The Best Baked Veggies

How many times has the phrase, "Eat your vegetables," been uttered at your house?  With these 3 yummy baked veggie recipes, we have a feeling they'll be asking for seconds.

Meatless Monday is all about highlighting yummy meatless recipes, whether it be a one pot supper or several dishes.  Today, we're bringing baked vegetable recipes, that are sure to be a hit.  As baking offers a more nutritious route than frying, many vegetables actually release more disease fighting benefits when they are cooked.  Check out Health.com and HuffingtonPost.CA for some raw vs cooked produce information.  In the meantime, let's get cooking!

Baked Veggie Fries are a great way to make eating your vegetables fun.  Mix up the assortment for an even more nutritious side dish.  A yummy dipping sauce adds another fun twist on this healthier version of fries.

courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids via Design Mom

Crispy oven roasted potatoes can be eaten as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Let the Baking Begin has perfected a simple recipe that requires a little extra cook time to get the right amount of crispness.  If you don't have the full hour they recommend, skip the soaking step after you wash and cut the potatoes.

This next dish will have you scrapping the bowl for sure.  The Gluten Free Goddess (who even gives substitutes if you don't need the dietary restrictions she does) offers a crispy, crunchy top to a savory Zucchini Gratin middle, that is to die for.  The smell from the oven alone will have you drooling.

These savory sides are sure to fill your family's bellies with nutritious and delicious goodness.  Happy Monday!

Meatless Monday Includes Desserts!

So we've never had a dessert with meat in it, which made us think-why not have a Meatless Monday Desserts edition?  It's a great way to kick of the week, if you ask us!

With the tail-end of summer upon us, try using blackberries in this Easy Blackberry Cobbler by Southern Living, to use this juicy seasonal favorite before it's gone.  

Or this fruity favorite, Lemon Loaf Cake, which can be made year round.  They come out so pretty, we want to use this as a cute little gift to neighbors or friends as a thank you.

Not feeling the fruit?  Well look no further than this impending seasonal pick-pecans!  Eatingwell.com has shared three secrets to making the perfect pecan pie, such as swapping the corn syrup for maple syrup.  Check out their recipe and other tips and let us know what you think of their suggestions.

Speaking of switching things up, this next recipe will really kick up that plain, boring bowl of ice-cream.  Try a Cookie Bowl instead!  Coleen from Coleen's Recipes makes her own cookie dough with specific instructions to create a bigger, sturdier bowl.  You can use the store bought dough as well with cupcake pan for a smaller, crispier bowl.

Lastly, we can't have a dessert post without a chocolate dessert...so here it is...and it's dreamy!  Dark Chocolate Double Coconut Cookies.  The name says it all!  This recipe yields a small amount, but these luxe cookies will fill you up.  Not a fan of dark chocolate?  Simply switch out the dark chocolate morsels for another variety and you'll be a happy camper in no time.

Which dessert recipe is your favorite?  Let us know in the comment section below!