Turkey Day “Trimmings”

[#1]

To me, Thanksgiving is all about the sides. Sure, I love Thanksgiving turkey, but it’s not often that I get the opportunity to eat all of those delicious side dishes in one sitting! Although there are certainly a few family favorite recipes I wouldn’t dream of changing, over the years I’ve tinkered with others to trim fat, sugar and sodium and to boost nutrition, all to raves from dinner guests. Here are some of my best trimming tricks:

• I make my cranberry sauce with about 1/3 to ½ less sugar than called for on the package of cranberries. My friend Mary ups the nutrition ante by cutting back on sugar but adding sweetness by mixing in frozen, thawed blueberries and raspberries for a sweet and tangy three-berry sauce.
  • I use whole-grain bread to make my Grandmother’s stuffing recipe.
  • I cut the fat–but not the flavor– in my mashed potatoes by using Yukon gold potatoes (they have a richer, almost buttery taste compared to other potatoes). This easy Ultimate Mashed Potatoes recipe is one of my favorites. I keep calories and fat in check by using low-fat milk and just 3 tablespoons of butter.

One more tip: if you haven’t tried Safeway’s exclusive 2 hour turkey™ check it out–it’s one of the juiciest turkeys you’ll ever have, ready in just 2 hours!

Do you use any tricks to “trim” Thanksgiving Day fare?

[#2]

You guys are the best!  I love your easy 15min dishes and your ideas for trimming the day, FAB!!

Love safeway and the crew!

[#3]

Thank you!

~Kerry