Healthy Food for the Holidays
There are many ways we celebrate the holidays. These traditions may vary depending on what culture a person has grown up or grown into. However, the most common part that crosses cultures is food. Food plays a vital role in the cultural and social impact of the holidays. This may be old recipes modified with more modern, or healthier, twists but still maintaining cultural significance. It can also be the sense of solidarity felt when savoring food flavors associated with good tidings.
Considering healthy recipes can enhance the variety and provide the nutrients needed to boost energy for keeping up on holiday events. Adding fresh fruits and veggies to the menu provides B-vitamins, potassium, and fiber while also cutting back on the sodium. Lean cuts of meat or plant-based proteins, such as beans, can increase satiety which will make it easier to consume smaller servings of those foods higher in sugar, saturated fat, and salt.
Here is a recipe for an appetizer that uses only a few ingredients and takes around 30 minutes to make. Note that this is a low sodium alternative to the typical stuffed mushroom that still delivers a burst of flavor.
Happy Holidays, may they be Merry and Bright!
Recipe By
EatingWell
Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18-22 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
· 12 large button mushrooms (1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter)
· 1/3 cup prepared pesto (look for this in the deli section or by the refrigerated pasta)
· 1/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (extra for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove and chop ½ the stems until minced.
2. Place mushrooms, stem-side up, on a foil lined baking sheet. Set aside.
3. Combine pesto, breadcrumbs, and minced stems in a small bowl. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the mixture into each mushroom.
4. Bake the stuffed mushrooms until heated through and lightly browned, 18-22 minutes. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, if desired.
5. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers after no more than 4 hours.
Nutrition
Serving size: 1 mushroom
Total Calories 45
Total Fat 3g fat
Saturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 2mg
Sodium 56mg
Carbohydrates 3g
Total Sugars 0g
Dietary Fiber 0.2g
Protein 2g