Lake City-based Hunger Intervention Program (HIP) works to bring food to local families and now seniors through its Healthy HIP Packs Program, meal programs, and by advocating for our hungry neighbors.

Hunger Intervention Program’s new weekly senior meal had a packed house this past Monday.  Fifty-eight seniors joined HIP at the Lake City Community Center for an early Thanksgiving meal.  We heard such rave reviews that we thought we’d share our recipes with everyone, in case you are still trying to figure out what to make for your Thanksgiving dinner.  See below for a couple of the favorites.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to Kaffeeklatsch and Fred Meyer for donating our pumpkin pies and sparkling apple cider.

And remember, all seniors 60 and over are invited to join HIP for Senior Lunch, every Monday 12 – 1 pm.  There is a suggested donation of $3 per meal for seniors 60 and over.  No seniors will be denied a meal because of an inability to donate.

Happy Turkey Day everyone!!

HIP’s Thanksgiving Dinner Selections:
– Cranberry Applesauce
– Mashed Sweet Potatoes
– Roasted Green Beans

Cranberry Applesauce
A great accompaniment to your turkey and perfect on that day after turkey sandwich.
Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples
• 2 cups cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water

Directions

1. Peel and cut apples into large chunks
2. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.  Let cool.
3. Using a potato masher or a spoon, mash the cranberries and apples together to a chunky consistency.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe has a lovely orange flavor that complements and doesn’t overpower the sweet potatoes.
Makes 8-10 servings

• 4 pounds yams, scrubbed clean
• 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (for an extra kick, use fresh ginger)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prick yams with a fork several times, and place on a cooking sheet. Bake at 375° for 1 hour or until soft to the touch.
2. Cool yams slightly; cut in half lengthwise, and scoop flesh into a large bowl.  Add orange juice, and remaining ingredients and mash by hand.  You can also do this in a food processor.
3. Transfer to a metal or glass baking pan.  Bake at 350F until temperature reaches 165F or is warmed through.

Roasted Green Beans
A great alternative to that traditional green bean casserole that lets you actually enjoy the green beans!

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 tablespoons finely chopped lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Toss the green beans in a large baking dish with the oil and onions and season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. (Add 5 more minutes if using frozen green beans)
3. Sprinkle nuts, zest and parsley over the top before serving.