Bringing your own macro-friendly dishes to someone else's holiday meal can sometimes earn you death stares and the occasional rude comment—especially from that relative who has had a bit too much adult hot cocoa. So, why not host your family and friends at your place this year and treat them to traditional holiday fare they won't believe is actually good for them?
Make these four recipes the foundation of this year's holiday feast, and feel good knowing that everyone is eating well.
Slow Cooker Rosemary Fennel Turkey Breast
Rather than spending the morning wrestling with a large bird and making a mess in the kitchen, try the "fix it and forget it" approach. You'll free up your oven for other dishes and minimize cleanup with this slow-cooker staple.
And as a bonus, this turkey cooks on top of a bunch of delicious vegetables, so you'll end up with a built-in side dish! If you've never had veggies that have cooked under meat for hours and hours, well, let me just say these are what we end up fighting for in my house!
Sweet-Potato Casserole With Brown Sugar Pecans
What holiday would be complete without sweet potatoes? Unfortunately, too many sweet potato dishes are sugar-laden and can lead to a dieting disaster. But not this version—it doesn't get much cleaner than this.
Even your relatives expecting the traditional marshmallow-topped casserole will be coming back for seconds.
Warm Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Baby Kale Salad
If you're in need of an easy way to sneak greens into your meal, look no further. This recipe is so easy to make that I often hand it off to a willing guest to take care of. Get ready to hear the ooohs and aaaahs when your guests taste this mouthwatering salad.
Double-Crust Apple Crisp
Aside from tasting heavenly, this double-crust apple crisp will become a holiday staple because it bakes at the same oven temperature (and for nearly the same time) as the sweet-potato casserole. If the opportunity arises, simply bake them together to save on time!
You can also pop it in the oven just as you sit down for dinner; that way, by the time everyone finishes the rest of the meal, they can enjoy a warm, guilt-free dessert.
