With Thanksgiving coming up next week, I’ve been considering what to prepare. My son Nate and his wife Megan are graciously hosting Thanksgiving this year in their home. It’s been fun participating in group texts as everyone chimes in to say what dish he or she will contribute to the big family meal.
Even though I won’t be eating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year, I look forward to gathering with family and expressing gratitude for my many blessing, including a healthier me! And I will contribute several plant based sides.
Tonight I tried another recipe from Life Changing Foods by Anthony William. This was a trial run, to see if this simple dish was Thanksgiving worthy!
I used pears and apples, both of which I keep on hand. I sliced two pears and two apples in half, scooped out the seeds, and placed them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I drizzled each piece of fruit with locally produced raw honey, making sure to pool honey in the hollowed out center, and then topped with chopped walnuts. After sprinkling liberally with cinnamon, I popped the pears and apples into a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
This easy dessert smelled wonderful as it baked. The aroma of cinnamon evoked warm memories of the holidays and family time and yummy treats. And yet these treats are healthy without added sugar, dairy products or gluten.
Pears are amazing in aiding the digestive system, from cleansing the liver to soothing the lining of the stomach to helping to prevent pancreatic cancer. They relieve a host of disorders including acid reflux, high cholesterol and intestinal inflammation.
Anthony shares that the pear, gentle, unassuming and quietly beautiful, teaches us that we don’t have to cry out for attention or hold onto resentment if we are not noticed. We, too, can be our true selves and fully own our power without any need for show.
At last I removed the baking sheet from the oven, inhaling deeply. And the verdict?
These baked pears and apples were amazing…fragrant, naturally sweet, with a crunch of toasted walnuts. I had half a pear and half an apple, fresh from the oven. I savored them, appreciating both of these homey fruits that offer so many health benefits, and the warm, rich flavor.
Oh yes, this dish is worthy. I’ll be taking baked apples and pears to Thanksgiving dinner next week!
