Go a Little Nuts With Your Veggies!

We all know we're supposed to eat more veggies--the health benefits are pretty compelling. But still, it can be hard to work them in to the daily diet, especially when we're on the run. So I thought I'd share a few tricks to getting more into the meal plan and onto the platter:

1. Keep a celery and carrot sticks in a container of water (covered) in the refrigerator. You'll always be able to put some in a baggie to munch on when away from home.
2. Eat more soups with veggies added. Easy to do.
3. Collect incredible-tasting veggie recipes--we're more inclined to eat 'em when we know they're going to taste amazing.

That said, consider adding NUTS to your veggie recipes. Cook or bake them in, or just garnish with them. Here are a couple recipes with nuts (almonds specifically) added that are taste-tested by the pickiest of veggie eaters around (my family) and they met with rave reviews:

ALMOND ASPARAGUS (serves 4)
1 lb asparagus
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 C slivered almonds, toasted
salt and pepper

Wash asparagus; cut into 1-inch diagonal slices. Heat butter in skillet; add asparagus and saute 3-4 min. Cover skillet and steam about 2 min. or until tender-crisp. Toss asparagus with lemon juice and almonds; salt and pepper to taste.

CAULIFLOWER PERSILLADE (serves 6)
1 head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), steamed
1 C slivered almonds
2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp minced parsley
1/4 C butter
1 tsp onion flakes
1/2 C chicken broth
1/2 C white wine
1/2 C sour cream
salt and pepper

In medium skillet melt butter and saute almonds until lightly browned; remove with slotted spoon. Stir in flour and parsley; cook 2-3 min. Add broth and wine; bring to a boil and boil 1 min. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and 1/3 C of the almonds. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour over steamed cauliflower; garnish with parsley and remaining almonds.

You can't beat the health benefits of almonds and the extra flavor they add to any dish--especially vegetables. So as we create our menu for next week, let's plan on adding more veggies to the table. Now, do YOU have a vegetable recipe you could share? Please do--we're all in this together, so let's spread the good stuff. And until next time, happy cook'n!