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Easy Weeknight Gnocchi with Vegetables

This is a super easy recipe to whip up on a weeknight that looks and tastes as if it took you all day. It is healthy and satisfying and with one easy alteration can be made vegetarian if you so desire! So, relax, make use of leftover vegetables you have in your fridge, and cuddle up to this delicious and filling meal.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz package of frozen gnocchi (kept frozen until placed on sheet)
  • 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
  • 1-pint cherry tomatoes, whole
  • 1 ½ cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green pepper, cubed
  • ½ yellow onion, slivered
  • 1 ½ cup bacon, chopped (can be withheld if vegetarian)
  • 5 oz package whole basil leaves, torn
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F
  2. Line a large baking sheet with foil
  3. Place the prepared vegetables and frozen gnocchi onto the baking sheet. (*Note: if the pan is overcrowded, feel free to spread it out onto more than one baking sheet as I did. * )
  4. Coat the vegetables with an even layer of olive oil, and add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat evenly.
  5. Place the chopped bacon around the tray on top of the vegetables.
  6. Cut the four tablespoons of butter into ¼ inch cubes and spread it evenly on top of the sheet tray. (This is important. The butter is needed to ensure the gnocchi does not dry out.)
  7. Place the tray or trays into the oven for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are cooked and the bacon is crispy.
  8. Remove from the oven, top with parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Guest Blogger: James Madison Dietetics
Emily Salvaggio

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Cookies

Looking to eat healthier in 2019, but don’t want to give up eating all your favorite sweets? I give you a healthier chocolate peanut cookie recipe to help satisfy your sweet tooth! This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour
½ cup sweet potato (bake a sweet potato, let cool, and then mash)
½ cup natural peanut butter
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
A handful of chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1.     Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
  2.     Place mixture into the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill.
  3.     Preheat the oven to 350.
  4.     Scoop the cookies onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes.
  5.     Let cool and ENJOY!

*Yields approximately 16 cookies

 

Guest Bloggers: James Madison Dietetics
Alexandra Balbontin, Taylor Coleman, Julia Danisewicz, Emily Salvaggio, and Taylor Singleton