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california prunes

roasted sweet potato, spicy lentil chili & cashew cheese

by Jackie Newgent  |  April 8, 2019  |  0 Comments
One of my favorite kitchen pastimes is to recreate comfort food into a new food experience. Ultimately, my goal is to make the dishes even tastier, healthier, and plant-ier (I think I made that word up?!) … and to elevate them so they’re a slight bit fancier. That’s what I did here. And don’t worry, it’s not complicated even though it might look like it. It’s my newest take on chili cheese fries. Yep, it’s still carb-rich … but at least it’s 100% “good” carbs!
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fruit-sweetened dark cocoa smoothie

by Jackie Newgent  |  March 28, 2019  |  1 Comment
One of my favorite things to enjoy after a long power walk is a smoothie. And when it comes to whirled up beverages, there’s no better flavor in my book than chocolate … the darker the better! So, meet my dark chocolatey smoothie. You only need three ingredients to make it—fat-free milk (preferably organic), unsweetened cocoa powder and, for sweetness, California prunes. Yep, you read that right … prunes! In the culinary sense, these dried fruits (dried plums, to be precise) enhance chocolatiness. They provide sweetness in a no-sugar-added manner. Plus, they’re beneficial for gut and bone health! In other words, that’s a win-win-win-win!
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asian-style noodles with gingery prune sauce

by Jackie Newgent  |  March 13, 2019  |  0 Comments
I’m a big, BIG noodle fan! They’re such a fun food. This cool bowl of noodles is no exception. You can make it with any variety you like. And there are sooo many types available today. When doing a cold salad like this, I find that whole-wheat or brown rice noodles offer the best texture. But when you want a boo punch of plant-based protein, you can make it with a pulse pasta like I did her. That’s red lentil spaghetti you see.
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farro with california prunes, butternut squash & pecans

by Jackie Newgent  |  February 25, 2019  |  3 Comments
I’m a big fan of grain sides and salads … especially when farro is the grain of choice. Grain salads are usually heartier and more satisfying than leafy salads. And this recipe is definitively satisfying! Farro is an ancient grain, yet it’s ideal on your thoroughly modern table. If not familiar with it, it’s got a slight nutty taste and a delightfully chewy texture. You’ll adore it as a base for this dish. Here it’s ideal for fall through early spring as it features prunes and lightly caramelized butternut squash for a punch of produce and a touch of sweet. (Hint: The prunes provide gut and bone health benefits!) It’s perfectly paired with pecans, scallions, and a generous amount of...
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guacamole with poached california prunes

by Jackie Newgent  |  April 9, 2018  |  0 Comments
Guacamole is one of my favorite things on the planet! I adore it prepared the traditional way. But unlike pure traditionalists, I also love guac with fun “stuff” tossed into it. That means you’ll find a surprise inside this avocado delight: poached California prunes! You’ll definitely feel good knowing that important compounds in California prunes can help regulate, support, and protect digestive and bone health. So, scoop up all of the goodness in this not-your-ordinary guacamole recipe with organic corn tortilla chips and savor one pleasing bite at a time. It’s definitely a win-win for your taste buds … and your health!   Disclosure: (At time of posting) Jackie is a spokesperson for California Prune Board. She created this recipe...
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