DECEMBER 2025

Magic Mo-mints

December has a particular charge to it, an almost electric mix of celebration, creativity, reflection, and just a touch of chaos, haha. It's a month that truly sparkles! And peppermint, with its sharp, effervescence, feels like the botanical embodiment of that energy. Its cooling snap is the same feeling as stepping out into crisp night air after a heart-warming gathering, or taking a deep breath between one busy moment and the next. Peppermint cuts through the fullness of the season not to quiet it, but to bring a clarifying edge, helping us tune in, wake up, and notice what the year has stirred within us.

I'm celebrating this month in typical, low-key ways like fireside crafts (loving the Scandi-style inspo on this blog), cooking slow meals, lighting candles, and making gifts through the long stretches of dark evenings. I really try to counteract the hectic pace and consumer-driven culture I see out in the world with meaningful moments with my family, appreciating the abundance that we already have - a safe space to call home, delicious and nourishing food on the table, cozy clothes, warm beds, and each other.

I am especially excited to make and curl up with my Magic Mo-mint No-Bake Brownies this month. Rich, fudge-y, and deeply grounding, they carry just the right touch of minty lift - like a breath of winter brightness in every bite. I absolutely love that they are a no-bake recipe, and I'm planning on making a double-batch to gift some to neighbours and friends, wrapped up in brown parchment, tied with cotton string and a sprig of evergreen.

Working with peppermint in December feels like being reminded to exhale. It cuts through heaviness, both culinary and emotional. In the darker days of the year, it brings lightness, and a little bit of sparkle. It wakes us up, refreshes us, and makes even decadent treats feel balanced - a small sensory celebration of the season. With that in mind, let's step into the kitchen and make something minty, magical, and deliciously simple.

Wishing you a month and holiday season of delight and gratitude!

Magic Mo-Mint Brownies

To me, December tastes like chocolate and mint. Rich but fresh, this combo is one of my all-time favourites! And this sumptuous pairing is perfect in my super chewy and gooey no-bake brownies that you'll be craving the entire year. They are melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness!

A few notes here: I toast the almond flour for extra flavour, but this step is optional. I've tested the recipe with just plain, un-toasted almond flour and it works great too.

I used food-grade peppermint essential oil here, but it's strong stuff and you have to be careful with dosing (please note there are only 5 drops in the entire batch!). If you are using peppermint extract, which is typically just essential oil diluted with another culinary oil like sunflower, please use more - add it to suit your taste.

I hope these put a smile on your face, and bring you a very magic mo-mint ;)

INGREDIENTS

Brownies
1 cup / 120g almond flour
1/4 cup / 60ml expeller-pressed coconut oil
3/4 cup / 175ml unsweetened almond butter
1/3 cup / 80ml pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 drops food-grade peppermint essential oil (more if using extract), divided
1/2 cup / 45g cacao powder
30g / 1oz dark chocolate, finely chopped (70% or higher)
3 Tbsp. cacao nibs

Ganache
70g / 2.5oz dark chocolate, melted (70% or higher)
2 Tbsp. Expeller-pressed coconut oil
2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Flaky salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Place almond flour in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring very often until the flour is a light golden brown colour. Remove from heat, spread out onto a plate to cool, and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut oil, then add the almond butter, maple syrup, salt, vanilla and peppermint oil. Stir very well until combined, then fold in the cacao powder. Remove from the heat.
3. Fold in the toasted almond flour until uniform, then add the chopped chocolate and cacao nibs and stir.
4. Line an 8x8" brownie pan with parchment or plastic wrap. Add the brownie mixture to the pan and using the back of a spatula press firmly, especially around the edges, until you have a smooth top (the mixture may be sticky - you can also wet your hands slightly and use your fingertips to press). Set the brownies in the fridge or freezer to chill for at least one hour.
5. While the brownies are chilling, make the ganache by melting the chocolate in a double boiler over low-medium heat. Add the coconut oil and peppermint oil and stir well to combine.
6. Remove the brownies from the fridge and pour almost all of the melted chocolate over the top (reserving just a couple spoonfuls for drizzle, if desired), spreading it out evenly. Return the brownies to the fridge or freezer to set.
7. Remove the brownies from the pan by lifting up the sides of the lining (parchment or plastic wrap) and place on a cutting board. Slice off any uneven edges (and eat them!). Then cut the brownies into 16 even pieces, cleaning your knife blade off each time to prevent crumbs. Separate each piece slightly, then drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top to create a design of your choice, and sprinkle generously with flaky salt.
8. Say thank you and enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or three months in the freezer.

Other ways to enjoy mint in December:

Fresh mint tea - a beautiful reset between holiday events; something to bring you back into your body when everything feels loud and fast. Pour just-boiled filtered water over a handful of fresh mint leaves, cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Add a strip of lemon peel or a slice of ginger for extra warmth. Sweeten if desired, sip slowly, and enjoy.

Essential oil - incredibly versatile in December, offering both aromatherapeutic and practical benefits. Add a drop or two to a diffuser to brighten stale indoor air and support mental clarity (perfect for winter afternoons when energy dips). To ease holiday tension, dilute properly in a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) and apply to temples, shoulders, or the back of the neck to soften tight fascia and muscles, and bring a cooling sense of relief. For a natural room spray (and to clear the vibes!), mix with water and a splash of witch hazel in an atomizer for a crisp, energizing mist.
Remember that essential oil is concentrated plant medicine — a little goes a long way, and keeping it off the face and sensitive areas ensures a safe experience

More Mint Inspiration from the blog

Harissa Carrots and Fennel with Lentils

White Chocolate Peppermint Torte

Whole Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower with Mint Chutney

Holiday Gift Guide

Grow Membership

If you are looking for a holiday gift that feels like a soft blanket and a deep exhale, a Grow Membership is it! It is a gentle space where nourishing recipes, calming breath work, thoughtful conversations and so much more come together to support your overall well-being. Gifting Grow is like giving someone their own little sanctuary - something they can return to again and again whenever they need grounding, comfort, or a reminder to care of themselves. It is a gift that warms the season and lingers long after the holidays fade.

GIFT GROW

My New Roots Cookbooks

Give the gift of delicious, every day nourishment! My New Roots teaches the essential techniques of plant-based cooking through clear, seasonal recipes inspired by the garden and markets. Naturally Nourished brings signature flavours into streamlined, budget-friendly dishes perfect for any day of the week. Beautifully photographed and packed with personality, these books are gifts they'll reach for again and again.

SHOP

Living Libations

My fave skincare brand, who continue to keep the bar sky-high with their quality ingredients, superior freshness, and ethics behind everything they do. I appreciate that they are a woman-owned, Canadian business (even though they ship worldwide). And once you smell and experience any one of these products, you'll be able to tell immediately how high the quality is. Try their Best Skin Ever line, Rose Glow Creme, and CoQ10 serum. I also love their natural cosmetics!

SHOP

Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn clothing goes beyond sustainable productions, and actually partners with farmers to grow the raw materials for their clothing in a regenerative way; a method that nourishes and heals the Earth as it also gives to us. Heirloom-quality, ethically-made clothing … I've been wearing these gorgeous garments for five years, and the quality has only gotten better, and the designs more special. Beyond their beautiful dresses, their winter knits are sumptuous treats!

SHOP

Higher Dose

Even though my back pain and issues surrounding it have healed, I still use this Higher Dose PEMF mat almost every day, just because it feels so good! Especially in these cold winter months, the penetrating heat gives my muscles and nervous system total comfort and deep relaxation. Yes, it's a big gift / investment, but the indescribably positive experience it delivers, in my opinion, is priceless. Use the code MYNEWROOTS15 for a discount.

SHOP

Edible Holiday Gift Guide

Infused Syrup Gift Jars

Everything Bagel Spice Blend

Big Batch Golden Milk

Golden Circle Retreats Mexico: Jan 18-24, 2026

There are a few spots left—is one of them yours?!

"This retreat came into my life at exactly the right moment, when I needed to rest and recharge – it was deeply nourishing in every way. Most importantly, the experience helped me reconnect with myself and my feminine energy, and to listen to my intuition, something I have struggled with for too long."

The women who attend our Golden Circle Retreats leave forever-changed. We have many women return year after year to deepen their experience and to get back in touch with the sacred circle that inevitably forms from a week of intentional connect, invigorating movement, inspiring cooking classes, transformational breathwork, and more. Find the spark to reignite your own health journey—join us!

With love and gratitude,

Sarah B