Category Archives: Food

Rosemary Citrus Green Beans

Next up in our Thanksgiving Side Dish Series….an incredible twist on green beans. I personally love to see something green on a Thanksgiving table, and this dish would be amazing. The addition of rosemary, lemon and orange makes it extra special – just perfect for a holiday meal.

That said, if you have picky eaters at the table, you can certainly remove some of the green beans before you add all the good stuff – I’ve noted that in the directions for you.

Rosemary Citrus Green Beans

Ingredients

4 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 1⁄2 lb. snap green beans
1 garlic clove, minced
3⁄4 cup low sodium chicken broth
3⁄4 tsp. chopped rosemary
1 tsp. lemon zest
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. orange zest
2 Tbs. fresh orange juice
salt & pepper

Directions

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over moderately high heat, about 1 minute. Add the green beans, toss to coat and cook for 2 minutes . Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 20 seconds.

2. Add the chicken broth, cover and bring to a boil. Cook until the beans are crisp-
tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the lid and cook, tossing occasionally, until the broth is nearly evaporated.

3. If you have picky eaters: At this point, transfer half of the beans to a bowl and season simply with salt and pepper.

4. For everyone else: Add the rosemary lemon zest, and orange zest to the beans in the skillet. Stir in the orange and lemon juices, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes

I love hearing about family traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving. We all have those special foods that just have to be on the table to make it feel right. I look forward to some of them all year, almost as much as I look forward to seeing my extended family gathered around the table. No matter how much you love your favorites, it’s also fun to try a new dish or two, so this month I’m sharing some dishes that would make great additions to your Thanksgiving table.

Let’s start with these sweet potatoes. Instead of canned yams, this dish uses fresh sweet potatoes that you’ll bake in the oven (or microwave –  that works, too!) before mashing them up and topping them with just enough of this crunchy, nutty topping to make them holiday-worthy.

Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 6 large)
Cooking spray
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Place potatoes on oven rack or a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until tender. Cool. Peel potatoes and mash. Stir in maple syrup, milk, and salt.

3. Preheat broiler.

4. Spread potato mixture into an 8X8 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl combine walnuts,  brown sugar, and butter. Sprinkle walnut mixture over potatoes; broil 2 to 4 minutes or until nuts are lightly browned.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins

October is my month for all things pumpkin, and these little beauties are one of the top choices in our house. In fact I just took them into my son’s class for his “fake birthday. ” You know, the one you celebrate when you have a summer birthday but the teacher takes pity on you and lets you bring a treat in anyhow? That kind of fake birthday.

The great thing about these is that they can be made dairy free, nut free, egg free and gluten free covering MOST of the food allergies we’re managing in schools! Love that.  It’s so great when ALL the kids can eat the SAME treat for a special day!

Whip up a batch of these. You’ll love ’em.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins

Makes 12

Ingredients

1/3 cup oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy milk (or almond, or rice, or regular!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups Gluten-Free All Purpose Baking Flour*
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup chocolate chips

(*or cake flour if you don’t need these to be gluten free)


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tin with cupcake papers.

2. Whisk together oil, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Sift in flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gently whisk flour mixture until well combined. Fold in pumpkin, but do not overstir or the batter will become gummy. Fold in chocolate chips.

3. Fill liners two-thirds full. Bake for 24-26 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to let cool completely.