I have to admit that I am pretty excited about the fact that I am currently pregnant, “eating for two”, and in roomy maternity pants, as I’ll feel much more comfortable after eating too much pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day.
While the holiday is the perfect time to indulge and throw calorie counting out the window, it is always nice to have some lighter options available, especially since not everyone will be wearing stretchy maternity pants at holiday gatherings.
Therefore, I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite healthier side dishes that won’t leave you feeling as stuffed as the poor turkey that will be sitting on your table.
2. Maple-roasted sweet potatoes
3. Roasted winter squash and apple soup
4. Roasted cauliflower with fresh herbs and ParmesanÂ
6. Homemade cinnamon cranberry sauce
8. Roasted sweet potato and kale salad
9. Butternut squash mac ‘n cheeze
13. Broccoli, Shiitake, and red onion roast
14. Stuffing with sweet potatoes & cranberries
15. Roasted fingerling potatoes and Brussels sprouts with rosemary and garlic
As a bonus, I’m also going to share my Thanksgiving Cinnamon Applesauce recipe which has been my specialty for as long as I can remember. My friends and family look forward to it every year (or at least that’s what they claim), and it makes for a great hostess gift- especially when presented in a cute little mason jar with a personal note attached.
Thanksgiving Cinnamon Applesauce
(Serves 14-16)
Prep time: 20-30 minutes
Cook time: 50-60 minutes
18 McIntosh apples, (about 6 pounds), peeled, cored, and quartered
1 cup organic apple cider
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup pure cane sugar, or baking stevia
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Combine apples, apple cider, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, sugar, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large, wide, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching, until apples are broken down and saucy, about 50 to 60 minutes. Mash any large pieces of apple with a large wooden spoon to help them break down.
Remove the apple mixture from the heat, and let stand to cool completely before serving. Applesauce can also be stored in an airtight container or glass jar for 2 to 3 days in refrigerator.
If you want to give this applesauce even more flavor, serve it warm with a little vanilla ice cream, some chopped pecans, and a sprinkling of cinnamon on top.
However, you might want to invest in some stretchy pants of your own prior to Thanksgiving if you choose to eat it that way!
