Thanksgiving is almost here! Any last minute cooking ideas? If you’re in need, here is a healthier side dish that you can make, and everyone will enjoy! We added on maple syrup as an optional ingredient for those of you who can’t help but cheat on Thanksgiving (no judgement, I am one of them). Might as well cheat in the healthiest way possible right?!?! This is also an awesome recipe to enjoy anyday.  
butternut squash, roasted brussel sprouts photo credit: Julia's Album
  Ingredients: Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
  • 3 cups Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed, yellow leaves removed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  Roasted Butternut Squash:
  • 1large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  Other Ingredients:
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 2-4 tablespoons natural maple syrup (***optional)
  Instructions: Roasted Brussels sprouts:
  • Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease the foil-lined baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Slice all Brussels sprouts in half. In a medium bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and toss to combine. Place onto a foil-lined baking sheet, cut side down, and roast in the oven at 400 F for about 20-25 minutes. During the last 5-10 minutes of roasting, turn them over for even browning, the cut sides should be nicely and partially charred but not blackened (see my photos).
  Roasted butternut squash:
  • Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease the foil-lined baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. In a medium bowl, combine cubed butternut squash (peeled and seeded),1 tablespoon of olive oil, and cinnamon, and toss to mix. Place butternut squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through baking, until softened.
  Put it together:
  • In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, pecans, and cranberries, and mix to combine. Add in the maple syrup if you need a little sweetness.