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Nutritious and Swift: 3 Kid-Approved Thanksgiving Sides in under 30 Minutes


Modern farm house kitchen, hardwood floors, small aisle.

Hey there, busy moms! Preparing for Thanksgiving with a little one in tow, especially if they’re a preemie, can be a tad overwhelming. But don't you worry, because we’ve got your back! We’ve put together a list of three scrumptious and nutritious side dishes that’ll win over the hearts (and tummies) of both kids and adults. Each recipe is a breeze to make, taking no more than 30 minutes from start to finish.


Sweet Potato Mash with a Hint of Cinnamon: Sweet potatoes are chock-full of goodies like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This mash is super creamy, delicious, and has a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra yum factor.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup of milk (any type will do!)

  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Throw your sweet potatoes into a big pot, cover them with water, and bring it all to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they’re nice and soft.

  2. Drain the potatoes and pop them back into the pot. Toss in the butter, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

  3. Mash everything up until it’s smooth and creamy. Feel free to add more milk to get it just right.

  4. Serve it up warm and watch as it becomes the new family favorite!


Peas and Corn Combo: This dish is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of frozen green peas

  • 1 cup of frozen corn

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (if you’re feeling fancy)

Instructions:

  1. Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over a medium flame.

  2. Toss in the peas and corn, and give them about 5-7 minutes to heat up and get slightly tender.

  3. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. If you’ve got a lemon on hand, go ahead and give it a little squeeze over the top.

  4. Dish it out warm and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Honey-Glazed Baby Carrots: Loaded with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin K, these carrots are a nutritional powerhouse. The honey glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of baby carrots

  • 2 tablespoons of honey

  • 1 tablespoon of butter

  • Salt and a bit of fresh parsley for garnish (totally optional)

Instructions:

  1. Steam the baby carrots until they’re nice and tender, which should take about 10 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, stir in the honey, and mix it all up.

  3. Add the steamed carrots to the skillet and toss them until they’re all coated in that sweet honey glaze.

  4. Sprinkle a little salt and maybe some fresh parsley on top, if you’re up for it.

  5. Serve it warm and watch as these carrots disappear in no time!

There you have it, friends – Thanksgiving just got a whole lot easier and yummier! These quick, nutritious, and downright delicious side dishes are perfect for busy moms who want to put a healthy and tasty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and plates full of goodness. Enjoy!

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