Ah, yes. It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the weather gets colder, the wishes get warmer and your stretchy pants put in overtime. Every holiday gathering comes complete with a delicious spread, but one that is seriously lacking in the fruit and veggie department.
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you pass up Patty’s tiramisu at the office party. (We’re not monsters, after all.) Instead, we propose working with some of the season’s most quintessential produce to help keep you from loading up on sugar and carbs 24/7.
Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash
via A Family Feast
The Ingredients:
- 2 large acorn squash
- 2 gala apples, or other hard baking apple
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. lemon zest
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. dry sage
- 1 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 4 tbsp. butter
Click here for the full recipe.
White Bean Stew with Winter Squash and Kale
The Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried yellow-eye or navy beans, soaked overnight or quick soaked
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups water
- 4 tsp. smoked paprika, divided
- 2 tsp. dried oregano, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, divided
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 pound winter squash or pumpkin, peeled and cut into 3/4-in. cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
- 1 bunch kale (about 12 oz.), removed from stems and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Click here for the full recipe.
Delicata Squash and Sausage Gratin
via Kalyn’s Kitchen
The Ingredients:
- 3 delicata squash, about 8 in. long each
- 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp. Italian herb blend, divided
- salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
- 5 links (19.5 oz.) hot or mild turkey Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups grated mozzarella (more or less to taste)
Click here for the full recipe.
Cheesy Pesto Chicken and Veggie Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
via Peas and Crayons
The Ingredients:
- 2 medium-small spaghetti squash [6-7 in. long]
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto, extra to taste
- 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach, torn/chopped
- 1 extra large carrot, shredded
- 1 medium red bell pepper pepper, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz. shredded cheese
- 1-2 tbsp. fresh parsley to garnish
Click here for the full recipe.
Winter Squash Empanadas with Caramelized Shallots and Goat Cheese
The Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 3 shallots, sliced
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 sticks cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 8-10 tbsp. ice cold water (or chicken or vegetable stock)
- 10 oz. winter squash puree
- 2 tbsp. minced fresh sage
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 4 oz. goat cheese
- 1 egg
Click here for the full recipe.