Tag Archives: Thanksgiving

Ginger Roasted Beets, Sweet Potatoes and Pears

By on

  This recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of fall and winter produce. The two root vegetables partnered with Anjou pears (green or red) are beautifully enhanced by the addition of fresh ginger and thyme. Present this at your next holiday gathering and be prepared to have guests swooning! Ingredients: 3 medium-large beets, peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes 1 sweet yellow onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced 2 large sweet potatoes, diced into 1 inch cubes (peel or keep skin on, either works) 2 green Anjou pears (ripe but still firm) 1-2 tsp fresh thyme Salt to taste 1-2 tbsp Avocado oil or olive oil 1-2 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a Continue reading →

Pear and Sausage Stuffing

Andrea Slonecker By on

Whether you are a “stuffing” or a “dressing” kind of person, pears add a magical twist when served alongside your holiday bird. Because they are sautéed and then baked, the pears are meant to be meltingly soft in this side dish, and any variety will do. Sausage adds a piquant kick, and don’t skimp on those fresh herbs. Consider this recipe another delicious vehicle for getting pears on your Thanksgiving table. Serves 8 Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing and brushing 1 (20-ounce) loaf white bread, crusts trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage 1 sweet yellow onion, chopped 3 celery ribs, chopped 12 ounces mild Italian pork sausage (casings removed if the sausage is in links) 2 ripe USA Pears, stemmed, cored, and cut into Continue reading →

Pear Pecan Pumpkin Spice Bread

Bonnie Taub-Dix By on

Some “breads” are actually quite sweet and sugary, acting more like cake than bread. This Pear Pecan Pumpkin Spice Bread lets the naturally sweet taste of the pears shine through without any added sugar AND it pears perfectly (pun intended) with savory dishes like a steamy bowl of butternut squash soup. It’ll also look beautiful on your holiday table! Makes 1 loaf Ingredients: 2 fresh ripe USA Pears – peel, core, cut into pieces 2 fresh USA Pears with stem – cut in half (leave core attached), core and peel 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice 2 teaspoons cocoa – unsweetened ½ cup extra virgin olive light oil or avocado oil ½ cup plain Greek yogurt – Continue reading →

Thanks-Living

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

The holidays are here, possibly the happiest and unhealthiest time of year. On Thanksgiving when we’re giving thanks and celebrating friends and family, we seem to put health last. Start a new tradition and make health a priority this year! Why not start the holiday with a Turkey Trot or family fun run/walk in your neighborhood? And eat breakfast, even though you may plan to eat a large meal later. Studies show that exercise and breakfast keep us from eating too much throughout the day. For breakfast try fiber and protein-rich foods to keep you satisfied, maybe a veggie omelet with a side of fruit. And, for the big meal, keep two or three of your family’s favorite traditional holiday foods and scrap the least favorites for fresh veggies and fruit salad. Research from the Cornell Food and Brand Lab Continue reading →

Something to be Thankful for: Ripe Pears!

Lynsey By on

I bought these beautiful Bosc at the store on Sunday. They will be served as an hors d’oeuvre at Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma’s house, topped with parmesan cheese and wrapped in prosciutto (similar to these, but with my own twist). A light, yet savory-sweet prelude to our feast! To make sure that the pears are at their peak ripeness for the big day, with that honey-sweet flavor that Bosc is famous for, I’ve left them at room temperature in the fruit bowl on my kitchen counter.  I’ve been checking the neck daily, and they are going to be pear-fectly ripe for Thursday! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Pre-pear for the Holidays!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

This week I held a brown bag lunch with coworkers to discuss ideas for staying healthy over the holidays. The holidays are hard for everyone; eating healthfully and exercising take a back seat to stress and holiday celebrations that focus on eating and drinking. Although most people only need about 2000 calories per day, the average Thanksgiving meal has 3000 calories and 229 grams of fat!* I think we should enjoy our celebrations responsibly. Here are some healthful tips to get you through the next few weeks. First, eat a balanced meal before heading to parties, and always have a snack handy. Try a pear with some peanut butter, or carrot sticks and a handful of nuts, to keep you satisfied when you’re fighting crowds at the mall. Next, make eating breakfast a tradition on Thanksgiving! Balance protein, fat, and Continue reading →