Category: Guest Post

  • Watermelon Jicama Salad

    Watermelon Jicama Salad

    Watermelon Jicama Salad


    Sweet, spicy, crisp, and refreshing. Forget your usual potluck sides and make this watermelon jicama salad instead! It’s both hydrating and delicious! We love the juicy melon mixed with a slightly spicy dressing. You can control the heat by using less serrano pepper or amp it up by using the seeds and ribs. It may get spicier over time as the peppers marinate in the dressing, so be careful if you’re prepping this ahead of time. Don’t have any jicama? Daikon radish, a green apple, or even a firm pear will work here. 

    Watermelon Jicama Salad

    Course Appetizer, dinner, Lunch, Salad
    Keyword appetizer, dinner, gluten free, grain-free, lunch, salad, vegan
    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    • 3 pounds watermelon
    • 1 ½ pounds jicama
    • 2 scallions

    Dressing

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red chilies
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 medium serrano pepper seeded and minced

    Instructions

    • Prepare salad ingredients. Peel and chop watermelon. Peel jicama and cut into matchsticks. Thinly slice scallions.
    • Whisk together dressing ingredients, adjust heat to taste.
    • Toss dressing with jicama and watermelon in a large bowl. Top with scallions and serve.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Vegan Breakfast Tacos

    Vegan Breakfast Tacos

    Vegan Breakfast Tacos


    These vegan breakfast tacos are so easy to make, you won’t know what to do with all your new free time, except eat more tacos. Even better? They’re 100% plant-based!

    Vegan Breakfast Tacos

    Course Breakfast
    Keyword breakfast, tacos, vegan
    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    • 6 tortillas corn or wheat
    • 1 16 ounce bottle of Simply Eggless
    • 3 radishes sliced thin
    • 1 large avocado sliced or cubed
    • ¼ cup cilantro chopped roughly
    • ¾ cup chunky salsa or pico de gallo
    • 1 lime sliced into wedges

    Instructions

    • In a large, nonstick, skillet, scramble the Simply Eggless over medium-low heat until all the liquid is cooked through.
    • Warm the tortillas and divide the scrambled vegan egg between the six tortillas.
    • Top with fillings as desired and serve immediately with wedges of lime.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Butter-For-You Banana Split

    Butter-For-You Banana Split

    Butter-For-You Banana Split


    When is the last time you had a banana split? Enjoy this Butter-For-You Banana Split and lean into the nostalgia. With nut butter and a literal cherry on top, this is a delicious alternative to the American classic.

    Butter-For-You Banana Split

    Course Dessert
    Keyword banana split, dessert, nut butter
    Servings 1

    Ingredients

    • 1 banana
    • cup plain Greek yogurt
    • ¼ cup mixed fruit
    • 2 tablespoons Justin's Nut Butter
    • 1 tablespoon granola
    • 1 cherry for garnish

    Instructions

    • Slice banana in half lengthwise and place in a dish.
    • Scoop the Greek yogurt in the center of the split banana.
    • Top yogurt with fruit, and drizzle Justin's Nut Butter evenly on top.
    • Sprinkle with granola and place cherry on top.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Breaded Fish Tacos

    Breaded Fish Tacos

    Breaded Fish Tacos


     If you’re fishing for compliments, these gluten-free crispy fish tacos will certainly help you reel them in! Great for a crowd, everyone can build their own tasty tacos.

    Breaded Fish Tacos

    Course dinner
    Keyword dinner, entree, fish, tacos
    Servings 5

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound wild cod cut into strips
    • 1 egg beaten
    • 1 box Simple Mills Cracked Black Pepper or Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • Olive oil optional
    • 10 paleo, gluten-free tortillas
    • Organic or vegan ranch dressing
    • ½ cup shredded cabbage
    • ½ red onion thinly sliced
    • 2 avocados sliced
    • Fresh cilantro

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
    • Add Simple Mills crackers to a food processor and pulse until a coarse meal is formed. Transfer to a large bowl along with the parsley and salt. Mix and set aside.
    • Drop fish strips into the beaten egg then into the cracker mixture, ensuring the fish is well coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil for an extra crispy exterior.
    • Bake for 15 minutes or until the fish is flaky.
    • Assemble your tacos by spreading 1 teaspoon of your favorite Organic or Vegan Ranch Dressing onto warmed tortillas. Top with shredded cabbage, red onion, avocado, fresh baked cod, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Snack Smarter!

    Snack Smarter!

    Snack Smarter!

    Kid-approved snacks

    Smart snacking can mean the difference between feeling energetic or fatigued. Plus, proper snacking can help deliver the nutrients children need to properly develop, both physically and mentally. When your household is craving something sweet or savory to tide everyone over to the next meal, these make-ahead wee-eats will earn you the Snack Master crown!

    Pesto Dip Pepper Poppers

    Sweet baby peppers serve as a nutritious delivery method for this pesto-like dip. You can also spread the dip into celery crevices.
    Servings: 6
    Course: Appetizer, Snack

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups cooked or canned navy beans
    • ½ cup soft tofu
    • 1 cup fresh basil
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Juice of ½ lemon
    • 1 garlic clove chopped
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 12 mini bell peppers

    Method
     

    1. In food processor container, place beans, tofu, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and blend until smooth.
    2. Slice off tops of bell peppers and remove seeds inside with either a small knife or your finger. Using small spoon, stuff peppers with dip.
    3. Enjoy!

    PB&J Ice Cream Bars

    This riff on everyone’s favorite childhood sandwich is a delicious snack on a sultry summer day.
    Servings: 6
    Course: Dessert

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 large frozen bananas cut into chunks
    • 1 cup raspberries
    • cup peanut butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • teaspoon salt
    • cup unsalted roasted peanuts

    Method
     

    1. Line 9 x 5 in (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper large enough so there is a 1 in (2.5 cm) overhang.
    2. In food processor container, place banana; turn machine on and let it run until banana is reduced to the size of small pebbles. Scrape down sides of bowl; add raspberries, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt; continue blending until creamy. Be careful not to over blend to the point where bananas begin to melt. Pulse in peanuts.
    3. Place banana mixture in pan and spread out into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle some additional peanuts on top. Place in freezer until frozen solid, at least 4 hours.
    4. Using parchment paper overhang, lift frozen block out of pan and, using serrated knife, carefully slice into 8 bars. Store in airtight container in freezer for up to 1 month.
    5. Enjoy!

    Sweet Potato Mini Egg Cakes

    These mini-sized egg cakes offer up a savory way to work more protein and vegetables into snack time. Serve at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
    Servings: 6
    Course: Breakfast, Snack

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or avocado oil
    • 1 cup diced yellow onion
    • ½ teaspoon salt divided
    • 2 cups grated sweet potato
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 6 large eggs
    • ¼ cup milk
    • 1 large red bell pepper chopped
    • ½ cup grated parmesean or gruyere cheese
    • 2 teaspoon fresh thyme
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
    2. In large skillet over medium, heat oil. Add onion and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt; cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add sweet potato and garlic; heat just until potato is tender, about 2 minutes.
    3. In large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in red bell pepper, cheese, thyme, remaining 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt, and black pepper. Stir in cooked vegetables. Divide among 16 mini-sized greased muffin cups. Bake until egg cakes are set, about 15 minutes. Let cool for a couple of minutes before unmoulding.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipes Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Candied Cranberries

    Candied Cranberries

    Candied Cranberries

    Candied Cranberries

    Course Dessert

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups sugar divided
    • ½ cup water
    • 12 ounces fresh cranberries washed

    Instructions

    • Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Do not boil.
    • Stir in cranberries and stir to coat all cranberries. Use a slotted spoon and transfer cranberries to a wire rack (set it on top of a lined baking sheet for easy clean up). Reserve syrup if you want – it's great to sweeten cocktails!
    • Let cranberries dry for 1 hour. After one hour, roll cranberries in remaining sugar until completely coated.
    • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • These may start to “weep” some liquid after 2-3 days. If that happens, you can re-roll them in sugar to extend their life.
    • Use on charcuterie platters, baked brie, atop desserts or cocktails.
    • Use vanilla bean or orange zest to vary the flavor.

    Recipe Provided by UNFI Fresh

  • Cranberry Champagne Mug Cakes

    Cranberry Champagne Mug Cakes

    Cranberry Champagne Mug Cakes

    Cranberry Champagne Mug Cake

    Course Dessert
    Keyword cranberry, dessert, mug cake

    Ingredients

    • Canola oil, olive oil or butter
    • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
    • ¼ cup champagne or sparkling wine divided
    • 2 cups whipped cream
    • ¼ cup egg whites
    • ½ cup white cake mix

    Instructions

    • Coat insides of 2 large microwave-safe mugs with oil or butter.
    • Place cranberries and 1 tablespoon champagne in small bowl. Microwave on HIGH 10 seconds; drain. Divide cranberries and place in bottom of mugs.
    • Whisk together whipped cream, egg whites and cake mix in medium bowl. Place half of batter in each mug.
    • Microwave each mug individually on HIGH 1 minute 15 seconds to 1 minutes 30 seconds or until set. Invert each cake onto a plate. Spoon 1 ½ tablespoons champagne over top of each cake. Serve with additional whipped cream, if desired.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by UNFI Fresh

  • Wild Rice, Apple & Mushroom Salad with Spicy Pecans

    Wild Rice, Apple & Mushroom Salad with Spicy Pecans

    Wild Rice, Apple & Mushroom Salad with Spicy Pecans

    Wild Rice, Apple & Mushroom Salad with Spicy Pecans

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups wild rice
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt divided
    • 1 cup pecan halves toasted and chopped
    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
    • teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 medium leeks halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
    • 12 ounce mushrooms sliced
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
    • 1 honeycrisp apple cored and diced
    • ¼ cup chopped parsley

    Instructions

    • Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice and ¾ teaspoon salt, lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook, covered, until rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Drain excess liquid, if needed.
    • In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine pecans, sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook, stirring, until the sugar is melted and coats the pecans, 3-5 minutes. Pour pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
    • Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and rosemary and cook until softened, 5 minutes more.
    • In a serving bowl. stir together rice, leeks and mushrooms, and apple. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Top with pecans and parsley.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by Woodstock Foods

  • Loaded Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Loaded Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Loaded Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Loaded Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Ingredients

    • 2 large sweet potatoes
    • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
    • ½ cup bulgur
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt divided
    • ½ bunch parsley minced (about ½ packed cup)
    • ¼ cup lemon juice divided
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons minced dill
    • 2 tablespoons minced mint
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ cup tahini
    • 2 garlic cloved minced
    • ¼ cup pomegranate kernels

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 1 hour.
    • In a small saucepan, combine bulgur, broth or water, and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Cook bulgur until most of the water is absorbed and grain is tender, about 30 minutes.
    • Drain any excess liquid from bulgur and place in large bowl. Add parsley, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, olive oil, dill, mint, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper.
    • In a small bowl, combine tahini, garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Whisk in enough water to make a smooth consistency, about ⅓ cup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • To serve, cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Top with bulgur, tahini sauce, and pomegranate seeds.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by Woodstock Foods

  • Chicken Pot Pies

    Chicken Pot Pies

    Chicken Pot Pies

    Chicken Pot Pies

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons canola or olive oil divided
    • ½ cup chopped parsnips
    • ½ cup chopped carrots
    • ½ cup pearl onions
    • 1 cup sliced baby portobello mushrooms
    • 1 cup chopped fresh asparagus spears
    • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
    • Salt and ground black pepper
    • 1 refrigerated pie crust softened as directed on package

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat four 10-ounce oven-safe custard dishes with 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil; place on baking sheet and set aside.
    • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in 5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add parsnip, carrot and onions; cook 5 minutes until just tender, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms; cook 2 minutes more. Stir in broth, flour, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir in asparagus; cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Add cooked chicken.
    • Meanwhile, roll pie crust into a 12-inch circle on floured work surface. Invert a custard dish onto crust and use a paring knife to cut around the dish leaving 1/8-inch overhand, cutting 4 rounds total. Discard remaining crust.
    • Ladle filling into custard cups. Top each with a round of crust and press the edges to seal. Cut a slit in the center of each pot pie.
    • Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until crust is browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving; sauce will thicken as it stands.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by UNFI Fresh