Smarter T-Day Eats: Go Gold For Your Mashers

I love me some mashed potatoes, especially on Thanksgiving. The problem is that this dish is usually overloaded with tons of butter and cream, which can be a big problem if you're trying to stay healthy. One way I make my mashed potatoes healthier is by using Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn potatoes instead of the old stand-by, Russet potatoes.

Healthy Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts

One vegetable delight of Autumn is the Brussels sprout. These small leafy balls are packed with fiber as well as taste, and they deserve a place at your Thanksgiving table. My favorite method of cooking Brussels sprouts is to roast them.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts

Modified from Recipezaar INGREDIENTS1 stalk of Brussels sprouts (or about two pounds of sprouts) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesean cheese DIRECTIONS
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Take Brussels sprouts off the stem, wash, and rip off outside leaves.
  • Chop sprouts until they are a uniform size, leaving the small ones whole and possibly cutting the larger ones into eighths.
  • Boil Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes. Pat dry.
  • Place Brussels sprouts in roasting pan and pour in olive oil and vinegar and stir until sprouts are coated well.
  • Rosemary Pear Sparkler

    Choosing champagne or sparkling wine to celebrate the holiday season is a nice low-calorie alternative to spirits or beer, but when I'm craving a cocktail, a plain glass of Prosecco doesn't always do the trick. If you're looking for a nice cocktail to enjoy this holiday season, try my refreshing rosemary pear sparkler. It makes a great aperitif, and the flavors of pear and rosemary really tie together the feelings of Fall.

    Thanksgiving Side Dish: Apple Squash

    Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I love all the warm, savory dishes. This one has been in my family for years and it's sweet, creamy, and has a crunchy topping that reminds me of homemade mac and cheese. It's easy to prepare ahead of time, and is a great alternative to mashed potatoes or stuffing.

    Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Onions and Ginger

    Adapted from Cooking LightLast night, I made this exceptionally easy and scrumptious soup! The recipe called for shallots but I only had onions. I didn't want to overpower the butternut squash flavor, I only added one onion.

    Drink

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    Rosemary Pear Sparkler

    original recipeDepending on how many servings you need, make as little or as much of the rosemary-pear mixture as you like. Just keep the ratio of water, pear juice, and agave nectar consistent. The mixture also tastes great in soda water or lemonade.

    Healthy Recipe: Apple Pear Oatmeal Crisp

    It's harvest time for apples and pears, and nothing says Autumn like warm crisp featuring both Fall fruits. Here is a variation of a recipe from RecipeZaar. I substituted a few things like Sucanat for brown sugar, whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, and Earth Balance margarine in place of butter.

    Healthy Recipe: Apple Pear Oatmeal Crisp

    Adapted from RecipeZaar INGREDIENTS2 apples, sliced 3 firm pears, sliced 2 tablespoons Sucanat 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2/3 cup water Topping 1 cup oats 1/3 cup whole wheat flour 3/4 cup Sucanat 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons of Earth Balance, melted DIRECTIONS
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Remove the cores and slice the unpeeled fruit. Place slices in the bottom of a greased nine-inch dish. Drizzle with lemon juice.
  • Sprinkle two tablespoons of Sucanat, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and water on the fruit.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients.