This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.
This fall version of a delicious root vegetable bake is so easy to make and you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. But, even more important than the ease of the ingredient substitutions is what you can do with this bake…
I believe that food is the perfect way to create bonds, relationships, serve others, etc. It’s not just that a person might physically need food, it’s that food offers much more than nourishment to the body, it offers nourishment to the soul.
My mom is a quiet person. She is shy (until you get to know her), but regardless she is genuine. I grew up watching her and my dad silently serve those around them. Most often they did so without the person or family they were serving knowing. I like that. It was never about a show, it was just making sure that they were doing their part to care for those in need. Often I would see my mom slaving in the kitchen and then driving half an hour to take someone a meal, only to turn back around and come straight home. I love how she observes what’s going on around her and then acts accordingly. No one ever has to ask, she just does. I learned at an early age that we always have a moment to give to those around us. I knew that serving others brings joy and peace and that it also helped my family stay balanced. If you are always mindful of others it makes it much more tricky to become selfish and caught up in your own life.
There are two things that you can do to make a difference. The first involves bullying and a special video I want to show, and the second is with Pyrex and what you can do in your own neighborhood.
So, let’s just get into it. My little one has been experiencing bullying at school. Apparently it’s quite bad in the school this year. It makes me angry. It breaks my heart. And it really makes me want to push for a change. I was totally bullied growing up, especially because of my religion. I’ll never forget some of the mean things that kids did and said to me, but I choose to be better because of it, and to make sure that my child wont ever treat others that way.
This video has been everywhere, but I was so proud of this woman for standing up and saying something. Guess what folks, I guarantee that the parents are not doing enough. Sorry, it’s the truth. I believe that bullies come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Yup, trust me, I know an adult bully and I actually feel so sad for her. It’s insecurities that can cause bullying sometimes and it’s so sad. But, it’s taken me a long time to feel sad for the adult bullies.
Children see what you are doing, saying and how you treat others. We cannot be so blind as parents, and adults that we think that until bullying happens to our children we don’t need to bring it up. We must teach everyone, including other adults around us that everyone deserves respect regardless of their differences. EVERYONE DESERVES RESPECT. Period.
Join Me In Standing Up Against Bullies
So, I’m asking that we all make a resolve to talk with our children about bullying. Help them to know that you love them, that they have worth, and that treating others with disrespect is never ok. I realize a lot of us are trying to raise good children, but we live in a day and age that we have to talk about these things early. And may I add, that if you ever witness any bullying please say something. A fellow parent told me about bullying they witnessed last week and the other adults just stood there and IGNORED IT. Not ok. We have to do something.
Observe and Then Act
My second soap box of the day 😉 is about serving. It is far too easy to be blind to what is going on in our neighborhoods, but I guarantee that more is going than you realize. The more we get to know those around us the more that we realize how much everyone is struggling in one way or another. It’s certainly easier to work on everything you are personally struggling with, but I love that my parents taught me that if I am struggling I should look to help others.
So, these pyrex bowls are awesome because you can bake right in them and then they have lids for each bowl that keeps the perfect seal. See if there’s anyone in your neighborhood that has had a long day, could use some extra love or a little service and set out to provide a meal for them.
This meal happens to be a great one because it’s not expensive to make, and you just throw it all together to bake. As you can see in the picture, we made our own plus a second to serve to the neighbors. I know, you’re busy, trust me, so am I, but don’t wait for someone to ask for help, just go and do. I promise you will feel good for doing it, and you never know, you could be the answer to silent prayers.
What Are Root Vegetables?
Root vegetables are the edible parts of plants that grow underground.
They include onions, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, turnips, beets, garlic, fennel, and others.
Are Root Vegetables Good for You?
Many root vegetables are good sources of vitamin C, B and A as well as high levels of health-promoting antioxidants.
These vitamins help the body’s immune system and may help prevent heart disease and cancer.
What Is The Difference Between Kosher Salt and Table Salt?
The biggest difference between kosher salt and table salt is the grain size.
Table salt has been milled to a finer grain.
The flavor is virtually the same.
Root Vegetable Bake
Root Vegetable Bake
This fall version of a delicious root vegetable bake is so easy to make and you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand
Ingredients
- 1 Sweet Potato, A real sweet potato is the shape of a yam, but it has white flesh, peeled and chopped into 1" squares
- 1 Yam, peeled and chopped into 1" squares
- 1 Large Russet Potato, peeled and chopped into 1" squares
- 2 Chicken Breast, chopped into 1" squares
- 1 Onion, peeled and chopped into 1" squares
- 1/2 Butternut Squash, peeled and chopped into 1" squares
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano, chopped, or 2 Teaspoons dried
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, chopped, or 2 Teaspoons dried
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt, more to taste at the end
- 2 teaspoons Pepper, more to taste at the end
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, shopped
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Toss all of the ingredients in a large bowl and place in a large baking dish.1 Sweet Potato, 1 Yam, 1 Large Russet Potato, 2 Chicken Breast, 1 Onion, 1/2 Butternut Squash, 1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano, 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt, 2 teaspoons Pepper, 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, 1 Tablespoon Garlic, 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until all veggies are tender.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*The best part about this dish is you can use whatever veggies you want as well as whatever herbs. I wish I had rosemary and thyme to add)
to reheat: spread vegetables on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil and reheat in a 450 degree oven for 4-5 minutes
I was bullied A LOT in elementary and middle school, and those were the worst years of my life-so much so that I can barely recall most of those years, due to me blocking out the bad memories. I think it is so important to take action against it. All anyone ever told me was “ignore it” or say that it was my fault for drawing attention to myself. Thank you SO MUCH for bringing some more attention to this issue!!
This recipe looks fantastic!! I love Fall and all of the flavors!! Great post about bullying… very poignant as a new mom.
I hate that your sweet girl is being bullied. I experienced it my entire childhood… And even now at times. I talk with my kids all the time about it. It would break my heart if one of them ever treated someone rudely. I hope things change soon…
This recipe looks relish, btw!
I totally loved that newscaster and how she told that punk what's up. I have three daughters and I am always so worried about how sensitive girls are to others rude comments. But the truth is, if they are confident and love themselves then they can stand up to anyone. And it all starts at home, every single day when we help build up our children and love them for all their fun little quirks and goofiness. 🙂
Yes! My 7 year old is very aware of bullying, and we talk about it often. I do have to say his school does a really good job of teaching the kids about all different kinds of bullying.
Great post! I'm so sorry your little one is getting bullied! Ugh! Kids are so mean these days, these parents need to step up and teach their kids how to treat others. Hope things get better soon. xo
I love root vegetables and could have them all winter long 🙂 Great recipe… pinning this one!
Great post! And what a topic to tackle! Very important! 🙂 (thanks for such a good recipe too!)