Election Night. My husband Jeff and I watch the election results while enjoying chili and cornbread, usually my Hearty Big Beef Chili. But these unusual times call for a break from tradition. So I'm making my Caribbean Chili. (Doesn't that blue bowl really make the chili pop?) While anxiously watching the election results, we'll think of the blue waves near the Caribbean Islands. Blue waves that make us feel more calm and secure. Blue waves capped with decorum and decency. Blue waves that ...
Pizza Sloppy Joes
Family meals. You want them fast. And healthy. I've got you covered with this easy and nutrient-rich Pizza Sloppy Joe dish, because it's an easy stove-top skillet recipe. Choose a really lean ground beef in this recipe so you can save some calories and fat grams for those mini pepperoni slices! Perfect example of balance, by the way. It's packed with onion, garlic, green pepper and pizza sauce, which ALL count as vegetables. Serve on whole-wheat hamburger buns, and everyone enjoys a ...
Pizza Hummus
Dive into a bowl of Pizza Hummus if you're trying to eat more vegetables. And who isn't? From moms and dads trying to get their kids - and themselves - to eat more nutrient-rich vegetables, it's time for a family-friendly solution. Pizza Hummus is one of the easiest ways to "eat more vegetables" because hummus counts as a vegetable. That's right. It's made from garbanzo beans, a vegetable. And my Pizza Hummus has even more vegetables, since it includes sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. ...
Very Veggie Pizza Pasta Salad
I had no idea this pizza-inspired pasta salad loaded with vegetables would be so popular. But it was a hit with the Fox 59 Morning News production crew. They enjoyed it after one of my segments...even coming back for seconds! This big-batch recipe perfect for picnics, potlucks and parties is loaded with nutrient-rich vegetables and whole-grain goodness. This dish features mushrooms, bell peppers, artichokes hearts, onion and tomatoes. All these vegetables are fairly low ...
Peachy Pork and Beef Tacos
Peachy Pork and Beef Tacos for the win! Three reasons to serve these festive tacos at every tailgate party. Easy to make. The beef, pork chorizo and peach mixture comes together fast and easy at home. Minimal chopping, as only those nutrient-rich peaches need to be chopped. So easy. Then all ingredients are cooked stove top in your favorite big skillet. No fuss. Easy to transport - and keep food safe. Once the mixture is made at home, just plop in your Colts crock pot and keep them warm ...
Smoky Chipotle Deviled Eggs
Perfectly portable picnic foods. Deviled eggs rank right up there with potato salad, baked beans and coleslaw for the most all-American picnic food. Probably because they're fairly easy to make and look so festive. Plus, you can customize them with number of unique ingredients. Like my Smoky Chipotle Deviled Eggs. So far I've converted one non-deviled egg eater with this creamy, smoky and bacon-studded version of classic deviled eggs. The convert is my husband Jeff, who will pack in 4 or 5 ...
Asian Sweet and Sour Bean Salad
Benefit #1. You can make this salad in less than 15 minutes. Nutrient-rich canned and frozen vegetables are combined with fresh chopped red onion and tossed with a simple rice wine/oil vinaigrette. Benefit #2. Big batch means it'll feed growing kids, teens plus Mom and Dad for several days. At home, work or in packed lunches. Benefit #3. Easy way to eat more vegetables! It's filled with all the right nutrients to keep everyone healthy: protein, fiber and dozens of immune-boosting vitamins, ...
Healthy Hot Dog Toppings
Curious how a dietitian enjoys hot dogs? Three ways: 1. Fruit and vegetable toppings. 2. Whole wheat hot dog buns. 3. Grilled outside for that "ballpark" flavor. That’s right. I balance these mouth-watering summer favorites with plenty of nutrient-rich ingredients. I celebrate their goodness and great taste without a second of stress about sodium, fat or calories. Summer just isn't summer without my favorite all-beef hot dogs on the grill! So let’s celebrate! 1. Protein provider. My ...
Lemonade Pie on Pi Day
Pi(e) Day. Instead of focusing on this frigid Indiana weather, I’m pondering pie. After all it’s Pi Day. I’m thinking a pie that’s easy, fast and not fussy. Minimal ingredients. Something that remind me spring is around the corner and summer (hot, humid days) will be here soon. A no-bake pie fits the bill, like my Lemonade No Bake Cream Pie. This light and fluffy pie is the absolute best remedy to create fast, easy and flavorful summertime desserts without even turning on the oven. Today ...
Celebrate with Hot Reuben Dip
Whether it's for a St. Patrick's Day or March Madness party, you'll score with guests when you serve my Hot Reuben Dip. So with both luck of the Irish and March Madness spirit, I'll explain why this is a winning dish at your next gathering. Three point play: party foods that are easy to make, taste great and please even the pickiest fan. Rebound: with my Hot Reuben Dip. Half court defense and offensive: soften cream cheese on the counter for about 30 minutes. Shred Swiss cheese (or open ...