Shards of Brussels with Herbed Dijon | Serves 4

Brussels sprouts are a vibrant and nutritious addition to any holiday spread. This dish is super easy to prepare, visually appealing, and versatile enough to complement almost any dish. It will even turn Brussels doubters into enthusiasts! As for health benefits, these small green bundles are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are also a cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetable!

INGREDIENTS
2 lbs. whole Brussels sprouts, halved and thinly sliced (shaved)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
HERBED DIJON
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons brown rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin or 1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, picked and minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, picked and minced

METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚.
2. Slice off bottom of sprouts, halve and thinly slice (shave). Place in roasting pan with olive oil and salt. Toss and spread sprouts evenly across the pan.
3. Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until soft yet crispy.
4. Prepare Herbed Dijon and toss with Brussels.

Red Quinoa Tabouli | Serves 4-6

Quinoa salads make a light yet filling dish, and this one is packed with medicinal ingredients that bring color and flavor plus offer a beautiful and refreshing alternative to the heavier holiday fare. As for health benefits, this grain is high-protein, gluten-free plus rich in fiber and minerals.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup red quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, quartered
1/2 seedless cucumber, small dice
2 large scallions, thinly sliced
2 cups flat leaf parsley, de-stemmed, loosely packed and rough chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 teaspoon salt

METHOD
1. Combine quinoa and water in a medium pot. Cover and bring to a boil on medium; reduce to simmer and cook until water is absorbed and grain is fluffy (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Prep all vegetables and add to a large bowl. When quinoa is finished, combine with vegetables and toss. Finish by adding dressing ingredients directly to the same bowl and mixing well. 

Butternut Squash Risotto | Serves 6-8

Risotto is a favorite but the traditional sort is laden with cream and cheese. This version highlights the butternut squash with the rice taking a backseat. No dairy included, this dish is savory and sweet, also visually impressive and perfect for serving as a main or side. And for health benefits, butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.

INGREDIENTS
1 small butternut squash, peeled and deseeded
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, to coat squash
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, small dice
2 small sprigs fresh rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
2 cups arborio rice
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth, can also use water for lighter flavor
fresh ground pepper, to taste
grated parmesan cheese, optional

METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚.
2. Coat prepped squash in olive oil (1 teaspoon per half) and place face down on baking sheet (best to cover the baking sheet with parchment or tin oil). Cook for 45 minutes or until squash is soft to touch.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium pot, combine oil, garlic and onion. Sauté on medium heat until golden.
4. Add rice, rosemary and salt to the pot and mix well. Then add 2 cups of broth, making sure to stir frequently until liquid is absorbed. Repeat with another 2 cups of broth, then a final 2 cups. Turn off heat.
5. When squash is done, let cool and scoop out small chunks. Mix into risotto. Salt and pepper to taste. Can also add parmesan cheese.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Aioli | Serves 6

A twist on the traditional roasted vegetables, this dish highlights cabbage, a cruciferous powerhouse, creating a comforting side. As for health benefits, not only is cabbage anticancer, but it also is loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

INGREDIENTS
1  head cabbage, cut into 1" thick slices
FOR AIOLI
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, whole
1 cup flat leaf parsley, leaves and stems, loosely packed
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili flakes
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
fresh ground pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese grated, optional

METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 375˚.
2. Cut the bottom of the cabbage and set the flat end on a cutting board. Slice head into 1” thick slices from top to bottom. Place flat on a sheet pan and season with salt and pepper.
3. To prepare the aioli, combine olive oil, garlic, parsley, chipotle and salt in a food processor and puree to reach the consistency of a chunky pesto. Brush on top of cabbage.
4. Generously "paint" the aioli onto each cabbage steak
5. Place pan in oven and bake for 12-15 minutes per side
6. Finish with salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan can be added too

Maple Pecan Chip Cookies | 12 Cookies

End the meal with a touch of sweetness that doesn’t compromise health. These nut based cookies are loaded with wholesome ingredients and will satisfy any sweet tooth. As for health benefits, nuts are rich in healthy fat, protein and fiber and natural sugars, while almonds add healthy fats and protein. Dark chocolate adds antioxidants, making this a guilt-free treat.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups rolled oats, ground to course meal in food processor
2 cups pecans, ground to course meal in food processor
1 cup oat flour
1 cup brown rice flour
3/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup safflower or sunflower oil
4 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚.
2. Add rolled oats and pecans to a food processor and grind to a coarse meal. Add to large bowl with all other ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
3. Form batter into golf ball size balls and press onto oiled cookie sheet until about 1/8" thick. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet before removing (will otherwise crumble)

The holidays don’t have to mean abandoning your commitment to health. With these nutritious, flavorful recipes, you can enjoy festive gatherings without sacrificing your wellbeing. From hearty vegetables to delightful desserts, these dishes provide nutrient-dense options that balance indulgence with nutrition, ensuring you can start the New Year feeling your best.