Renee Sweers, Human Sciences Specialist, Food and Health
Tis the season to savor those tried-and-true recipes for holiday gatherings. Holiday foods and recipes unique to our own families, are part of the holiday traditions we pass to future generations.
New foods and recipes can add to the traditional fare and can bring a lighter, fresher addition to the holiday table. I’m going to share some favorites from my go-to recipe source, “Spend Smart. Eat Smart.” https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/.
These ISU Extension and Outreach recipes are tested and are a bit lower in fat, sugar, and salt. They tend to be higher in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. In other words, they are loaded with healthy foods and are a bit lighter.
Breakfast/Brunch
• Scrambled Egg Muffins (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/scrambled-egg-muffins/) – If you. This keeps them from being ‘watery’ after freezing.
• Turkey Vegetable Quiche (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/turkey-vegetable-quiche/) Delicious for leftover turkey. You can also substitute a 1⁄2 pound of browned sausage for the turkey.
• Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/make-ahead-breakfast- burritos/) – The recipe can be doubled or tripled for a crowd. I make these, wrap in foil or wax paper, and keep warm in a slow cooker. I usually substitute sweet potato for all or part of the potato in the recipe.
• Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/whole-wheat-pumpkin- pancakes/)
• Blueberry Pancakes (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/blueberry-pancakes/)
• Scones (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/scones/) – Who knew scones were so easy to make?
• Frozen Fruit Cups (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/frozen-fruit-cups/) – So simple and pretty. Be sure to thaw for about 1⁄2 hour before serving.
Entrees
• Pork Loin and Vegetables (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/pork-loin-vegetables/) – My all- time favorite recipe on the Spend Smart. Eat Smart site. This tasty pork roast could be the star of your holiday meal. It calls for oven roasting, but I’ve also cooked on high in a slow cooker for 4 hours (depending on size of roast) after browning it.
• Teriyaki Rice Bowl (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/teriyaki-rice-bowl-2/) – An easy and delicious way to use leftover meats and vegetables.
• Stuffed Pasta Shells (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/easy-stuffed-pasta-shells/) – Use jumbo pasta shells. This is a meatless dish, but 1⁄2 pound lean cooked ground beef or sausage could be added to the recipe. It is kind of a fancy way to serve pasta.
• Slow Cooker Roast (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/slow-cooker-roast/)
Salads
• Holiday Fruit Salad (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/holiday-fruit-salad/) – Use a cherry or strawberry sugar-free gelatin in the glaze for a pretty red color. Use any combination of fresh and frozen fruits. I use apples, strawberries (often frozen), oranges, bananas, and pears. A beautiful salad to serve in a glass bowl.
• Orange Dressing with Fruit and Greens (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/orange-dressing- with-fruit-and-greens/) – A delicious salad with a fresh simple dressing. Use bagged salad greens to simplify prep. I add 1⁄4 teaspoon dry mustard to the dressing before I mix it up. This helps keep the juice and oil mixed in the dressing.
Sides
• Brown Rice Risotto (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/brown-rice-risotto/) – Not as creamy as traditional risotto, but a delicious rice dish.
• Roasted Vegetables (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/easy-roasted-veggies/) – My favorite way to prepare vegetables all year long. If you are new to roasting vegetables, try one of these tasty recipes to get you started.
• Roasted Broccoli (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/roasted-broccoli/)
• Roasted Cauliflower (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/roasted-cauliflower/)
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/mashed-sweet-potatoes/) – I’ve also substituted winter squash, such as butternut, for the sweet potatoes in the recipe.
Sweets
• Berry Crisp (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/berry-crisp/) – Use any combination of berries/cherries. I usually use frozen this time of year.
• Apple Cinnamon Bread (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/apple-cinnamon-bread/) – This can be made in advance and frozen. Serve for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert.
• Cinnamon Chips (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/cinnamon-chips/) with Fruit Salsa (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/fruit-salsa/) – Use fresh or frozen strawberries in the salsa recipe for a sparkling red-hued fruit salsa
• Fruit Pizza (https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/fruit-pizza/) – Delicious any time of year. This recipe has an oatmeal-based crust so go ahead and serve it for breakfast or brunch!
I hope you will explore the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. recipe site and find your favorites for holiday gatherings.
Who knows, they may become new family traditions!