10 Organic Thanksgiving Recipes

It’s the ultimate foodie day: Thanksgiving! But here’s something we’re not thankful for: Many traditional Thanksgiving staples, such as cranberries, green beans, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, rank among the top foods at risk for toxic pesticide residue, according to The Organic Center's new Dietary Risk Index. Make this year’s Thanksgiving your healthiest yet with organic foods, free from pesticides, GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics.

“The only real way to protect your family from [the risk of toxic pesticide residue] is to purchase organic foods, particularly those fruits and vegetables that pose the greatest risk," says The Organic Center board member Sara Snow. “The Dietary Risk Index makes it easy by clearly listing which foods those are.”

Show your love by buying as many organic ingredients as you can and using them in these delectable recipes. “By preparing an organic Thanksgiving, you’ll be providing your family with nutritious food that’s both good for you and for the planet,” says Snow.

Roast Turkey with Sage

A gorgeous centerpiece entree (see full turkey on previous frame). Look for organic and heritage turkeys, which are raised without hormones, antibiotics, or additives. View recipe.

Herbed Bread and Vegetable Stuffing

This vegetable-studded stuffing adds flavor and nutrients to a typically bread-heavy dish. Use organic, sprouted bread for even more texture. View recipe.

Fresh Spinach-Artichoke Baked Dip

Enjoy this lightened version of the classic artichoke dip appetizer—and be sure to use organic spinach. View recipe.

Goat Cheese Tart with Marinated Beets and Arugula

Conventionally grown beets are often genetically modified (GMO); avoid this by buying organic beets for this lovely, light appetizer or starter course. View recipe.

Parsnip and Fennel Puree

It's not Thanksgiving without some version of mashed potatoes! This sophisticated version adds natural sweetness with organic parsnips and fennel. View recipe.

Kibbeh with Apples, Walnuts, and Feta

This vegetarian, Mediterranean-inspired entree will please everyone at the table; you can also make it one day ahead. To avoid rBGH, use organic yogurt for the delicious, dill-infused sauce. View recipe.

Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish

Easy and tangy, this refreshing cranberry relish features organic orange peel for a bright finish. View recipe.

Apple-Cranberry Lattice Pie

Organic apples, an early symbol of the organic movement, combine beautifully with lemon and cranberries in this seasonal dessert. View recipe.

Fig Pie

This novel, savory-sweet dessert features juicy, fresh figs; it's wonderful paired with fresh goat cheese. View recipe.

Cranberry Squash Pie

An Ayurvedic-inspired finale to your organic feast; the ingredients promote peacefulness because they're free of caffeine and strong spices. View recipe.

[via Delicious Living]

Six Yummy Organic Recipes For Your Super Bowl Party

Forget football, the Super Bowl is perhaps the most important snacking event of the year! Chips, dips and finger foods are the way to please your game loving crowd, but you and your guests don’t have to indulge in fatty foods to have a good time. Instead try our 6 yummy organic munchies at your big game party this year -- we promise they'll win big!

HOMEMADE TORTILLA CHIPS

Forget the store bought chips, making your own tortilla chips is fast and easy and allows you to add extra zing with your own spices! Just cut corn tortillas into sixths, and spread on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 6 minutes, then flip. Lightly spray the other side with cooking spray and sprinkle with your favorite dried spices. Try basil, cayenne, rosemary, or just plain sea salt, and bake that side for 6 more minutes. Cool and serve for a hearty crunchy snack!

LOW FAT MEXIDIP

Dip your chips in your own creamy fresh and fat free Mexican inspired dip. Use versatile fat free Greek yogurt, and combine in your food processor with a red pepper, purple onion, bunch of chopped cilantro, can of black beans, dash of balsamic vinegar and cayenne pepper to taste. The dip is creamy, hearty and great for chips, pretzels and fresh veggies.

MEDITERRANEAN SALSA

In case you have some vegans in the house, whip up some fresh salsa with a little flair. Mediterranean salsa is just as fresh and yummy, but olives and basil add a new kick. Finely chop 2 large seeded tomatoes, 1 small jar roasted red peppers, ½ red onion, one bunch fresh basil, ¾ cup Kalamata olives, 1 garlic clove and ½ zucchini or cucumber. Toss with 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, a dash of salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar. Serve with your chips or pita chips.

HOMEMADE HUMMUS PINWHEELS

Hummus is cheap, healthy and easy. Just throw one can of chickpeas, one tablespoon tahini, 3 garlic gloves, a squeeze of lemon and ½ cup water in your food processor, with salt to taste (pepper too if you’d like.) Spread the mixture on whole wheat tortillas, covering the entire wrap, then roll. Slice into 1 inch pieces, and you have a garlicky-good finger food!

EGGPLANT SLIDERS

Sliders are synonymous with sports parties, and the smoky flavor of eggplant meshes well with mini brioche rolls! Choose a small eggplant, and cut into medallions, leaving the skin on. Brush with olive oil  and sprinkle salt and pepper, and bake the medallions for 7 minutes at 400F, then flip and repeat. Lower the heat to 300, and let cook for about 15 minutes (eggplant will be tender). Now get creative- top with goat cheese and roasted red pepper, or cheddar and barbeque sauce! Give your guests a variety and watch them devour!

PARTY CHILI

A Crock Pot not only seals in flavor while slow cooking, but also doubles as your serving dish. Veggie chili practically makes itself. Just dump 1 can organic pealed tomatoes, I can organic black beans and 1 can organic chick peas into the pot. Dice 2 zucchini, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 red pepper and green chilies to taste. Add garlic gloves, oregano, cumin, salt and chili powder to your liking, and let simmer for 4 hours. Serve with bread or chips!

Your guests are sure to be satisfied with your savory treats, and you can pair them with some organic brews, like Peak Organic’s Amber Ale!

[via inhabitat]