More and more people ask me about plant proteins these days and lentils are a great choice. Lentils are new to some people so it's time to take away the mystery of this delicious food. Lentils are a meatless alternative to meat, poultry, egg, or dairy protein. They are in the category of pulses which are plant foods that include dry beans, dry peas, and chickpeas. Pulses are grown and harvested for their edible, dry seeds and each 1/2 cup of cooked pulse gives us 8-9 grams protein and 8-9 grams fiber. They truly fit a modern lifestyle because they are quick and easy to prepare and easy on … [Read more...] about Lentils are a Plant Protein that’s Easy to Cook and Delicious
Spanish Tortilla is a Potato-Onion Omelet
If you think an omelet is only for breakfast, then think again. This one works as a meal or a healthy snack. In Spain, the traditional Tortilla is well known as comfort food. It's a popular meal starter at home and it's easy to find as a snack or tapas around town, too. One thing I especially like about the Spanish Tortilla - a simple egg & onion & potato omelet - is that the whole thing is flavored with delicious extra virgin olive oil. Another thing I like is that it costs very little to make and most family members will like it. Finally, I like it because it reheats so well … [Read more...] about Spanish Tortilla is a Potato-Onion Omelet
Mediterranean Turkey & Herb Meatloaf Recipe
Everyone loves comfort food and meatloaf is a perfect choice. By switching out the ground beef and switching in 93% lean ground turkey, along with flavorful fresh and dried herbs, this is a tasty Mediterranean version of your favorite dinner dish! Mediterranean Turkey & Herb Meatloaf Kids can help by cracking the eggs, measuring the dried herbs, and stirring everything together, with supervision. Makes 6-8 servings 1-1/2 pounds Lean ground turkey, 93% lean ½ large Bell pepper, any color, chopped 1 medium Red onion, chopped 2 large … [Read more...] about Mediterranean Turkey & Herb Meatloaf Recipe
5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
Planning a tasty and nutritious dinner takes a bit of thinking as well as a grocery list, trip to the store, and cooking session. These 5 steps will keep you organized as it all comes together. 1. Plan your menu. Think about good balance, color and flavor. Simple is best. For example: Chicken Baked in the Oven, or Grilled Outside Brown Rice Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli Orange or Apple 1% or Nonfat milk 2. Look in your pantry, fridge and freezer. See what’s already there and buy only what you need. For example: Buy a package of fresh skinless chicken since … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Steps to a Tasty & Nutritious Dinner
Tomatoes Check All the Boxes of Fresh, Delicious, and Convenient
Imagining meals without tomatoes is hard for me to do. Sometimes I add them to my breakfast with a sliced cucumber and dollop of hummus. Other times I add them to my lunch sandwich -- to make a tasty ELT. At dinner, tomatoes pop up in a side salad, sauce, soup, or just on my plate and ready-to-eat. I don't think I'm alone in counting on tomatoes to be there for me. Maybe you can relate. I've had quite a few grocery store checkout line chats and/or farmer's market chats with total strangers who share their 'tomato love stories' with me. See how many varieties you know here. Fresh and Delicious … [Read more...] about Tomatoes Check All the Boxes of Fresh, Delicious, and Convenient
Baked Meatballs are the Best
Everyone Loves Meatballs I'm not sure I've ever met anyone who dislikes meatballs. Even my friends who are vegetarians usually like - yes - vegetarian meatballs. Sounds a bit unusual, maybe, but you can actually make them from lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, oatmeal, quinoa and brown rice. The list of interesting, plant-based ingredients goes on and on. For this blog, I'm going to stick to meatballs made from meat and I hope to expand your horizons on all the possibilities. Have you Tried Baked Meatballs? Instead of frying, I have a really easy recipe that I use to make baked meatballs. … [Read more...] about Baked Meatballs are the Best