Most of us have a list of our favorite comfort foods—whether it’s mashed potatoes or your mom’s homemade turkey stuffing—and this is the time of year when we splurge on our beloved dishes in the name of truly enjoying the holiday season. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a good meal with family and friends, it’s a great idea to cut unnecessary calories from the foods we love. For extra credit, use produce that is in season right now and available at any area farmers market — we guarantee it will add a special touch to any holiday gathering.
What’s in Season?
Not surprisingly, many of the vegetables that are in season right now are staples in the most popular holiday dishes. Pumpkins, winter squashes, persimmons, potatoes, and onions are all ready in ample supply. Click here to find a market near you and keep reading for some creative, simple ways to use delicious produce from the River Region.
Smart Switch
Even if you’re a novice cook, don’t be afraid to tinker with family recipes by replacing full-fat ingredients with their low- or non-fat counterparts. For example, when a recipe calls for sour cream, replace it with non-fat sour cream. Substitute one part of the required oil, butter, or shortening with applesauce — the structure and moisture of the dish won’t be affected, but the calorie content will! When a recipe calls for a measure of salt, don’t be afraid to skimp and throw just a small dash into the mixing bowl instead. There are many small ways to cut back on the amount of empty calories, sodium, and fat that go into our holiday favorites — and nobody will notice they’re gone.
