As the leaves are falling and the temperatures are getting cooler, we are thinking of the holiday season. As primary care providers at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know that November and December can be challenging months for eating healthy. Our Mid-Missouri health clinics are here to help with a couple of recipes we found that we think you will love! We hope you enjoy making them and want to let you know that we will be sharing more in the next couple of months. So, if you would like to see how eating healthy can be fun and delicious too, keep reading this blog and follow us on social media using the channels below for more health tips and great recipes!
Christmas Bliss Balls
We know it is too early to be talking about Christmas, but these snack bites are WONDERFUL any time of the year, so we didn’t want you to have to wait until December to try them! This recipe will make 25 balls at 55 calories each.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh dates pitted
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nuts of your choice almond, walnuts and pecans all work well
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp coconut butter, or regular butter slightly softened and cubed
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 tbsp desiccated coconut, cocoa, or sprinkles for rolling
Instructions:
- Soak dates and cranberries in a glass or small bowl of warm water for 15 minutes or until soft.
- When the fruits are nice and soft, drain and tip dates into the bowl of a food processor.
- Add the remaining ‘ball’ ingredients to the processor and process until combined (the ‘dough’ will become quite dense and sticky when properly combined).
- Remove mixture from food processor and roll into teaspoon sized balls.
- On separate plates, shake out your desired toppings.
- Roll each ball in your chosen topping before placing on a dinner plate/baking tray/large tupperware container and popping in the fridge.
Source: https://www.healthymummy.com/recipe/christmas-bliss-balls/?
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Even with the cheese and cream, this dish packs so much fiber and nutrition it is still a healthy choice for your family.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed
- 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher Sale
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 & ½ c. whole milk
- ¾ c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 c. heavy cream
- ¾ c. freshly grated Parmesan
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 c. shredded mozzarella
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°. Drizzle cut sides of spaghetti squash with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Place halves cut side down on a large baking sheet. Roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape squash strands into a large bowl. Keep boat halves.
- Meanwhile, make alfredo sauce: Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, 8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest 5 minutes, then slice chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- To same skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add milk and broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and Parmesan and return to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
- To bowl with spaghetti squash strands, add chicken and alfredo sauce and toss together. Divide squash between boat halves and top with mozzarella.
- Bake until warmed through and cheese is melty, 15 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
We Hope You Enjoy!
We hope you love these delicious fiber-filled recipes this fall. As providers of family medical care in Camdenton, Richland, and Osage Beach, we are dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve. We know it is not just what we do, but how we do it that matters. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality health care and that lack of insurance should never be a hindrance to health care. For all your health care needs, Central Ozarks Medical Center is here for you!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
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Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties