'Tis The Season To Be Jolly....

October 1^st, some may consider this to mark the beginning of the fall season, a time filled with the beautiful colors of a changing atmosphere and the end of what sometimes seems to be an endless summer. For those of us who live in “season-less” Miami, however, October 1^st seems to only mark the beginning of the Holiday season; Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years all looming in the near future.

Although this season is without a doubt the “most wonderful time of the year” it is important to use moderation when indulging in the treats associated with these various occasions. Several studies have found that the average American actually gains weight during the months of October, November, and December.

Personally, I love the fall season, mostly because I love food. Lucky for me, two of my all time favorite foods include sweet potatoes and pumpkin. In honor of the holiday spirit, I thought I would give a few tips for treats of these sorts that don’t pack on the pounds:

Alexia Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. These frozen delights can be found in all grocery stores from Publix to Whole Foods in both a spicy and unseasoned flavor. With only 150 calories per serving, these fries come with many healthy benefits. Don’t be fooled by their "french fry" taste, these sweet potato’s are baked.

Whole Food’s Dairy Free Pumpkin Bisque. Only released at the end of October, this delicious soup can be found in the hot section of the prepared foods in the Whole Food’s in Sunset. This creamy tasting bisque leaves nothing to feel guilty about. I am a frequent visitor of Whole Foods during the month of November solely because of this soup (and the occasional pumpkin and cream cheese muffin, everything in moderation right? ).

Dunkin Donuts Sugar Free Pumpkin Coffee.  Only Available from the start of October until the end of the holiday season, Dunkin’s pumpkin coffee is truly addictive. With only 100 calories in the small size, pumpkin coffee (hot or iced) is the perfect pick me up sweet during a long day. Even Starbuck’s does not offer pumpkin flavor in a sugar free version. My advice, take advantage of this option while its available!

Last but certainty not least...

Nestle’s Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Casserole Recipe (see bellow for recipe). For those of you who enjoy baking, or for those of you who enjoy eating and have friends who bake, this is a MUST try. Simply amazing are the only words I really have to describe it. No, it is not healthy for you, but definitely worth the calories of enjoyment. A guilty pleasure to day the least. 

(Makes 18 servings, 1⁄2 cup each)

CASSEROLE

4 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces

1 can (15 ounces) LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1⁄4 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1-teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

TOPPING

½ cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon butter, melted

pinch of salt

½ cup chopped pecans

FOR CASSEROLE:

PLACE potatoes on microwave-safe plate. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Cool slightly; place in large bowl. Add pumpkin, sugar, butter, salt and pepper. With potato masher, smash until lumpy (cut any large pieces of skin into smaller pieces). Add eggs; smash until incorporated. Spoon into 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish.

FOR TOPPING:

COMBINE sugar, flour, butter and salt in small bowl; stir until combined. Sprinkle evenly over casserole; top evenly with nuts.

BAKE for 25 minutes or until golden and heated through. Remove from oven. PREHEAT broiler. Broil casserole for 1 minute or until bubbly and nuts are toasted. Cool for 5 minutes

before serving.

<3 Kyle