Do you look forward to the vegetables that are in season in winter? It was a nice surprise when I walked into my local produce market in the last week of January. My expectations were low as this is not really the growing season of the year. As I looked at my choices, instead of feeling frustrated and limited, I easily found fresh ingredients that work in my winter, comfort food kitchen. My lesson was this: Embrace each season of the year and buy mostly what's in-season. Left to right in my picture, I bought these vegetables: Parsnips Purple cabbage Golden Beets Red Beets … [Read more...] about Winter Vegetables Brighten Up Meals
How to Plan Meals with Variety and Flavor
One of the most common questions my clients ask me is how to get more variety in their meals. It's so easy to slip into a rut and then cook and eat the same things over and over again - right? For better nutrition, I always nudge clients, and myself, to plan a wide variety of foods into their weekly plan and here's how: List Making Phase With 7 days in one week, there's a neat level of variety that's not too hard to achieve. Try these tips to get your list together: Make a Weekly Favorites List which includes 3 dinner favorites. These can be chicken, beef, pork, tofu, vegetarian, … [Read more...] about How to Plan Meals with Variety and Flavor
Butternut Squash in 5 Tasty Ways
Butternut Squash is a Nutrition Hero In case you're wondering, butternut and all fall-winter squash are 'up there' on the nutritious vegetables chart. Here is a quick peek at the nutrition facts for those of you who want to see the numbers. Really good news is that these super hard squash are not only healthy to eat, but they are also delicious and versatile in your kitchen. Butternut Squash in 5 Tasty Ways #1 Roasted Halves. My picture at the left shows how to go from cut to cooked. First - very carefully - I cut 3 squash in half and removed the seeds. Then I spritzed the … [Read more...] about Butternut Squash in 5 Tasty Ways
A Healthy Eggplant Recipe called Yakne!
Eggplant and Summer One of my favorite colors is purple. So, maybe that's why I was first curious about eggplant. The color is so beautiful and since we eat with our eyes, I hope eggplant will get your attention, too. When the sun gets really warm in July and August, there is a large supply of eggplant to buy at the grocery store or Farmer's Market. Or, pick it from your own vegetable garden if you are a grower yourself. Whatever, don't miss eggplant as a versatile and very Mediterranean vegetable that tastes great. Here's an eggplant recipe with an Italian twist and here's another eggplant … [Read more...] about A Healthy Eggplant Recipe called Yakne!
Chocolate and Banana Cupcake Recipe
A Dessert that's Perfect for Everyone When I first made and tasted this recipe, I thought it was chocolate-y, moist and not too sweet. For me it was a perfect dessert, but I needed other opinions to help me decide if it was a 'keeper' recipe - or not. So, I asked my grown-up son to try it. After going back for a second one, he commented that it was a perfect muffin for him. Great. Next, I shared a plate of cupcakes with my book co-author, Andrea, so that her family of 5 could do a tasting. All agreed that it was a great dessert. Yay. Then, my good friend, Tomomi, made a batch and asked her … [Read more...] about Chocolate and Banana Cupcake Recipe
Less Sugary Homemade Lemonade
Less Sugary Homemade Lemonade Kids can help by squeezing the lemons, measuring the ingredients and stirring, with supervision. Makes 3-4 servings 2 large, juicy Lemons, or 3 small lemons 2 cups Water 2 tablespoons Sugar Get out a small pitcher. Cut lemons in half, squeeze juice into pitcher and discard seeds. Add water and sugar. Stir well to dissolve all sugar. Taste and add ½ tablespoon sugar if needed. Kids Thrive on Good Nutrition Making less sugary homemade lemonade is a simple 'cooking' project for kids. It helps them enjoy being in the … [Read more...] about Less Sugary Homemade Lemonade