Kickstart Your Day With Our Tropical Almond Pancakes (Gluten-Free!)

We’re not gonna lie. We may have slightly fallen off the resolution wagon. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to trade in happy hour for spin class. But it’s not too late! From motivational desktop wallpapers to colorful running sneakers, we’ve been rounding up some healthy habit inspiration all week. Next up? Our Tropical Almond Pancakes. They’re gluten-free, low-carb, and oh-so-delicious. Serve a stack with a glass of orange juice to kickstart your day.


– 1 3/4 cups almond flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon allspice

– 3 eggs

– 1 tablespoon vanilla

– 1/3 cup club soda

– 1 banana, sliced

Toppings:

– assorted tropical fruit

– unsweetened flaked coconut

– light agave nectar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice. Whisk.

2. Combine the eggs, vanilla, and club soda. Whisk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spoon batter into the pan. Place 4-5 banana slices on each pancake. Flip the pancake when bubbles start to appear on the surface. Cook until golden on the other side.

4. Stack your pancakes. Top with assorted tropical fruit and coconut flakes. Drizzle agave syrup generously over your pancakes. Dig in!

In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice. Whisk.

Combine the eggs, vanilla, and club soda. Whisk.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.

Let’s get cooking! Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spoon batter into the pan. Place 4-5 banana slices on each pancake. Flip the pancake when bubbles start to appear on the surface. Cook until golden on the other side.

Stack your pancakes. Top with assorted tropical fruit and coconut flakes.

Drizzle agave syrup generously over your pancakes. Seriously… how good do these look?

So. Much. Color! These pancakes are sure to brighten up your day.

Time to dig in!

If you’re looking to incorporate more veggies in your diet post-holidays, go for the spaghetti… squash, that is. It may look like any ordinary squash from the outside, but once roasted, a simple scrape of a fork reveals beautiful little pasta-like strands. Low in calories and carbs but not in flavor, spaghetti squash is a great alternative to actual pasta. Still stumped on how to use it? Here are 20 ways to cook with this uber versatile squash.

Half Baked Harvest

Roasted Garlic Lasagna Boats

This great make-ahead meal looks pretty darn cute when it’s finished. You’re guests will leave satisfied and impressed that you were able to whip up such a fancy meal. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Pad Thai

Now you can eat as much pad thai as you want and not feel bad about it. You won’t even notice the difference. Go on, try it and see for yourself. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

Brit + Co

“Pasta” and Sauce

Pick a sauce and dig in. Heck, you can even eat all three and no one would blame you. (via Brit + Co)

Julia's Album

Quinoa and Parmesan Fritters

Fry up full-sized fritters and serve alongside a garden salad for a full meal, or make smaller patties for totally poppable bite-sized appetizers. (via Julia’s Album)

Pineapple and Coconut

Skinny Baked Shrimp Scampi

Made with only two tablespoons of butter, this dish is both healthy and delish. It’s also easy to throw together during the week, but still decadent enough for a weekend dinner party served alongside a good bottle of white wine. (via Pineapple and Coconut)

A Family Feast

Gremolata

This bright and beautiful gremolata is chocked full of lemon zest, garlic and chopped herbs. Toss it with a few fresh tomatoes and you’re good to go. (via A Family Feast)

BS' in the Kitchen

Spinach, Tomato and Goat Cheese

When cut in half lengthwise, this squash makes two perfectly cute (and edible) bowls. Use it to your advantage and stuff that baby with spinach, tomatoes and creamy goat cheese. Top it all off with roasted seeds for extra crunch. (via BS’ in the Kitchen)

Love and Lemons

Roasted With Chickpeas and Kale

Slow-roasted spaghetti squash strands are tossed with olive oil, rosemary, garlic and lemon before colliding with sauteed kale and chickpeas for a meal packed with flavor and protein. (via Love and Lemons)

Tasty Kitchen

Asparagus Quiche

Use the squash in a totally unexpected way, like the crust for this asparagus quiche. It might just be better than the real thing. (via Tasty Kitchen)

iFoodreal

Avocado and Egg Boats

Baked egg and avocado take this already delicious squash to a whole other level. It might look fancy, but if you can crack an egg you can definitely handle this one. (via iFoodreal)

Pinch of Yum

Garlic and Herbs

Take a step back and go with simply classic flavors like toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. The point isn’t to cover up the taste of the squash, but to make it shine. (via Pinch of Yum)

Making Thyme for Health

Burrito Bowls

Okay, so it might not be Chipotle, but if you’re going to eat squash you might as well stuff it with beans and smother it in melty Mexican cheeses. (via Making Thyme for Health)

Taste and Tell

Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo

In the mood for something warm and comforting but still want to fit into your skinny jeans tomorrow? You’ll be able to have seconds with this easy-peasy recipe. (via Taste and Tell)

Vegetarian Times

Curried and Stuffed

If tofu isn’t your thing, substitute it out for boneless chicken breast. Either way you won’t be disappointed. (via Vegetarian Times)

Feel Good Foodie

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is one of my favorite Italian meals ever! Think of the flavor of lasagna in a low-carb, gluten-free, diet-friendly disposable hot bowl of cheesy goodness! There’s not much more to think about. If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti yet, this is a great way to start! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sweet Treats and More

Buffalo Chicken

The saying must be true. You can really put Frank’s Red Hot Sauce on everything. (via Sweet Treats and More)

Lexi's Glean Kitchen

Pasta Primavera

Make this pasta with shrimp, chicken or both if you’re feeling extra crazy. Just make sure there’s more than enough to go around. You’ll thank us later. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

The Pioneer Woman

Maple Syrup and Shallots

If there’s someone we trust when it comes to comfort food, it’s The Pioneer Woman. And if she says it’s good, then that’s the end of it. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Feasting at Home

Enchilada Stuffed

Guess what? Cutting this squash in half widthwise makes for a deeper bowl with room for MORE filling. This versatile recipe can be made vegan, vegetarian, or with chicken (or ground beef) for all you meat lovers. Be sure to make room in your weekly dinner rotations for this bad boy. (via Feasting at Home)

A Sweet Life

Twice Baked

This one takes a bit of time… but good things come to those who wait, right? It’s safe to say that this squash is twice as delicious. (via A Sweet Life)

Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration and winter dinner ideas, join our newsletter, and check out our B+C cooking classes!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Half Baked Harvest

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Gluten-free eaters know the struggle is so real when it comes to finding good dishes that don't upset the ol' tummy. More often than not, making your own meals at home is the best way to play it safe from restaurant-induced stomach aches – but you can actually achieve restaurant-level appetizers, main courses, anddesserts super easily. Start off with one of these gluten-free appetizers, and experience the magic for yourself.

Forks and Foliage

Blistered Shishito Peppers

These blistered peppers with burrata cheese are a total fork-and-knife job, but they're so worth it. The spice mellows out perfectly, thanks to the creamy, light balls of cheese. (via Forks and Foliage for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Gluten-Free Avocado Fries

These avocado "fries" are coated in a gluten-free breadcrumb mixture for maximum enjoyment without ever weighing you down. Plus, any appetizer that doubles as a finger food is prime pickings in our book. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Pomegranate

This whipped goat cheese absolutely deserves a spot on your dinner table. It's light, tangy, and sweet, which can help offer a nice flavor reprieve before a heartier, savory main course. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Edgy Veg

Vegan Grazing Platter

When in doubt, make a charcuterie board. Just load it up with all of your fave GF snacks, and boom, pre-dinner is taken care of. Take this pretty vegan platter as pure inspiration! (via The Edgy Veg)

Bowl of Delicious

Fried Halloumi Bites with Spicy Honey

Halloumi is so yum, so if you haven't tried it by now, try whipping these lil' bites up for your next spread of gluten-free appetizers. It's pungent and tangy, much like goat cheese, but has a lot firmer texture, which helps keep these fried finger foods intact! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Crowded Kitchen

Carrot Tart with Pesto

Use some GF dough or puff pastry to wrap up this savory tart, then slice it into small pieces to serve a crowd! The earthy carrots are complemented perfectly with pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and some cheese. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Half Baked Harvest

Crispy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Cauliflower Taquitos

These taquitos are wrapped with corn tortillas, making them certifiably gluten-free. Everyone's bound to love anything buffalo-flavored. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Averie Cooks

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are one of our favorite gluten-free appetizers to make, whether they're for a strictly GF crowd or not. This iteration is packed with a deliciously cheesy pimento filling that feels nothing but comforting. (via Averie Cooks)

A Spicy Perspective

Maple Glazed Prosciutto Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

Maple, prosciutto, and sweet potato? Consider us hooked. The saltiness of the meat will instantly balance out the sweetness of the sweet potato, so you can get a complex bite every time. Bonus points if you serve these bad boys with aioli or ranch. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Earthly Provisions

Easy Fresh Corn Salsa

This flawlessly fresh corn salsa is a tasty ode to summer produce. All the legwork lies in the chopping, but once you're done with the cutting board, you'll toss everything into a bowl, and viola! (via Earthly Provisions)

Vanilla and Bean

Charred Jalapeño-Lime Guacamole

Guac is a total classic gluten-free appetizer, as long as you serve it with some high-quality corn chips. This big green bowl also assumes some unique smoky flavors from the charred jalapeños! This makes a very reliable (and yummy) starter for Taco Tuesday. (via Vanilla and Bean)

The First Mess

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Vegan Green Goddess Dressing

Smashed potatoes truly are the best thing since sliced bread. Indulge in a starchy, crispy bite using this appetizer recipe. The green goddess dressing is non-negotiable. Mind = blown. (via The First Mess)

Forks & Foliage

Baked Feta with Olives and Honey

Grab some GF crackers or bread to dip into this sweet-yet-salty skillet appetizer! The feta will absorb all the honey and olive brine for a bite that's undeniably Mediterranean. (via Forks & Foliage)

Feel Good Foodie

Zucchini Tater Tots

Zucchini tater tots are a must-make when it comes to gluten-free appetizers. Once they're baked to browned perfection, you won't even taste the squash. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Pinterest for more gluten-free recipes!

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.