getcrackin Archives - Jackie Newgent

lemony beet “hummus” with poached pistachios

by Jackie Newgent | December 5, 2016 | 1 Comment

Move over traditional hummus! This new twist on the dip uses white beans to allow all flavors to shine through. It’s prettier thanks to beets! (Hint: It’s okay to use the pre-packaged type to save time.) And it’s nutritiously intriguing thanks to poached pistachios, made simply by simmering shelled pistachios in water for 20 minutes. Pair with sliced cucumbers, jicama, or whole grain pita chips. Enjoy as a sandwich condiment, too. Calories saved: 34 Why it’s better for you? Both traditional hummus and this version are good for you. What’s interesting about this recipe is that you’ll get lutein and zeaxanthin from the pistachios and betalain from the beets! Disclosure: I developed this recipe for Wonderful Pistachios as part of...

baba ghannoush with poached pistachio puree

by Jackie Newgent | November 28, 2016 | 0 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … if you’re a Christmas “geek” like I am! I love to entertain during the holiday season! There’s almost always going to be a dip available when I host a gathering. Every year I whip up one that’s new. So, here’s this year’s creation—an inspired take on baba ghannoush (Middle Eastern eggplant dip). Poached pistachio puree is what makes this recipe special. I use it here in place of tahini for a unique taste twist and velvety texture. And beyond just a dip, baba ghannoush makes a delightful bruschetta topping … including this version. Serve it as a festive (and Meatless Monday-friendly!) pick that all of your family and friends—vegetarian or otherwise—can...

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...

juice-infused quinoa salad with pistachios

by Jackie Newgent | July 11, 2016 | 0 Comments

“How can I make quinoa taste good?” I’ve been asked that question a lot! Here’s one answer to that. Use juice as the cooking liquid! Try a juice that’s a flavorful blend of fruit and veggie juices with no added sugar. It’ll pump up the nutritional value to superfood levels. Plus, it’ll provide color and memorable flavor. Here I used a juice that’s a blend of carrot, apple and lemon juices, ginger puree, and coriander. But you can simply use plain carrot or orange juice if you have that on hand. (Hint: Alternatively, you can use half juice and half water as the cooking liquid for a lighter touch!) Then, to add herbal fragrance, I’ve included fresh basil. For pops...

vegan dark chocolate-pumpkin bread

by Jackie Newgent | November 22, 2015 | 38 Comments

From Thanksgiving through Christmas, you can usually find me baking up some goodies, watching holiday rom-coms, or hosting parties … or all of the above! So it’s the perfect excuse for me to create a new fresh-from-the-oven treat, like this vegan dark chocolate-pumpkin bread. It’s basically a glammed up pumpkin bread. It’s big on chocolateness. It has a just-right amount of sweetness. And, as a bonus, it’s 100% plant based.

getcrackin

As Seen In

Connect with Jackie: