This super easy snack is one of my favorites! It only takes 3 ingredients to make and is ready in a jiffy. You can even share them as an appetizer for a get together or potluck. It’s very light, and satisfying at the same time…almost reminds me of a tiny low-carb pizza! =)
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, anti inflammatoryRead More »
I absolutely love Giada DeLaurentis’ new way of cooking…she does an amazing job at balancing those comforting Italian flavors with a clean, delicate and healthy touch. I found this light chicken parmesan recipe from her new cookbook Happy Cooking and it’s now a favorite of mine. The addition of fresh herbs in this recipe really makes it stand out. I modified a bit to lighten up some areas more. I paired it with roasted veggies that you often find in Italian cooking, tossed in a wonderfully bright basil vinaigrette.
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, anti inflammatoryRead More »
Tyler Florence’s potato salad is my favorite on earth, and has been my go-to side dish for many summer potlucks and BBQs. It has lots of flavors and textures, just perfect…an oldie but definitely a goodie! I modified it a bit to be lighter, and it’s still very creamy and flavorful. It’s pretty easy to make and can be prepared and refrigerated ahead of time…the flavors just get better!
-Mel
Health tips: Reduced fat, heart healthyRead More »
This is one of mine and my hubby Dane’s go-to, super easy, and satisfying breakfasts! We were inspired by one of his work buds who would always have a slice of this bagel ready for him in the morning. You can enjoy it as breakfast, brunch or a light snack, and even better if you split with a friend. Enjoy it before work or school this week!
-Mel
Health tips: Kid friendly, low fatRead More »
Tomatoes, garlic and basil, oh my! These three things go together like a good three-piece suit. Throw in a few extra ingredients, and you have yourself a delicious topping to add onto a cute little piece of toasted bread (which toasted bread itself is actually called bruschetta).
I work at an elementary school…yup, I’m a teacher! We were celebrating birthdays for the month of December. I needed something I could feed a ton of people with. I decided to create a “build-your-own bruschetta bar”. Basically, I put out a pile of little sliced pieces of toasted baguette (bruschetta), and tons of toppings (classic tomato bruschetta topping, roasted garlic, 3 different kinds of goat cheeses, jams, pesto, herbs, and honey). Super simple, but super fun! Heck, you can even have your guests bring a topping if you’d like. If you are entertaining for the holidays, this is an easy, yet elegant way to feed your friends and family. Add a few bottles of wine/champagne, and you have yourselves a sweet holiday party! Cheers!
-Tammy
Health tips: kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, vegetarian
I can’t believe the holidays are already here, and Thanksgiving just around the corner! It is definitely the time to indulge, but I actually think that there are many opportunities to share tasty dishes while also keeping it wholesome and healthy, especially with the season’s produce. Sweet potatoes are a favorite of many, and they are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Why not kick it up some and be a little bad since this glorious vegetable is so good!? Even if you’re not a big fan of sweet potatoes, this will change your mind! Share this dish with your family and friends this week!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, kid friendly
Pumpkin, pumpkin, “how do I love thee? Let me count the ways….” Yes, I’m obsessed with pumpkin! And it’s pumpkin season! If you are a pumpkin junkie like me, then you will “fall” for this pumpkin oatmeal recipe, inspired by Lisa Lillien (aka Hungry Girl). It’s filling, super healthy, and oh, so delectable!
Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, *diabetes-friendly, kid-friendly
Ok, you must be thinking…Tofu, why? Is it good? Yes, it’s really delicious, and good for you. If you’ve ever doubted tofu, this recipe will change your mind! For those new to tofu, it’s a solid, healthy, soy-milk based protein also known as bean curd. When fried, it gives you the substance and bite of something similar to a meat. My husband Dane absolutely loves this recipe because it’s full of flavor and frying up the tofu makes it crispy and so yummy. Hey, I know it’s frying, but you have to reward yourself since all these ingredients are so healthy right? =) This recipe is also very flexible, if you don’t like tofu, you can substitute it for a lean meat, and you can pretty much throw in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, diabetes-friendly
This is one of my favorite recipes I found on eatingwell.com! It’s simple, clean and so very tasty. Yum Yum. You can enjoy the cozy flavor of ravioli but it’s also very light with the peppery arugula greens mixed in. Enjoy it as a potluck dish, a side, lunch or light dinner. Leftovers eaten cold the next day are delicious as well!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy
I thought this summer weather would die down and I’d be on to making hearty, warmer dishes like slow-cooker meals, soups and stews. Well, I was wrong. We had a heat-wave once again. I remembered a while back my hubby ate out and said he had an amazing “salad with bread in it” (aka panzanella). When he told me what was in it, my wheels started turning and I immediately thought of this salad. I am a huge fan of making your own salad dressings. They are just better! You can control the amount of sugar and salt. I always have homemade on hand and if I do not, I’m able to whip some up in just a few minutes. So here is what I came up with when my hubby asked me to re-create the dish. Even though I haven’t tasted the restaurant’s version, mine was pretty darn good, if I say so myself. My brother-in-law was over and really enjoyed it as well! So raise your glass to this yummy and filling salad! CHEERS!
-Tammy
Health tips: Heart healthy, kidney friendly
Family Apron 