Thanksgiving Sides

Clockwise from top left corner: Parsnip Puree | Simple Herb-Lime Farro | Celery Root Puree | Root Vegetable Stuffing

'Twas the Monday before Thanksgiving & you haven't gone grocery shopping yet. You're not hosting but you said you'd bring a side dish to dinner. What will it be?

Truth be told, I've yet to host Thanksgiving or cook a whole turkey (or chicken) myself.  Each year I usually bring a dessert or side or both. This year I will be making mashed potatoes for an army - the request was specific so potatoes it is. If someone else is whipping up your mashed potatoes this year & you're looking for a tasty side dish to make these are some that I've made before that are super tasty & a little bit different.  Let me know if the comments below if you try them or if you have another side you recommend.

Baked Root Vegetable Frites

Yesterday, I posted about mussels. Other than great bread to soak up the yummy sauce you should definitely eat them some some sort of "frites."  Instead of your traditional pomme frites (potato french fries), Chris & I munched on a tasty alternative: root vegetable frites.

Lately, I'm trying cook more with coconut oil. It's a bit lighter then olive oil & has some really great benefits too - whether you eat it or rub it on like a body lotion - it can help boost your immune system, help you to lose weight & does wonders for skin care. Check out more about these benefits here.

Click through for this tasty & guilt-free recipe.

Parsnip Puree

"Let's talk about parsnips" - I believe those were the exact words that came from my friend Kara's mouth when I saw her a few weeks ago.  I can always count on Kara for a good conversation about how yummy veggies really are.  It's no secret I'd chose a veggie over meat any day, they just taste better to me.

Parsnips, if you've never had them, look like white carrots but are a little spicier & sweeter.  Turns out parsnips are packed with good-for-you-things like vitamins C, E, K, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese & tons of other things to make my mom proud that I eat them.

I like to eat parsnips mashed or pureed (think mashed potatoes, mmmmmm mashed potatoes - but with parsnips instead). Check out my recipe after the jump.