Healthy Holiday Sides

This is my second year of doing healthy holiday side dishes.  It's been fun doing these dishes to help you keep your holiday table a little healthier.  Most of these dishes are simple and easy to prepare.  After all, it's the holidays and something in your life should be simple. 



Since you don't have a lot of time, I'll get right to the recipe.



Braised Winter Squash



Serves 4 to 6.



Ingredients:



2 pounds winter squash, peeled and cubed

2 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon rosemary or sage, optional

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups apple cider or apple juice

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste



Directions:



1.  Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Add rosemary or sage and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.



2.  Add apple cider, salt and black pepper.  Bring to a simmer.



3.  Add squash.  Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  At this point, the squash should have a glazed appearance.  If not, remove the lid and continue to cook for a few minutes.



This recipe will work with any type of winter squash or sweet potatoes.  Winter squash include butternut, acorn, sweet dumpling, and delicata.  Check with your supermarket or farmer's market for selections available in your area.