Audrina's Blog: Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes!

Instead of green bean casserole we will be making green bean vinaigrette.

Serves 8
2 pounds green beans, stem ends trimmed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Directions
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside. Place green beans, stem ends trimmed, in basket. Cover; steam until crisp-tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Plunge beans in ice water. When cool, drain; pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a large bowl. In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake extra-virgin olive oil, white-wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, coarse salt, and ground pepper until thickened and combined. Pour over beans; toss to coat.

Casey is obsessed with blood oranges and ginger! I was super excited when I found this recipe, here's a cranberry relish with ginger.

1 blood orange, unpeeled and preferably organic, scrubbed
2 bags (12 oz. each) fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger

Directions: Cut the blood orange (with its peel on) into 16 chunks and discard any seeds. Working in batches, combine the orange chunks, cranberries, sugar and ginger in a food processor. Pulse to chop finely and evenly, stopping once or twice with each batch to scrape down the sides of the work bowl.

Transfer to a storage container, cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to develop the flavors. Bring to room temperature and stir well before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

I also thought I would fill you guys in on a few survival secrets I've picked up thru the years. First of all, do not starve yourself the day of thanksgiving and then gorge on the feast! Eat sensibly like it's any other day. I prefer to have a little taste of everything instead of piling on the favorites not to mention how happy it makes my mom when I try all of her dishes. The dangerous ingredient is alcohol, when you have a drink or a few you will be far more inclined to eat seconds or thirds! So drink two glasses of water before you even start to pick or sip!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!! :)

xoxo Audrina