Ah, Thanksgiving – my favorite holiday. Why? Because it’s all about food, of course! What brings me the most joy is getting people around a table and sharing a meal that celebrates the goodness that Mother Nature has to offer. I am particularly excited this year because I have the pleasure of hosting and will be cooking in my newly remodeled kitchen!
Even though Thanksgiving is a traditional meal, with the turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, remember that you can make it your own. For example -You know that vegetables are my super stars, right? So I’m going to make them my main attraction- I will still keep some of the family faves but will bump it up on the veggie end. Besides being so delicious, and good for the bod, they add vibrant color and texture to the table. A win-win in my healthy entertaining book!
You must try my Roasted Vegetables with Dates. It is so easy, colorful and the dates just melt and caramelize over the vegetables, making it so scrumptious!
Roasted Vegetables with Dates
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-in x 2-in sticks
- 2 small beets, peeled and cut into 1/2-in x 2-in sticks
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, sliced
- 3 Tbs parsley, chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine the ingredients except parsley in a large bowl and toss well. Place on a large cookie sheet and cover with foil. Bake until vegetables are tender, 30-40 minutes. Gently toss the vegetables together with parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Highlight: Pectin
Did you know that autumn fruits and vegetables, like apples, pears, grapes and beets, are all excellent sources of the soluble fiber Pectin?
Pectin has a long list of research-substantiated health benefits ranging from lowering cholesterol to removing heavy metals and other contaminants for the body. It is like nature’s soft detox agent. Also, it is very alkalizing and has unique phytonutrients that are protective against carcinogens.
Bring it in on – that’s what I want fueling my body!
So this Thanksgiving, bring the Autumn superstars to your dining table, to help you look and feel your best!
Enjoy!
Denise
Denise, I hope to try this recipe when the older boys come home for Thanksgiving. Do I find dates in the produce section? Also, I would love to see some photos of your new kitchen! Take care, Anne
Hi Anne! How fun it will be to have the boys back home again! Yes, you can find the dates in the produce section. Look for medjool dates, they are so plump and yummy. If you can’t find those, go for the pitted dates. Make sure they are pitted so you don’t want to waste precious time away from your boys! I will definitely send you some pictures of the kitchen. Enjoy the Holidays 🙂
Hi Denise,
Love the roasted veggie recipe! I can always count on you to come with something colorful, creative and delicious for my Thanksgiving table. Have a happy Turkey day!
Pam