In our last blog, we discussed the nutrients that are beneficial to maintaining healthy vision. Since Thanksgiving is this week (how?!), we thought we should share a couple of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes for eye health. Prepare to get hungry!

Kale and Apple Salad

Kale and other leafy greens pack a big punch of Vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which are important to maintaining great vision.

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Salad

• 1 large bunch of kale, washed, ribs removed, and chopped finely
• 1/4 cup reduced sugar dried cranberries
• 1 large apple, either Honeycrisp (for sweet fans) or Granny Smith (for tart fans), cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 ounce shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast the almonds or pecans on a foil-lined baking sheet for 5 minutes, or until they start to become fragrant. Watch carefully so that they don’t burn. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

When the toasted nuts are cooling, whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over chopped kale. Stir and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.

When the kale is finished and the pecans/almonds are cool to the touch, stir all the ingredients together. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Vitamin C is highly beneficial to healthy vision. So ditch the canned cranberry sauce and make this easy, flavorful addition instead.

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, washed
• 1 cup freshly squeeze orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 

In a large saucepan, heat all ingredients over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After the mixture begins to boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries will begin to pop (think the sound of bubble wrap). Remove from heat and transfer to a sealed container. The pectin in the cranberries will begin to gel as the mixture cools down.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Thanksgiving recipes for eye health. Remember that items such as turkey, Brussels sprouts, spinach, eggs, and broccoli can also help to keep you thankful for good eyesight.

Happy Thanksgiving from the EyeLASIK team!