9NEWS Nutritionist Malena Perdomo shares some ideas on how to cook Thanksgiving dishes on a smaller scale.
DENVER — As we navigate this Thanksgiving holiday – and gatherings may not be as usual with large families and friends – consider keeping it simple and cooking less food.
So today, I’m sharing some ideas to cook Thanksgiving dishes on a smaller scale. Cook enough to have leftovers or to share a meal with someone else who needs support.
- Cook half a turkey breast instead of a full turkey. If you want something different try a Cornish hen. Both of these choices are perfect for two or to have leftovers. They are so easy to roast in less time.
- Round your meal with non-starchy vegetables like carrots or a green bean casserole. Steam, bake, and roast vegetables to get the benefits of dietary fiber and add color on your plate.
- Add a starchy vegetable such as potato or sweet potatoes. Prepare a sweet potato casserole even with canned yams. Add pecans on top!
- Get a can of cranberry sauce or make it with fresh cranberries that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Just add orange slices (or orange juice), water, and sugar, and boil gently. It takes less than 10 minutes to make.
- Keep things easy and pick up a store-bought pumpkin pie.
- If you end up with leftovers, store them in shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours to keep food safe. If you aren’t planning to eat leftovers within 3 or 4 days, freeze them to last longer. Find ways to reduce food waste.
- Use turkey leftovers in a soup, salad or sandwiches. A bowl of soup filled with vegetables is a nutritious meal that could satisfy you enough to help you eat less in your next meal. Toss fresh vegetables in a soup to use them up.
Find Malena Perdomo and her healthy eating ideas on her blog www.malenanutricion.com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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