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summer

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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romaine wedge salad with avocado-blue cheese dressing & smoked almonds

by Jackie Newgent  |  July 9, 2013  |  0 Comments
©Photographed by Lea Loveland. (Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 4 servings: 1 wedge each Sometimes all I feel like eating during summertime is salad–especially during those dreaded heatwaves. How about you? So my terrific intern, Lea Loveland, came to the rescue. We teamed up to create this really refreshing appetizer salad. We took an iceberg wedge salad recipe and gave it a thoroughly modern, plant-centered, eye-catching update. One of my favorite parts is using hickory smoked almonds instead of bacon. Much friendlier for the arteries! Lea says, “Don’t be fooled by this lighter dressing because it’s full o’ flavor.” Please let us know what you think. Our take … it’s super tasty! Calories Saved: 290
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garlic scape & herb hash brown potatoes

by Jackie Newgent  |  June 24, 2013  |  2 Comments
Makes 4 servings: 1 cup each Garlic scapes … oh yum! If you haven’t yet discovered them, be on the lookout … right now! They’re the crunchy, mild tasting, flowering stalks of garlic plants. And they’re around for only a short time in late spring to early summer. So cook with them often when they’re here. Use them kind of like scallions (green onions); though they’ll have a mild garlic instead of mild onion flavor. No garlic scapes? No problem. You can just add 2 minced cloves of garlic along with the scallions to this hash brown recipe. I also enjoy using red, gold, and purple baby creamer potatoes in this tasty recipe for eye appeal. Try this colorful combination—or...
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ginger cherry, berry & watermelon daiquiri

by Jackie Newgent  |  June 13, 2013  |  0 Comments
(Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 4 servings: 1 (6 1/2-ounce) drink each There’s no problem meeting fruit servings when you can sip them like this. Rather than making a daiquiri that’s loaded with alcohol and added sugar, this is gently spiked and loaded with seasonal fruit. It’s a perfect 100 calories—and perfect for poolside, a backyard BBQ, or any time you just wanna chill out. Sure, even in the morning, if you like. Move over mimosa! Calories Saved: 140
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asparagus fettuccine alfredo

by Jackie Newgent  |  May 29, 2013  |  3 Comments
  Makes 4 servings: 1 1/2 cups each Nearly 20 years ago, fettuccine Alfredo was dubbed “a heart attack on a plate” by Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Catchy name, huh?! Since then, I’ve been asked numerous times if there’s actually a way to make a healthy fettuccine Alfredo—and one that’s still delicious. My answer: sort of! This version is still a luxurious pasta dish, but definitely a better-for-you pick. And no worries; as always, I don’t use fake fat-free or pseudo-anything here. Fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and whole-grain pasta create extra body, color, and savoriness. I’m lighter-handed on the butter, cheese, and cream, while still using the rich stuff … real heavy cream. And now there are...
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