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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. 

plate of food

As we've moved into the 2nd half of 2020, we have seen many changes - to our routines, our lifestyles, and our habits. Instead of attending classes in person, we reach out to each other online. While we may be more accustomed to this stay-at-home lifestyle, it is important that we don’t neglect our physical health and our dietary needs.

Did you know that the American Heart Association has a collection of recipes that are both good for your body and for your wallet?

Why not try their take on one of my personal favorites, Huevos Rancheros! Their recipe is not only loaded with key nutrients and vegetables,  but it’s also low in salt, and packed with protein and fiber. Or if you are one of the many of us with a sweet tooth, try their Grilled Fruit Kebab recipe. Kiss those cravings for chocolate goodbye with a bit of honey, and some natural fructose to replace the processed stuff.

The American Heart Association recipes contains a special section that is specific for those who are on a tight budget. Sign me up for their Tuscan Bean soup, or their Tandoori Chicken with Brown Rice! 

If you are really trying to get the most out of your dollar, EatingWell has several recipes that serve up to 4 people for $5.00 or less!

Busy at home? You are not alone. As most schools are currently functioning with limited access, it can be very difficult to find the time to cook while there are other responsibilities that require your attention. If you have a slow cooker, EatingWell also has some great suggestions for some coffee-braised brisket and a savory barbecue snack mix.

Times may have changed, but that does not mean that your diet has to suffer. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Stay healthy, and don’t forget: We are here for you.

 

Further reading can be found at:

American Heart Association Recipes

EatingWell Healthy Dinner Recipes

EatingWell Dinners That Serve 4 for $5 or Less

Heart shaped cookie cutter dusted with cocoa powder
Photo by Jasmine Waheed on Unsplash

Whether you’ve got a date or you’re dining alone, you can keep your physical heart healthy this Valentine’s Day by trying some of these heart-healthy recipes!

Studies, like this one published in BMJ, have shown that pescetarians have a lower risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke than red meat eaters. But it can be intimidating trying to cook fish! For a simple and delicious recipe that’s hard to screw up, try this Slow Roasted Salmon with Fennel, Citrus, and Chiles. If you can’t find Fresno chiles you can substitute with a jalapeño, or, if you want to kick up the heat, with a serrano pepper.

If you’re vegetarian, you can also reap the benefits of heart-healthy foods like kale, sweet potatoes, and quinoa with this Southwestern Kale Power Salad. You can easily make the recipe vegan by omitting the feta cheese!

Who’s to say dessert can’t be good for your heart? This Triple Berry Crisp boasts heart-healthy berries and oats! Fresh berries may not be in season, but you can still find great options in the frozen fruit section.

And if you’re going for something truly decadent, these Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies are an indulgent treat with a hint of heart health.

Various herbs, lemon, and salt on a white table.

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Welcome to the end of another wonderful semester! Whatever your winter break plans, know you have earned some rest and relaxation. So instead of stressing about what to bring to that ugly sweater party or holiday dinner, why not let us do the work for you and recommend a few simple, healthy recipes?

If you really want to impress your hosts/guests, look no further than this Roasted Fennel with Charred Tomatoes, Olives, and Pecorino. This simple recipe requires just a single dish (I suggest a sheet pan), so clean up is a cinch. If you want to make it a bit more substantial, add mild Italian sausages and some chunks of ciabatta to the mix!

Looking for something even easier? This Lemon Green Bean Almondine is a sure hit, and you can prep everything the night before. The bright, acidic lemon is a lovely counterpoint to all the rich, creamy foods we usually serve during the winter.

This Winter Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad is the lunch you need to hold you over until the holiday party spread. If you’re worried about how to remove pomegranate seeds without making a mess, have no fear! All you need to do is score four lines in the pomegranate to quarter it, then submerge it in a bowl of water while you pull it apart and remove the seeds. The pith will float, while the seeds sink.  Just remove the pith and drain the seeds. Voilà! A mess-free way of de-seeding a pomegranate.

Last but not least, a delicious host gift. Everyone brings wine, candles, and cookies, but you’ll stand out with this homemade Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark. You can trade out the pistachios for just about any other kind of topping – different nuts and seeds, your favorite candy, shattered peppermints, coconut flakes, dried fruit. Mix and match whatever sounds good. I suggest sticking with the original, and adding a sprinkle of good chili powder if your hosts are fans of spicy food!

Happy Holidays, and we’ll see you in the new year!

thankfulFeeling stressed about the calories to come? Fear not, for there are abundant ways to eat well and to enjoy the food you make this holiday season. From pumpkin soup to apple salad with figs and almonds, there is no shame in indulging in savory and sweet temptations that don’t break the scale. 

Instead of the fatty foods or dishes smothered in butter, why not reinvent Thanksgiving with something that will not only taste good, but promote healthy eating? The Mayo Clinic has several recipes you can try, like their Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup, Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes, and a Rustic Apple-Cranberry Tart. These recipes pack flavor that is low in fat and sodium. No need to reach for the stretch pants with these healthy meals!

Regardless of your dietary needs, there is something for everyone, like this low carb Broiled Shrimp with Buttermilk Remoulade from CookingLight, or the vegetarian-friendly Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts. The options are endless.  What hors d’oeuvres, main dishes or desserts will you decide to include on your plate this year?  

To explore additional recipes, please explore these options identified by Himmelfarb Library

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Chef's Station by Todd Quackenbush

As the days grow shorter, we all feel the pull of starchy, heavy foods. Whether this is born of opportunity or a left over biological instinct is up for debate, but studies have shown our caloric intakes increase during colder months.  When you feel the cold-weather munchies coming, consider trying out one of these healthy, warming recipes!

This Comforting & Cozy Fall Power Bowl is vegan and gluten free. Cook the kale and mushrooms in the same pan to cut back on clean up.

Butternut squash is a fall staple. You can make Oven Roasted Butternut Squash by itself, or use the roasted squash as the base for a delicious Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.

For those of us with a love of heat, fall is better known as hatch chile season! Try dressing up this Turkey White Bean Pumpkin Chili with roasted hatch chiles. If you can’t find hatch chiles, you can always roast your own fresh chiles using one of these techniques. It’s not as hard as it sounds, and is a simple way to dress up any recipe that calls for canned chiles!

dinnerinabowlTrying to juggle school and healthy eating?

Come to Healthy Living@Himmelfarb’s “Dinner in a Bowl” session and learn how to make quick, easy, satisfying meals in a bowl that are healthy too!

This event will be presented by Kate Sherwood of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and contributing author to Nutrition Action Healthletter.

Registration is FREE but space is limited so register today; go to:  http://goo.gl/FLbiWv

YES - SAMPLES WILL BE PROVIDED!

 

Event: Dinner in a Bowl

  • Date:Thursday, February 4, 2016
  • Location: Himmelfarb Library First floor alcove
  • Time:5:00-6:00 pm
  • Presenter:Kate Sherwood
  • REGISTER HEREhttp://goo.gl/FLbiWv
  • Sponsored by: Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb