Maple-Glazed Rutabaga

Leftover root veggies from the holiday?  Try this simple side dish. Although I made it with rutabaga tonight, you could try it with turnips, parsnips, or carrots as well.  The sweetness of the maple syrup is a lovely contrast to the natural bitterness of rutabaga.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons melted vegan butter
• 7 cups (1/2-inch) peeled and cubed rutabaga
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

1. Combine the maple syrup and butter in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.  Add the rutabaga, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat.  Spread the mixture on a jelly roll pan or baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

2. Bake at 425 degrees for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.  I served these tonight with the vegan pork from Match meats, shaped into "pork chops" and cooked for about 3 minutes on each side in a skillet.  If you haven't already tried Match meats, check out their truly amazing products: www.matchmeats.com

Nutrition Info:
4 servings (1 cup), Calories 153

Tasting Notes:
Perfectly tender, with just the right touch of sweetness from the maple syrup.  This side dish would be equally at home on a busy, casual weeknight as it would be at a more elegant dinner for company.  No complaints on this one.

Rating:
3.5