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mini mint-chocolate brownie sundae jars

by Jackie Newgent  |  June 22, 2017  |  5 Comments
I love desserts in mini jars! It’s a way to indulge in sweets in a portion-friendly way. It’s so much fun, too! Here, I’ve gone with a brownie sundae concept. I chose mint chocolate chip frozen dessert since that’s my favorite flavor. And I made good-for-you brownies with absolutely no added sugars! Altogether, this dessert can be called “healthy!” But there’s no need to tell skeptics that. This dessert-in-a-jar still provides 100% “sweet tooth” satisfaction! Serve for a party. Or, freeze brownie rounds for later and make one jar at a time just for you. Enjoy beyond just as dessert. This recipe makes a scrumptious pick as a post-workout snack! But before taking that first spoonful, please join me in...
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fresh mint grasshopper mocktail

by Jackie Newgent  |  May 22, 2017  |  1 Comment
When can a healthy drink do double duty as a dessert? When you whirl up this fresh mint grasshopper mocktail recipe! It’s inspired by the after-dinner Grasshopper cocktail that’s typically made with green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. This virgin version is hangover-free and contains no added sugars and no artery-clogging cream! It has a just-right sweetness and creaminess and fresh minty flair. Plus, it’s a perfect fit for the Recipe Redux theme of this month: Cocktails and Mocktails for May Celebrations. Cheers! Why it’s good for you? Punch of protein and probiotics!
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borough market-inspired peppermint brownies

by Jackie Newgent  |  November 21, 2016  |  1 Comment
One of the most memorable brownies I ever had was one that I enjoyed at Borough Market in London. But it’s one of those “special occasion” brownies since it’s super rich. With the Recipe Redux theme this moth of “Trimming the Table,” where a healthy holiday dessert was the request, I decided that I’d start with that special brownie recipe, then keep tweaking it until I created a “healthy” brownie that’s perfect for the holidays. I did it! The result still has just-right richness and fudginess from butter, eggs, and dark chocolate. But this version uses whole-wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar and … wait for it … carrots! I figured that folks like carrot cake, so why not go for...
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lebanese salad with lemony tahini dressing and za’atar pita chips

by Jackie Newgent  |  August 8, 2016  |  8 Comments
I actually thought Lebanese food was American food as a kid. I guess that’s what happens when you grow up with a Lebanese mother (who was also a caterer)! When I’m wanting a little taste of comfort, I don’t think first about things like mac ‘n’ cheese; I crave Middle Eastern cuisine. So here’s a salad I created that’s inspired by fattoush, a simple salad that ideally takes advantage of leftover pita bread. But I’ve given it a tasty twist with freshly-baked za’atar pita chips, a tahini-spiked dressing, and plenty of chickpeas. It’s a refreshing luncheon entrée salad (perfect for Meatless Monday!) that’s surprisingly comforting. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
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grilled mango salad with avocado & pistachios

by Jackie Newgent  |  July 21, 2016  |  3 Comments
I crave salads in the summer. How about you? When that urge strikes, here’s a new salad for ya. If you’re a mango lover like I am, it’ll literally make your mouth water! The Recipe Redux theme this month is “Get Your Fruits and Veggies in Shape.” Rather than cutting up this salad’s fruit into a new shape, I decided to add shape on it. I created crosshatch grill marks on mango “cheeks.” Using grilled fruit is a simple way to upgrade a recipe! Not only does it add eye appeal, it adds smoky flavor interest. What’s more, I used grilled mango in two ways here—as cubes and pureed into the dressing. Enjoy it! Hint: Add black beans, edamame, or...
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