Forget the overcooked green beans of your childhood holidays (even if you do miss those fried onion bits sprinkled on top). Huang’s stir-fried recipe preserves all the fresh veggie crunch and adds the tangy kick of rice vinegar.
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon peeled and grated ginger
1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
12 ounces haricots verts or standard green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Toasted sesame oil, for drizzling
Toasted white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds, for garnish
Heat a wok over high heat, and then add the vegetable oil. Add the ginger, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the carrots and green beans, and stir-fry for 2 minutes (adding a splash of water if necessary to facilitate cooking). Season the vegetables with the light soy, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Garnish with a sprinkling of the toasted white and black sesame seeds.

Step away from the marshmallows. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so try offsetting that sweetness with the sizzle of crushed Szechuan peppercorns. This classic holiday side dish gets a totally unexpected makeover with a new mix of spices. (Time saver: You can toast and crush the spices in advance, then sprinkle on your sweet potatoes when it’s time for baking.)
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon whole Szechuan peppercorns
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. In a wok or sauté pan, toast the cumin and Szechuan peppercorns for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to mortar and pestle or spice grinder, and grind. Sprinkle the spices and salt over the sweet potatoes, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet, and roast until tender, 30 minutes.

For full article: Healthy Potluck Recipes Guarenteed To Please Picky Eaters 

Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens. For more information visit www.bestteendiets.org