This week, we’re continuing the quest for healthy holiday recipes. With all the sweets and fattening treats around this time of year, it can’t hurt to have a few healthy recipes on hand.
Today we have a quick and easy CHRISTMAS SALAD WREATH from: mealthy.com.
Here is a delightful recipe, full of flavor, packed with vegetables and quinoa. I’m always looking for creative and tasty ways to eat as many veggies as I can. Head over the Introverted Blogger’s page for this recipe.
Original article…
Dinner in our home starts off with a salad at the table. Always. Typically it is a garden salad, but on occasion I will try to jazz things up and make something different. Sometimes the new salads …
For the rest of the article and the recipe follow this link:
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Isn’t that what they always say? What is it about these apples, powerful enough to keep the doctor away. There are approximately 7500 different varieties of apples, but what makes them so healthy?
Health benefits of apples:
Nutritionally speaking, apples are free of fat, sodium, and cholesterol, yet rich in antioxidants, potassium, high dietary fiber, vitamin C, and some of the B vitamins (niacin and B6).
A few other important nutrients include calcium, vitamin K, iron, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium. Some of the phytonutrients and flavonoids include quercetin, epicatechin, and phloridzin.
A some of the health benefits include:
Aids in digestion -Due to the high amount of fiber
Helps prevent certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer.
Improve the microbiome – The fiber has a “prebiotic” effect, which means the apples feed our friendly bacteria
Boost immune function – The high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants and protein help bolster a weak immune system
Helps control diabetes – The plant nutrients, or polyphenols, in apples help reduce the absorption of carbs in the body, which reduces blood sugar fluctuation in the blood.
Boost brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s disease – The antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce brain degeneration, which improves problem solving skills, memory and concentration.
Treat asthma – the nutrients in apples have an anti-inflammatory affect, as well as strengthen the immune system.
Prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol
Improve bone health and vision
Helps with weight loss
So, other than munching on a sweet, juicy apple, or baking a pie, how can you use this healthy fruit? Not to worry, I’ve scoured the internet and found 10 unique and SAVORY ways to eat apples!
Here is a quote from the Bon Appetit website regarding this recipe:
“Named for a region in Normandy known for its apples (and Calvados), this traditional recipe combines both in a rich, creamy sauce. Afraid to flambé? Buy a long-reach lighter at a hardware store.”
6 firm, tart apples, such as ‘Northern Spy’: 1 peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 1/4 cups); 3 peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each; 2 cored and cut into 8 wedges each
4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped, plus 6 whole leaves
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces corn bread, cut into cubes (about 3 cups)
1/3 cup homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
1 boneless pork loin (4 pounds; about 1 foot long), butterflied (3/4 inch thick)
2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, white or dark meat, diced into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 Empire, Gala or Honey Crisp apples, peeled and chopped
3-4 small ribs celery, chopped
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup apple cider
1 cup chicken stock
1 sheet store-bought puff pastry dough, defrosted if frozen
1 egg, beaten with water
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
There you have it. Ten unique and savory ways to use apples. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with apple pie. It’s just nice to eat these healthy and delicious little gems in a different way now and then.