Counting Down and Lightening Up

Here we are, just a week away from Turkey Day. Are you already full? It's easy to feel that way this time of the year, with the extra "celebrating" we tend to do leading up to the holidays. Baking, cookie exchanging, and dinners with friends and families can make those trips to the gym seem unproductive, though they are still necessary. I decided to lighten up a little this week as we count down to Thanksgiving. Just want to have room for the big day but still experience my favorite seasonal eats. I am so fortunate to have a dad who grows much of my fresh produce. He provided the beautiful romaine and spinach for one of my favorite fall salads. 

Autumn Chicken Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Greens of your choice (I used Romaine lettuce and spinach)

Breast of chicken, cooked and diced

Sliced red onion

Diced red pear or apple

Dried cranberries or golden raisins

Feta cheese

Sugared nuts (had some left - see Nov 11 post for recipe)

Dressing

1/3 cup cider vinegar

3 Tbsp pure maple

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 teas sugar

1/4 teas salt

1/3 cup olive oil

Combine first five ingredients and slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until well blended. 

If salad isn't filling enough for your family and you need to add a little side, here is one of my absolute favorites, Curried Pumpkin Soup, which compliments this salad beautifully. I found a recipe a few years ago and adapted it to suit our own tastes. Here is what I came up with, and it has been a big hit with kids and company. 

Curried Pumpkin Soup

1 large apple, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp all purpose flour

1 teas curry powder

3 cups chicken broth

1 can (15 oz) solid packed pumpkin

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (there are low fat and fat free options)

1 Tbsp honey

1 teas salt

1/4 teas pepper

1/4 teas ground nutmeg

In a large saucepan sauté apples and onions in butter until tender. Stir in flour and curry powder until blended. While whisking, gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened. Add pumpkin, milk, honey, salt, pepper and nutmeg and heat through while stirring. 

Hope you can find a way to keep it simple and light and rest up before the big day. Have a seat and enjoy looking at those fall leaves a few more times while they are still hanging around.