Hanukkah Recipes & Tips | Healthy Family Project

Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

Jodi Danen, RD — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:11:43 +0000

If you’re searching for a new dish to serve this Spring, Easter, or Sunday supper, look no further. These asparagus puff pastry bundles are easy to make and go fantastic alongside a fresh salad or any main dish.

With the busy season right around the corner, we are trying to whip up some new and easy recipes. I went to an appetizer party last week where we all had to bring a dish. I wanted something elegant but also easy to prepare and easy to cook. I prepped these little Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles at home then baked them when I got to the party. Everyone raved that they were delicious and different!

Kids can help prepare this recipe if you want them to get involved in the kitchen. Puff pastry is easy to work with, so they can roll out and cut it. They can add on the goat cheese and the prepared asparagus and roll them up.

Key Ingredients for these Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

Puff Pastry– generally found in the frozen aisle at the grocery store puff pastry can be used in desserts and appetizers like this recipe!
Asparagus– we used a whole pound of asparagus for these bundles and just cut off the ends. See below for some wonderful facts on asparagus.
Goat Cheese– if you have never had goat cheese it is very creamy and has a very distinct flavor. It is rich and perfect for a savory dish like this one!

What we love about asparagus

Asparagus is loaded with wonderful benefits for our bodies. They are rich in anti-oxidants and are high in fiber. Asparagus is also high in iron, copper, folate, calcium, and even protein. Asparagus is also low in fat and calories which can help aid in losing weight, too!

How to Prepare Asparagus:

Always rinse the asparagus under cold water and snap off the pale woody ends of the asparagus and discard.
If the asparagus is stringy, you can peel away the rough skin from the bottom half of the spears with a vegetable peeler.

For tips on selecting, storing, and prep asparagus, check out our Produce Tips page.

How to make these Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

First make sure to thaw out the puff pastry ahead of time. Place in the fridge overnight or sit out on the counter about 30-45 minutes before you’re ready to use it.

When ready to cook preheat the oven to 350°F.

Then lightly dust a clean surface with some flour. Unroll the puff pastry.

Next use a rolling pin to thin out the pastry until it’s about half as thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into 6 rectangles.

Divide the goat cheese equally in a diagonal on the puff pastry rectangles. Top the cheese with five asparagus spears. Season with salt and pepper (or any other seasonings of choice).

Wrap the ends of puff pastry over top and then brush with the milk.

Then place them in the oven and bake for about 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

Healthy Benefits of Eating Asparagus

Some key benefits of eating asparagus include:

Rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants that may reduce chronic disease risk
High in fiber which promotes healthy digestion
May help regulate blood sugar levels due to fiber and antioxidants
Excellent source of folate, important for cell growth and preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy
Provides vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health
May boost brain health and provide anti-aging benefits from antioxidants

Incorporating asparagus into your diet through recipes like these bundles can be a tasty way to boost your vegetable intake and reap the nutritional perks.

Check these easy and nutritious recipes to try:

Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta with Asparagus

Tomato, Feta & Pesto Puff Pastry Bites

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Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

Turn asparagus into an elegant appetizer or side dish using puff pastry and goat cheese to make these little bundles. Perfect for any holiday celebration!

Course Appetizer, Sides

Keyword appetizer, asparagus, easter, side dish, spring

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 267kcal

Author Jodi Danen

Equipment

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry thawed
2 oz. goat cheese crumbled
30 asparagus spears about 1 lb., ends trimmed
1 Tbsp. milk

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Instructions

First, make sure to thaw out the puff pastry ahead of time. Place in the fridge overnight or sit on the counter for 30-45 minutes before you use it.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Unroll puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to thin out until it’s about half as thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into 6 rectangles.
Divide goat cheese equally in a diagonal on puff pastry rectangles. Top cheese with 5 asparagus spears. Season with salt and pepper.
Wrap ends of puff pastry over top. Brush with milk.
Bake 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.

Nutrition

The post Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Sheet Pan Orange Soy Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Jodi Danen, RD — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 08:00:02 +0000

This healthy Sheet Pan Orange Soy Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables is ready in under 30 minutes. Easy to make and full of flavor, your whole family will love this dinner recipe.

I love making sheet pan dinners! Sheet pan meals are easy to prep and easy to clean up. Which makes dinner time easier, which makes this momma happy! Especially when that sheet pan meal is as delicious as this one…the citrus and soy glaze on this salmon dish is out of this world! You have got to try it!

Do you make salmon at home frequently? I feel like it’s one of those seafood items that you either love or hate. And most of the time when it comes to salmon it’s because people don’t like the smell or the texture. Well, I can’t fix the texture of salmon for you, but I can tell you that quality seafood shouldn’t smell like seafood. So, be sure you are buying your fish and seafood from a store that you trust.

You can prepare this flavorful salmon and roasted veggie dish in no time for an easy weeknight dinner. But it’s “fancy” enough to impress guests!

I definitely recommend making a double batch of the orange-soy glaze to add to your other meals throughout the week. The glaze is also very good on chicken, pork, and your roasted veggies.

Nutrition Tip: Salmon stands out from other fish thanks to its high concentration of omega-3 fats, which are good for the heart and brain. The American Heart Association says kids should eat fish twice a week to get all the great benefits.

Delicious, Fast, and Budget-Friendly: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home

One of the best things about this Orange-Soy Glazed Salmon with Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts recipe is that it delivers restaurant-quality flavor and presentation in less than 30 minutes, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. By cooking at home, you can save money and time without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Eating out at a restaurant can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of drinks, appetizers, and tips. Plus, you often have to wait for a table, wait for your food, and then travel back home. With this recipe, you can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in less time than it would take to drive to your favorite restaurant and place an order.

Not only does this dish save you time and money, but it also allows you to control the quality and freshness of your ingredients. You can choose wild-caught salmon, organic vegetables, and your favorite brand of soy sauce to create a meal that meets your family’s dietary preferences and tastes.

Best of all, this recipe is so easy to prepare that even novice cooks can create an impressive, restaurant-style dish. The simple, flavorful glaze and the hands-off roasting method mean you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal and your company.

With its fast prep time, budget-friendly ingredients, and delicious taste, this Orange-Soy Glazed Salmon with Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts is sure to become a go-to weeknight dinner that your whole family will love.

Orange-Soy Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Sheet pan dinners for the win! Prepare this flavorful salmon and roasted veggie dish in no time for an easy weeknight dinner that will leave your family asking for seconds.

Course Dairy Free, Entree & Main Dishes

Keyword Brussels sprouts, easy dinners, healthy recipes, salmon, soy, sweet potato

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 308kcal

Author Jodi Danen

Ingredients

10 Brussels sprouts quartered
1 large sweet potato peeled, diced
3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed Sunkist® Navel orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1½ pounds salmon fillet cut into 5 individual serving sizes
1 Sunkist® Navel orange sliced

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 450F.
Place Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes onto baking sheet. Drizzle with ½ Tbsp. olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake 5 minutes.
While veggies are baking, combine orange juice, soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, honey, and garlic in small bowl.
Remove veggies from oven and stir. Push to sides to make room for salmon in middle of baking sheet. Add salmon and brush with orange-soy glaze. Place orange slices on top of salmon. Bake additional 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flaky (internal temperature should be 145F).

Nutrition

The post Sheet Pan Orange Soy Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Amanda Keefer — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 17:40:49 +0000

Ready for a classic side dish for the holidays? Green bean casserole gets a vegan makeover with a few easy ingredient swaps.

No condensed soup needed, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Family members who follow a vegan diet can still enjoy this holiday favorite.

This green bean casserole is prepped and ready to pop in the oven in just 10 minutes. Or, it can be assembled ahead of time to save time during your day of holiday prep.

Well it is almost here, the holiday season! We have been busting out some healthier versions of a few classic recipes for your family to enjoy. Roasted Turkey with Citrus & Sage, roasted acorn squash, and mashed sweet potatoes. Yes, just typing these words are making me hungry! Well, I have a few family members that are vegan so I wanted to come up with a classic side dish that they could still enjoy. This Vegan Green Bean Casserole maintains all of the favorite savory flavors but in a vegan friendly dish.

And why wait until Thanksgiving? This green bean casserole is a delicious and nutritious side dish that you can enjoy all year long! Green beans, fresh mushrooms, garlic, and onions all cook together in an Almond milk based sauce! This casserole can be made ahead of time and popped into the oven when ready to serve, too.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

Green beans are a wonderful vegetable to add to your weekly menu. They are loaded with powerful anti-oxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C! They contain high levels of iron, can help protect you from certain heart disease, and are great for our bone health, too. Green beans are also loaded in Vitamin A which is essential for our vision health.

Key Ingredients for this Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Green Beans
Onion
Garlic
Almond Milk
Vegetable Broth
Baby Bella Mushrooms
Crispy Fried Onions

How to Make this Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Make the sauce

First start by heating the oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Then add the onion and garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Next add in the mushrooms, salt, and pepper and let cook for another 3-5 minutes or until browned. Then add in the flour and stir to coat the veggies. Slowly whisk in the vegetable stock and then in the almond milk. Bring to a slow simmer, reduce heat to low and let cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 2: Add green beans and bake

Chop the green beans and add to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish. Top with the fried onions and bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and browned on top.

Serve hot and enjoy!

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Ingredient Substitutions for Vegan Green Bean Casserole

While this Vegan Green Bean Casserole recipe uses common plant-based ingredients, you may need to make substitutions based on availability or dietary restrictions. If you can’t find crispy fried onions, you can make your own by thinly slicing onions, tossing them with a little flour, salt, and oil, and baking until crispy. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If you prefer not to use almond milk, you can use other plant-based milks like soy, cashew, or oat milk. Just keep in mind that each substitution may slightly affect the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Make-Ahead Tips for Vegan Green Bean Casserole

To save time on the day of your meal, you can prepare some components of the Vegan Green Bean Casserole in advance. Cook the green beans and make the mushroom sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, combine the green beans and sauce in a baking dish, top with the fried onions, and bake as directed. If you’re short on oven space, you can also assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 1 day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the colder starting temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Green Bean Casserole

This Vegan Green Bean Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of plant-based main courses. For a holiday meal, serve it alongside a vegan roast, lentil loaf, or stuffed acorn squash. In everyday meals, it complements vegan proteins like baked tofu, tempeh, or seitan. You can also add cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice to make it a more filling one-dish meal. Leftover casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave and enjoyed for lunch or dinner the next day.

The Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Green beans, the star ingredient in this casserole, are an excellent source of nutrients. They are low in calories but high in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full. Green beans are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and minerals like iron and calcium. By using plant-based ingredients like vegetable broth and almond milk, this vegan version of the casserole is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional recipes made with dairy and animal products. However, it’s still relatively high in sodium, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Variations and Add-Ins for Vegan Green Bean Casserole

While this Vegan Green Bean Casserole is delicious as written, there are many ways to customize it to your tastes. For a cheesy flavor, stir in some shredded vegan cheddar or sprinkle it on top before baking. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mushroom sauce. For a crunchy breadcrumb topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with a little oil, salt, and herbs, and sprinkle over the casserole before baking. You can also add other vegetables to the mix, such as sautéed sliced carrots or diced red bell peppers, to boost the flavor and nutrition. Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own!

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole gets a vegan makeover with a few easy ingredient swaps! This festive dish is prepped and ready to pop in the oven in 10 minutes and can be assembled ahead of time to save time during your holiday prep. No need to wait until Thanksgiving – this is a delicious and nutritious main or side dish all year long!

Course Dairy Free, Side Dish, Thanksgiving

Cuisine Vegan

Keyword casserole, green bean, side dish, vegan

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 97kcal

Author Amanda Keefer

Cost $

Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic minced
8 ounce baby Bella mushrooms chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
2 12 oz. bags Pero Family Farms® green beans, cooked according to package directions
1 cup crispy fried onion topping

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F.
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook 3-5 minutes or until browned. Add flour and stir to coat veggies. Slowly whisk in stock, then almond milk. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and let cook 5-7 minutes, or until sauce thickens.
Chop green beans and add to sauce. Stir to coat. Transfer to 8×8-inch baking dish. Top with fried onions and bake in oven 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and browned on top.

Nutrition

More recipes to try:

Holiday Stuffed Turkey & Green Bean Casserole

Plant Based Sausage & Potato Skillet

12 Holiday Green Bean Recipes

Feel great about making this recipe! Not only are you creating something delicious, but you’re also supporting a cause. This post, along with others that feature our amazing brand partners, helps fund donations to Feeding America food banks. In 2023, an estimated 47 million people—about 1 in 7 Americans—faced food insecurity, according to Feeding America. Healthy Family Project has provided 22 million meals through our partnerships since 2014. Your visit helps sustain these donations, and we truly appreciate your support! This recipe was sponsored by Pero Family Farms. All opinions are our own.

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Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots

Amanda Keefer — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 08:00:09 +0000

This simple side dish of roasted potatoes, green beans and carrots is perfect to pair with any protein for dinner. Everything bakes on one sheet pan for quick and easy assembly and clean-up. Prep time is only 10 minutes and this easy side dish ready in under an hour.

Whether you’re looking for a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or any weeknight, this is it!

Here’s how easy this recipe is:

Half the potatoes and peel and cut the carrots.
Toss with oil and seasonings.
Spread out on baking sheet and bake. About halfway through, add your green beans and garlic, give it a toss and continue baking.

These roasted veggies are great to pair with your favorite protein for dinner or packed into individual meals for easy meal prep.

Not sure your family will like the carrots or green beans? Feel free to experiment with other veggies. We love roasted cauliflower, butternut squash, and more. There is just something about roasting vegetables that makes them taste better. At least that’s what my kids say 😉 And I’ll take it!

If you aren’t willing to add the extra veggies in this time around, try these roasted ranch potatoes, the kids are guaranteed to gobble them up.

Why we love this recipe

It’s easy. Plain and simple. I am all about easy meal ideas and easy clean up. Add in the fact that this is a nutritious side dish, that’s a mom win in my book. Want to make a whole sheet pan meal? Check out these quick and easy sheet pan meals.

Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots FAQs

Q: What ingredients do I need for Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots?

A: To make Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots, you will need red potatoes, carrots, olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, pepper, green beans, and garlic.

Q: How long does it take to make Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots?

A: Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots takes about 50 minutes to make, with 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time.

Q: What temperature do you roast the vegetables at for Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots?

A: The vegetables in Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots are roasted at 400°F (200°C).

Health Benefits of Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots

This Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which can help support heart health and digestion. Green beans are low in calories and high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. Carrots are known for their high beta-carotene content, which the body converts into vitamin A to support eye health and immune function. Garlic and thyme also offer various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Overall, this dish provides a balance of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can contribute to a healthy diet.

Best Main Dishes to Pair with Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots

This versatile side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. For a classic comfort food meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or beef. The savory flavors of the meat will complement the slightly sweet and earthy taste of the roasted vegetables. For a vegetarian option, pair the dish with baked tofu or tempeh seasoned with herbs and spices. You could also serve it with grilled fish or shrimp for a lighter meal. This side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, as it can be served alongside ham, prime rib, or turkey. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different protein pairings to find your favorite combination.

Ideas for Customizing Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots

One of the great things about this Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or use up vegetables you have on hand. For example, you could swap out the red potatoes for sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes for a different flavor and texture. You could also add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to the mix. If you’re not a fan of green beans, try substituting Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or bell peppers. For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast over the vegetables before roasting. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, oregano, or smoked paprika, to create your own unique flavor profile.

Tips for Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots, let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 4 days. To reheat, spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness. Leftover roasted vegetables can be used in various ways, such as adding them to salads, omelets, or grain bowls for a quick and healthy meal. You can also blend them into soups or stews for added flavor and nutrition.

Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots

This simple side dish of roasted potatoes, green beans and carrots is perfect to pair with any protein for dinner. Everything bakes on one sheet pan for quick and easy assembly and clean-up. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or any weeknight, this is it!

Course Dairy Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings

Author Amanda Keefer

Ingredients

2 pounds red potatoes halved
3 large carrots peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12- ounce packaged green beans ends trimmed
3 cloves garlic minced

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F.
Mix potatoes, carrots, 1½ Tbsp. oil, thyme, salt and pepper in large bowl. Spread single layer on baking sheet and bake 20 minutes.
Toss green beans, 1½ Tbsp. oil and garlic. Add to baking sheet and toss with potatoes and carrots. Return baking sheet to oven and cook additional 15-20 minutes, or until veggies are tender.

The post Easy Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans and Carrots appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Fun Holiday Snacks for Kids

Trish James — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:43:47 +0000

Discover easy and fun holiday snacks for kids that are festive, delicious, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

Celebrate the holiday season with one (or all!) of these fun, festive holiday snacks for kids! From Grinch Kebobs to Fruit Christmas Trees, they’re the perfect way to celebrate.

These creative treats are not just festive but also packed with healthy ingredients kids will enjoy. Think fresh fruits, vibrant veggies, and a touch of holiday cheer to make snack time fun and nutritious.

Making Memories and Preparing Delicious Holiday Snacks

One of the best parts of creating holiday treats with kids is the memories you’ll make along the way. From assembling silly reindeer sandwiches with peanut butter and pretzels to crafting “Grinchy” green snacks, each snack becomes an opportunity for laughter and creativity. Encourage your kids to personalize their treats—because nothing says holiday spirit like a treat made with love and a little imagination.

One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is to snuggle up with my boys and watch one of the many Christmas specials on TV. We have so many favorites!

Of course, we can’t miss a steaming cup of hot chocolate; it’s the best treat while watching these shows, but my boys also love to create festive snacks to match what we’re watching.

Whether your family is Team Rudolph or Team Grinch, there’s a snack for you. These fun snacks can easily be assembled by kids and enjoyed as a family while watching your favorite holiday movie.

Looking for more healthy treats? Our Peanut Butter Drizzled Popcorn, with green pistachios and red dried cherries, is the perfect way to dress-up popcorn for Christmas.

Don’t forget about a festive snack board too. Here’s are some holiday snack board ideas to add flair to movie night.

Fun Holiday Snacks for Kids

Discover easy and fun holiday snacks for kids that are festive, delicious, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

Grinch Fruit Kabobs

These adorable Grinch fruit kabobs are a fun and healthy holiday snack to make with your kids!

Mini Christmas Tree Pizzas

Move over Christmas cookies, let kids get creative for the holiday season with this fun Christmas tree pizza recipe.

Snowman Fruit Kabobs

Who doesn’t love a fun themed snack for the holidays? These snowman fruit kabobs are perfect for movie night, a holiday party or a fun dessert or snack!

Kiwi Fruit Christmas Tree Platter

This fun Christmas tree fruit platter can’t help but bring a smile to your littles ones faces! Not only will it brighten up your holiday spread, it’s easy to make and delicious to eat!

Fruit Menorah

Celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, with this fun menorah made using fresh fruits and vegetables.

Christmas Snack Platter

The ultimate holiday snack board! This colorful board features the perfect mix of fresh fruit, festive snacks, cheese, and crackers.

Christmas Tree Veggie Tray

Decorations aren’t the only way to make your holiday party festive! Serve this Christmas tree veggie tray for some added holiday spirit and a yummy snack.

Rudolph Grilled Cheese

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose…and it’s a bright red tomato! Pair this yummy grilled cheese with tomato soup for a comforting meal.

Holiday Charcuterie Board

Adds lots of colors, flavors, and textures to your holiday table by assembling this family-size snack board!

Holiday Avocado Toast

Serve an extra special breakfast with this holiday avocado toast! Use pomegranate arils to create a fun shape or let kids create their own.

The post Fun Holiday Snacks for Kids appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Healthier Hanukkah Recipes

Amanda Keefer — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 13:39:58 +0000

Gather your loved ones and celebrate Hanukkah with these healthy and delicious recipes.

Hanukkah 2024 starts at nightfall on December 25, 2024, and ends with nightfall on January 2, 2025, beginning on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasting eight days. There are 8 days full of family, fun, and food! Each evening, families light the menorah, adding one candle per night, accompanied by blessings, prayers, and traditional songs. This meaningful ritual symbolizes hope, perseverance, and the triumph of light over darkness.

In addition to lighting the menorah, Hanukkah is celebrated with delicious food, games, and quality time with loved ones. One of the most popular foods this time of year is potato pancakes or latkes.

Did you know you could switch things up with just about any veggie? From Brussels sprouts to beets, we collected some new takes on this holiday comfort food plus a few other Hanukkah favorites.

Hanukkah recipes

Fruit Menorah from Healthy Family Project
9 Toppings Ideas for Hanukkah Latkes from Healthy Family Project
Roasted Green Beans with Balsamic-Browned Butter from Two Healthy Kitchens
Candied Sweet Potato Latkes from Everyday Maven
Beet Latkes with Horseradish Crème Fraîche from The View from Great Island
Butternut Squash and Apple Latkes from Overtime Cook
Homemade Crispy Millet Pancakes with Smoked Salmon from Cook the Story
Brussels Sprouts Latkes from What Jew Wanna Eat
Confetti Latkes with Harissa Sour Cream from Busy in Brooklyn
Wild Mushroom & Roasted Garlic Latkes from Confident Cook, Hesitant Baker

The post Healthier Hanukkah Recipes appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Fruit Menorah

Trish James — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 17:22:45 +0000

Celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, with this fun menorah made using fresh fruits and vegetables. Use a little bit of yogurt to help the fruit stick to the plate.

What is a Menorah?

A menorah is a candelabra that is used in Jewish homes to hold candles. Each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit until all eight are burning. The menorah is an important symbol of the holiday, which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greeks and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The menorah has been used as a symbol of Judaism for thousands of years. In the Bible, God tells Moses to create a seven-branched candelabra for the Tabernacle, and later, for the Temple in Jerusalem. The seven branches represent the seven days of creation.

The best-known menorah is the nine-branched candelabra that is used during Hanukkah. This recipe is a fun and edible take on the traditional menorah.

Our fruit menorah is also symbolic.

How to make a Fruit Menorah

We used apples as the “candles.” Apples have been a part of the Jewish faith for centuries. The fruit is mentioned in the Bible and is a symbol of life and fertility. In Judaism, the apple is also a symbol of paradise.

The apple is a popular fruit in Jewish culture and is often eaten on holidays and special occasions. Apples are also used in many traditional Jewish recipes.

Blueberries represented the lamps. Blueberries have been a part of the Jewish faith for centuries. In the Talmud, blueberries are one of the seven species of fruits and vegetables that are praised. The Talmud also states that eating blueberries on Shabbat is a mitzvah.

In the Mishnah, blueberries are listed as one of the five fruits that should be eaten on Tu Bishvat, which is considered the New Year for Trees. On this holiday, Jews eat fruit to celebrate the new growth of trees and to give thanks for the food that they have been given.

Blueberries are also a part of the Passover tradition. During this holiday, Jews eat foods that are symbols of spring and new life. Blueberries represent hope and renewal, and they remind us that even in dark times there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

How we made the flames of the Menorah

Carrots make the “flames.” The Jewish faith has a long and rich history, and food plays a significant role in many religious rituals and traditions. Carrots are one of the most commonly used vegetables in Jewish cuisine, and they are often served as part of the Passover meal. Carrots also have a symbolic meaning in the Jewish faith, as they are seen as a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Finally, bananas made the base of the menorah. Bananas are often eaten as a part of the Jewish New Year’s celebrations. The round shape of the fruit is said to symbolize the cyclical nature of life.

Bananas are also eaten during the Passover holiday. According to tradition, eating a banana on Passover is a way of commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.

In addition to being eaten as part of religious ceremonies, bananas are also used in Jewish folk medicine. For example, many people of the Jewish faith believe that eating a banana can help cure a cold.

Recipes can be more than just food. They can be symbolic and have deep meaning. Try this one for Hanukkah and enjoy.

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Fruit Menorah

Celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, with this fun menorah made using fresh fruits and vegetables.

Course Hanukkah

Keyword Apple Pie Snack Bars, apples, bananas, blueberries, carrots, Hanukkah, healthy snack, healthy snacks

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings serving

Calories 384kcal

Author Trish James

Ingredients

1 small banana sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
4 apple slices cut in half
4 carrot slices cut in half

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Arrange banana down center and bottom of plate. Arrange blueberries to represent lamps, apples to represent candles and carrots to represent the flame.

Nutrition

More recipes to try:

9 Toppings Ideas for Hanukkah Latkes

Chocolatey Fruit Skewers

Banana Pancake Puffs

The post Fruit Menorah appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

9 Toppings Ideas for Hanukkah Latkes

Trish James — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:15:55 +0000

Spice up your Hanukkah latke feast with these 9 delicious and nutritious topping ideas. From tangy to savory, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making your latke spread the star of the show.
Top your latkes off with one of these tasty combinations. Mix and match to find your favorite!

Not all of our holiday traditional foods are healthy, but we certainly cannot imagine our celebrations without them. Having a healthy holiday isn’t about depriving ourselves of those comfort, once-a-year foods we love.

Instead, consider incorporating fruits and vegetables into the dishes you serve to create a balanced and delicious meal. Alternatively, if you’re seeking an equally delicious yet slightly healthier version of latkes, this baked recipe features a blend of cauliflower and potatoes along with some cheesy goodness! Try these nine fresh toppings for your Hanukkah latkes this year.

Applesauce & Cinnamon

Opt for no-added-sugar applesauce or make your own to control the sugar content. Although you can make applesauce from any variety, use a sweet apple like Gala to decrease the amount of added sugar needed. Then add a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Peach & Tomato Salsa

This fresh, sweet, and delicious Peach and Tomato salsa finds a new home on top of your potato pancake. It will surely become a favorite topping of your guests, young and old.

Tomato Bruschetta

To sneak even more veggies onto the plate, grate zucchini into your next batch of pancakes. Topped with tomato bruschetta, you’ll be transformed back into your beloved summer garden.

Cream Cheese & Lox

This classic combo is always a favorite. Spread a little cream cheese on top of your latkes and top with a slice of lox (aka smoked salmon). You can even add a sprinkle of green onions or fresh dill.

Goat Cheese & Honey

Creamy goat cheese is make for topping latkes! Add a drizzle of honey, and if you’re feeling adventurous, some thinly sliced pears.

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Whether using homemade or canned cranberry sauce, jazz it up a bit with some fresh orange zest. Yum!

Avocado & Fried Egg

Move over avocado toast! Latkes become a perfect breakfast with a little smashed avocado and topped with a fried (or poached!) egg.

Nut Butter & Sliced Apples

Take a sweeter approach to latkes with a smear of your favorite peanut or nut butter and a few thinly sliced apples.

Greek Yogurt with Dill and Cucumber

Easy to make and a perfect way to brighten up your potato pancake. Mix fresh dill into fat-free Greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice and salt & pepper to taste. Add a few thinly cut cucumber slices for some extra crunch!

Spend time in the kitchen with your family this holiday and enjoy the traditional meals you grew up with. Just remember to add fruits and vegetables to brighten up your dishes!

The post 9 Toppings Ideas for Hanukkah Latkes appeared first on Healthy Family Project.