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grilled sharp cheddar cheese panini with cranberry mustard and arugula

by Jackie Newgent  |  November 26, 2014  |  0 Comments
The grilled cheese sandwich has been around ever since I’ve been around. Though I always called it “toasted cheese” as a kid. The classic version of this popular sandwich is traditionally made with pasteurized process cheese food, sometimes known as American singles. It’s unfortunate since this type of “cheese” is only required to contain 51% real cheese. Yikes! So here’s my updated version of the classic grilled cheese, accessorized with flavorful ingredients, including a cranberry mustard and fresh arugula, and grilled in a panini press. The highlight is the cheese. I made this recipe with Sargento slices which are 100% real, natural cheese. Enjoy it made with sharp Cheddar, like I did, or pick your favorite variety. (Hint: Sargento has...
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sharp cheddar quesadilla with apple salsa

by Jackie Newgent  |  November 16, 2014  |  1 Comment
One of my quick go-to food fixes is a quesadilla. I never seem to make it exactly the same way twice. Here’s my newest version—with a bit of New York flair. It’s made simply with sharp Cheddar and scallion between two whole grain tortillas. The enticing twist is the topping. I usually love a good pico de gallo made with fresh tomatoes. But since tomatoes aren’t in season in my part of the world, I’ve gone with a New York apple-based salsa. Choose whatever apple is seasonal. Want a true “Empire State” experience? Make the salsa with New York-grown apples, like from Red Jacket Orchards. Their delicious, sustainably-grown apples are available at my local farmers market all-year-yound. But you can...
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meatless monday: western stuffed potato skins with eggs

by Jackie Newgent  |  October 27, 2014  |  0 Comments
If you’re a fan of sporting events or bar food, chances are good that you’ve probably enjoyed a stuffed potato skin or two during football season! Now, here’s a way to enjoy them more often–at home and in a healthful yet equally delicious way. They’re a perfect addition to a Meatless Monday night football gathering. And don’t worry if your game day starts super early. These potato skins are stuffed with eggs; so they’re ideal to savor for a sporty brunch (and a tasty way to boost protein early in the day). Think of them as the best of both–a western omelet and hash brown–all in one fun bite! Calories saved: 190 Why it’s better for you? Stuffed with veggies...
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broccoli cheese soup with pumpkin puree

by Jackie Newgent  |  October 5, 2013  |  3 Comments
Makes 4 servings: 1 1/2 cups each My sister is a huge fan of Panera Bread and their super creamy broccoli Cheddar soup. After trying a few bites of her soup one day, I totally understood why. But I also realized that it wasn’t quite the calorie friendly variety. So, of course, I leaped into action in my kitchen to recreate a better-for-you version that was equally tasty—if not tastier. This is the winner! My inspired version has a lovely autumn yellow-orange hue from pumpkin puree and turmeric. The pumpkin also creates extra lusciousness without excess dairy decadence. You can actually use 100% pure pumpkin from a can; you don’t need to go hunting in a pumpkin patch for the...
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creamy corn and bell pepper bake

by Jackie Newgent  |  August 18, 2013  |  2 Comments
(Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 12 servings: 3/4 cup each It may be nearing the end of summer, but it’s still the best of corn season. So here’s a way to celebrate it. First, to assure your corn is GMO-free, pick organic. Then rather than going greasy with bacon, I created a flavorful and more eye-appealing corn casserole-style dish by using a variety of peppers. What’s more, there’s now no overly-processed cheese-like product in the recipe. Yep, that means no Velveeta; I just can’t go there … ever. The end result is a lovely side to take your tastebuds deliciously into the fall. By the way … don’t feel that you need to use fresh corn; frozen corn...
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