Bake A Pie & Eat It Too!
NOvember? YESvember! This November (and all year long) say yes to the foods you want. All foods can fit so give yourself permission to bake a pie and eat it too! Just don’t forget to add in fruits and veggies whenever and wherever you can. Take a look at some ways to add more fruits and veggies to your fav foods this holiday season.
Fruits & Veggies
To add nutrients and fiber to your seasonal holiday dishes try adding in extra fruit and veggies. Whether fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, fruit can add flavor, texture, and plenty of nutrition.
Dried fruit can easily be added into desserts and sweet treats for the holidays. This recipe for Dark Chocolate Bark allows you to add raisins, dried cranberries, etc. to a food that would typically be thought of as a treat.
Around the holidays many people have get togethers with a variety of appetizers. These recipes for Broccoli Chimichurri and Prosciutto & Parmesan Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus give ideas for incorporating veggies into those sought after appetizers. By adding yummy flavors and pairing with common appetizer ingredients like crusty bread and prosciutto, the veggies are enjoyed by more people.
Baking & Produce
Baked goods, especially during the holiday season, can have a bad reputation. That should not be the case. Eat the baked goods, but you also have the option to add in some better-for-you ingredients. Fruits and veggies, especially canned or dried, work great in baking recipes. They add flavor, texture, and plenty of extra nutrients. In addition to the produce, you can use whole wheat flour, light olive oil, nuts/seeds, etc. to make the baked goods even more nutritious.
Canned pumpkin is very popular for pie, but try it in cookies like these Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Orange Glaze. The pumpkin keeps the cookies super soft, has the perfect flavor, and is as easy as opening a can.
Dried fruit is a perfect addition because it is another easy item that adds nutrients in addition to texture. A favorite recipe of mine is Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal & Dried Cherry Cookies that are made with whole wheat flour, oats, dried fruit, nuts and dark chocolate, which all add to the nutrient content of this delicious dessert.
Dairy & Produce
Those holiday sweet treats don’t always have to be your typical desserts. Try an Apple Pie Yogurt Parfait featuring perfectly in season fresh apples and Greek yogurt for extra protein. Fruit is a perfect addition to holiday recipes since its natural sweetness satisfies cravings with little to no added sugar.
Making small ingredients swaps in a recipe is a great way to enjoy your classic recipes with a little more nutrition. This recipe for “Healthified” Caramelized Onion Dip uses Greek yogurt in place of the higher fat sour cream. It also uses fresh onions in place of dried.
New Takes On Old Favorites
Adding extra nutrition to your holiday meals doesn’t meal overhauling everything, but maybe you are looking for some new inspiration. Check out these delicious and nutritious recipes that will fit right in at your holiday table.
If you like the sweetness of candied sweet potatoes, try Air Fryer Honey-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts where the sweetness comes from balsamic vinegar.
If you like green bean casserole, try Sautéed Asparagus with Garlic for a simple to make side.
If you enjoy salad, but want something with more flavors, try Spinach, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad.
If you enjoy turkey leftovers, try Crunchy Turkey and Cranberry Salad for a different take on reheated leftovers.
