesn’t hurt either!
You’ll get your fill of all the best veggies in a crispy galette form. Brussels sprouts support mental health with their supply of folate, vitamin C, and antioxidants. All of these are important for neurotransmitter production and for lowering inflammation linked to depression. These make Brussels sprouts especially great for the cooler months since that is when their harvest is most bountiful.
We know leafy greens seem like an obvious antidepressant food but spinach specifically carries some pretty cool superpowers. It’s loaded with magnesium, folate, and iron which all help calm the nervous system, fuel the brain with oxygen, and keep mood-regulating chemicals firing smoothly. Spinach also delivers antioxidants that protect brain cells from stress and inflammation, while its folate supports serotonin production.
It’s a sugar cookie meets pumpkin spice with a mellowing hit of Best Daze THC-infused sugar and salt. If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, nothing will.  Consider stopping by a Best Daze location to learn about their salts and sugars, and ask all your questions.
Pumpkin Spice and THC Nice Cookies Recipe
Makes 36-40 cookies
INGREDIENTS
For the cookies 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter ½ tsp baking powder 1 cup Best Daze sugar ½ tsp Best Daze salt 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla
For the spice mixture ¼ cup Best Daze sugar 1 tsp Pumpkin spice mix (or more to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add the Best Daze salt and whisk together.
In a separate bowl or using a stand mixer, cream the butter, 1 cup of the Best Daze sugar. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine.
Fold in the flour mixture.
Form the dough into balls that weigh just under one ounce – about 36-40 in total. Mix together the ingredients for the spice mixture in a small bowl and roll the dough balls in the mixture.
Line large baking pans with either silpat or parchment paper and place the dough balls on the pans, allowing space between for them to spread.
Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for about 11 minutes. The cookies should still be soft.
Remove from the oven. Allow to cool for two minutes on the pan then remove and allow to finish cooling on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe by Julia Platt Leonard / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce
Cocoa powder + dark chocolate = crave-able cookies. Best Daze sugar, infused with THC, makes THC Double Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies both crave-able and mellow. A sprinkle of Best Daze salt on top before baking adds a savory note and a touch more THC. Feel free to use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of macadamia nuts. Also feel free to stop by a Best Daze location (or your local dispensary) to ask about how many THC-infused cookies you might consider as the perfect snack.Â
1 tspBest Daze salt + additional to top the cookies (or THC-infused salt of your choice)
½ lb (two sticks) unsalted butter
¾ cupBest Daze sugar (or THC-infused sugar of your choice)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 oz 60% bittersweet chocolate
1 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and cocoa powder. Add the Best Daze salt and whisk together.
In a separate large bowl or using a stand mixer, cream together the butter, Best Daze sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs and beat to combine.
Fold in the flour mixture then stir in the chocolate and nuts.
Form the dough into balls that weigh just under one ounce – about 48-50 in total.
Line large baking pans with either silpat or parchment paper and place the dough balls, allowing space between for them to expand. Gently press the balls to flatten the tops and dust with a light sprinkle of Best Daze salt.
Place in the pre-heated over and bake for about 10-11 minutes, turning the pan once halfway through baking.
Remove from the oven – the cookies should still look slightly soft. Allow them to cool for two minutes on the pan then remove and allow to finish cooling on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe by Julia Platt Leonard Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
Ina Garten is our go-to for easy, effortless entertaining and her Chipotle-Rosemary nuts are a party favorite. We’ve added our own TABLE touch with a mix of chile powders, cranberry juice instead of orange, and a different blend of sweeteners and seasonings which includes Best Daze signature THC sugar and salts. Make sure you use raw nuts, not roasted or seasoned. A visit to Best Daze will get you well-informed advice on how many Get Toasted Nuts you might want to munch on.
Get Toasted Nuts Recipe
INGREDIENTS
2 cups pecans 2 cups cashews 1 ½ cups pepitas (pumpkin seeds) 2 cups almonds 1/3 cup Best Daze sugar 4 tsp Best Daze salt ¼ cup pure maple syrup 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chipotle chile powder 1 tsp ancho chile powder 3 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the nuts and seeds with the sugar, half of the salt, (2 teaspoons), maple syrup, olive oil, chile powders and half of the rosemary (1 ½ tablespoons).Â
Line a large baking tray with silpat or baking parchment and spread the nut mixture evenly in the pan.Â
Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the nuts are golden brown.Â
Remove from the oven and stir in the remaining rosemary (1 ½ tablespoons) and salt (2 teaspoons), allow to cool, stirring the mixture occasionally to stop the nuts from sticking together. Store in an airtight container. Â
Recipe by Julia Platt Leonard / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce
This fast and simple Chimichurri Shrimp with Couscous recipe incorporates premade, store-bought ingredients for time-saving preparation, making it a perfect weekday meal on those days when schedules are tight. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones after trying this flavorful meal that will satisfy even the picker eaters of the house.
What is Chimichurri?
This herbaceous sauce adds a pop of flavor to any protein. Chimichurri originates in Argentina and comes from the grinding of herbs and oils.. This uncooked condiment bursts with the freshness of parsley, oregano, garlic, and a touch of chili. The addition of olive oil and vinegar provides the base, creating a tangy and slightly spicy sauce that elevates grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even simple grilled seafood like in our Chimichurri Shrimp with Couscous to new heights.
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In our Braised Cabbage and Beans recipe you get a hearty dose of both of these superfoods along with tasty vegetable stock, spicy peppers, and a bit of lemon juice for that tangy zing. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare and warms the soul during the cold days of winter. The specific type of canned peppers we use are quite spicy. If you’d like something more mild, you can replace them with canned roasted red peppers.
Light up the stove and get a-cookin’, folks. You’ll be glad you did.
What Makes This Cabbage and Beans Recipe so Nutritious?Â
While the virtues of cabbage may be obvious (it’s good for you!), beans are another healthy choice to incorporate into your diet. Their antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients, prevent cell damage, help promote a healthy digestive system, and fight off diseases.
Cabbage and beans make for a warming and comforting winter meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup dried mixed beans
1 head green cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable stock, homemade or store-bought
1/2 jar of Shoe String Peppers
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a bowl, rinse and soak beans for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
Cut cabbage into 6 wedges and dice onion.
In a hot dutch oven, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add cabbage wedges. Cook until the outsides are crispy and brown. Add onion, garlic, beans and vegetable stock. Simmer for 1-2 hours or until the beans are fully cooked and tender.
Add in the shoe string peppers, the juice of one lemon, salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
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The whole-grain source of quinoa leaves it with a high fiber content, making it the perfect base for a nourishment bowl. It helps lower cholesterol, steady blood pressure, and even promotes a healthy digestive system. Contributor Anna Franklin magnifies these wellness elements with the addition of lacinato kale, greek yogurt, and avocado in her Quinoa Nourish Bowl. All these yummy ingredients come together mixed with savory red onion, protein-filled egg, and a bit of chili oil for maximum flavor and bodily happiness.
Quinoa Nourish Bowl Recipe
(Makes 1 bowl)
INGREDIENTS
3 leaves lacinato kale, chopped from Clarion River Organics
1/4 red onion, sliced from Who Cooks For You Farm
1/2 cup quinoa, cooked by package directions
1 egg
1/4 cup greek yogurt
1/2 avocado, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Drizzle of chili oil for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a skillet cook chopped kale and onion with a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper.
Poach or fry egg, keeping the yolk runny.
Place cooked veggies, egg, yogurt, sliced avocado and chili oil on top of cooked quinoa and enjoy!
Bunches of rainbow chard that look like leafy poesies…bags of giant, dark green-leafed spinach that assure you that the indulgences of the holidays are but a distant memory…rainbow radishes with their hot pink interior. And orange and purple carrots – short and intensely sweet – that only want a gentle roast in the oven.Â
Handfuls of lions mane, shitake, and blue oyster mushrooms from Santa Fe Mountain Mushrooms and the menu was complete. (They also do a killer mushroom soup to slurp in the comfort of your own home).Â
Here are some winter recipe ideas for your farmer’s market must-haves:
We like a place that says what it is and does what it says. A perfect example? Bread Shop located on ultra-hip Lena Street in Santa Fe. Bread Shop makes – surprise, surprise – real-deal sourdough breads. Snap up a Boule – their whole wheat country loaf with the perfect crust and airy interior – a Seedy Rye, Cherry Poppy, or a Baguette made from spelt flour.
But bread is just the tip of the bakery. We’d sell our not-so-distant cousin for a slice of their Citrus Olive Oil Cake, Hazelnut Brownie made with Colombian dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts, or Breakfast Cake with a magical mix of millet, pecans and golden raisins. Midday, grab a sandwich that starts off with their own focaccia then adds the likes of roasted cauliflower, a healthy dollop of hazelnut romesco, some manchego, and a handful of peppery arugula.
The space also doubles as a food shop selling gourmet provisions for the hungry of the eye and stomach, like pasta, sea salt, extra virgin olive oils, plus covetable wooden cutting boards and linen towels.Â
While man may not live by bread alone, he just might live by Bread Shop.
Daniel Gutierrez, tasting room manager for Gruet Winery Santa Fe, and bartender Noemi Leon worked together previously at Hotel Chaco. During this time, they discovered that they shared similar flavor profiles and perspectives when it came to crafting cocktails and pairing them with food: a collaboration was born.
The two aimed to showcase for TABLE readers the rich flavors of Gruet’s wines, which can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other ingredients for increased versatility year-round. To enhance the brioche and fruit notes already present in Gruet’s sparkling wines, the team introduced herbs into the mix. Inspired by her Hispanic heritage, Noemi added tea to provide a comforting touch. Seasonality played a key role in the creation of the cocktails, with ginger or pear infused for cozy indoor days and lemon sorbet to refresh the palate on hot days. Finally, a delicious and herbaceous cocktail serves as the perfect finale to a meal during a monsoon rain.
Bleeding Heart Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Edible shimmer glitter
¾ oz grapefruit juice
1 oz Campari
1 ½ oz blood orange soda
Splash of soda water
5 oz Gruet Demi Sec
Long grapefruit twist for garnish
Red gerbera petals for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Quickly combine the shimmer, grapefruit juice, and Campari in a shaker. Fine-strain the liquid into a bar pitcher and pour in the sodas.
Then pour the mixture into a glass and top with the Gruet Demi Sec.
Stir lightly, add ice, garnish with a long grapefruit twist and red Gerbera petals and enjoy.
Rainy Day Bubbles Recipe
INGREDIENTS
½ oz honey simple syrup
3-4 fresh thyme sprigs
½ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz honey liqueur
1 ½ oz pear juice
4 oz Gruet Brut
Long spiral lemon twist for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a cocktail shaker, add honey simple syrup, and fresh thyme. Muddle, then add lemon, honey liqueur, pear juice, and shake.
Fine-strain into a champagne flute and top with Gruet Brut — stir lightly.
Garnish with a long spiral lemon twist and a clipped thyme bundle.
Secret in the Garden Recipe
INGREDIENTS
½ oz lavender simple syrup
1 ½ oz Earl Grey tea
1 large scoop of lemon sorbet
Ice
3 oz Gruet Blanc de Noir
Lavender sprigs and petal float for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a cocktail shaker, combine lavender simple syrup, Earl Grey tea, and a large scoop of lemon sorbet.
Add ice, shake, then strain into serving pitcher.
Add the Gruet Blanc de Noir, stir lightly, and pour into a coupe glass. Garnish with lavender springs and petal float.
Papillon Royale Recipe
INGREDIENTS
4 mint leaves
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz ginger liqueur
3-4 drops of butterfly pea blossom extract
Ice
5 oz Gruet Deux sparkling wine
Edible butterfly toppers sugared to the glass for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a cocktail shaker, add the mint and dry-muddle.
Add lemon juice, ginger liqueur, butterfly pea blossom, and ice. Shake. Strain into a champagne flute.
op with Gruet Deux, stir lightly, and garnish with edible butterfly toppers sugared to the glass.
Story by Gabe Gomez / Photography by Gabriella Marks / Styling by Alex Hanna