Healthier versions of the old 'tried and true'

With Thanksgiving now just a day away, I feel like I've been fighting cravings for the usual comforting, though calorie-laden meal for more than a week. I believe there are just some things worth sacrificing the calorie count for, like homemade dressing or pumpkin pie. But these happen to be my favorites, and the few times a year I eat them, it's worth it! Now we don't need to go up a pant size every holiday just to get wonderful, flavorful food that still tastes like mom's.

I've been perusing the web for some healthier, skinnier versions of the old tried and true, and I think I've managed to come up with a few winners that may make it onto our dinner table, and maybe yours too! One idea that that sounds like a no-brainer is the Slow Cooker Savory Sweet Potatoes. Not only can you make these ahead of time, they are warm and ready in the crockpot without any of the fuss. 

Slow Cooker Savory Sweet Potatoes

• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1" cubes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sucanat or coconut palm sugar (found in the organic section of most grocery stores) if cannot find, substitute with honey
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Add olive oil to slow cooker and preheat to high while preparing potatoes and garlic. Add potatoes and all remaining ingredients to cooker. Cover and cook on high 2-3 hrs or low 4-5 hrs.
skinnyms.com

Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Makes 4-6 servings

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 3 cups water
• 4 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp butter
• Milk (if needed)
• Salt and Pepper

1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add in the water, garlic cloves, salt and bay leaf.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove the garlic cloves and bay leaf. Drain the water.
5. Add in the butter and let it melt.
6. Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower or if you want to use an immersion blender to make it more creamy you can do that. If it needs milk add it in a tablespoon at a time.
7. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chives or green onions.

Review:
I halved this recipe and actually ate the entire thing by myself. What a great way to eat vegetables! Obviously it has a different taste than mashed potatoes but if you like the creamy texture of potatoes this might be a good way to save some calories. 3 1/2 stars.

There are so many ways to keep our calories in check during the holidays. However you choose to celebrate, I hope you enjoy the day to it's fullest, giving thanks, I know I sure will!

Find more great recipe ideas at skinnyms.com.