As the Holidays approach, most of us are spending more and more time with family and/or friends…eating. Eating a lot! So… be mindful and start making some healthy swaps in your favorite recipes. Healthy swaps don’t mean you lose out on flavor though.

This episode of Meal Prep with Missy & Micah we cook our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. These also go perfect with any special occasion meal AND keep us on track for our goals. OH and they are actually good, we promise!!

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE:
2-1/4 to 2-1/2 pounds Sweet Potatoes, cooked, peeled and mashed (about 4 cups)
1/3 cup Butter, melted (grass-fed butter or Kerrygold preferred) OPTIONAL
2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (Can also sub in Coconut milk if you prefer the flavor)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp. Real Maple Syrup (I sub 0 cal Walden Farms Pancake Syrup and use 2 Tbsp. for flavor, Honey is also an option!)
1 Tbsp. Cinnamon, 1/2 Tbsp. of Nutmeg and 1 tsp. Cloves (Optional! BUT I always add-in more to my liking!!)

TOPPING:
1/2 cup chopped Pecans (not sweetened or candied)
1/2 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
1/4 cup packed Brown Sugar (Add-in more as needed to create a crumble like consistency)
3 tablespoons Butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, syrup and spices. Mix well until smooth and all incorporated. Spread into a greased 1-1/2-qt. casserole. For topping, combine all the ingredients and sprinkle over potatoes just like apple crisp. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or 400° for 18-20min. Heat until internal temp is 160°. 

ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS:
2 pounds Brussel Sprouts
2-3 cloves of Garlic
¾ cup Chopped Pistachios
1 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flake (Add more for spicier dish!)
1-2 tbsp. Olive Oil (1 tbsp. goes a long way FYI)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Peel and half or quarter Brussel sprouts. Crush Pistachios if whole. (Pulse them in a food processor a few times- works like a charm!). Peel, smash (to release the flavor) and dice garlic cloves. Mix all ingredients in large mixing bowl and add-in seasonings. Mix well and place in a baking dish. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or 400° for 10-15min. Heat until brussel sprouts are golden brown.