Cooking Veggies

I don't mean to toot my own horn but I'm building some confidence in my cooking abilities.  I'm no fancy chef but I feel like I have a handful of meals I can throw together in a minutes notice (assuming I remember to thaw some meat).  And by meals I mean I can cook some meat, make a veggie and voila!  A meal!

I do have some general truths in my kitchen though….

1. If I can't remember the recipe by heart I probably won't make it
2. If I have to measure anything I probably won't make it.
3. If it takes longer then 10 minutes of prep I probably won't make it.  

With that said, I have found that I can put just about any veggie in the oven and turn it into instant yumminess.  I prefer the oven over the grill, steaming, microwave because I love that roasted flavor.  And I like to burn them just a little, don't tell.  Plus, putting these in the oven allows you to turn your attention elsewhere while they cook.  I don't even turn/stir them.  So cook some meat, play with the kids, or take a nap.  Just kidding, don't really take a nap while cooking.  :)

I know there are a thousand ways to cook the vegetables I mention below but these are our go to choices.  They're quick, easy and honestly taste good!

Sweet potatoes in the oven: Put SP in oven at 400 for 35 minutes or until tender.  (Wrap in tin foil for extra goey insides)

Sweet potato fries: Slice raw sweet potatoes into thin fries and place on cookie tin.  Lightly coat with oil of your choice (we use coconut oil spray or EVOO), sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until tender.  For crispier fries try cooking on parchment paper and cooling on a cookie sheet.  I haven't found the secret to crispy fries but this makes them crispier.  Any suggestions?

Brussels Spouts: Chop off stem and slice in half (optional- you can eat the whole, I just like the smaller bites because I'm a volume eater.) Coat lightly with oil of your choice, seasons with salt and pepper.  Bake at 400 for 35-40 minutes or until tender.

Green beans: Snip off stringy ends, coat lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper.  Wrap in tin foil to form little packet and place on grill for  minutes or in oven at 350 until tender.

Spaghetti Squash: Stab squash with fork or knife all over.  Place on cookie sheet in oven at 375 for 30-35 minutes (or until you can easily cut through it).  Cut in half and remove seeds from the middle.  Use a fork to shred the inside of the squash for spaghetti like noodles.  **We usually buy the smallest one possible. Larger sizes may take longer to cook.

And finally, this takes a little bit longer to prepare but my kids loved these baked broccoli bites

Your turn:  Whats your favorite, quick and easy way to cook veggies?