Braised Sprouts & Staying Healthy Over Holiday Break

Oh, the rush and bustle of this time of year … sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming!  Isn’t it good to know that in the fresh produce department you can get by with “a little help from your friends” at Pathfinder Produce?  Our Edmeston market at the Village Commons will be open on Thursday, December 22 and again on December 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. to help you get ready for your holiday entertaining and meals.  Fresh … friendly … convenient … that’s Pathfinder Produce! Our Morris Market is taking a little break over the next two weeks, but will reopen in the New Year.  Last Friday, we welcomed Chef Matt Grady from Stagecoach Coffee, who cooked up some delicious veggie-rich dishes.  Next week, our blog will include an interview with Matt, but here’s his recipe for Braised Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower which was just amazing!!!! Braised Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower         Pre-heat oven to 350F.  1 head of cauliflower, trimmed into florets 2-3 lbs. of Brussels sprouts leaves 1 lb. of bacon (optional) 1 medium yellow onion, diced ½ c. water, chicken stock or white wine ½ c. dried cranberries (or fresh) 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced Fresh thyme Salt & pepper to taste  In an oven proof skillet, cook bacon on low heat until it begins to brown, add onion, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts leaves.  Sauté for 3 minutes on medium high heat, stirring often.  Add garlic, thyme and cranberries and sauté for 2 more minutes.  If you are using white wine, add first and reduce the amount by half; then add chicken stock.  Cover with lid or foil, and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.  Stir and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Balsamic Glaze: 1 c. balsamic vinegar 2 T. maple syrup Cook on low heat until volume is reduced by half.  Cool and drizzle on braised Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower before serving. *** With the holidays fast approaching, many schools will be closing for a week (or more!) until after the New Year. If your kids are anything like mine, or if you happen to be a teacher, you have probably had this countdown to the break going for weeks now. If the thought of being cooped up in the house with rambunctious, excited, sugared-up kiddos sounds daunting to you, here are some tips to stay active and healthy during the long, winter days of vacation! Have healthy options during holiday celebrations! The holidays are notorious for sugary treats, savory delicacies, and over-indulging in  general. Including some healthier options will not only help keep those pesky holiday pounds at bay, but it will also mean having healthier leftovers around the house. Leftover cakes, cookies, and candies means that your kids will be eating cakes, cookies, and candies all week long (I know, I just had flashes of my kids bouncing off the walls, too!). Try having fun with it by arranging fruits and veggies into holiday shapes! For a tutorial, click here. Easy At-Home Science Experiments! Too cold to play outside? Kids getting restless? Keep them engaged with some cool science experiments! Take advantage of the freezing temps and try your hand at making frozen ice bubbles. To check it out, click here. Burn some energy! Cabin fever? Get creative and turn the house into an obstacle course! (And why not? The house is going to be a disaster area anyway with the kids home all week, you might as well join in the fun!) To check out some other games and activities that are sure to keep the kids moving, click here. Happy Holidays! Maura (and Lori and Martha) and The Entire Pathfinder Produce Staff