Worthy of Seconds: 3 Scrumptious Thanksgiving Sides!

Grilled Sweet Potatoes and Maple Vinaigrette

Why I like it: They are a little sweeter than my normal sweet potato regime, but they are not loaded with unnecessary processed marshmallows and loads of brown sugar. With the perfect amount of pure maple syrup and a hint of lovely cinnamon, this dessert-like veggie with have you all running back for seconds (with no shame!).Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

For the vinaigrette

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp creole mustard (or any spicy brown mustard)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Dash of cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Small handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium.
2. Toss potato rounds with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill 8-10 minutes on each side, until the potato is lightly grilled and fork-tender.
4. Whisk together the garlic, mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
5. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking.
6. Salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the sweet potato slices and top with parsley.

NotesYields: 4 servingsEstimated time: 25 minutes

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Why I like it: Brussel Sprouts could be called the epitome of a fall dish! These veggies seem to have a bad rap, but now with modern creativity in cooking, they don't have to be one of those nutritious superfoods that sacrifice flavor for health benefits. Now you can enjoy all of their advantages! Start with this recipe to see what I mean. LOLO Note: I like to use coconut oil instead of olive oil. They are delicious with a little lemon juice too!Ingredients

• 1 pound brussel sprouts
• 3 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Prepare Brussels sprouts by cutting off the brown ends and peeling off the yellow outer leaves.
3. Place Brussels sprouts in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix all of these ingredients together.
4. Pour Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes or until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. It helps to shake the pan every 10 minutes or so to ensure even browning.
5. Remove from the oven, pour into a bowl, sprinkle a little more kosher salt over the Brussels sprouts and serve warm.

Maple Infused Butternut Squash and Apples

Why I like it: Apples and butternut squash are each loaded with antioxidants, so when they are blended together, not only do they taste glorious, but they become a power-side! The combination of this fruit and veggie is such a fall delight!Makes: 3-4 cupsPrep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 3-4 hoursIngredients

• 1 small (~3 pounds) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks
• 3 apples (I used tart – granny smith)
• 2 tbsp. Earth Balance (or any other vegan margarine)
• 3 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. nutmeg

Instructions

Start by peeling your butternut squash before you cut it. Once your butternut squash is peeled, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop the seeds out. Then proceed to cut into smaller portions and cube in 1 inch pieces. Spray the bottom of a slow cooker with cooking spray and add your squash and margarine. Set to high for 2 hours before adding the apples. After two hours have passed, dice or slice your apples and add them to the slow cooker with 3 tbsp. maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir the ingredients and lower the slow cooker to “low”. Cook for an additional 1-2 hours or until the squash and apples can be easily mashed.Serve as a side dish, on top of yogurt or ice cream, or alone!

Happy Thanksgiving! Try these recipes, and be thankful!

Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

Sweet Potato Central

I am a slight sweet potato fanatic (understatement) to the point where my skin tone has taken on an orange glow. In college, I had one of these beta-carotene packed root vegetables every day, and they still continue to be a primary part of my diet. Why I am a fan: they are loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.Sweet potatoes have super food powers and anti-inflammatory properties, which keeps your tummy flat and your stomach full. Not to mention, they are a complex carbohydrate, which means they digest slower than white potatoes, and therefore will not cause your blood sugar to spike. More sweet spud news: they are virtually fat-free, cholesterol free, and are very low in sodium! So, eat up, and stay tuned for more delicious recipes.What you'll need:1 large sweet potato2 Tbsp. Olive OilPepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. (Optional: Peel the skin off the sweet potato.) Slice the sweet potato into thin, quarter-inch slices, and place into a large bowl. Mix in olive oil evenly, stir, and pour mixture into a baking pan. Pepper the top of the evenly spread slices to your liking. Bake for about 40 minutes, occasionally stirring and flipping until browned on the outsides and soft on the inside. Enjoy!