Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that has long, tender, noodle-like flesh that makes a fun alternative to pasta. Winter squash are prized for their abundant B-vitamins, including B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and folate. Their carotenoid content provides antioxidant benefits. Winter squash contains moderate amounts of Omega 3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which plays a role in supporting cognitive function.

Prep

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 medium shallot
  
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 medium beets
• ½ cup cauliflower
• 2 carrots
• ½ cup fresh basil

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds and spread coconut oil over cut sides. Place squash cut sides down in a baking dish and bake 45 minutes or until tender.

Peel and chop shallot, garlic, beets and cauliflower. Chop carrots and basil.

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1½ cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt

Heat coconut oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook until shallot is translucent, stirring frequently. Add beets, carrots, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for a few more minutes.

Add ½ cup broth, coconut milk and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat; use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a countertop blender and puree along with 1 cup broth. Return to pot, add basil and warm for a few more minutes.

Serve
When squash is done, scoop out flesh and fluff with a fork. Divide among plates and drizzle with sauce.

Preparation: 1 hour
Serves: 4

Brussels sprouts have many heath benefits, not the least of which is their abundance of vitamin antioxidants, such as vitamins C and beta-carotene, as well as the antioxidant mineral manganese. Brussels sprouts are also powerful anti-inflammatories, due to the presence of glucosinolates, vitamin K and Omega 3. The anti-inflammatory nature of this dish is further enhanced by the presence of turmeric.

Prep

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
  
• 1 sweet potato
• 4 small shallots
• 1 lemon
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic

Preheat oven to 350°.

Trim and quarter Brussels sprouts. Dice sweet potatoes. Peel and quarter shallots. Slice lemon into thin pinwheels. Stem rosemary and finely chop leaves. Peel and mince garlic.

Bake

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2½ pounds chicken thighs

 
Combine Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, shallots, lemon, 2 tablespoons oil, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon salt and cumin in a large baking dish.

Mash garlic and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt with side of chef’s knife to form a paste. Combine with rosemary, turmeric, thyme, remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper and remaining 2 tablespoon oil. Rub paste over chicken. Nestle chicken in with Brussels sprouts and sweet potato.

Roast, lightly covered with foil, until done, about 20 minutes for bone-in, and 10-12 minutes for boneless.

Serve
Serve chicken with Brussels sprouts and sweet potato.

Preparation: 45 minutes
Serves: 4

White beans, also known as white navy beans, offer numerous health benefits. They are filled with anti-oxidants and are a good source of fiber and protein, and they rank low on the glycemic index. White beans are one of the most concentrated food sources of molybdenum and other trace minerals and are extremely important for good health. Molybdenum is a relatively unknown trace mineral with detoxifying properties. It also aids in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. White beans also provide magnesium. One of my daughter Madeleine’s least favorite foods are sweet potatoes. When she was asked to take a taste in the spirit of supporting my cookbook—she loved this dish and she keeps asking for it!
 
Prep
4 sweet potatoes
4 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup walnuts
2 shallot, diced
2 garlic cloves
1 can or 2 cups cooked white beans
2 bags raw baby spinach
½ lemon
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
 
Preheat oven to 400°F.
 
Coat sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoons coconut oil. Prick with a fork, and bake, uncovered, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
 
Finely chop walnuts and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, set aside. Peel and dice shallot. Peel and mince garlic. Rinse and drain beans. Chop spinach. Juice lemon. In a small dish, combine 3 tablespoons coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg, set aside.
 
Cook
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
¼ cup chicken stock
Himalayan salt
freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoon coconut oil
 
Start the beans about 15 to 20 minutes before the sweet potatoes are done. In a large pot or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and rosemary and cook, stirring, for about a minute. Add the beans and stock, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the spinach, cover the pan, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes or until the spinach is soft. Remove the rosemary sprigs, stir in the lemon juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
 
Serve
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup parmesan or goat cheese (optional)
 
To serve, slice each sweet potato lengthwise and open. Spoon cinnamon mixture on each potato, and then spoon on the beans. Sprinkle shredded coconut, toasted walnuts and cheese, if desired, on top.
 
Preparation: 20 minutes prep; plus 1 hour baking
Serves: 4