Haroset & Roasted Asparagus from SITC

Happy, healthy holiday recipes

Passover


Haroset, a blend of fruit and nuts symbolizing the mortar used to build pyramids in Egypt, is one of the standard side dishes that you will find on every Passover Seder table. However, even if you aren’t celebrating Passover this year, it’s still a healthy and quick recipe that’s worth a try. Haroset is packed with antioxidants and potassium (from the all natural dates), and vitamin E, magnesium, and omega-3’s (from the walnuts). Try it as an alternative to your post workout peanut butter sandwich or even have it on whole wheat toast for breakfast. You can even try using haroset as a spread for your salmon or chicken dinner. Just spread on top and pop it in the oven. For this recipe, use whole, pitted dates, which have fresher flavor and better texture than packaged, chopped dates. 


Haroset

Serves: 16

Total Time: 15 minutes



Ingredients
•   1 package (13 oz) of pitted pressed dates

•   1 tablespoon canola oil

•   3/8 cup sweet red wine, such as Manischewitz

•   1/2 apple, peeled and diced

•   1/2 tablespoon sugar

•   3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
•   Dash of ground cloves, optional 

•   1/2 cup chopped walnuts



Directions
1. In a pot combine dates and oil, on a low flame until dates melt, about 5-7 minutes

2. Keep mixing and add the rest of the ingredients (except walnuts) 

3. Remove from flame and onto a plate, top with chopped walnuts for decoration


Tips:
1. Look for sweet kosher wine in the ethnic-foods aisle at the supermarket. Grape juice may be used instead.
2. I recommend making this recipe 1 to 2 days prior to serving and refrigerate until serving. This allows more of the flavors to develop.
3. You can buy Galil Pitted Pressed Dates 13 oz online here.

Nutrition Content: Per serving (2 tablespoons) 50 calories, 1.5g fat, 0.2g saturated fat, 6g carbohydrates, 0.3 g fiber, 0.5g protein, 0.6g sodium


—Karen Kattan

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Easter

Although I may be too old to participate in the Easter egg hunts, the chocolate eggs, candy and cakes still beckon me.  I doubt I’m the only one!

Enjoying a sugar fest a few times a year is OK, but be sure to balance out your holiday indulgences with some green veggies! This roasted asparagus goes great with any traditional Easter ham. You many have a hard time getting too excited about veggies when there are so many treats around, but I assure you this recipe has great flavor and is super simple to make. Asparagus is also a great bang for your nutritional buck, providing nutrients such as fiber, potassium and folate for a small number of calories. Another bonus: asparagus contains the amino acid asparagine, which has a mild diuretic effect, making it a great way to help offset the water-retaining effects of any excess salt and sugar. Enjoy!

Roasted Asparagus

Serves: 4

Total Time: 25 minutes



Ingredients 
•    About 14 ounces of asparagus (about 25 spears)
•    1 tablespoon olive oil
•    ½ teaspoon pepper
•    ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. Trim off tough ends of asparagus spears.  Place asparagus in a shallow baking dish or tray and brush olive oil until lightly coated.  Sprinkle with pepper
3. Cook until tender (about 12-18 minutes).
4. Remove from oven and sprinkle on cheese.

Nutrition Facts: Per serving (about 6 spears with cheese), 75 calories, 5 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 4 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4.5 g protein, 115 mg sodium, 208 mg potassium (5.2% daily value), 120 mg calcium (12% daily value) 52 mg folate (13% daily value).


—Lauren Graf, MS, RD