Trim the treats for healthier holidays

I had the opportunity to share some holiday cheer on Fox 19 this morning (no, not champagne- just some simple swaps for healthier holidays). Check out the replay! http://www.fox19.com/clip/11978252/eat-this-not-that-holiday-swapBelow is one of my favorite recipes for sweet potatoes as well as a simple, seasonal salad you'll love to share at your next feast.Ginger Mashed Sweet PotatoesThis delicious recipe can take the place of typical sweet potato casserole, which lets’ face it- is really dessert! Cinnamon and orange juice enhances the flavor of sweet potatoes without adding fat and the ginger compliments the potatoes beautifully.Ingredients4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed1 ½ cups orange juice1 tsp. ground cinnamon1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger or 2 tsp. minced ginger (squeeze type)¼ cup pecans or walnuts (optional)Directions1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot until soft.2. Drain the potatoes and add orange juice, cinnamon, ginger.3. Mash the potatoes until soft with a ricer or hand mixer.4. Serve with chopped pecans or walnutsMakes 8 (1/2 cup) servings. Nutrition facts per serving: 120 calories, 2.5 gm fat, 22 gm carbohydrate, 3 gm fiber,2.5 gm protein, 0 mg cholesterol, 7 mg sodiumSpinach, Apple & Cherry SaladSpinach should be eaten on a more regular basis in my opinion! It’s an excellent source of beta-carotene, folate and potassium and a decent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Pair these greens with tart apples, plump dried cherries, bleu cheese and balsamic dressing and your taste buds will celebrate!IngredientsSalad Dressing1 bag of fresh spinach ½ cup olive oil½ cup dried cherries ¼ cup balsamic vinegar¼ cup red onion 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard1 Granny smith apple- cut into cubes ½ tsp. salt1 Tbsp. bleu cheese crumblesDirections1. Place salad ingredients in a bowl and chill.2. Whisk ingredients for dressing and dress salad before serving.Makes 6 salads. Nutrition facts per serving: 216 calories, 13 gm fat, 8.7 gm carbohydrate, 3 gm fiber, 3 gm protein, 1 mg cholesterol, 272 mg sodium.