Makes 6 servings
Serving size: ¾ cup
Cook time: 15 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Per serving: calories 71; fat 0.5 g; saturated fat 0 g; fiber 5 g; protein 1 g; carbohydrates 17 g; sugar 9 g
Carrots are a holiday staple in my family, so I had to attempt them in the Instant Pot. They were so easy and yummy that I ate the entire batch!
I like using full-size rainbow carrots for this recipe, but if you want to make it easier on yourself (no peeling or cutting), baby carrots work fine.
2 pounds carrots, cut into large chunks
1 cup apple cider, store-bought or homemade
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1. In the Instant Pot, stir together the carrots, cider, chili powder, and salt. Cover and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick-release the pressure. Transfer the carrots to a bowl.
2. Set the pot to “sauté, medium heat” and simmer the sauce, stirring often to keep it from burning, for about 5 minutes, until thickened. Drizzle half of the sauce over the carrots (discard the extra sauce), toss together, and serve.
Keeping It Healthy at a Holiday Gathering
Staying on plan through the holidays can be difficult; here are some quick tips to help you stay on plan and still enjoy Grandma’s famous gravy:
PLATE EQUATION
You can still enjoy your favorite dishes at holiday gatherings. Follow the 50 percent vegetables / 25 percent protein / 25 percent carbohydrates per plate equation.
VEGGIES: Half of your plate should be vegetables. We already know that many vegetable dishes at holiday gatherings are unhealthy and full of empty calories. Bring a dish from this chapter (I highly recommend the Green Beans with Bacon and Dates. Or fill half of your plate with salad—you’ll keep the calories low and won’t feel guilty about dessert.
PROTEIN: I adore turkey—like really, really love it! And guess what?! Most often it’s the protein at a holiday gathering that is lowest in calories and highest in nutrition. Feel confident in putting a big slice of turkey or ham on your plate.
CARBOHYDRATES: Skip the rolls and go for the potatoes! More nutritious, and let’s face it . . . they’re yummier, too. If you need to bring a dish to your gathering, the Scalloped Potatoes are low calorie and impressive.
APPETIZERS, DESSERT, AND DRINKS
I’d like to take this opportunity to quote the great Julia Child: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” No time does this ring truer than at holiday gatherings!
APPETIZERS: Fill up on the veggie tray and pick one splurge. Does someone always bring the best mini quiches, or a dip that’s to die for? Have a little—it’s a party after all.
DESSERT: Don’t deprive yourself of that end-of-the-evening treat—just split it with someone! A couple of bites of pie or cake is usually enough to satisfy, and if you just ate an entire holiday meal, you should already be full.
DRINKS: Start and end with water. When you arrive at the party or gathering, get a glass of water, then have one (just one!) glass of wine or a cocktail. End the evening with more water; this will get all that food moving through your body and help you avoid a food hangover the next day.
My last tip: Don’t take it home! Or maybe take home some turkey or ham . . . but skip the leftovers and you’ll be skipping hundreds of extra calories.