’Tis the season where we are invited to many holiday parties and crazy schedules. We all know the challenges faced with food during the holidays. Your local Registered Dietitian Nikki Stahr is here to help combat all these temptations and keep our gut feeling jolly!
Adding Pears to your holiday meals can help keep your gut jolly this season! Pears are
packed with fiber One medium-sized pear contains more than 5 grams of fiber—much of
which is found in the skin.
Pears have anti-aging properties which is helpful during the stressful holiday season. Red pears contain a compound called anthocyanin which promotes heart health and anti-aging. Hydration is important especially if you are enjoying the holiday libations. Serve pears as an appetizer to help you and your guests stay hydrated as pears are 84% water. Serve pears with a strong cheese such as gorgonzola and drizzled with honey!
Pro-tip: Store pears in paper bag at room temperature to speed up ripening. Once ripe store in refrigerator.
Holiday Pear’slaw with Orange Vinaigrette
2 Bartlett Pear, julienned
½ small green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup toasted hazelnuts or walnuts, chopped
1/3 lightly sweetened or naturally dried cranberries
3 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Vinaigrette
1 tbsp. orange zest + ¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp pure maple syrup
¼ tsp each sea salt and ground black pepper
Nutrition information:
Serving Size ¾ cup coleslaw, Calories 175, Carbohydrates 19g, Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Fiber 4g, Protein 2g, Sodium 120mg