Fruit for Dessert Strawberries or apples make a healthy dessert - all by themselves. But, if you're like me, you crave a 'real dessert' sometimes, too. I decided to dress up dinner beyond the ordinary this week with my invention of Strawberry Apple Crisp. Oh my, was it tasty! If you crave blueberries, then try my Blueberry Crisp Recipe, too. Strawberry Apple Crisp is a Healthy Dessert My healthy dessert is a combination of local, fresh strawberries and Granny Smith apples with an oatmeal-based topping. Yes, there is a little butter and a little sugar in the recipe; however, my fruit … [Read more...] about Strawberry Apple Crisp is a Healthy Dessert!
How to Make Fruit Salad!
Learning How to Make Fruit Salad! If you are determined to make healthy meals and snacks, then learning how to make a fruit salad is a good skill to have. You might want to start with 3 or 4 fruits in your salad and then branch out with seasonal favorites as the year goes by. What you will probably find out is that there are many, many fruit combinations you love. And, guess what, every one of them is super healthy! How to Make Fruit Salad Step-By-Step! 1. Think about what fruits you like and pick out 3 or 4: Anything goes here from fresh strawberries, apples and bananas to canned … [Read more...] about How to Make Fruit Salad!
Summer Vegetable Surprises & How to Cook Them!
My Surprises this Week! Normally, I have a pretty good grasp on identifying summer vegetables. In fact, I love to learn about and try new varieties of local favorites like kale or leaf lettuce or tomatoes. But this week, I was surprised 3 times by summer vegetables. Elephant garlic caught me off-guard with its mild flavor and huge cloves; blue potatoes amazed me when the color didn't disappear in the pot; and Turkish orange eggplants (see photo to the left) totally fooled me at the Farmer's Market. Cooking with Summer Vegetables! It can be a little overwhelming to put 1 or 2 brand new … [Read more...] about Summer Vegetable Surprises & How to Cook Them!
Corn Makes Meals Sweet from Ear to Ear!
The History of Corn Corn on the cob has been a favorite of mine since way back. What about you? Did you know that corn originated thousands of years ago in central Mexico? Today, it is a major food staple around the world. Ways to Prepare Corn Corn is a colorful, nutrient-rich, versatile grain that lends itself to hot and cold recipes. Here are 2 quickies: 1. Corn Pancakes: Make a simple pancake batter from baking mix or scratch ingredients. Before cooking, add a cup of corn kernels. Cook. 2. Grilled Corn: Peel off corn husks. Sprinkle a little water onto each ear and wrap … [Read more...] about Corn Makes Meals Sweet from Ear to Ear!
How to Cook Eggplant & Easy Eggplant Recipe
Cooking with Eggplant I've always thought eggplant has a kind of mystique surrounding it. Is it the deep purple color? Is it the name? Or, is it that many people are confused with how to cook eggplant? If you're confused, then it's time to get to the grocery store or local farm market, buy an eggplant and give it a try! To Peel or Not to Peel It's not hard to prepare and cook eggplant. First, rinse eggplant well with cool water. The next step is to peel or not to peel it and either way works. Next, cut eggplant into chunks or rounds and cook it. Some chefs give eggplant a striped look … [Read more...] about How to Cook Eggplant & Easy Eggplant Recipe
Peaches & Cinnamon Make Sweet Summer Meals!
Caring for Fresh Peaches It seems simple. Pick-your-own or buy fresh peaches and then eat them. But, wait - there's more! By following these 3 steps, your summer peaches will reward you with more flavor, more sweetness and more enjoyment. Step 1. At home, store peaches on the kitchen counter. Step 2. Twice a day, check for ripeness by very gently squeezing the peach with your thumb and index finger. Step 3. When peach is slightly soft to the touch and smells 'peachy', eat or store in the fridge (for up to one week.) Peaches & Cinnamon in Meals and Snacks Sprinkling … [Read more...] about Peaches & Cinnamon Make Sweet Summer Meals!