Giving Thanks with Recipes from Award-Winning Chef Michel Nischan

By Lisa Gosselin, "Giving Thanks," November/December 2011

Chef Michel Nischan is showing Americans a new, healthier way to celebrate the harvest by making farm-fresh fruits and vegetables accessible, affordable and, thanks to these easy recipes, utterly delectable.

READER'S COMMENT:

"What a fantastic menu. We made everything except the celery root puree. The result was the easiest, most delicious Thanksgiving dinner we've ever had. Nischan has a gift for making recipes that deliver. We've been to the Dressing Room...

Michel Nischan's Thanksgiving Recipes
Michel Nischan’s Roast Turkey with Potato Pan Gravy
Sautéed Mushrooms with Caramelized Shallots
Cornbread Stuffing with Brussels Sprouts & Squash
"Use a Spoon" Chopped Salad
Celery Root Puree
Apple, Pear & Dried Cranberry Crisp

In addition to the Double Value Coupons, Wholesome Wave launched a pilot Fruit and Vegetable Prescription program in Massachusetts, Maine and California this past year whereby doctors can actually prescribe fruits and vegetables to patients in need who are at risk for chronic diseases. The prescription gets redeemed for food vouchers that can then be used to buy fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets.

At home, Nischan’s own cooking is a recipe for health. “I use lots of vegetables and whole grains. I’ve learned a lot about diabetes and cook with foods that are lower on the glycemic index.” Some of Nischan’s Thanksgiving recipes, on the following pages, are a good example. “The celery root puree is much lower on the glycemic index than your typical potato dish,” Nischan points out. And all of his recipes celebrate the harvest. His cornbread stuffing is loaded with vegetables and, for dessert, his easy crisp is full of ripe pears and apples.
It’s a meal worth celebrating.