Deck the halls with healthy! Just as we add sparkle, color and cheer to decorate for the holidays, we can add the bright colors of fresh produce to holiday menus. When you add fruits and vegetables to snacks, sides and sips you add nutrients important to keep us happy and healthy during the holiday season. And yes, they’re just as fabulous on a holiday spread. And while they may appear fancy, they’re super easy to make!

One of my favorite ingredients to keep on hand in the freezer is a package of puff pastry. Most come with two sheets that you can easily thaw and roll out to create sweet or savory free form tarts. I had blueberries in the freezer too and mixed them up with some fresh diced mango ( already pre-diced in the supermarket) and thought….hmmmm… this would be great with toasted coconut! So here goes.

Basically, you roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to fit the shape of a cookie sheet bake pan. Poke some holes in the bottom ( helps keep it crispy), bend up the edges a bit to create a border, add the fruit or veggie of your choice and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Might be longer for the vegetables.

Now on to the healthy holiday side dishes. OK, we all love the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and super sweet whatever folks add…..but I love butter nut squash with the bright pop of slightly sweet fresh Wonderful Pom Poms pomegranate arils. They’re in season until end of February so perfect for the holiday season. I add the crunch of pistachios that add protein, fiber and healthy fats along with nutty flavor to so many holiday recipes. Did you know that pomegranates are higher in antioxidants than green tea?!

Snacks get a plant powered healthy lift by using sliced cucumber wheels instead of crackers. I topped with herbed cheese spread and then decorated with the sweet tart pop of pomegranate arils and pretty green crunch of pistachios. These were a HUGE hit at holiday parties. You know, people appreciate it when you make a little effort putting out a bite of something that fits into their healthy lifestyle. Sure, I love crackers too but this is delicious let me tell you. They will disappear and you’ll be wondering what to do with the leftover crackers again!!!

Of course, my pal Parker Wallace took it one step further and painted her nails with a pomegranate color, but you will love adding POM 100% pomegranate juice to so many cocktails and ‘mocktails’ this holiday season and beyond.