Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Roasted Potatoes, Carrots and Parsnips

    Roasted Potatoes, Carrots and Parsnips

    How to Make Roasted Potatoes, Carrots and Parsnips

    Roasting vegetables is the best way to bring out their natural sweet flavor. It’s easy to do and these three fall veggies make a tasty medley.


    25 min prep time


    20-30 min cook time


    10servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oven to 450 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the vegetables with the oil, salt, and herbs. Toss to coat.
    2. Arrange vegetables on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Roast until soft on the inside and browned on the outside, about 20-30 minutes. Flip the vegetables halfway through the cooking.
    3. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      90

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      230mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      16g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      1g

    Ingredients

    large carrots (2-3/4 ounces each, peeled, ends trimmed, sliced on diagonal )
    5

    large parsnips (5-ounces each, peeled, ends trimmed, sliced on diagonal)
    4

    sweet potatoes (5-ounces each, peeled, cut into medium cubes)
    2

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    Kosher Salt
    1 tsp

    fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, sage, or rosemary)
    2 tbsp

    Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    1

  • Roasted Plantains And Poblano Pepper With Guava Sauce

    Roasted Plantains And Poblano Pepper With Guava Sauce

    How to Make Roasted Plantains And Poblano Pepper With Guava Sauce


    10 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    8servings


    1 piece plantain and 1 tablespoon sauce

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. Cut the tips off the plantains. Insert the tip of a paring knife about 1/2 inch into each plantain and run it from top to bottom. Wrap each plantain in a foil sheet. Roast in oven for 30 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside. Leave oven on.
    3. Wash and dry poblano pepper. Rub avocado oil on the outside of pepper and (carefully) place over a flame or in oven until the outside is charred. Once pepper is charred, place in a bowl and cover until steam loosens the skin. Run pepper under cold water to remove the char, then dice pepper.
    4. In small saucepan add stock, shallots, garlic, poblano pepper, guava, and bring up to a rolling simmer. Cook until a smooth paste forms, about 5 minutes. Add rice vinegar, salt, and pepper, and whisk well to make sure you don’t have any lumps in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Pour sauce in blender and purée until sauce is smooth.
    5. Remove foil from plantains and cut each into 4 equal quarters. Carefully split open the plantain along the cut. Add 1 tablespoon guava sauce, top with queso fresco, and garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 piece plantain and 1 tablespoon sauce


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1g

      1%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      135mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        8g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      300mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    plantains
    2 med

    aluminum foil (large enough to wrap plantain)
    2

    poblano chile pepper (cut into 1/4-inch cubes)
    1 med

    avocado oil
    1 tsp

    unsalted chicken stock
    3/4 cup

    shallots (finely chopped)
    1/4 cup

    garlic (peeled and finely chopped)
    1 clove

    guava cubes (1/4-inch cubes)
    1/4 cup

    rice vinegar
    1/4 cup

    Kosher Salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper (cracked)
    1 tsp

    queso fresco (crumbled)
    1/2 cup

    cilantro (finely chopped)
    2 tsp

  • Roasted Pepper Salad

    Roasted Pepper Salad

    How to Make Roasted Pepper Salad

    Author Robyn Webb says, “Bell peppers are so tasty when they are raw, so why ever mess with them by roasting them? It’s because fire does something incredibly magical to a pepper-it transforms its flavor and texture into something juicier, sweeter, and more versatile than before it stepped into the flames. Roasted peppers jazz up pasta, eggs, soups, stews, homemade pizza, and many more everyday foods.”


    30 min prep time


    35 min cook time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush the peppers with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and arrange them in a shallow roasting pan. Roast for about 35 minutes or until the pepper skins are evenly darkened, turning them 3 or 4 times. Place the peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave until they are cool enough to handle.
    2. Working over a bowl to catch the juice, peel the peppers. Cut them in half and discard the cores and seeds (strain out any seeds that fall into the juice), then cut into thick slices.
    3. Measure 1 1/2 tbsp. of the pepper juice into a small bowl (discard the remainder). Add the vinegar and garlic and whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
    4. Arrange the peppers on a serving platter or on individual salad plates. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with the olives and basil.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      85mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      380mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    large red peppers
    2

    large orange or yellow bell peppers
    2

    large green peppers
    2

    tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided use)
    2 tbsp

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tsp

    small garlic (very finely chopped or crushed)
    1 clove

    black olives (pitted)
    12

    Handful of small fresh basil leaves
    1

  • Roasted Green Beans in Champagne Vinaigrette

    Roasted Green Beans in Champagne Vinaigrette

    How to Make Roasted Green Beans in Champagne Vinaigrette

    Impress guests by whipping up this simple yet elegant side dish to go with any chicken, fish or beef entree. This vegetable side is perfect to pair with a fancy Surf and Turf meal.


    15 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    6servings


    3/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
    2. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with 1 Tsp. olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until cooked through and starting to brown.
    3. While green beans are cooking, whisk together 1 Tbsp. olive oil, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar substitute and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
    4. When green beans are done roasting drizzle with champagne vinaigrette and toss to coat.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      120mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      150mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    fresh green beans (trimmed)
    1 1/2 lbs

    olive oil (divided use)
    1 tbsp plus 1 tsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    garlic (minced)
    1 tbsp

    champagne vinegar
    2 tbsp

    Dijon Mustard
    1 tsp

    sugar substitute
    1 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 tsp

  • Roasted Greek Eggplant with Feta

    Roasted Greek Eggplant with Feta

    How to Make Roasted Greek Eggplant with Feta

    Sides shouldn’t be thought of as afterthoughts. They deserve as much culinary love and attention as entrées. If you’re looking for a side dish that’ll impress, this roasted eggplant recipe is it. The finishing touches of fresh herbs, feta, and lemon zest make this side more like the star of the plate.


    12 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    4servings


    2 wedges

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, and cinnamon. Arrange the eggplant wedges, skin side down, on an unbleached parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Generously brush the cut surfaces of the eggplant wedges with the marinara mixture.
    2. Roast the eggplant wedges until fully cooked, about 30 minutes.
    3. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with the parsley, mint, feta, and lemon zest, and serve.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 wedges


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      110

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      280mg

      12%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        7g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      520mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    marinara sauce
    3 tbsp

    Juice and zest of 1/2 small lemon (divided)
    1

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    1 tbsp

    large clove garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    sea salt
    1/4 tsp

    ground cinnamon (ground)
    1/4 tsp

    small eggplants (each quartered lengthwise, stems removed)
    2

    fresh parsley
    3 tbsp

    chopped fresh mint OR 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
    1 tbsp

    feta cheese (finely crumbled)
    3 tbsp

  • Roasted Fall Vegetables

    Roasted Fall Vegetables

    How to Make Roasted Fall Vegetables

    So easy—just three steps from start to finish. Roasting wakes up the sweetest flavors in these veggies.


    10 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    11servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with the cooking spray.
    2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. Pour the vegetables onto the prepared baking sheet.
    3. Bake on the lower oven rack for 25 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    11 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      290mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    cauliflower (cut into small florets)
    1 head (about 1 lb)

    fresh Brussels sprouts (trimmed and cut in half)
    1 lbs

    baby carrots
    2 cup

    olive oil
    3 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    Add this simple, low carb side dish to your favorite protein entree. Roasting enhances the flavor of Brussels sprouts, and turkey bacon adds a delicious salt, savoriness. You could use fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts here.


    5 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    5servings


    6 Brussels sprouts (about 1/2 cup)

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    2. Place Brussels sprouts in a bowl and add oil; toss to coat.
    3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
    4. Place Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or crisp on the outside.
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    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      6 Brussels sprouts (about 1/2 cup)


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.1g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      90mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        2g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      290mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    frozen Brussels sprouts (thawed)
    1 lbs

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    turkey bacon (extra lean, cut into 1-inch pieces)
    3 slice

  • Roasted Baby Carrots

    Roasted Baby Carrots

    How to Make Roasted Baby Carrots

    Roasting brings out the natural flavor and sweetness in these carrots. We used parsley here, but you could use other fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, mint, thyme, rosemary, or a combination.


    5 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    8servings


    1/3 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

    2. In a small bowl, mix together the carrots and olive oil. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet.

    3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the carrots are tender.

    4. Place the carrots into a bowl and mix with the honey or artificial sweetener. Sprinkle the carrots with parsley or other herbs.

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      50

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      45mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      0g

    • Potassium
      137mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    baby carrots
    1 lbs

    olive oil
    1 1/2 tbsp

    honey or 2 packets artificial sweetener
    1 tbsp

    chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley
    1 tbsp

  • Roasted and Spiced Chickpeas

    Roasted and Spiced Chickpeas

    How to Make Roasted and Spiced Chickpeas

    This high-fiber snack is a much healthier choice than chips and is a great alternative for those with nut allergies. Place in small bowls or ramekins at your next party. Eat them as a snack or use them as a crunchy topping on soups or salads.


    5 min prep time


    6servings


    1/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    2. In a medium bowl mix together garbanzo beans, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder and salt.
    3. Spread garbanzo bean mixture evenly on baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until beans are crispy and dry.
    4. Remove from oven and place hot beans in a medium bowl. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil and Splenda brown sugar blend. Mix well.
    5. Pour beans on parchment paper and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      120

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      170mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      15g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      135mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    garbanzo beans (15.5-ounce, rinsed and drained (dry well))
    1 can

    olive oil (divided)
    2 tbsp

    ground cinnamon
    1 tsp

    cumin
    1 tsp

    chili powder
    1/4 tsp

    salt (optional)
    1/4 tsp

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute
    1 1/2 tbsp

  • Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant, and Fresh Mint Bruschetta (Bruschetta Calabrese)

    Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant, and Fresh Mint Bruschetta (Bruschetta Calabrese)

    How to Make Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant, and Fresh Mint Bruschetta (Bruschetta Calabrese)

    Author Amy Riolo says, “The popular Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio once described the view of the sea from Reggio Calabria as ‘the most beautiful kilometer in Italy.’ Known as the ancestral homeland to 20% of the Italian-American population, the southern Italian region was once home to powerful Greek and Byzantine colonies like the city of Crotone, where Pythagoras once formed a secret society of intellectuals. This recipe is popular in Calabria because it incorporates eggplant and ricotta—two widely celebrated ingredients—on their beloved country-style bread.”


    5 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    1 slice bread, 2 tablespoons ricotta, and approximately 1/3 cup eggplant

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat broiler to high or grill to medium-high.
    2. Lightly brush the eggplant slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil and set on a baking sheet. When the grill is ready, use tongs to place slices directly on the grill and cook each side until grill marks appear and slices are nicely browned, 3–4 minutes per side. Or, if broiling, place baking sheet directly under broiler, and broil each side until golden, 1–2 minutes per side.
    3. Remove baking sheet from oven or, if grilling, use tongs to transfer eggplant back to the baking sheet, and sprinkle with about half the salt. When slices are cool enough to handle, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, place in a bowl, and set aside.
    4. When ready to serve (do not prepare these ahead of time or the bread will get soggy), grill the bread slices on both sides until grill marks appear, or place under the broiler until golden brown. Slather each piece evenly with 2 tablespoons. ricotta. Sprinkle with remaining salt and the pepper. Top with the chopped eggplant. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon. olive oil and garnish with mint. Serve immediately.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice bread, 2 tablespoons ricotta, and approximately 1/3 cup eggplant


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.6g

        13%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      170mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      11g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      225mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    baby eggplants (1/2 pound total), ends trimmed and cut lengthwise into 4 × 1/4-inch slices
    2

    good-quality extra virgin olive oil (preferably Calabrian; see Where to Buy Guide), divided
    2 tbsp

    unrefined sea salt, divided
    1/8 tsp

    ciabatta or other light, crusty, country bread
    4 (1/2-inch) slices

    ricotta cheese, divided
    1/2 cup

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    finely chopped fresh mint
    1/4 cup