Hi People, this is a tough time of the year for many reasons. There is also a lot of joy to be experienced as well.
Food brings people together. I wanted to remind everyone that heart attacks are up really high on Thanksgiving and the day after. I think it is because we use too much butter when we are making this dinner. Here are some healthful tips:
Try using olive oil instead of butter as much as possible. Don’t use extra virgin olive oil (unless it is for your salad) because the flavor is so rich and fruity. Regular olive oil has a more bland flavor which is perfect for this purpose. After you wash your turkey inside and out with Kosher salt, dry it well with paper towels. Then rub the inside and out with olive oil instead of butter. Then proceed as you normally would.
When baking your desserts, use organic coconut oil in place of butter as much as possible. Especially when greasing your pans before baking. Your flour will still stick to it but it just looks a little bit funky. Don’t be put off, it still works.
Use buttermilk which is naturally low in fat when making your mashed potatoes with just a teaspoon of butter instead of a stick of butter. Not only is it less fattening but it is really delicious.
If you are making any side dishes with bacon or pancetta, take the time to remove all of the white fat from it. You will still get the bacon flavor without the fat. Use olive oil as your lipid of choice while sauteing your foods instead of counting on the bacon fat.
Pumpkin pie is healthier as a desert than pecan pie. Since Thanksgiving dinner is so high in calories to begin with, why not save some calaries and make a less rich dessert. I am making apple tart tartin since there is no top crust, and also pumpkin pie with buttermilk and grade b maple syrup and honey instead of sugar since it is high in fiber and vitamins etc making it less indulgent. Because I use fresh ground spices nobody ever thinks I compromised on my desserts.
Remember your stomach is only as big as your closed fist. Try to serve dinner as close to peoples arrival time as possible so that your guests don’t fill up on appetizers instead of the meal. And you are helping them NOT over eat. I will be serving my guests celery, carrots and radishes with a blend of goat cheese and yogurt dip with fresh herbs. This way, they can have a nibble while I am whipping everything together last minute.
Really have a Health and Happy Thanksgiving.
xoxo
