I'm headed to the Indiana State Fair for the first of five cooking demonstrations. Today's topic: The Dietitian Does Dessert and Kid-Friendly Treats. I'll be showcasing four of my favorites. Several of these, like the clusters, trail mix and dip, are super easy and the kids can make themselves or help you. Get them involved....and they'll be more inclined to enjoy these nutrient-rich treats! Decadent Chocolate Fruit & Nut Clusters 1 bag (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips 1½ cups dried ...
Football Strategy for Winning Weeknight Meals
Game Plan: Create nutrient-rich - and tasty - family meals. Defensive Strategy: Tackle tasteless foods before they end up off-sides….and off the plate for Mom, Dad and the kids. From entrees and side-dishes, salads and desserts, nothing can be so low in fat or seasonings that it lacks the MVP of family meals: great flavor! Offensive Strategy: Half your Plate Fruits and Vegetables. Increase/add nutrient-rich ingredients in every dish if possible, too. Serve whole grains and lean proteins like ...
ABC’s of Treats, Sweets & Desserts – Creative Back to School Lunches Part 3
A = Attitude. What’s your attitude about sweets and treats as a Mom or Dad? I’m hoping it’s a healthy one, which in my opinion means never saying these foods are off-limits, “bad” or “junk.” You realize and respect that some foods contain more nutrients than others, and some foods are meant to be enjoyed regardless of their nutrient value. So, you model this all-inclusive attitude as a parent, and by doing so, teach your kids how to have “healthy respect” for ALL foods. Treats, sweets and ...
Desserts for Dad: Indulgence + Perks
Treat Dad to a homemade dessert on his special day, like Blueberry Crisp, Strawberry Shortcake or Blondies with Double Chips & Walnuts. These desserts may be indulgent, but they also offer Dad a few healthy perks, too. Fiber-rich blueberries are filled with antioxidants to boost immunity, strawberries contain powerful antioxidants for brain and heart protection plus fight cancer, and the walnuts pack a punch of plant-based omega-3 fats for heart and brain benefits. All three desserts are ...
Thanksgiving Favorites
I’m not one to tamper with tradition too much when it comes to holiday foods. Stuffing still needs to be made with white bread/stuffing mix, mashed potatoes still need butter and maybe even cream cheese and sour cream, and pumpkin pie needs a pastry crust. But with just a few minor tweaks, I’m able to keep all the traditional taste and save a few calories and fat grams. Simple substitutions. Great flavor. Comparisons: Stuffing: 75% less fat and 65 fewer calories Smashed Potatoes: 50% less fat ...
Bring on the Blueberries
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Tasty Treats Boost Your Spirits
Never underestimate the power of a tasty treat to lift your spirits. Recent example: I often send my test recipe creations to Jeff’s team at work so they can provide opinions and useful feedback. It’s definitely a win-win situation: they all get to indulge in decadent treats that surprisingly contain numerous health benefits, and I get honest critiques for tweaking and improving the recipe. Yesterday I made these Pumpkin Bars and my favorite comment was from Jamie. He loved the bars, saying ...