The Hometown Treasure November 2013 | Page 9

Smart Choices by Connie Lehman, Registered Dietitian at Topeka Pharmacy Ask Your Dietician - Your Food Expert M any colorful and flavorful fall vegetables are in local farmers markets, road-side stands and grocery stores right now, like butternut squash, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Don’t miss out on the rich sources of health and delicious taste of these deeply colored foods. Squash and pumpkin are technically fruits and sweet potatoes are a root vegetable, but they are all packed with nutrition: beta-carotene, vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. These nutrients protect our health and keep us feeling good! Try the easy and tasty recipes following to get started enjoying the fruits of the season! PUMPKIN PIE OATMEAL Serves 1 1 tsp brown sugar ¼ c pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin 1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice 8 oz water ½ c quick oats Whisk together pumpkin, brown sugar and spice. Stir in water and oats. Simmer on the stove 2 minutes or Microwave on high 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Cooking times will vary by microwave. Store the remaining pumpkin in the refrigerator for another time! Sponsored by 260-593-2252 • 101 N Main. St. • Topeka, IN CINNAMON BAKED BUTTER NUT SQUASH Serves 6 1 butternut squash 1 Tbsp butter, melted 1 tsp cinnamon Preheat oven to 350?. Cut squash in half and scoop out all seeds with spoon. Line a baking dish with foil. Place squash cut side down. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn squash over. Brush melted butter over both pieces. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake f or 30 more minutes or until fork-tender. ROASTED FALL VEGETABLES Roasting brings out the sweetness of the vegetables. Serves 6 Cut into 1½” cubes: 1 medium sweet potato, peeled 3 carrots, peeled 4 small red potatoes, cleaned 1 onion, peeled Toss all together with 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and spread single layer on a greased baking sheet. Roast in 425? oven for 40-50 minutes until fork-tender and browned, turning vegetables over with spatula halfway through. Do you have healthy eating tips or recipes to share? Questions about diabetes? Send your tips & questions and we may use them for a future column. Send to: Topeka Pharmacy, PO Box 157, Topeka, IN 46571; email: connie@ topekapharmacy.net facebook: Topeka Pharmacy November ‘13 · The Hometown Treasure Now Open Hanging Baskets • Trees & Shrubs Annuals/Perennials Delivery Available Bulk/Bag Mulch • Cocoa Bean Mulch Fertilizers • Landscape Stone • Topsoil Retaining Wall Blocks & Pavers 30% Off all fruit trees Nice selection of shade trees Pumpkins • Mums 700 S 900 W • Topeka, IN • 260.593.3003 11930 W 250 N • Middlebury, IN • 574.825.8873 Hours: M-F 9 am - 5 pm, Sat. 8 am - 1 p.m. Phone 260.768.7043 • Fax 260.768.7085 24 Hour Service 260.463.1404 Ryan Miller • Glen Miller Monday - Friday 8-5 • Saturday 8-1 7965W 050N • Suite 1 • Shipshewana, IN 46565 ½ mile south of US 20 on the left hand side in the old Double Eagle Building New & Used Tires Major Brand Tires Off Brand Tires • Flat Repairs Custom Wheels • Trailer Wheels Brakes • Oil Changes Suspension • Ball Joints Tranny Flushes • Much More We do tires for: Semis • Trucks SUVs • Farm Equipment • Etc. 9