Hi Annpala,

Is your family constantly sharing iPhone Notes with grocery lists and meal-planning ideas—like mine?

Since my sister inherited all the cooking talent, I happily defer to her whenever we spend the holidays together. I stay in my lane: drinks and the fun, non-essential side dishes.

But now that I’m on the low-carb, keto train, I’ve learned it’s much more socially graceful to show up with dishes and drinks that support my health goals—and to praise the chef generously, whether I can eat the main spread or not.

If this is a stress point for you too, I’d love to share a couple recipes and resources. Everything below is brain-healthy, anti-inflammatory (based on my intensive research), and delicious.

Keto Pumpkin Spice Eggnog

Brown Butter Cauliflower Side

Servings: 4
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower (about 6 cups florets)
6 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream (more for creamier texture)
2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
½ tsp sea salt (add more to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder

Optional: chives, thyme, grated parmesan, or a drizzle of browned butter on top

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower
Remove leaves and core from the cauliflower.
Break into medium-sized florets.
Rinse and drain.

2. Steam Until VERY Soft
Add a steamer basket to a pot with 1–2 inches water.
Place the cauliflower inside, cover, and steam for 10–12 minutes, until extremely tender.
Tip: Fork should slide in effortlessly. Overcooking is good here.

IMPORTANT:

When done, remove the cauliflower and let it drain in a colander for at least 5 minutes.
Excess water = mushy texture.

3. Make the Brown Butter (Game Changer)
In a small pan on medium heat, melt 6 tbsp butter.
Keep heating until it foams, then turns golden with brown speckles.

When it smells nutty, remove from heat immediately.

Don’t let it burn.

4. Blend
Use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender.

Add:
Steamed cauliflower
All the brown butter
¼ cup heavy cream
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
(Optional) smashed garlic from steaming for extra flavor

Blend until creamy.
If you want it extra silky, add an additional splash of heavy cream.

5. Taste + Adjust

My go-to resource for recipes that support my metabolism is hands down Diet Doctor. Founded by Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, who I was happy to interview on my podcast—this is a useful resource you can feel good about.

Lastly, here are my Black Friday recommendations:

Enjoy Your Thanksgiving!
Unless of course you're outside the US
in which case you do you.