Tag: healthy

  • Cabbage and Apple Sauté

    Cabbage and Apple Sauté

    Cabbage and Apple Sauté

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 ½ pounds green cabbage 1" chop
    • 2 teaspoons curry powder
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 large Gala apple sliced
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon agave

    Method
     

    1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage and sauté for 5-8 minutes.
    2. Add curry powder and salt and continue to cook for another minute.
    3. Add sliced apple, vinegar, and agave and cook to desired tenderness.
  • Kimchi Fried Rice with Shrimp

    Kimchi Fried Rice with Shrimp

    Kimchi Fried Rice with Shrimp

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    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons tamari
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • ½ teaspoon ground black or white pepper
    • ⅓ cup avocado oil divided
    • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
    • 4 ounces white mushrooms sliced
    • 1 cup drained kimchi (reserve liquid)
    • 4 cups cooked basmati rice cold
    • 3 large eggs beaten
    • ¾ cup frozen peas thawed
    • Cilantro or green onion for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In a small bowl, whisk tamari, sugar, sesame oil, and pepper to combine.
    2. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with a little oil.
    3. Separately sauté the shrimp until opaque and pink, the mushrooms until browned, and the kimchi until dry. Add oil as needed between batches.
    4. Coat rice with 2 tablespoons of oil then add to the wok. Cook until the rice starts to crackle and brown, about 3-5 minutes.
    5. Make a well in the rice and add the beaten egg and cook through. Stir in tamari, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
    6. Fold in cooked ingredients with peas and heat through. Season to taste with reserved kimchi liquid, and additional tamari. Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onion and serve promptly.
  • Spring Dumpling Soup

    Spring Dumpling Soup

    Spring Dumpling Soup

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 quarts vegetable or chicken broth
    • 1 small onion quartered
    • 2 inch piece of ginger sliced
    • 2 garlic cloves halved
    • 1 small cinnamon stick
    • ½ tablespoon coriander seeds
    • 2 whole star anise
    • 1 cardamom pod
    • 3 whole cloves
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 16-20 dumplings
    • 1 pound zucchini spirals (aka zoodles) about 4 cups
    • Cilantro leaves for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In a large pot, combine broth, aromatics, and spices (all recipe ingredients up to and including fish sauce). Bring to a gentle simmer for 25 minutes to infuse. Strain broth and return to the pot.
    2. Add dumplings to the pot and cook based on the package instructions.
    3. To serve, place zucchini spirals into serving bowls and ladle hot broth over. Place dumplings on top of broth and garnish with cilantro.

    Notes

    3 hours (if making broth from scratch) OR 40 minutes (if using store bought)
  • A day of nourishment

    A day of nourishment

    A day of nourishment

    Your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, solved

    Medical advice around the topic of detox suggests we avoid diets or restrictive time-limited measures in favor of drinking plenty of water, avoiding overconsumption of sugary foods, and choosing foods every day that are high in fiber and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

    These are the same nutritious, whole foods we should enjoy all the time. And there’s no reason why those foods can’t also be delicious! Here are a few ideas for incorporating nourishing foods that your body needs to function at its best, which we hope will inspire you.

    Breakfast: Sweet Potato and Spinach Egg Bites

    Egg bites are a delicious and convenient way to get some protein in the mornings. These ones get an extra nutrition boost with antioxidant-rich sweet potato and spinach.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 3
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon hot smoked paprika
    • Scant olive oil for greasing muffin tin
    • 4 eggs
    • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
    • ¼ cup grated sweet potato
    • ¼ cup baby spinach finely chopped
    • 1 spring onion sliced

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. In small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and paprika and set aside.
    3. Grease 6 cups of muffin tin.
    4. In large bowl, beat eggs and yogurt together with half of spice mixture. The yogurt will be a bit lumpy at first; using a balloon whisk will help smooth it out.
    5. Combine remaining spice mixture with grated sweet potato and divide among 6 greased muffin cups. Top grated sweet potato with small amount of chopped spinach and spring onion. Pour egg mixture into muffin cups overtop these ingredients.
    6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 130 calories; 10 g protein; 8 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 5 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 1 g fiber); 291 mg sodium

    Lunch: Kale, Spelt, Apple, and Beet Salad

    Whole grains such as spelt and other high-fiber foods such as kale, beets, and apples help promote a healthy gut and ease digestion. This salad has a bright, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of apple and a tangy lemon juice dressing.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups washed and finely sliced kale
    • Pinch of salt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup cooked spelt
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
    • ½ teaspoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 Pink Lady apple
    • 3 medium-sized beets trimmed, roasted, and cooled
    • ¼ cup sliced almonds

    Method
     

    1. In large mixing bowl, combine kale, salt, and olive oil. Massage kale for a few minutes; add spelt along with lemon zest, stir to incorporate, and then allow to stand while you prepare other ingredients.
    2. In small jar, combine mustard and honey to make a paste. Add lemon juice a few drops at a time to loosen the paste, gradually incorporating all of the lemon juice.
    3. Core and finely slice apple into matchsticks and add to bowl with kale and spelt. Pour lemon juice dressing overtop and stir well.
    4. Arrange salad on serving plate. Slice beets into eighths and arrange overtop. Sprinkle with almonds and serve.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 412 calories; 14 g protein; 14 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 63 g total carbohydrates (22 g sugars, 11 g fiber); 243 mg sodium

    Dinner: One-Pan Chicken with Artichokes, Spinach, Lemon, and Thyme

    This chicken dinner comes together in a snap and is filled with iron-rich spinach and an extra hit of fiber from antioxidant-rich artichokes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 chicken breasts skinless, boneless, about 13 oz in total
    • Pinch of salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
    • ½ cup finely diced onion
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
    • 1 14-oz can artichoke hearts rinsed, drained, and sliced in half
    • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
    • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves removed from stem

    Method
     

    1. In large skillet on medium, heat olive oil to medium high. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Place in skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until outside is nicely browned and lifts easily from pan. Remove chicken from pan, reduce heat to low, and add thyme sprigs and onion. Stir frequently and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until onions are soft and translucent. Increase heat to medium and deglaze pan by adding lemon juice and scraping up brown bits from pan surface with wooden spoon. Add chicken broth and continue until bottom of pan is “clean.”
    2. Add chicken back into skillet. Add artichoke heart pieces evenly in pan, and top chicken with spinach. Cover and let stand 2 minutes, or until spinach has wilted. Remove lid and stir spinach to incorporate evenly through the mixture. Cook, uncovered, for about 2 to 3 minutes, until sauce is reduced slightly. Add yogurt and whisk it into sauce until smooth. Using tongs, lift chicken breasts and place them on top of the spinach and other ingredients. Remove from heat and garnish with lemon zest and fresh thyme leaves.
    3. To serve, place a chicken breast on each of 2 plates and top with spinach, artichokes, and sauce.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 280 calories; 33 g protein; 11 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 15 g total carbohydrates (3 g sugars, 8 g fiber); 245 mg sodium

    By Helena McMurdo

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • 3 heart-healthy dishes

    3 heart-healthy dishes

    3 heart-healthy dishes

    Meals you’ll love for the month of love

    This assortment of healthy and beautiful dishes covers diverse dietary preferences so that no one is left out—a true display of love. The passion behind these recipes will surely leave you falling head over heels!

    Smoked Salmon Carpaccio

    This beautiful starter speaks to one’s heart. With a solid dose of salmon and a stunning array of little vegetables, it’s a delicious dish for Valentine’s Day.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Silky pea puree
    • 2 cups frozen peas thawed
    • ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
    Smoked salmon carpaccio
    • ¼ pound thick asparagus spears about 6
    • 2 small green zucchinis or cucumbers
    • 1 8 ounce package cold-smoked sliced salmon
    • ½ cup frozen peas thawed, for garnish
    • 1 tablespoon capers drained and rinsed, for garnish
    • Fresh dill, lemon zest, and pea tendrils for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In high-speed blender, add pea puree ingredients. Pulse mixture until blended, scraping down sides of blender with a spatula. Continue to blend until a smooth puree is formed. It needs to be thick enough to hold its shape when dolloped or smeared onto serving plates. To ensure silky-smooth finish, press pea puree through a sieve into a bowl. Add more seasonings, to taste, if you wish.
    2. Trim stems of asparagus spears. Using vegetable peeler, shave spears into long strips. Set aside. Shave unpeeled zucchini or cucumbers into long strips.
    3. Artfully arrange 2 or 3 pieces of smoked salmon shaped into rosettes onto each of 8 individual salad serving plates. Intersperse with shavings of asparagus and curls of zucchini or cucumber. Stud plates with a few peas and some capers. Dollop with pea puree and garnish with dill and pea tendrils.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 98 calories; 9 g protein; 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat); 10 g total carbohydrates (4 g sugar, 4 g fiber); 658 mg sodium

    Middle Eastern Kebabs with Couscous and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

    A bit of West meets East with buffalo and coconut flavors married with red peppers in this dish. Served over couscous, it’s a world of deliciousness in a single healthy dish.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Kebabs
    • ¼ cup coconut sauce, coconut aminos, or low-sodium tamari sauce
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 garlic clove peeled, smashed, and minced
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 pound sirloin tip water buffalo, bison, or beef cut into 1 inch cubes
    • 1 red onion cut into 1 inch cubes
    • 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
    Pearl couscous
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup Israeli (also known as pearl) couscous
    • 1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable stock
    • ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
    Roasted red pepper coconut cream sauce
    • 1 12 ounce jar roasted red bell peppers drained
    • ½ cup coconut cream
    • ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • 1 garlic clove peeled, smashed, and minced
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • Generous pinches of ground black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg
    • Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
    • Baby nasturtium for garnish (optional)

    Method
     

    1.  In bowl, combine coconut sauce, aminos, or tamari, with vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne. Whisk together to blend. Add cubes of meat and stir in until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally. The longer it marinates, the more tender the meat becomes.
    2. In medium saucepan, heat oil. Add couscous and stir with wooden spoon over medium heat until it becomes toasty and golden, about 2 minutes. Slowly add vegetable stock to prevent it from sputtering. Turn heat to low. Cover and cook for about 12 to 14 minutes or until couscous is tender and stock is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
    3. To blender, add roasted pepper, coconut cream, vegetable stock, tomato paste, maple syrup, garlic, and seasonings. Whirl until smooth. Transfer to small saucepan and cook over medium heat until bubbly, about 5 minutes. Cover, set aside, and keep warm.
    4. Drain marinade from meat and discard. Bring meat to room temperature before grilling, about 45 minutes. If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 45 minutes before using. Grease barbecue grill and preheat to 400°F.
    5. Thread drained cubed meat, onion, and yellow pepper among 4 metal or soaked bamboo skewers. Place skewers on grill. Grill covered, for 5 to 7 minutes for medium rare, or 145°F when tested with a meat thermometer. Turn skewers once. Grill a minute or 2 longer for medium 160°F doneness. Remove and cover loosely with a tent of parchment for kebabs to rest for a few minutes.
    6. To serve, add couscous onto plate. Straddle kebabs overtop and spoon warm roasted red pepper sauce overtop. Garnish with toasted flaked coconut and baby nasturtiums, if you wish.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 576 calories; 43 g protein; 23 g fat (10 g sat. fat); 51 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugar, 6 g fiber); 361 mg sodium

    Mousse au Chocolat

    Mousse—a perfect ending to a delicious meal, yet so much more. Our mousse can stand alone as a decadent treat served anytime of day. It’s made from the creamiest soy in combination with dark chocolate and espresso for an added kick.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 10.5 oz package soft plain tofu brought to room temperature
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • 1 teaspoon espresso instant coffee powder
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 5.5 oz dark chocolate bar, 70% cocoa
    • Flaked salt optional
    • Sweetened plain yogurt, shaved dark chocolate, raspberries for garnish (optional)

    Method
     

    1. Drain tofu and place in high-speed blender or food processor. Add maple syrup, chia seeds, coffee powder, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth. While mixture rests, melt chocolate in saucepan over medium-low heat or in microwave, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Cool slightly.
    2. In blender with creamy tofu, turn motor to low and gradually drizzle in melted chocolate until fully blended and creamy. Spoon or pipe into 6 – 4 oz ramekins. Top each with a pinch of flaked salt if you wish. Place ramekins on tray, cover securely, and slide into refrigerator to chill.
    3. When ready to serve, drop a dollop of sweetened plain yogurt on top with shavings of grated chocolate and a couple of raspberries for garnish, if you wish.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 158 calories; 6 g protein; 8 g fat (4 g sat. fat); 18 g total carbohydrates (15 g sugar, 2 g fiber); 20 mg sodium

    By Irene McGuinness

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • West African Peanut Soup

    West African Peanut Soup

    West African Peanut Soup

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 large yellow onion diced
    • 6 large garlic cloves minced
    • 28 ounces diced tomatoes
    • 4 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 cup creamy peanut butter unsalted
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¾ cup roasted, salted peanuts
    • 1 bunch scallions thinly sliced
    • 1 cup cilantro chopped

    Method
     

    1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent and starting to brown. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
    2. Add diced tomatoes and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
    3. Stir in peanut butter, salt, and black pepper.
    4. With an immersion blender, roughly blend soup. Alternatively, transfer soup to a blender and slowly blend with a kitchen towel over the lid to avoid splatters.
    5. To serve, ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with peanuts, scallions, and cilantro.
  • Vegan Lasagna Rolls

    Vegan Lasagna Rolls

    Vegan Lasagna Rolls

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 lasagna noodles
    • 1 large zucchini
    • 16 ounces plant-based ricotta cheese such as Kite Hill
    • 2 large garlic cloves minced
    • ½ ounce fresh basil chopped
    • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • 1 25-oz jar marinara sauce such as Cadia
    • 1 ¼ cups pourable mozzarella such as Miyoko's Creamery

    Method
     

    1. Cook lasagna noodles based on the package instructions. Place noodles in a bowl of cool water until ready to use. This will prevent noodles from sticking together.
    2. Meanwhile, slice zucchini using a mandolin into long, 1/8" strips. Try to have at least 10 slices. Alternately, slice zucchini into thin rounds.
    3. Stir together plant-based ricotta, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
    4. To assemble, spread ricotta mixture onto each lasagna noodle, top with a slice of zucchini and roll up.
    5. Set aside 1 cup marinara sauce. Spread the remaining sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, and place lasagna rolls on top. Pour reserved marina sauce on top.
    6. Cover and bake for 30 minutes then pour on mozzarella.Continue to bake uncovered, until sauce is bubbling and cheese has set, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Give yourself a life detox!

    Give yourself a life detox!

    Give yourself a life detox!

    Follow through on your healthy living goals

    A healthy lifestyle is an accumulation of small actions that add up to vitality and longevity. Sometimes we know what changes we need to make in our lives but have a hard time getting around to doing them. And sometimes we know we need changes but aren’t clear about what to do. These tips from a professional psychotherapist will help you clarify goals, stop procrastinating, and start thriving.

    Step 1: Specify your goals

    “You can’t heal what you don’t acknowledge,” says Elenora Molnar, master therapeutic counselor.

    Step 2: Reflect on the goal

    It’s helpful to understand why you developed the unhealthy habit in the first place, so you can replace it with a healthier habit that fulfills the same need, says Molnar. If your mornings are hectic because you look at your phone for an hour before getting out of bed, it may be because you want to delay the start of the day without having to think or problem-solve.

    “Make a plan to start off your day without looking at your phone for one hour,” suggests Molnar. Instead of looking at social media, replace that time with a quick yoga video or walk around the neighbourhood. This gets your body active, while also letting your mind rest and gear up for the day.

    You may want to try a digital detox. Set some firm boundaries around screen time, consider deleting certain apps from your phone, or take a break from social media for a designated amount of time.

    Replace a bad habit with a good one

    “Start overriding your bad habits with new routines,” suggests Molnar. For example, if you want to start jogging, overwrite being sedentary in the evening by taking an easy jog at the same time you would usually be sitting down.

    If you’re trying to stop eating junk food at night, instead of turning on the TV, work on a puzzle, read a book, or do any activity that you don’t associate with snacking. Start with small steps that slowly become your new habits.

    Be flexible

    It’s great to have ambitious goals, but if you’re unrealistic at the beginning, you’ll have trouble meeting them. This can cause you to give up completely. “It’s great to have goals, but give yourself permission to say that goals can change. Always have a plan, but know you can change your plan,” says Molnar.

    Step 3: Find a support group

    Experts say that one of the surest ways to keep with your physical or mental health goals is to find a support group of likeminded people looking to accomplish similar goals.

    Explains Molnar, “When you’re in a group where everyone is focused on the same thing, it’s really powerful because you can be compassionately witnessed by those people. I’m thinking of therapy, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be therapy. It could be a running group or a gardening group.”

    By Stephanie MacDonald

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Budget-friendly and high-protein

    Budget-friendly and high-protein

    Budget-friendly and high-protein

    Recipes for rising food costs

    “Ouch” is a common word now heard at the checkout counter. Food costs are soaring, and it hurts. That’s why you’ll want an assist from these recipes that showcase budget-friendly protein foods that can help you get a meal on the table for less.

    Anytime Egg and Bean Casserole

    For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, each slice of this veggie-studded egg casserole is super satisfying. Because it’s a make-ahead dish, it’s convenient when you have little time to spare to get a meal on the table.
    Protein power: Yes, food inflation has also hit the egg carton, but eggs are still good-value protein. Beans are an ultra-nutritious plant-based protein that fits into all budgets.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups 1 inch cubes of crusty bread
    • 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil or avocado oil
    • 1 small yellow onion diced
    • 2 cups chopped cremini or button mushrooms
    • 1 large red, orange, or yellow bell pepper seeded and diced
    • 3 plum (Roma) tomatoes seeded and diced
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon salt divided
    • 4 cups baby spinach
    • 2 cups canned or cooked black beans
    • 10 large eggs
    • ⅔ cup half-and-half cream, or milk
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Method
     

    1. Grease 9 x 13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. Place bread cubes in bottom of dish.
    2. In large skillet over medium, heat oil. Add onion and heat for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and heat for another 3 minutes. Stir in bell pepper, tomato, oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt; heat for 3 minutes. Stir in spinach and heat until wilted. Stir in black beans.
    3. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half or milk, cheese, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add vegetable mixture to egg mixture and stir to combine. Pour over bread cubes in baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
    4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    5. Bake casserole for 40 minutes, until edges are crisp and center of casserole is set.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 391 calories; 25 g protein; 20 g total fat (9 g sat. fat); 29 g total carbohydrates (5 g sugars, 8 g fiber); 547 mg sodium
     

    Whipped Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls with Peanut Granola

    Whipped cottage cheese is a light, fluffy, smooth version of the curd-studded dairy and a delicious base for crunchy granola.
    Protein power: Cottage cheese has protein numbers on par with Greek yogurt but at a lower price point. Since peanuts are technically a legume, they supply higher amounts of protein than tree nuts such as almonds and are significantly less expensive.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups rolled oats
    • ¾ cup unsalted shelled and crushed peanuts
    • ¼ cup dried coconut flakes
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon divided
    • ½ teaspoon ginger powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or mild-flavored oil such as grapeseed
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup, date syrup, or brown rice syrup
    • 3 teaspoons vanilla divided
    • ½ cup raisins
    • 2 cups cottage cheese
    • 1 teaspoon orange zest

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
    2. In large bowl, toss together oats, peanuts, coconut, sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
    3. In small bowl, whisk together oil, syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and mix well until everything is moist. Spread granola on rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. In preheated oven, bake for 40 minutes, stirring granola every 10 minutes. Stir in raisins and let cool to room temperature.
    4. To food processor, add cottage cheese, orange zest, 2 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp cinnamon; pulse a few times, then process until smooth.
    5. Divide cottage cheese mixture among serving bowls and top with granola. If you’re looking for a little sweetening, you can also top with a drizzle of local honey or pure maple syrup.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 531 calories; 24 g protein; 31 g total fat (17 g sat. fat); 44 g total carbohydrates (26 g sugars, 5 g fiber); 615 mg sodium

    Lemony Fishcakes with Red Sauce

    If you’re a fan of sardines and looking for a new way to incorporate them into your diet, these lemon-scented fishcakes are sure to satisfy. And for the timid, the strong “fishy” taste of canned sardines is subdued, especially when the patties are adorned with a vibrant tomato-red pepper sauce.
    Protein power: With up to 24 g of protein in a can, inexpensive sardines are a great way to get enough of this macronutrient for less cost.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Fishcakes
    • 2 cups peeled, cooked, and cubed sweet potato
    • 3 3.75 oz cans sardines drained
    • 1 egg lightly beaten
    • ½ cup breadcrumbs
    • ½ cup finely diced red onion
    • 1 lemon zested and juiced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or avocado oil
    Sauce
    • ⅓ cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
    • ½ cup roasted red pepper
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

    Method
     

    1. In large bowl, mash together sweet potato and sardines. Stir in egg, bread crumbs, red onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and salt. Shape mixture into 4 patties.
    2. In frying pan over medium-high, heat oil. Add fishcakes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown crust forms.
    3. To make sauce, in blender container, place sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup boiled water and let tomatoes soak for at least 15 minutes. Add roasted red pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes to blender container and blend until smooth.
    4. Serve fishcakes topped with red pepper sauce.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 339 calories; 22 g protein; 14 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 31 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 4 g fiber); 664 mg sodium

    By Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Cook with mint

    Cook with mint

    Cook with mint

    Fast and fresh summertime recipes

    Let’s bring the refreshing flavor of mint into the kitchen this summer. With its distinctive flavor profile and heady aroma, mint is the perfect herb to incorporate into a variety of fresh, summery dishes. Read on for inspiration and then run, don’t walk, to grab your nearest bunch of mint and whip up some delicious fresh mint dishes today.

    Mint Chip Smoothie Breakfast Bowl

    Who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream for breakfast? This cool and creamy concoction only feels like an indulgence. Packed with fiber from bananas, spinach, mint, and oats, this breakfast is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup plain yogurt
    • ¼ cup rolled oats
    • ⅔ cup packed fresh spinach leaves
    • ⅔ cup packed fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 medium frozen bananas chopped into 1 inch pieces
    • 1 ½ tablespoons raw cacao nibs plus extra for garnish
    • ½ cup fresh raspberries for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In blender, combine yogurt, oats, spinach, mint, and vanilla until smooth. Add frozen bananas and blend, scraping down sides of blender as needed, until thick and creamy. With blender turned off, fold cacao nibs into smoothie mixture.
    2. Divide smoothie into 2 serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with some extra cacao nibs, fresh raspberries, and a few mint leaves. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 307 calories; 8 g protein; 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat); 58 g total carbohydrates (28 g sugars, 10 g fiber); 55 mg sodium

    Minted Watermelon and Rice Noodle Salad

    This vibrant summer salad works equally great as a side dish or light lunch. It also travels well. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for a few days.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 5
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon liquid honey
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek or 1 finely chopped bird's eye chili
    • 1 tablespoon + ⅓ cup loosely packed mint leaves divided
    • 1 cup snow peas ends trimmed
    • 1 cup bean sprouts
    • 5 ½ oz rice vermicelli noodles
    • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
    • 14 oz watermelon cut into bite-sized pieces
    • ¼ cup loosely packed Thai basil leaves or regular basil leaves
    • 2 green onions thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped toasted peanuts (optional)
    • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

    Method
     

    1. In small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, honey, water, and sambal oelek or chopped chili until well combined. Finely chop 1 Tbsp mint leaves and stir into dressing. Set aside while preparing salad, or transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
    2. Bring large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. While water is coming to a boil, prepare ice bath by placing a couple of handfuls of ice into large bowl and covering with cold water. Set aside.
    3. Blanch snow peas in boiling water for 10 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer to ice bath for 1 minute before placing on clean kitchen towel to drain. Repeat blanching and ice water bath treatment with bean sprouts, taking care to blanch bean sprouts in boiling water for only 5 seconds. Place bean sprouts to drain on clean kitchen towel alongside snow peas.
    4. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and place in large bowl. Add about half the reserved dressing and toss to combine.
    5. Cut snow peas into bite-sized pieces and add to bowl with noodles along with bean sprouts, cherry tomato halves, watermelon pieces, torn basil leaves, green onion, and remaining 1/3 cup torn mint leaves. Drizzle with remaining dressing before gently tossing all together. Pile onto serving plates and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, if using, and lime wedges.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 215 calories; 6 g protein; 2 g total fat (0 g sat. fat); 45 g total carbohydrates (11 g sugars, 4 g fiber); 590 mg sodium

    Sweet Mint Pesto with Grilled Peaches

    For this recipe, sun-kissed peaches are used; however, other fruits such as pineapple, mango, nectarine, or plums would work equally well. Paired with a refreshing minty pesto sauce, this speedy dessert is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
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    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups packed fresh mint leaves
    • 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil divided
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ¼ cup raw pine nuts, raw cashews, or raw sunflower seeds
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt
    • 4 ripe peaches
    • Your favorite vanilla ice cream to serve, if desired

    Method
     

    1. Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
    2. While barbecue preheats, make mint pesto sauce. In blender, place mint, 3 Tbsp grapeseed oil, olive oil, pine nuts, honey, vanilla, and salt. Blend, scraping down sides of blender jug as needed with rubber spatula, until pesto is mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. If pesto is too thick, thin with water, adding 1 Tbsp at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
    3. Cut peaches or your chosen fruit in half and discard pits. Rub cut side of fruit with some of the remaining 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil. Place fruit cut-side down on preheated grill and cook, moving as needed so fruit does not burn, until warm and grill marked, about 2 minutes.
    4. To serve, divide grilled fruit among serving bowls and top with some mint pesto. While delicious just as is, topping with a scoop of ice cream is highly recommended, as it gives the final dish more depth and richness.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 271 calories; 4 g protein; 19 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 26 g total carbohydrates (21 g sugars, 5 g fiber); 70 mg sodium

    By Lawren Moneta

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine