[ RECREATION ]
Merry Meals
BIANCA GILLETT , DIRECTOR OF FITNESS AND RECREATION AT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB , REVEALS HOW TO CRAFT A HEALTHY DINNER FOR THE HOLIDAYS .
BY ASHLEY RYAN
ZARZAMORA / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
1 teaspoon paprika 1 / 3 cup olive oil 1 lemon , juiced 3 stalks celery , chopped 1 yellow onion , chopped 1 / 2 cup chicken broth
Preheat the oven to 425 F . Combine cranberries , brown sugar and half of the white wine vinegar in a small bowl , then set aside . Rub garlic on both sides of each piece of chicken , then season with salt , pepper , rosemary and paprika . In a large bowl , combine olive oil ( save 1 tablespoon for later ), lemon juice and the rest of the white wine vinegar . Add the chicken , celery , onion and juiced lemon halves . Mix everything together with your hands , then set aside to marinate . In a skillet , heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil to medium-high heat , then brown chicken for 5 minutes ; flip and repeat . Place chicken , ingredients and liquid from marinade bowl in a large baking dish . Add chicken broth and sugared cranberries . Bake for 35 to 40 minutes , then serve .
During the wintertime , it can be hard to keep up with healthy eating habits . After all , hearty comfort foods fill tables in the colder months and delectable desserts always follow — especially during the holidays .
“ It is easy to let the wheels fall off during the holiday season ,” says Bianca Gillett , director of fitness and recreation at Newport Beach Country Club . “ And it can become a slippery slope very fast to where most people find themselves in a bad spot come January for their New Year ’ s resolutions .”
Instead , Gillett says , making healthier choices will help you feel good about yourself and your body — while still enjoying some of your favorite dishes . “ It ’ s all fun and games until your pants don ’ t fit anymore ,” she adds . “ I am not saying to not treat yourself , but let ’ s focus on being intentional and finding some balance during the holiday season , so we don ’ t end up hating … [ ourselves ] in the new year .”
As you curate your holiday menus this December , consider these recipes , recommended by Gillett , to maintain healthy habits and keep you feeling your best .
BAKED CRANBERRY CHICKEN Yield : 6 servings 2 cups cranberries 1 / 3 cup brown sugar 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar 6 pieces bone-in chicken 8 cloves garlic , minced Salt Pepper 1 1 / 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary , chopped
SCALLOPED POTATOES Yield : 8 servings 5 large potatoes , peeled and sliced 3 / 4 cup onion , chopped 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 3 / 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 3 / 4 teaspoon salt 1 / 8 teaspoon black pepper Parsley ( optional )
Preheat oven to 350 F . Grease a large baking dish , then layer potatoes and onion within , making sure the top layer is potatoes . In a small pot , heat olive oil over medium heat . Fold in cornstarch until smooth . Add chicken broth , mayonnaise , salt and pepper . Stir until thick . Pour the mixture over potatoes . Sprinkle with parsley ( optional ). Bake for 50 to 55 minutes , then serve .
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