Tag: Recipes

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! 

Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the 4th of July than to try something new, rich, savory or saucy while still making healthy choices? For this 4th we have found some fantastic and healthy recipes that will make you consider throwing out the deep frier all together!

For an appetizer or side dish, why not try this protein packed three bean salad? The mix of cumin, lemon and garlic have certainly caught my attention! If beans are not your favorite protein, this Chicken Caesar Pasta salad is low sodium and heart healthy! If you are catering to a younger audience, or simply want to level up your creative cooking skills, these Patriotic Pops only require 3 ingredients and are a perfect way to cool off from the summer heat! Speaking of cooling down, you can always quench your thirst with these colorful & flavorful Summer Lemonades. 

Dinner or lunch, which meal do you want to zest up for the occasion? If you are vegetarian, or trying to avoid carbohydrates, these Marinated Grilled Vegetable kebabs won’t even make you miss the meat! Craving classic? How about classic with a twist - Ambitious Kitchen’s Sweet Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken burgers are completely customizable with their own paleo and gluten free options in the recipe as well. If Kebabs and Burgers don’t appeal, these low calorie, gluten free Grilled Fish Tacos are bound to impress! 

Just as fun as fireworks, no 4th of July is complete without a festive dessert! What better way to garner attention than with these No-Bake Berry cheesecake bars? They are not only egg free, but also high in fiber! Traditional enthusiasts should definitely try this Peach Custard Pie.

Regardless if you are staying in or seeing every firework show and parade in town, we wish you a safe and fun filled 4th of July weekend!   

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?

With the Holidays just around the corner, the grocery baking isles are popular. Are you one of the many who plan on baking some holiday treats this year? Recipes remain one of the timeless traditions that we pass down to each other, received from both friends and family alike, even through multiple generations. From our kitchens to yours, here are a few Himmelfarb favorites that we would love to share with you!

Andy, our Interlibrary Loan specialist, highly recommends Pillsbury Peanut butter blossom cookies! If you have a problem with peanuts, you can always substitute the peanut butter for sunflower, or cashew butter! One tip: Bake for 7 or 8 minutes at the recommended temperature for soft, not crunchy cookies. 

Laura Abate's daughter discovered this gem of a recipe which was a hit at a neighborhood cookie exchange! Why don’t you try these alluring Chai Sugar cookies for yourself? 

Ruth Bueter, our Serials librarian, has said that Betty Crocker’s Sugar cookies are a Holiday classic!

Have you ever tried a Spritz cookie? Their color & vanilla almond flavor set them apart from the rest. Vegan? These Gingerbread cookies come with their own vegan icing recipe for decorating. For those who need to keep their diet free of gluten, these Snowball cookies are truly in the spirit of the season, and also include a dairy free option. 

From the Himmelfarb library, we wish you a safe & warm Holiday season this year and the happiest of New Years!

It’s that time of the year again! While many of us may be taking a moment to find what we are grateful for, a lot of us might be scratching our heads while asking ourselves: what do I make for this holiday weekend? 

If you are looking to change things up a bit, why not make this Cornbread Stuffing? Even choosy eaters might be willing to give this one a try! Are you looking to zest up the potato based side? This flavorful Sweet Potato Casserole has my attention. Watching the carbs? This Sausage and Butternut Squash Frittata is bound to make your feast packed full of protein and veggies! If you are looking for more greens, this low carb Broccoli salad with Bacon is definitely a traditional delight. Vegetarian? This Butternut Roasted Squash Risotto will no doubt have your guests lining up for seconds! 

For the main course, this Turkey dinner with homemade Gravy looks tempting! Who can say no to gravy with worcestershire in it? Is gluten an issue? No problem. We found a savory and easy to make slow cooker gluten free turkey breast. If meat is off the menu, this Vegetarian Lasagna is easily customizable to your own liking! Not into squash? Just add more broccoli. 

Lastly for dessert, this Keto pumpkin muffin with cream cheese filling is not just for low carb lovers. If dairy is an issue, this Dairy Free Chocolate Silk Pie is likely going to be on my baking list! Are you looking to impress? These Pumpkin Cannolis have certainly caught my eye. 

From our kitchens to yours, we wish you all a safe, warm, and happy Holiday weekend from the Himmelfarb library. 

With the Holiday weekend fast approaching, why not take some time to jazz up your meals? Whether you are celebrating alone or with loved ones, there is no reason not to enjoy some summery dishes. No matter your preferences or dietary requirements there is bound to be something new, unique and healthy for you! 

If you are looking to dine in style, or want to impress your friends, Bon Appétit’s Grilled Swordfish with charred Leeks and Citrus offers a fantastic and fun way to try your steak, not to mention those orange slices served underneath offer a cool combination of savory and sweet! If fish is not your idea of fun you could always give these Chicken Seekh Kabobs a try!

Vegetarian? No problem. These Creamy Avocado & White bean wraps have a tangy and spicy slaw that will give you every reason to keep a tall pitcher of Homemade Lemonade at your table. If spicy and crunchy doesn’t appeal, these gourmet Vegan Mushroom Sloppy Joes would be an awesome twist on a classic main course! 

Side dishes? We’ve got you covered.This Honeydew Salad with Ginger dressing and Peanuts combines a variety of ingredients that will no doubtedly offer a rich and avocado-minty-garlicy fusion to excite your taste buds. If you want to toss a little color into your salad, this Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta salad looks simply delicious. 

For the sweet finale, Eatingwell’s No-Bake Berry Cheesecake bars cut not only the calories but the saturated fats as well! If you are someone who enjoys salt over the sweet, this Salty-Sweet Party Mix might be for you. If you are out camping, these Trail Mix Cookies would be perfect for any outdoor event. 

We wish you a happy, safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend this year! 

With the arrival of warm weather comes the inevitable change in our diets! What better time to take advantage of the season as produce becomes more abundant at this time of year! While a Snickers bar or a bag of chips might sound like the ideal snack to hold you over during long study sessions, there are actually several options that are healthy and bound to give you an extra boost of energy - without all the granulated sugar. 

Did you know that there are many different varieties of trail mix, most of them which you can make at home? Skip the grocery store, these recipes are natural, healthy, and perfect for a grab-n-go snack. Greatist has 21 healthier trail mix recipes that will satisfy any sweet or savory craving. What is your favorite? The PB & J and Deconstructed Puppy Chow trail mix definitely has captured my attention. Make sure you have an air tight container such as a mason jar to store your creative concoctions!

Want to keep it simple? An apple a day will….you know, reduce cravings and hunger, help you lose weight, and reduce your risk of diabetes. If you are in the city, and unsure where to locate some wholesome and delicious produce, Whole Foods just down the street from the Himmelfarb Library has plenty of good produce options for you. Feeling spontaneous? Why not make some peanut butter on celery sticks? Fun snacks are not just for kids and don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if you sprinkle some raisins on top. 

Fellow popcorn lovers, hear me now: popcorn can be healthy! If you have not already, it might be worth investing in an air popping machine. Yes, the process is just a little bit more involved than simply unwrapping a package and tossing it in a microwave, but the result will be worth the wait, and plus, who doesn’t like to watch freshly popped popcorn fall into your bowl? You can never go wrong with popcorn for a snack, just remember to go easy on the salt and the butter. If you want to spice it up, add some buffalo sauce and shake it up! If spicy is not your flavor, why not try making your own popcorn seasoning? 

Still craving a bag of potato chips? Try these Spicy Roasted Chickpeas that are bound to give you a crunch and a flavor that will make you realize that you forgot about those chips. If you are looking for a more sweet alternative, these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Chickpeas are much healthier than the cereal, and require no milk or spoon. 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during those long study days! Remember to take breaks, stretch, hydrate, and don’t be afraid to try one of these natural energy boosting snacks during your next study break! 

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This is it - the time of the year for which you've been waiting! 2020 has been an experience for us all, and what better time to treat ourselves to some sweet and savory delectables. At the same time, if you are like many of us out there, you might have been hit by the ‘Covid 15.’ Pounds, that is. If you are looking to watch your weight, and have the dedication to make healthy choices during the holidays, we have some suggestions for you that can help to keep the numbers on your scale down!

If you are looking for some appetizers to impress not only your friends, but also to keep your waistline from growing, EatingWell has these alluring Easy Stuffed Mushrooms that should be relatively easy to make. Remember, the less moisture in your mushrooms the better! I would refrain from washing them prior to making this dish. Or if you are looking for something without meat, dairy or nuts, these Vegan Scalloped Potatoes are not only high in fiber but also low calorie too! 

For the main course, this low carb Perfect Prime Rib will give a new definition to Rosemary and Thyme! Not feeling beef? This Cotter Crunch Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken combines both sweet and savory ingredients that will have anyone asking for seconds! For a side course, why not try Country Living’s Chopped Salad that requires absolutely no store bought dressings or kits? A little red wine vinegar with some dijon mustard and olive oil has captured my attention more than any bottle of ranch could! They also have an entire slideshow of recipes you can incorporate into your healthy Holiday meal. 

Last but not least, to wrap up our feast with something sweet, something festive that we would not make any other time of the year. If you are up to the challenge, Delish has a Gluten Free Christmas Pudding that will add a taste of English History to your table. Or, if you’re craving a bit of cinnamon, these Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are bound to be packed full of a rich and creamy flavor that will satisfy that desire without the side of nutritional regret. 

Want to skip refined sugar all together? This fructose packed Kiwi & Strawberry Christmas Tree has got the colors on point! If I were you, I would add a few raspberries to the mix too.

We wish you the absolute best of holidays and remind you to stay safe, and healthy during these uncertain times. 2021 is around the corner, and hopefully we will be seeing you sooner rather than later!

Additional Reading: 

https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g4738/healthy-christmas-recipes/

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/17959/holidays-occasions/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g1875/healthy-diet-christmas-recipes/