Happy Thanksgiving!

By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA

The holidays are officially upon us! November brings thoughts of fall colors, warm hearty foods, and cozy nights by the fire. It also reminds us that a bountiful Thanksgiving awaits us!

The holidays should include a balance of fun and festive foods with healthier additions. In general, a traditional thanksgiving meal is full of nutritious foods such as lean protein from the turkey and plenty of nutrient rich sides such as roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes.

While each family’s recipes will vary, remember to enjoy your meal to the point of fullness rather than feeling over stuffed like your holiday turkey. I like to enjoy a few bites of each item so that I can experience all of the amazing flavors.

Here is a festive recipe to add to this year’s holiday menu.

Sweet & Savory Scalloped Yams

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: about 50 minutes

Makes: 12 stacks

Ingredients:

• 3 large yams, peeled and sliced thin (see note)
• 2 small apples, peeled and sliced thin
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• Salt & pepper
• 3 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Peel and thinly slice the yams and apples.
3. To a large bowl add the sliced yam/apples and parmesan cheese, olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper. Toss well to coat.
4. Layer sweet potatoes inside muffin tin, adding 2 apple slices per muffin cup.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until tops are crisp.
6. Remove from oven and top each potato stack with crumbled bacon before serving. Serve warm.

Note:

Choose yams that are a similar diameter to your muffin tin. Avoid very large yams.

Nutrition Information per stack:

88 Calories, 7g carbohydrate; 4g Fat; 2g Protein; 162mg Sodium; 2g Fiber