To die for.
Most people are eating at home more often these days, including yours truly. Saving money is a big priority, and being experimental in the kitchen is key for avoiding boredom: With these ideas in mind, I suggest you test a lentil ragu. Lentils are deliciously inexpensive and each serving offers tons of protein and fiber. Texturally, they are a perfect substitute for meat in a traditional ragu Read more
With this economy, we're all looking for ways to save money. Since animal sources of protein can be pricey, why not opt to have at least one meal a week focused on plant-based proteins? I'm talking about lentils. They're a type of legume, and have the third highest level of vegetarian protein after soybeans and hemp. There are a huge variety of lentils, ranging in size and color from brown, to Read more
I recently tried a new flavor of the frozen entrées from Kashi (they're the company that makes those TLC Chewy Granola Bars I love). I loved the Pesto Pasta Primavera so much, and was excited to try another vegetarian option - Black Bean Mango. As with all of Kashi's products, I was impressed that I could pronounce every ingredient on the list, and they were all things I've heard of like canola Read more
Memorial Day is a great weekend to kick off the beginning of Summer. Keep the barbecue healthy by offering nutritious options that are low in calories. From a potato salad without mayo, to a guacamole made with edamame, these delicious dishes have something for everyone. Side Salads Israeli Couscous With Tomato, Feta, and Mint Sweet and Sour Cucumbers Potato Salad With Cornichons and Read more
It's fun to host people for a barbecue, but it can also get quite pricey when everyone isn't chipping in. Consumer expert Andrea Woroch provides suggestions to cut your grocery bill when shopping for your Memorial Day meal: Prepare most of your meal. Woroch says, "The general rule for prepared foods is that they are more expensive, and it's cheaper to buy the ingredients to prepare yourself." Read more
There's nothing better than some grilled goodness on a sunny Spring day. If you've taken on a vegan or vegetarian diet and you're tired of those prepackaged burgers, you're in luck. I've got you covered with nine vegan burger recipes that are bursting with flavor. There's something to tempt every vegan regardless of their preferences, from white bean to black bean to portobello. No Read more
Recently, reader Blanca123 raised some interesting questions when responding to our recipe for President Obama's chili: "Kindly explain why you call this pitifully flavored 'meat one-pot' a chili . . . Where's the heat? No cayenne, red pepper flakes or even hot sauce, much less real fresh chiles? Turmeric? Why?" She sure got us thinking about what are the intrinsic elements of a true pot of Read more
If you're a fan of slow-cooked baked beans, you'll love this easy recipe for white beans with bacon, beer, and rosemary. This dish requires time: the beans must be soaked overnight and then cooked in the oven for two hours, so plan ahead. The wait is worth it, though. The beans are rustic but elegant, and absolutely delicious. Entertaining? Serve with roast chicken and a green salad. To get the Read more
By now you're probably familiar with MyPlate, the government's new food pyramid replacement; in case you hadn't heard, based on the updated guidelines, Americans are consuming far more sodium than they should. And new research suggests that overconsumption of salt affects cognitive function. High blood pressure, water retention, and stupidity? That's too much to bear. The good news is that there Read more
Red beans and rice is a dish that is native to Louisiana. Traditionally it's enjoyed on Mondays because it's a one-pot meal that makes use of leftovers from Sunday's family dinner. The important thing to remember is that the beans must be soaked overnight, therefore a little planning is involved when making it. It also requires time because the beans simmer with pork, vegetables, and aromatics Read more
