Let's talk SIDES!!!

My mama and I had our Thanksgiving dinner this past Sunday (11/23). She did the turkey breast and the dressing, and I did the sides. They turned out to be SO delicious!!! Who says that Thanksgiving side dishes couldn't be healthy???

I wanted to share these with you in case you needed some ideas, so here they are below. Hope you enjoy!!

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Sweet Potatoes and Apples
5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
5 large tart apples, peeled and sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt
one-half teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons sage
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
one-half cup maple syrup
toasted sliced almonds or pecans (optional)

Place half of the sweet potatoes in crock pot. Add one half of the sliced apples on top. In a small bowl, mix all seasonings, and sprinkle half the mixture on top of the apples. Mix maple syrup and butter, and pour half over the layers. Repeat layers. Cover pot and cook on low 6 - 8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Serve sprinkled with almonds or pecans, if using. Makes 10 - 12 servings.

Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale (from Food Network Website)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/spicy-parmesan-green-beans-and-kale-recipe/index.html

Corn Casserole (from Food Network Website)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/corn-casserole-recipe/index.html

Israeli Salad (from Whole Foods Market)
3 tomatoes, cut in half then quartered
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, and sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 scallions, chopped
4 tablespoons italian flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup lemon juice
one half cup extra virgin olive oil

Mix all ingredients together and chill in refrigerator. Serve cold.