Posts with the tag

easy recipes

Quinoa is a whole grain that provides complete protein along with other nutrients. It is a great addition to a healthy eating pattern but many people are not familiar with this super food or may not know how to cook it. The recipe below is one of my favorite ways to cook quinoa. It is not only delicious but also very easy and quick to make in a time crunch. Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 1/3rd can (28 oz) crushed… Continue reading »

I recently signed up for a produce subscription service called The Produce Box, which serves the Triad, the Triangle, Charlotte, the Piedmont, and the Coast of North Carolina. I will admit that I have previously been hesitant to sign up for one of these services because I’m always afraid I will end up wasting lots of food. However, I really like this specific service because you can schedule skip weeks in advance all the way through the month of December.… Continue reading »

By now you may have heard about the air fryer craze. This kitchen gadget has rivaled the InstaPot for trendiest cooking invention of the decade, and for good reason! Air fryers work by circulating hot air around a metal mesh cooking basket, allowing the food to cook evenly and quickly with little to no added fat. As part of a healthy lifestyle, air fryers can offer an alternative to high calorie styles of cooking. I am the first to admit… Continue reading »

For some, cooking fish at home may seem like a daunting task. While fish such as salmon can be an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3’s, concerns over food safety and proper preparation abound. But in truth, cooking with seafood can be a quick and enjoyable way to break the monotony of weeknight dinners. Pair seared salmon with Kale Napa Cabbage Slaw for a complete meal. Tips for Success: If using frozen salmon, ensure it has properly defrosted in… Continue reading »

Although I love pickles year-round, I do find that I make them much more often during the summer. This is probably due to the abundance of fresh produce. However, when I make pickles, I make the variety referred to as fridge pickles. This is because fridge pickles do not require the canning, vacuum seals, or sterilized jars that traditional pickling requires. You can use fancier equipment like a mandoline or a julienne peeler to make quick work of cutting up… Continue reading »

Okra, commonly referred to as Lady Finger in India, is generally a kids’ favorite and was mine as well growing up. It still is one of my favorites and also for my kids now. When I came to the United States, I was surprised that okra was not as popular here. I am sharing the recipe below with the hope that more people will try making this low-calorie vegetable that is a very good source of some minerals, vitamins, and… Continue reading »

It’s already time for the big game. For many of us, it’s the first major event since making our New Year Resolutions. No matter if you are wearing red and blue or gold and blue on game day, we can all implement healthy eating habits to stick to our Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less goals. One of the keys to navigating a Superbowl party and keep within a calorie budget is to PLAN. Pause and think before grabbing a… Continue reading »

Let’s face it. There are so many great things about summer: warm weather, longer days, and lots of fresh produce. For me, it’s easy to create a colorful salad masterpiece with in-season vegetables and fruit during the summertime. Bright red tomatoes against a green leafy background topped with fresh blueberries makes getting an extra serving of vegetables and fruit a breeze. Salads aren’t usually the first thing I choose during the winter because my favorite salads involve summertime produce. Since eating a balanced diet… Continue reading »

A few weeks ago, I made almond butter at home for the first time. I have always avoided purchasing almond butter at the grocery store because it can be so pricey. Whether you choose to make your own almond butter at home or to pick up a jar at the store, be sure check the nutrition label and the ingredients list for hidden additives. Check out this comparison of a few almond butter brands below.   Kristie’s Honey Almond Butter… Continue reading »

I learned of harissa paste a few years ago while browsing one of my favorite recipe websites, Smitten Kitchen, by Deb Perlman. She describes harissa as a Northwest African chile pepper paste with red peppers, spices, and herbs such as garlic, coriander, caraway. This condiment is used everywhere from Tunisia and Libya to Algeria and Morocco, which means you’re bound to find many versions and uses for the pastes.  I love spicy condiments and was honestly getting a little tired… Continue reading »