January 18, 2016

  
Weekends are great, right? Even though I’m retired, Saturday and Sunday are still the main attraction! That’s when parties are scheduled, eating out with friends is more likely and – in my house – football playoffs happen…Lots of time in front of the television, eating badly. All that healthy eating during the preceding week must balance it out. At least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 

Meanwhile, I have a slight case of Monday morning regret. To remedy that, I’m starting my day with one of the great ideas that I received in response to last week’s blog about breakfast! You guys rock! And maybe a nice big salad for lunch! But best of all, I am oven roasting some of my favorite vegetables! This is something I love to do early on the week because they can be enjoyed as a side dish or in a wrap in the days that follow. My favorites are asparagus, butternut squash, red bell peppers, vidalia or red onions and portobello mushrooms. But you can use almost any veggie – Tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, zucchini…. Easy peasy!
Roasted Vegetables 

Preheat oven to 425.

Prepare veggies – peel squash, remove seeds from peppers, trim ends of asparagus, cut into smaller pieces of desired.

Spray a cookie sheet with PAM or other vegetable spray.
Spread veggies in a single layer. (I try to place them according to cook time. For example, asparagus roasts pretty quickly and doesn’t need to be turned, while butternut squash takes longer and needs to be turned for uniform roasting.

Roast until done.

Optional: You can drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, minced garlic or other spices. (But I like them just the way they are – roasting brings out the natural flavors and sweetness!)

You’ll have to watch them and experiment the first time. I like to let the peppers and squash char a bit before turning them over — after maybe 15 minutes. And I also spray the tips of the asparagus a little so they don’t dry out. And my bottom wrack roasted faster than the top.
The results are some beautiful and healthy side dishes for the next few days! Mix and match them! Reheat in the microwave. I like to use them in a wrap with a slice of (reduced fat) cheese melted over them. Delicious!!!

Happy, Healthy Monday!!