Happy Thanksgiving! As the cool fall weather starts to take over I’m excited about heating up the oven and baking up a storm. I like to think of the oven as a multi-functioning appliance. Not only does it bake up yummy foods, but it also keeps my house warm and fills the air with comforting aromas. But when I bake I always make sure to make the most efficient use of my oven. Here is what I’m doing for dinner tonight (with leftovers to spare).
1. Turn oven to 375 degrees.
2. Pour 4 cups of water and 1½ c. brown rice into 2-quart dish – cover and bring to a boil on the stove. Place it in the oven for 60 minutes.
3. Get out 6 pieces of fresh, organic chicken with bones and skin (for more flavor), rinse and place in a 9×13 glass dish with a healthy sauce. Cover and place in the oven.
4. Get out another large dish, add 2 cups of water, cover and bring to a boil on the stove. Add 4 to 6 cut-up, unpeeled red potatoes and 1-2 large, unpeeled sweet potatoes. Once the water boils, place it into the oven as well. You can also add other root vegetables such as turnips, parsnips, rutabagas, onions or beets to make a vegetable stew.
5. I love pumpkin pie, but not the extra carbohydrates in the crust, so crustless pumpkin pie it will be! Mix 1 can of organic pumpkin with 1 tsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. ginger, ½ tsp. nutmeg, ¼ tsp. cloves, 2 eggs, ½ tsp. sea salt, and ½ to 1 cup Lakanto. Pour into a 1-quart dish and place it in the oven for 30 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin comes out clean, it’s done. You can make a simple crumble topping using ½ cup oatmeal, ¼ cup chopped nuts, ¼ cup unbleached flour, and 1-3 tbsp. of real maple syrup or agave. Mix and sprinkle on top. Or just add whipped cream made with raw cream, Lakanto or stevia for sweetness. The best part of fall is firing up the oven and knowing that soon I’ll have tasty, healthy foods to enjoy.
For more ways to incorporate healthy eating you’re your life, contact Women’s Health Advantage today. Please call Women’s Health Advantage at 661-310-7373 or email womenshealthadvantage@msn.com .