Healthy Recipes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Garlic Brussels Sprouts:
Serves 4

This flavorful side dish is loaded with vitamin K (crucial for blood clotting) and manganese (vital for skin and bone health), as well as vitamin C, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

1 pound Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
salt and pepper to taste

1.) Cut the stem end off the Brussels sprouts and slice each in half.

2.) Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, add the Brussels sprouts and minced garlic, and cook several minutes until the sprouts are well browned. Reduce the heat to medium. Add walnuts, salt, and pepper, and cook several minutes more until the sprouts are tender. Remover from heat and serve.

Per serving: 240 calories, 70% fat (20g; 2.4g saturated), 20% carbs (13g), 10% protein (6g), 5g fiber, 67mg calcium, 2mg iron, 29mg sodium.

Even people who cringe at the thought of Brussels sprouts will love these! They're delicious and nutritious.

Sweet Potato Mash:
Serves 8
Prep time: 5 min
Cooking time: 65 to 80 min

8 medium sweet potatoes
2 cups coconut milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon, or more to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

1.) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees

2.) Set the sweet potatoes in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. After 20 minutes, pierce the potatoes with a fork in several places to prevent bursting. They are done when they can be easily pierced all the way through their thickest part.

3.) Let cook, then peel. Cut them into pieces and process two or three at a time until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan. (If you have an immersion blender, you can simply blend them in the saucepan.)

4.) Bring the coconut milk to a boil, reduce heat, add the cinnamon and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and whisk into the sweet potato puree. Add the coconut milk a cup at a time until you get the consistency you desire.

5.) Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and reheat just before serving.

Yum! So smooth and creamy. A healthy alternative to the classic butter-rich mashed potatoes.