A Natural Holiday: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole and 5 Great Real Food Holiday Recipes

Image by Glenn Gutierrez

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving 2011 is less than 2 weeks away! 


I'll be honest. My family is most likely going out to eat for Thanksgiving this year! I don't know if we've ever done that, but things have been hectic since my sister just had twins, and my parents are helping to take care of them as well as my nephew. 



I volunteered to host, but my parents insist they would rather go out to a quaint country cafe in the heart of our downtown. And who am I to refuse a free dinner away?! 


But if I were to be cooking this year, I've been gathering some recipes that look super yummy--not to mention healthy! In fact, maybe I'll just use some of these dishes for Christmas this year!



Without further ado, check out these great links:

This overnight sausage breakfast casserole from The Encouraging Home sounds like the perfect  holiday morning meal to me! In fact, this recipe is super similar to the breakfast casserole my mom has made every Christmas morning since...well...for my whole life! Try it. You.won't.be.sorry! Just leave enough room for lunch!

This pumpkin pie casserole from The Purposed Heart looks like it is calling my name--Thanksgiving dinner or not! I absolutely love pumpkin pie and sweet potato casserole is always a nice holiday treat, and this yummy-looking casserole combines them both! 

Image by marioanima

I've tried various versions of homemade mashed potatoes over the years, but my hubby's favorite still stands at the classic potatoes+milk+butter+salt version. Modern Alternative Mama posted this classic recipe for homemade mashed potatoes on her blog a few weeks ago. 

Image by nathanmac87

Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls...need I say more? Except--that version isn't exactly good for you, is it? Thankfully, I've found my version for homemade whole wheat crescent rolls to be just as yummy.

Image by pixelbase

I need to share a secret: I have never cooked a turkey. Whew--OK, now that that's out in the open, I can proceed. The truth is, I'm scared to cook a turkey. BUT, I used to feel the same way about cooking a whole chicken--until I found this great tutorial on how to do it in a crock pot. This recipe for using a crock pot to cook a turkey looks just as easy! 

This naturally-sweetened apple pie from A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa looks like it would be right up my husband's alley. While I prefer pumpkin desserts at Thanksgiving and Christmas, he's an apple pie kind of man. Since we'd be eating the pumpkin pie casserole with dinner, I think I could "sacrifice" a bit and serve this for dessert! 

Image by Glenn Gutierrez

Now, here comes the fun part. You know the traditional cream of mushroom soup/onion-topped green bean casserole? Well, I don't like. Why not? Because I grew up with the following recipe. Not only is it better for you (i.e. no MSG!), but it's also much tastier--in my opinion!

Mom's Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:

• 3 cans or 6 cups (48 oz.) pre-cooked frozen or fresh green beans 
• 1 stick butter 
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups (16 oz.) sour cream OR plain yogurt
• 1 cup bread crumbs (recipe coming!)

Method:

Melt the butter in a large pot on medium heat. Stir in the cheese and continue to stir until melted. Add the sour cream or yogurt and half of bread crumbs to cheese/butter mixture. Blend well and mix with green beans. Place in 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish that is lightly greased. Sprinkle with remaining bread crumbs. 


Bake at 350F for 30 minutes. 


This is SO easy and SO good! Believe me, you will never go back to the traditional version of green bean casserole again! 

What are your favorite holiday dishes? 

Want some more great holiday meal planning ideas? Check out these tips from the Modern Alternative Mama team!

• Real Foods Thanksgiving Leftover Dishes @Creative Christian Mama
• Butternut Apple Bake @Stacy Makes Cents 
• Real Food Dinner Menus @Modern Alternative Mama 
• A Modified Thanksgiving: Feasting with Dietary Restrictions @Christian Mommy Blogger

I'm linking up with:  Made By You Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Monday,  Mouth Watering Monday, Make Your Own Monday,  Growing Home, Creative Juice, Things I Love Thursday, It's a Keeper Thursday, Live Renewed, Menu Plan Monday, Good Cheap Eats
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