On the Side

Trying to figure out what to make to serve with a dish is often more time-consuming and frustrating for me then cooking the main dish itself. That's why my favorite dishes are the ones that contain enough veggies in the main dish to make it acceptable for this pediatrician mom to not serve anything else.  These are a few of my favorite side dishes.

Carrots and Dip
Raw Carrots, Celery, or Snap Peas
Fat Free Ranch

I put this first because there is nothing wrong with serving your kids raw veggies with dip. Raw veggies are super healthy so if your kids are difficult about veggies like my PJ just serve your vegetable and after they have tried it, they can "trade" for uncooked veggies if they prefer. 


Brussels Sprouts for People who Hate Brussel Sprouts*
*Except for my children who still hate this*

I love this and could just eat this for dinner. PJ gives it a 2.

1/4 cup of Olive Oil
1/2 of a 4 oz pkg Italian Classics Diced Pancetta
1/4 cup chopped shallots or onions
14 oz shaved brussel sprouts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Apple or Balsamic Vinegar

To shave the brussel sprouts place them in a food processor and pulse or cut thinly with a knife.  

In a pan put 1 tsp olive oil and pancetta until pancetta starts to render its fat. Then add shallots and brussel sprouts.  Cook until just start to soften. Add olive oil and vinegar stirring until brussel sprouts are slightly limp. 

*Based on a Wegman's Recipe for brussel sprouts* 

Hams O' Rotten (AKA Yams Au Gratin)

C absolutely is obsessed with this and is the one who gave it  this awesome name.
He helps make it and always gives it a 10!

2 cups of heavy cream

3 lbs peeled yams

1/2 cup shredded Gruyere

Fresh nutmeg

Salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Layer 1/3 yams in baking dish and sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat layer with 1/3 yams and rest of cheese. Top with remaining yams

In a bowel mix heavy cream, pinch of salt, and some fresh ground nutmeg. Pour cream mixture over top of yams.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes then using a spatula press against top layer to let liquid flow over crust. Bake 30 minutes and repeat. Bake 45 minutes.

*This dish is quite heavy and delicious (and fattening) so I usually serve it with just grilled chicken to balance it out. It also freezes well so double up and freeze some for dinner another night since it takes awhile to cook*

Sweet Potatoes and Applesauce

6 medium sweet potatoes or yams (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
1.5 cups applesauce
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Place sweet potatoes in crock pot. Cover with remaining ingredients and stir. Cook for 6-8 hours on low. 

*Freezes and reheats great so double up and freeze*