Thanksgiving Holiday Cheer

    Thanksgiving Holiday Cheer

    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!

    Thanksgiving is all about enjoying delicious food and spending time with loved ones, and the side dishes are often the stars of the meal! From creamy mashed potatoes to flavorful stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce, these classic sides bring comforting flavors to the table.

    While it’s easy to indulge, there’s a way to savor your favorite sides without overdoing it. Start by choosing smaller portions, allowing yourself to sample everything while keeping balance in mind. Don’t forget about fiber-rich options like roasted Brussels sprouts or a mixed greens salad, which add color and nutrition to your plate.

    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.

    Lastly, get creative in the kitchen, rather than mundane mashed potatoes, enjoy these incredible twice baked potatoes using all natural Fage Sour cream – giving your spuds the creaminess and rich flavor they deserve!

    Twice Baked Potato

    Twice Baked Potato

    Prep: 20 minutes

    Cook: 1 hr. 30 minutes

    Makes: 8 Servings

    Ingredients

    • 4 large russet potatoes, washed and dried
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 4 ounces cooked bacon, chopped, divided
    • 1 cup FAGE Sour Cream, more for garnish
    • 1/3 cup milk
    • 4 tablespoons butter
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
    • 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
    2. Cut the potato in half lengthwise and drizzle olive oil onto the potato and add salt and pepper.
    3. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the potato is cooked through. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
    4. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch thickness on skin.
    5. In a large bowl, combine potato flesh, half of the bacon, sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
    6. Fill each potato skin with the mashed potato filling and top with remaining cheese and bacon.
    7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
    8. Remove and garnish with sour cream and chives to serve.

    Recipe by: Fage