Roasted Parsnips and Sweet Potatoes

I saw some parsnips at the store, and since I've never tried them before, decided to give them a try. Parsnips are a relative of the carrot, but have a different nutritional profile. High in potassium, B vitamins, folic acid, niacin, and fiber, parsnips have a rich, sweet and slightly spicy taste. They work well in soups and stews, but I decided to roast them with sweet potatoes for a simple, nutritious dish. I was blown away by the tasty complexity of parsnips, much more exciting than carrots. I urge you to give this winter veggie a try.

Recipe and photos after the jump.
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Roasted Curried Cauliflower

Yum! This dish is a spicy exotic take on traditional cauliflower. Roasting brings out natural sweetness and the curry adds some serious heat. Curry powder is complex, delicious and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Try this quick and easy side dish tonight.

Full recipe and photos after the jump.
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Superfood Facts: Cauliflower

I have never been a huge fan of cauliflower, but I promised my Grandma that I would make some recipes and give it a try. So, I decided to do some research and it is one powerful food! It is a member of the cruciferous veggie family, which makes it a cousin to my favorites, brussels sprouts and kale and is packed with cancer fighting nutrients! Grown in Italy and Turkey since 600 BC, it is now grown and enjoyed all over the world. Keep an eye out for some cauliflower recipes in the next few days.

Cauliflower health facts after the jump.
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Black Bean Brownies with Ricotta Swirl

Sorry for the lack of posting recently, I just got back from a fabulous weekend visiting family in Texas. While there, I had the opportunity to work on developing this tasty brownie recipe. Made with black beans, agave nectar and ricotta, these brownies are a far healthier version of this traditional treat. The best part? They are so tasty and chewy, you can't even tell they are made with beans! These brownies passed the ultimate taste test. My 6 year old cousin Nick loved them and couldn't tell the difference. Don't let the beans scare you, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a delicious treat filled with fiber and protein. Ricotta mixed with a bit of agave and vanilla extract is a lighter alternative to cream cheese. I used agave nectar, but feel free to try raw sugar, splenda, honey, or brown rice syrup. These are a work in progress, so let me know how you make your version!

Full recipe and photos after the jump!
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