Moderation is a wonderful thing.

Not only do health experts say it is the key to making — and sticking with — healthy eating choices, it also goes a long way to making the healthy foods we choose more pleasurable.

Sweeteners are one ingredient where moderation can make a big difference. While the massive amount of high-fructose corn syrup consumed by many people isn't a great choice, a more moderate amount of natural sweeteners can be a wonderful complement to a healthy diet.

A bit of maple syrup, for example, can create a wonderfully sweet glaze for roasted poultry or root vegetables. Likewise, maple sugar (a granulated form of the syrup) can be great in a rub for beef or pork.

In this recipe for garlic-maple roasted parsnips, maple syrup creates a deliciously sweet glaze. If parsnips aren't your thing, feel free to substitute carrots, beets or other root vegetables —

Maple-garlic roasted parsnips

2 pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces *(see note)

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons maple syrup, or more to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons granulated maple sugar *(see note)

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the parsnips, garlic, salt, maple syrup and oil. Toss to coat. Arrange the parsnips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes, or until parsnips are tender and starting to brown. During roasting, stir the parsnips every 15 minutes for even browning.

In small bowl, combine black pepper and maple sugar. Sprinkle over parsnips, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes.

*Note • Carrots, beets and other root vegetables can be substituted for parsnips. Maple sugar is a granulated form of the syrup and can be found in specialty stores.

Nutrition information per serving • (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 126 calories; 19 calories from fat (15 percent of total calories); 2 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 6 g fiber; 312 mg sodium.

Servings • 6 to 8

Source: The Associated Press