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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!

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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. 

It’s that time of the year again, a time for trick or treating and a time for treats, sweets, and ghoulish get-togethers with friends and family.Even if you do not participate in Halloween, or are planning to spend this time at home, there are bound to be some fantastic autumnal dishes for you! 

If you are looking for a cheesy and spooky appetizer, this Mummy Brie wheel will be sure to lure your choice of cracker in! If cheese is not your thing, you can always show off your skills by making these adorable Halloween sushi balls! Additionally these Beer Battered Squash Rings might even change a picky eater’s mind on squash! 

On a budget? This Sweet & Salty Halloween mix will save both time and recipe. If peanuts are a problem, feel free to substitute with cashews, almonds or any nut of your choice.

For an entree, how about these green Monster Wraps? These are sure to be a hit with olive fans, and you can fill with your own favorite fillings! If you are looking to impress, this Seared Salmon with Sweet Potatoes is not only perfect for the season, but also a recipe that is pleasantly low in calories. Vegetarians, why not try this tempting Vegetarian Chili? It is guaranteed to keep you warm on a brisk Autumn day.  

For a sweet treat, why not compliment your Coffee or Latte with a flakey Pumpkin Hand Pie? Simple and easy to make, these very orange Candy Corn Cupcakes would be a fantastic addition to any party get together. Lastly, for those who celebrate Dia De Los Muertos, why not test your skill at decorating on these gorgeous Day of the Dead cookies

Whatever the occasion may be, Halloween or simply a time to celebrate a bountiful Autumn, we wish you a safe and joyful October, and can’t wait to assist you in your studies in November! 

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! 

In case you haven’t noticed, Spring is just around the corner! After a long winter filled with hearty and savory recipes, it is time to enjoy what the flourishing season has to offer! 

Are you looking to zest up a chicken dish? This Crispy braised chicken thigh recipe includes artichokes, tarragon and leeks, all of which are in season! Never cooked with an artichoke before? Don’t worry, there are highly detailed photos and instructions that show you how to turn the leafy green globe into goodness! 

If you are on a weight loss journey, Woman’s Day has thirty nutrient-packed smoothie recipes which include Berry Beet, Mango Chia Seed, and a protein packed Blueberry Muffin Batter smoothie! Talk about a win/win situation, blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are also high in vitamin C and potassium.

For all of you vegetarians out there, EatingWell has a White Bean & Avocado salad that requires absolutely no ranch dressing! Additionally, this vegan BBQ Pizza with crispy cauliflower combines a bold flavor with unique toppings that will surely satisfy any who are looking to try something new.  

If you are trying to avoid sugar but are craving something sweet, Simplysohealthy has a Sugar Free Strawberry Lemonade that only requires four ingredients to make! In similar fashion, this Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta pound cake can be made in a single bowl. Talk about a perfect treat to brighten any spring afternoon. 

We wish you a warm, safe and healthy spring season filled with many colorful and new dishes!




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/

Yes, believe it, it is already November! As is tradition to many, this is a fantastic time of the year to remember what we are most thankful for. Despite the pandemic, and the other list of things that have happened this year, now might be a great time to ask yourself, what are you thankful for? Is it your family, and friends? Good health, or overcoming health obstacles? Perhaps it is your beloved pet, or a creative hobby. Maybe it is a goal you are working on.

Speaking of goals, what better time to make it a goal to celebrate this Thanksgiving with recipes that don’t break the bank, or your beltline? 

Did you ever think that Spinach dip could be healthy? That’s right, at only 81 calories per serving, Cooking Light’s take on a Caramelized Leek and Spinach Dip has my mouth watering! Looking to try something way different, and just as appealing as a bag of greasy chips and onion dip? Try their Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Cups. I don’t know about you but it would be impossible for me not to go back for seconds...or thirds.

If you, or someone in your family has food allergies EatingWell has a Roasted Fennel & Italian Sausage Stuffing that is dairy, nut, egg, and soy free. Or, check out Food Network’s Gluten-Free Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole with Panko-Style Fried Onion Rings.

For the main course, let’s take a look at this savory Herb Roasted Turkey. The versatility in the ingredients really grabs my attention! (Extra Rosemary and garlic, please.) If you are after a vegetarian main dish, this Sweet Potato, Red Onion & Fontina Tart might certainly suit your appetite. The American Heart Association chipped in with their very own Mom’s Roasted Turkey with Butternut Squash and Asparagus too! 

For Dessert, what better way to impress your Quarantine buddy than with Delish’s Bloomin’ Apples? As one who has a total weakness for all things apples and cinnamon, I’m on board for that one. They also have this, yes you heard it here; a Keto Pumpkin Pie

Feel free to check out other fantastic and healthy Thanksgiving recipes at Delish, EatingWell, Brit+Co, and Bonappetit

Wishing you and your family and friends, a safe and healthy Holiday season from the Himmelfarb Library! 

Halloween nights conjure memories of sweet indulgence and sugar hangover - candied apples, candy corn, candy, candy, candy!!  Need a break from all the calories? Here’s a few healthier options for celebrating that don’t take the treat out of the holiday.

After you’ve carved the pumpkin, clean the seeds and roast them. Try Cinnamon and Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Simple Comfort Food.  Or if you prefer a savory kick, check out Cajun Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from allrecipes.com.

Cinnamon and Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Celebrating at home with the kids this year? Here’s a few kid-friendly recipes to make the night special and add some wholesomeness to the sugar rush.

Peanut Butter Caramel Popcorn from myrecipes.com reduces the sugar load from traditional caramel popcorn balls and packs a punch of flavor with peanut butter, almonds, and vanilla.

An option for popcorn that doesn't involve pb or nuts - Halloween Bony Fingers from University of Nebraska Lincoln Food. Gather candy corn, popcorn, see through gloves and ribbon and assembling is a simple activity for the kids. Just make sure the gloves are powder free and food safe.

Halloween Bony Fingers

Putting together Apple Monster Bites from crayonsandcravings.com is another way to involve kids in pre-party prep. PB free variations on this recipe are available at Two Healthy Kitchens and HGTV. They’re super cute and healthy to eat when complete!

Apple Monster Bites

The easiest of healthy snacks are Tangy Pumpkins from Woman’s Day. Peel oranges or clementines and insert a small celery stick in the top for a stem.

The grown ups will enjoy Crud Ités with Green Slime dip, also from Woman’s Day. Another more hearty dip option is Chicken and Garlic Vampire dip from Cooking Light.

Got extra candy (of course!!)? Use those caramels, mini chocolate bars, M&Ms or Reeses Pieces in Chewy Caramel Mystery Cookies from Martha Stewart. Sadly, not low cal, but worth the treat!

Now that Summer is over, there is no better time to prepare for colder temperatures on the way! That’s right, it’s time to break out those sweatshirts and scarves, to go on long walks to see the changing colors of the foliage. Let’s not forget that it is also a prime time to look forward to the bountiful opportunities that the end of Summer’s harvest has to offer us. 

With colder temps in the forecast it can be too difficult to resist comfort foods. What better time to challenge yourself to indulge those guilty pleasures while eating healthy? 

Cooking Light has a slideshow of forty recipes that are filled with vitamins and autumnal vibes! I don’t know about you, but their Chicken and Gnocchi soup certainly has my attention. 

Want to try something new? The American Heart Association has a Sweet Potato Nacho recipe that is not only low in salt and calories, but has an excellent source of protein and fiber! Not only that, but the cost per serving is under $2.00 as well. Talk about a way to eat healthy, while not breaking the bank. 

If you are abiding by a vegan diet, there are plenty of recipes for you also. What could be more autumnal than a set of Roasted Pumpkin Lasagna Boats? Or even a Butternut Squash Risotto? Both offer not only a promise in flavor but in presentation as well! Me? I can’t wait to try this Vegetarian Chili recipe. 

Lastly, a meal is not complete without a dessert! These Hasselback Apples give a new definition to apple pie. Don’t even get me started these Warm Spiced Cran-Pom Toddies that would be perfect on the coldest of days. For the non alcoholic version, simply substitute the rum with some hot apple cider. Want to impress your roommates or family? You can also try these Poached Pears that would compliment any autumnal dish. 

Whether you are local, or far away, attending campus from home, we wish you a safe and happy Autumn season and can’t wait to see you back on campus.