Dietitians Dish – November 16, 2020

Thanksgiving Dinner in 2020…

The focus for many these days is how to stay healthy and still enjoy the holidays! For some, they won’t be the same with a smaller group or just immediate family around the Thanksgiving dinner table. But, that doesn’t mean you have to skip the fanfare of a grand meal. To stay connected, plan a virtual holiday dinner.

Try a new recipe for a traditional side dish – stuffing is one that lends itself to including more fruits and veggies in flavorful ways.
Instead of the same old stuffing, why not sweeten it up a bit? The flavors and textures of the added fruit, veggies, and nuts will make this a hit!
And, if your group is smaller, there’s many advantages:

• You can test out a new recipe without worrying about feedback from a whole group.
• You’ll have plenty of leftovers to freeze for another time.
• It’s a great opportunity to waste less by planning future meals.

Pear – Walnut Stuffing

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 celery stalks, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
2 Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup toasted walnut pieces
2 Tbsps. chopped fresh sage

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 package (12 ounces) unseasoned, cubed stuffing
2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup reduced sugar dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrot and onion; cook 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pears, walnuts, sage, thyme, salt and pepper; cook 5 minutesor until pears soften, stirring occasionally.
In large bowl, gently combine stuffing, broth, cranberries and vegetable mixture; transfer to prepared dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake stuffing 30 minutes; remove foil. Bake 15 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Check out this and other recipes at Inseasonezine.com.