When the kids go back to school, the colors start to change on the trees and frost begins to replace the morning dew, you’ll likely be ready to give up the cold salads, fresh fruits, and icy ades of summer in favor of the heartier comfort foods of fall and winter. But if you’re tired of the same old casseroles and crockpot dishes that you make every year, you might be on the prowl for an entirely new menu. You just need to find some foods that will receive approval from the whole family. So here are a few that will offer you the satisfaction you crave along with the opportunity to try something new.
1. Butternut squash. You might be surprised just how many amazing ways you can serve this delicious fall vegetable. Not only can you serve it steamed as a side dish, you can also boil and mash it in place of potatoes (or put it mashed into a casserole dish and broil it with some goat cheese crumbles on top), you can also turn it into soup, use it to fill ravioli, and even puree it with fat-free milk and mix it in with baked macaroni and cheese (as a way to cut out a portion of the cheese and sneak your kids some veggies). This power food not only delivers great taste, but also a healthy dose of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, amongst other vitamins, nutrients and minerals.
2. Apples. One of the few fruits that are available (and seasonal) year-round, apples offer not only a whole lot of vitamins and antioxidants, but also a multitude of options for serving. You can eat them as-is or incorporate them into other dishes in a variety of ways. For example, you may cut them up to add to a colorful fall salad. Or you might mash them into applesauce, throw them into a casserole, or roast them in their own juices and add some caramel for a tasty, warm dessert.
3. Shirataki. Pasta is practically a must when the weather starts to turn cold, but stuffing your family full of high-calorie carbs may not sync with your idea of healthy eating. Shirataki noodles can help. This pasta alternative is made from tofu, but mimics the noodles you love in texture and taste. The only difference is that it comes with about a fifth of the calories (and carbs) of regular fare.
4. Pie. This fall classic will make your whole home smell great and provide a warm dessert that everyone loves. But like many fall foods, it comes with a pretty high calorie count. Luckily, there are ways to make a healthier pie that still tastes great. Simply swap in alternatives for a portion of the sugar (stevia is not only sweet, but it lacks the chemicals found in many sugar substitutes), try reduced-fat pie pastry, and opt for fat-free whipped topping.
5. Meatloaf, with a twist. Is there any food that makes your home feel homier than meatloaf? Unfortunately, your family may have grown tired of grandma’s plain recipe. So spice it up by using BBQ sauce in place of ketchup, subbing veal for half of the beef, or slicing it up and serving it as an open-faced sandwich (with spicy gravy). By updating this classic you can scratch your itch to try something new while making your favorite fall comfort food.
Sarah Danielson writes for BluWiki. Aside from finding discounts on gourmet food, you can also find Panera Bread Coupons and Cheesecake Factory Coupons.
Thank you, Sarah, for your contribution to Mommy Rantings! Those are some excellent ideas for fall foods that include nutrition and heartiness for the cooler weather!
