Happy Thanksgiving weekend everyone!
I went to the grocery store recently, something I actually really enjoy doing (most of the time) because I like finding new things to learn about and try. When I got home, as usual I spread my new stash of colorful delights across my counter top, stepped back and literally thought, "wow! what a bounty!" It was actually the fruits of my labor, (as far as what my work allows me to create and focus on, and then what I choose to spend my income on, I'm THAT kind of farmer).
As a culture, we are so damn lucky to get to choose all the time what andhow we want to eat! Seriously. We really are! So much so that sometimes it can become overwhelming and/or confusing for some people. It's a real privilege that we get to say 'I want this' and 'don't want that,' or even choosing to be a vegetarian or juicing a lot, or whatever it is you are into. I am certainly thankful for those choices, many other cultures aren't quite like that. So, you may as well have some fun with it. Get curious!
I made a "rule" (or really a practice--I don't always like the word 'rule') a long time ago, to pick up one new item (almost) every time I go for a big grocery shop. Often that means grabbing something in the produce section that I have never made before, even if I don't know how to cook it. Then, I get curious about it! (Thank you Google. Thank you cookbooks I forgot I had.) Then I read about how to prepare it and what exactly it is! Try it. Just grab something unfamiliar that you have never cooked (even if that just means an herb, or a type of lettuce you have always just walked past) and let yourself get curious about it!
Psst: Chances are I have a great recipe to share with you, so let me know what you discover.
Regardless, make this time YOUR thanksgiving. Notice what the fruits ofyour labor are. What's your bounty? Sit back and enjoy your creation!
AND BY THE WAY....how fun is it that Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are at the SAME TIME? I'd love to put on a school play with those two stories colliding.....Anyway....how about a fun new recipe along those lines? (FYI- not just for Jews anymore!). Check out my favorite recipe for Latkes below.
And don't forget, you can always email me if you want to add more flare into your own diet! I am TRULY thankful for each and every member of my amazing community this year and I would love nothing more than to offer my support. It's my way of showing my gratitude for you.
With love and appreciation for you all,
-Jessica
Baked Parsnip and Apple Latkes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes about 6-8 latkes
Ingredients
1 cup parsnip, shredded (or try using a sweet potato!)
½ cup apple (skin peeled though I often leave mine on), shredded
¼ cup yellow onion, shredded
1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt works well)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 egg
Coconut or olive oil spray
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Shred the parsnip, apple, and onion. Squeeze out any excess liquid from the shredded ingredients and place them in a large bowl. Add egg, salt and pepper, and mix well.
3. Form the mixture into six balls, and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, then flatten them out. Spray or brush them with coconut oil.
4. Place the tray in the oven on the top shelf for about 30 minutes.
5. Top with the usual applesauce and/or sour cream or some Greek yogurt!
