Blueberry pancakes, blueberry cobbler, blueberry crisp, blueberry muffins, blueberry smoothie, blueberry scones……I could go on and on for great-tasting ways to use this “just coming into-season” power-packed fruit. They not only give a flavor boost to anything you’re making, but a nutrient-rich boost as well. Just look at these blueberry benefits: *Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. *Good source of fiber *Only 80 calories in one cup *One of the highest antioxidant ...
Super, Simple Salad
Red Onion & Orange Salad over Mixed Greens. Certainly not a new salad concept.....I started making a version of this salad in the late 1970's. Back then I don't think we even had bagged lettuce & greens. And it called for peeling and cutting fresh oranges. But now, my favorite updated version is super-fast and easy, because I toss together bags of Mixed Greens and Romaine Lettuces, top with sliced/diced red onion, sprinkle with a drained can of Mandarin Oranges and a few sliced ...
Stir-fry for Three
One cooking experience + two adults = three meals. Day 1: Cook whole-grain brown rice on the stove-top while you’re cutting, chopping and prepping nutrient-rich vegetables and lean protein-rich chicken breasts. Stir-fry the veggies and chicken in an electric wok. Eat and enjoy. Day 2: Heat and enjoy leftovers for Dinner. Day 3: Heat and enjoy remaining leftovers for Lunch. Only one day of prep and cooking, yet three meals filled with whole-grain goodness and antioxidant-rich vegetables! ...
Steps – and Phone Calls – Make a Difference
When it comes to losing weight or eating more healthfully, every small step adds up to make a big difference. Persistence with small steps means you'll eventually reach your goal. The same analogy applies to membership campaigns for Public Radio, my second passion behind cooking/eating/baking/reading about food. Every phone call – or online pledge – no matter how small, does contribute to the overall financial goal for the Spring Pledge Drive. Like the one going on at WJCT in ...
Two-for-One Special: Oatmeal Raisin & Date Bars
Who doesn’t love a “Two-for-One?” A two-for-one dessert or treat is when you get to savor a satisfying, comforting sweet treat, like cookies, cake, pie, cobbler or candy AND reap the disease-fighting, immune-boosting benefits of nutrient-rich ingredients like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy products. I’d say that’s spending your Treat or Dessert Calories Wisely! Oatmeal Raisin & Date Bars are one of my go-to choices for the fastest and easiest nutrient-rich ...
Blondies with Double Chips & Walnuts
Here’s my idea of pure and simple decadence for that daily treat…..Blondies made with 75% whole wheat flour and extra walnuts - these two ingredients are the nutrient-rich boost, with the flour providing whole-grain nutrients and fiber, and the walnuts a hefty dose of omega-3's. And if you have a chocolate craving, these Blondies fit the bill, since there is an (over)abundance of chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Yes, these Blondies have calories, fat and saturated fat, but they are a ...
Comfort Food Balance: Soup & Biscuits
Aside from being incredibly nutrient-rich, lentil soup is very low fat. So it’s the perfect time to enjoy biscuits, which are typically higher in fat. Lentil soup is so easy to make and unlike other legumes, dry lentils don’t need soaking beforehand. A basic lentil soup recipe (lentils, onions, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes) is done in about 50 minutes. While it simmers, you can whip up a batch of delectable Cheddar Chipotle Biscuits! Many different ingredients complement a basic lentil ...
Running with Scones
That’s right – run with a scone. As in when you’re running out the door first thing in the morning and you haven’t even eaten breakfast yet, grab a scone and keep on running! Eat it along the way or once you get to school or work. Have it with a glass of low-fat milk, a piece of fruit or a glass of 100% fruit juice and you’ve given yourself a nutrient-rich, balanced breakfast. You’ll stay fueled until a mid-morning snack or lunch. Scone benefits: *100% whole grain – from the white whole-wheat ...
Game Day Strategy: Fiber Before Four
Is anyone giving any thought about what they’ll eat BEFORE the big game tomorrow?! After all, most Super Bowl parties don’t begin until 4 pm, and by that time, most of us “should” have eaten breakfast and lunch. No skipping, either. You may “think” avoiding breakfast and lunch will save calories overall, but meal-skippers usually end up eating too many calories. Why? You’re famished, starving, and ravenous when 4 pm rolls around....and end up stuffing yourself, eating far more than if you had ...
Bipartisan Shortbread Bars
After hearing President Obama’s address last week, I decided to make a batch of Bipartisan Shortbread Bars. I felt it was the least I could do to show support for everyone working together to accomplish great things. Besides, this recipe holds personal significance. Flashback January 19, 2009. I was driving and listening to this NPR story on All Things Considered about the Inaugural Dinner. I had to pull over and make a note: GET RECIPE NPR OBAMA BARS. Michelle Obama’s Shortbread Cookies were ...