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vegan vanilla chia cupcakes

by Jackie Newgent  |  September 28, 2014  |  0 Comments
I just turned another year older, so I baked cupcakes to celebrate. Birthdays do only come once a year, after all! However,  to make sure the desserty treats were at least a tiny bit better for everyone to enjoy, this cupcake recipe uses whole-wheat pastry flour and chia seeds. It’s free of butter and eggs to please any vegan, too. Now I’m sharing my recipe—with its hint of wholesomeness—for all of you to enjoy. Calories saved: 110 Why it’s better for you? Whole-wheat and chia seeds! Unless you need to be following a gluten-free/wheat-free diet, embrace wheat … it’s full of health protective benefits, including the potential to improve intestinal and metabolic health and lessen chronic inflammation. And chia seeds...
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chilled grilled corn soup

by Jackie Newgent  |  August 19, 2014  |  0 Comments
We’re smack dab in the middle of corn* season in much of the country, including where I live in New York. So I thought I’d take advantage of it. Even though I love a good bowl of corn chowder, I really don’t want a steamy serving of it when it’s still so summery hot outside. That’s where this chilled corn soup comes in. It’s rich in flavor from the “naked” grilling of the corn, a hint of “heat” from jalapeño, and a generous pinch of earthy cumin. It provides sweet, smoky, and refreshing goodness in every spoonful! Calories saved: 270 Why it’s better for you? The extra creaminess is from beans, not half-n-half or cream
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savory spinach & “goat cheese” oatmeal

by Jackie Newgent  |  August 12, 2014  |  3 Comments
A bowl of savory oatmeal, including this savory spinach & “goat cheese” oatmeal, is so much more interesting than the more traditional sweet version. And homemade oatmeal can be a quick and simple. Pre-prep the ingredients the night before, if you like. Then skip the snooze alarm and whip up this great-tasting, good-for-you, comforting take on oatmeal. By going savory instead of sweet, it’ll be more satisfying than a few extra minutes of disrupted sleep anyway! Enjoy alongside a cup of green tea and, if you wish, a serving of fresh seasonal fruit.
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classic macaroni salad with grilled peppers

by Jackie Newgent  |  April 30, 2014  |  0 Comments
Makes 5 servings: 1 cup each I was asked to create a healthy macaroni salad, but to keep it classic. Basically, no overly frilly, fussy, or fancy ingredients allowed. That actually is more challenging than it sounds. Macaroni salad is considered “classic” for a reason. And I won’t use “fake” fat-free ingredients to concoct my recipes. That said, I was successful at creating this better-for-you version! I kept great taste and tradition in mind. And though not extra fancy, I did make this macaroni salad extra special by adding grilled peppers and fresh herbs. Enjoy it at your next cookout or picnic. I know I will! Calories saved: 170 Why it’s better for you: Pumped up the whole grains; more...
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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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