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November is a special time of year when family and friends come together to celebrate gratitude and share in the joy of a bountiful feast. Preparing a memorable Thanksgiving meal can be a delightful adventure, and it's not just about the food, but the sense of togetherness it represents. We are delighted to explore some delectable ideas and inspiration for creating a heartwarming holiday spread.

For appetizers, you could always try these bite-sized Roasted Artichoke hearts. Artichokes are loaded with nutrients that help promote healthy cholesterol levels. If you are entertaining a group, this Grazing Board keeps it wholesome! Not only is it easy to put together and nutritious, but every item is packed with flavor and various nutrients. Additionally, a Leek and Onion Puff Pastry would make an excellent afternoon snack. 

If you are trying to decide on a main course, a traditional Herbed Roast Turkey will be sure to keep your dining experience savory with sage! Those who want to spice things up can always try this Red Chile-Citrus Glazed Roast Turkey and Pan Gravy. Between red chiles, fennel, and parsley, the flavor is bound to be unforgettable! Vegetarians can benefit from a salad that not only offers a colorful display, but this Citrus, Beet, and Arugula salad with Halloumi croutons has so many heart, brain, and digestive benefits!

As 2023 nears closer to 2024, we are grateful to support the GW’s health sciences educational, research, and clinical programs. We are also grateful for the faculty, staff, and students who have made this season and year such a great one! Lastly, as a sweet beverage to serve as a perfect Thanksgiving treat, a Homemade Apple Cider, with no added sugar

Be safe, and have a happy Thanksgiving break! 

It’s that time of the year again, autumn is in full swing and trick-or-treating is just around the corner. Take a minute to ask yourself: what is on your plate? Whether you will be attending festivities or not, now is a great time to try something new. 

If you are looking for something that captures the natural flavors of autumn, try making rosemary - pumpkin seed brittle. If your brittle is too sweet, don’t forget that you can always compliment it with some sea salt sprinkled on top. If you would like to add some more protein to your snack, the almonds in these pumpkin spice granola cups combined with oats make these yogurt cups a game-changer for fiber! You can also customize them to your liking with colorful fruit or candy. 

If you are looking for something more savory, why not challenge yourself to make a more classic carrot soup? Carrots are not only vitamin-packed, but the recipe is perfect for those who adhere to a vegetarian diet. For best results, use a blender! This time of year, we all know it may be difficult to keep calories low. If calories matter to you, these cheese & spinach stuffed portobellos are only 196 calories per serving.

For a complimentary dessert, these candy corn gelatin cups are definitely an eye-catcher! Or if you are brave enough to fry, why not try these fried apple pie rolls? While fried foods may not be as healthy, there is a silver lining in the fact that coconut oil contains Vitamin E. Like most semester finals, holidays often include an underlying sensation of stress, especially when faced with busy schedules. This crockpot spiced cider will not only make your place of living a center of aromatherapy, but it might also serve to remind you that all things take time. 

This season, don’t forget to take some time for yourself to enjoy what Autumn’s pantry has to offer. From the Himmelfarb Library, we wish you a safe and Happy Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and a most cozy Autumn to all!  

Picture of jars of nuts and grains laid on their sides with the contents spilling out onto the counter.

The back-to-school season is upon us, and that means busy mornings, packed schedules, and the need for quick and nutritious meals. Having convenient and healthy eats on hand is essential. In this post, we're sharing some fantastic ideas for meals and snacks that are perfect for busy days and on-the-go moments.

If you are a smoothie lover, this 5-ingredient Banana- Peach smoothie is not only rich in nutrients but also packed with protein and potassium! Another simple and easy to fit into a jar recipe would be this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal. Oatmeal is not only great for weight loss but also helps to decrease the risk of heart disease and high blood sugar levels. Another Mason jar and travel-friendly recipe are these sweet Rise and Shine Parfaits! Substitute the yogurt for Greek yogurt to obtain all the benefits that support bone, muscle, and gut health.  

Into Salads? Why not make your own? This DIY salad in a Jar recipe offers a perfect starting point for those who are unsure of where to start. It is easy to change to your liking. If you have some time to prep the night before, you can always make a delicious Chicken and Veggie Couscous meal that is both easy to pack and allows you to use your favorite vegetables. 


Another perfectly packable and healthy lunch idea would be these Tomato, Avocado, and shallot sandwiches! Shallots are also great for those with high cholesterol. 

When in doubt, go wholesome! Keeping a selection of nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and almonds is always beneficial as they have heart-healthy monosaturated fats and fiber. You can always mix them with your favorite dried fruit for something more filling. Add some dark chocolate for some extra magnesium and iron, which helps keep energy levels high. 

With these quick and healthy eats, you'll be well-prepared for busy back-to-school days and on-the-go adventures. Remember, making nutritious choices doesn't have to be complicated – a little planning can go a long way in ensuring you have delicious and wholesome options at your fingertips.

With the end of June and the 4th of July holiday just around the corner, it is a good time to ask yourself: have I been eating well this summer? Summer is the perfect time to zest things up with a bit of flavor while keeping your meal healthy! 

If you have a busy lifestyle and find yourself on the run, the health benefits of raw fruit and vegetables may be something to consider. Did you know that watermelon has potassium and protein, and it helps to keep you hydrated? If you are looking for more ways to be innovative with watermelon, try making a Cucumber and watermelon feta salad. Or you can try a perfect pack-and-go snack, a fresh fruit salad is not only low in calories and carbs but is also a fantastic heart-healthy vegan option! If you are looking for a vegetable alternative, these  Braised Green Beans and Summer Vegetables are low in sodium and gluten-free. A more savory and wholesome option would be this no grill required Salt-and-Pepper Cauliflower. 

If you want a reason to use the grill, try this Grilled Buttermilk Chicken. The buttermilk, garlic, and thyme-based marinade offers a unique and appealing blend of heart-healthy herbs! If you are looking for a classic sweet and savory recipe, look no further than this Healthyish Barbecue Chicken recipe. Want some vegetarian options? No problem! A Lentil Burger or these Creamy Avocado and White Bean Wraps not only offer a unique flavor but are also low in calories and high in fiber.

Craving something sweet? How about a three-ingredient diabetes-friendly Cherry Sorbet? Chocolate and banana lovers can’t miss the S’mores Banana Bread

Whatever the occasion may be, don’t forget that eating healthy does not necessarily mean eating ‘boring’ or bland foods. Every day offers a new chance to try something new, and the potential for flavor opportunities is endless! 

Decorative image of citrus fruits sliced and placed on a yellow background.

As the days get longer it is a fantastic time to enjoy the many flavors of Summer! From refreshing beverages to one-of-a-kind dishes, the culinary landscape of the season offers so many delicious possibilities that don’t require a diet. We have found some fantastic recipes to tantalize your taste buds with healthy summer eats that are sure to make the sunny season more delightful. 

For lunch, why not try this low-carb and crunchy Thai Larb salad? You can pick your protein, be it beef, lamb, or chicken, you can even make this into a healthy vegetarian option. This immunity-boosting recipe offers a unique heat and crunch combination that is packed full of riboflavin, zinc, B12, and B6! If gluten is not an option, these Vietnamese-style Summer rolls guarantee a unique flavor with a mint, bean sprout, and chili flavor fusion.

If you’re looking for reasons to spend some quality time with the grill, these Grilled - honey - Chipotle Salmon packets with summer squash are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C! Summer isn’t complete without some of the classic flavors too! Always a crowd pleaser, you can’t go wrong with a timeless Cucumber Black-eyed pea salad. This salad is wonderfully versatile, pairs well with any sort of summer meal, and can be enjoyed as a snack. 

If you are looking for something new to try to revolutionize the way you see dessert, these Apple Nachos with Chocolate and Peanut Butter are not only vegetarian and gluten-free, but also are a great way to get in that “Apple a day!” You can also offer Root Beer Floats. While a Root Beer Float may not be packed with vitamins, this unforgettable treat almost always delivers a smile. Don’t forget to serve them in a chilled mug! 

If you haven’t already, it might be a great time to ask yourself: How can I make my summer menu more innovative? Are you into the challenge of something new? Or do you prefer to keep meal plans traditional and tried and true? Whichever your preference, we hope that you will have a flavor-packed summer season.

Whether you are a football fan or not, why not take some time this weekend to shake up your regular cuisine routine? 

For appetizers, these Fried Buffalo Artichoke hearts are a healthier alternative if you’re a chicken wing fan. Not only are they vegetarian-friendly, but artichokes also help to lower bad cholesterol! Not into artichokes? No problem. Air fryer lovers or oven users can create these alluring cheesy cauliflower tots! Cauliflower is a fantastic option if you are watching carbohydrates, and it is high in fiber and B vitamins! 

In addition to being low on carbs, these keto taco cups are an eye-catching delight, and offer a flavor fusion of onions, cilantro, and avocado! Lastly for appetizers and a personal favorite of mine, oven-fried pickles. Packed with flavonoids, dill helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. 

For an entree, these spicy shrimp lettuce wraps give every reason to try something new! Who said Superbowl Sunday needs to be only burgers and hot dogs? If you are craving chicken, these barbecue herbed drumsticks offer a unique mix of sweet and savory flavors that will make it difficult to resist going back for seconds. For our grillmasters, add these skewered chili-honey-garlic shrimp kebabs to your menu!

If you are entertaining young ones or are looking for something colorful and different, these sour patch grapes just might hit the spot after salty and savory dishes! Who would have thought that green grapes could be transformed into sour patch treats? Following the trend of fruit, these chocolate-dipped apricots will offer a new and different flavor with a pistachio crunch! For a dessert that will be a bit more filling, these cinnamon vanilla donuts are both whole grain and sugar-free while still deliciously sweet! 

It’s almost winter break! What are your plans? Will you be decorating a holiday tree? Maybe you are going to visit loved ones and family members. Let us not forget the one thing that many of us share in common at this time of year: the enjoyment of bountiful food! 

No matter the situation, if you are bringing a dish, hosting, or staying in for the holidays, there are plenty of recipes and ideas that are bound to inspire a creative spark, especially if you are uncertain of what to cook.

For appetizers, this Vegetarian Spinach-Walnut pate is not only full of healthy ingredients, but its green and red color match the season! Keeping with the meatless trend, these Eggplant Ricotta bites give a whole new reason to make eggplant an eye-catching snack. If you want to keep with the red and green theme, this Shrimp Cocktail with Tomatillo-Horseradish sauce offers a taste of surf - and spice! 

Are you a fan of eggnog? You aren’t alone! What better way to impress than to make your Eggnog from scratch? Top with some whipped cream and cinnamon for a little extra flair. If you like yours sweeter or less, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking! You can also try this cool take on a classic: Mulled Wine Granata. Substitute the wine for grape juice if you would like your Granata alcohol-free.  

For the main dish, this savory Double-Duty Chicken with Olives & Artichokes offers a unique flavor fusion with lemon, garlic, and rosemary! Cutting carbs? No problem. This Low-Carb lasagna has no pasta in it. For those who are Vegetarian, these stuffed shells with spinach will make it hard to pass up seconds. You can also pair it with this World’s Best Kale salad which is packed with cranberries, almonds, and parmesan! Another tempting side salad option is Magdalena Roze's broccoli slaw.

Lastly, for dessert, which do you prefer? Pies, cakes, or cookies? This cranberry almond apple pie mixes seasonal flavors with a sensational crunch. Are you after a traditional flavor, but want to try something new? These Gingerbread Meringue Bars look richly packed and full of that cinnamon-ginger-pumpkin flavor. Similarly, these Lemon glazed Gingerbread cookies are a personal favorite of mine. 

We wish you the safest and most enjoyable Winter Break, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year! 

With Halloween candy behind us, it is time to think of what to put on the table for the upcoming Thanksgiving season. Even if you are not one who celebrates, what better way to wrap up the fall season than with some bountiful food? No matter your preferences or dietary needs, there is an abundance of options to choose from to add flavor to your meal.

Watching carbohydrates? Not a problem. This Cauliflower casserole with mixed seed crust is low in calories, carbs, and is a vegetarian dish! Maybe you are after a bit of color, something to stand out against the earthy starchy tones? What better way to impress than with this Beet & Goat Cheese salad? Another vegetarian option that is both gluten and soy free, this salad is an excellent source of potassium, and beets can even help lower blood pressure! 

Maybe classic is more your flavor. Also free of nuts and soy, Eatingwell’s homemade cranberry sauce includes just a bit of orange peel which compliments the tart flavor of the cranberry. If you are seeking an appetizer to pair with some crackers or veggies, a Pear-Pecan Cheese Ball just may hit the spot. 

For the main course, how exciting would it be to try Ina Garten’s Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast? If Thanksgiving traditions are new to you, Food Network offers a How to Carve a Turkey video that offers beginner-friendly tips. Tired of traditional turkey? Why not try some Turkey Spring Rolls? Or, if your dietary preferences are sans-meat, Vegan Wild-Rice Butternut Squash offers a burst of flavor with wild rice, sage, and cherries! 

Lastly for dessert, who needs apple pie, when you can make an Apple Crisp? This sweet & crunchy treat also goes well with vanilla ice cream! You can warm up with a nice Hot Cider with Apple Brandy & Spices, and subtract the alcohol if you prefer. 

We wish you all a safe, healthy and joyous end of November filled with savory meals and incredible shopping deals! 

Halloween has become a celebrated time of the year when we welcome colder temperatures, costumes, and all the pumpkin spice we can get our hands on. What are your plans for this spooky season? Whether you are hosting a costume party or are staying in, there are fun recipes that can make this season all the more festive!

If you are looking for something that is both eye-catching and healthy, these green apple Monsters are not only easy to make, but also are an excellent source of fiber and protein! Pumpkin fans, we have got you covered. Granola cups with pumpkin yogurt are easily customizable, so feel free to choose your own toppings if you would like! 

For chocolate lovers, this easy dark chocolate Halloween bark with quinoa has a crunch that will compliment your favorite candies, think candy corn, Twix, or M&Ms! 

Stuck on what to serve as an entree? Why not some Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers? The best part of this recipe is that any color pepper can be used to achieve the jack-o’-lantern look! Want to test your skills? A butternut squash risotto is bound to impress. This recipe is also vegetarian-friendly, just substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth. 

Not into Halloween? No problem! Autumn gives us every reason to delve into these decadent and colorful Pumpkin cheesecake bars. If you need a side or something to drink along with it, you can never go wrong with a more traditional Spiced Cider. 

We wish you all a safe and treat-filled holiday season! Do you have a favorite Halloween recipe? Let us know in the comments below! 

Roses are red, and violets are blue…wait, is that the best we can do? 

As Valentine's day is here, I always like to ask myself: what does the holiday actually mean to me? Retail stores are filled with heart shaped boxes, flowers and balloons, but is that really what it is all about? Perhaps it’s historical origins in Rome might interest you, or maybe it might be a good idea to take a moment to look around ourselves and identify who we are grateful for in our lives and make the time to go out of our way to do something for them. 

Consider this: a valentine is not just a store bought card or something sugary sweet! Love comes in all shapes and forms, and the best part about that is there are endless ways to show our loved ones that we care about them, and value their presence in our lives! 

A valentine can be anything to help those you love. Why not run some errands for a family member? Maybe taking some time out of your busy day to have lunch with a parent or an aunt? If you're scratching your head for ideas, breakfast in bed never hurts! 

Maybe your valentine is a beloved pet! What a better time to get creative, why not make your dog a two ingredient valentines’ day treat! Cat lovers, we haven’t forgotten about you; I can’t think of a single cat that would resist a tuna and catnip delight! 

If you want a reason to spend some time in the kitchen, what better way to express that you care and love your partner, friend, or family member with a little bit of time and effort? If you are feeling something light and citrusy, Eatingwell has an alluring recipe for Lemon Meringue kisses! If you are looking for something that requires fewer ingredients and just a little bit of time, these Chocolate covered strawberries are sure to impress your Valentine. These chocolate strawberries are gluten free & heart healthy! 

Looking for something to do? Why not have a game night indoors, and enjoy dessert over a board game, Scrabble, Monopoly, or chess? If you are looking to get outside, the National Gallery of Art is opening it’s Art Sculpture Garden on February 14th. 

What does Valentine's day mean to you?