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Ring in the Holidays with Braces-Friendly Recipes

braces-friendly recipe

Looking for a braces-friendly holiday recipe? Look no further! The holiday season has arrived, which means holiday parties are coming up fast. If you or your child just got braces, you may be wondering what you can eat this holiday season. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a few orthodontic-approved recipes that are sure to keep your mouth and your appliances happy.

Texas Hash

If biting into a tough, chewy serving of turkey or ham doesn’t sound appealing with your braces, Texas Hash makes a good alternative with plenty of protein and flavor.

Ingredients

tablespoons olive oil 1 cup diced onion 1 cup diced green bell pepper 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 2 teaspoons kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ cup long grain white rice 2 tablespoons tomato paste ½ teaspoon dry mustard 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice 1 cup water 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional and not shown in our photo

Instructions

Using a skillet with a tight-fitting cover, heat olive oil over medium high. Add onion, peppers, garlic, ground beef, dry mustard, chili powder, salt and pepper. Sauté until ground beef is no longer pink, breaking up beef as you cook. Add rice and cook for two minutes letting rice absorb liquid. Add tomato paste and cook for one minute. Add canned tomatoes with juice, water and Worcestershire sauce. Stir, cover and simmer for 20 minutes covered. After 20 minutes, remove lid and fluff the mixture then serve. If the mixture is to wet, cook for another few minutes with lid off. If you are using the cheese, sprinkle on top for last few minutes of cooking time with lid on.

Slow Cooker Buttery Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a holiday dinner staple. Try livening up your typical mashed potatoes with this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

2 pounds red potatoes, washed and chopped into 2-inch pieces (you don’t need to peel them) 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes) 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh basil 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

Add chopped potatoes to a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2 – 3 hours or on low or 5 – 6 hours on low. When potatoes are cooked and fork-tender, add all remaining ingredients (let the butter melt for a couple of minutes). Use a hand mixer or a masher to mash the potatoes. Serve warm.

Gingerbread Smoothie

To give sore mouths the treat they deserve, try this lightly sweet smoothie.

Ingredients

1 generous cup milk I use unsweetened almond milk 1 teaspoon maple syrup or molasses 1 small chilled apple chopped (use a sweet variety, or swap for a small frozen banana) 1 cup scoop vanilla protein powder or 1/3 vanilla yogurt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Ground cloves 1-2 cups ice Whipped cream or crumbled gingersnaps optional garnishes

Instructions Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Contact Us

If you need any help with what foods to eat while you’re in braces, contact us at any time. On behalf of all of us at Olson Orthodontics, have a happy holiday season!

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