Recipe: Vegan actress Mayim Bialik shares two super simple side dishes

Mayim Bialik’s been nominated for two Emmys for her role on The Big Bang Theory, but if you were a kid in the ’90s (guilty), she probably has a special place in your heart due to the sheer amazingness of her hats (I mean, acting!) on Blossom.

But beyond her television career, Bialik’s got a lot going on. The mom of two is a trained neuroscientist and has gotten lots of press for her advocacy of the very controversial Attachment Parenting.

She’s also a passionate vegan, and she recently teamed up with pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon to create her first cookbook Mayim’s Vegan Table, which features super simple dishes meant to appeal to the palates of little ones and the time-sensitivities of busy adults. Here, she shares two you can get on the table in a flash. —Sarah Sarway

Maple Mustard Greens

Serves 4

1 bunch Swiss or rainbow chard1 bunch kale1 bunch collard greens1/4 cup Dijon mustard1/4 cup whole-grain mustard1/4 cup maple syrup1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying

1. Clean and dry all the greens. Tear the leaves off the stems into medium-size pieces and place in a large bowl.

2. Mix the mustards and maple syrup in a small bowl. Pour over the greens andtoss to coat. Add the salt and pepper.

3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the greens and sauté. justuntil wilted, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Oven-Baked Parsnip Fries

Serves 4

2 pounds parsnips1/4 cup grapeseed oil1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the tops from the parsnips, then peel and slice into French fry–like strips. Place the oil, salt, and pepper in a medium size bowl. Add the parsnips and toss to coat.

2. Arrange the parsnips in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes, until crisp and starting to brown.

Recipes reprinted courtesy of Da Capo Lifelong Books.

For more information, check out Mayim’s Vegan Table: More Than 100 Great-Tasting and Healthy Recipes from My Family to Yours