June 9, 2013

Beet & Rhubarb Soup

As I always say, you can’t beat beets. Research shows they have the power to lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and they just look gorgeous on your plate. Rhubarb is another favorite of mine and, as you’ll see from this recipe, it’s not just for pie! Like kale, rhubarb is a source of vitamin K and it’s low in calories. Combined with beets, this soup has amazing flavor, and it can be enjoy hot or chilled!

iStock_000010004297XSmallIngredients

2 tsp. vegetable oil
2 cups medium diced onion
1 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic
2 Tbsp. grated ginger
3 cups peeled, medium diced beets*
3 cups ½” sliced rhubarb stalks
1 ½ Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. orange zest, divided
¾ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives, for garnish, optional

Directions

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and onions and sauté until softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the beets, rhubarb, sugar and ½ of the orange zest. Cover by ½” with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the beets are soft, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool before pureeing in a blender or food processor.

While the soup is cooking, make the yogurt sauce. Stir the yogurt and remaining zest together. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve.

To serve the soup, divide between 6 bowls. Garnish with 1 Tbsp. yogurt sauce and 1 tsp. chives, if using.

This soup is also delicious chilled.

Yield: 6 (1 cup) servings
Time: 40 minutes

*If beets are young and the skin is thin, it’s not needed to peel the beets, just wash them well. If you do peel the beets, wear rubber gloves to avoid getting purple hands.

Nutrition per Serving: Calories: 100, Total Fat: 2 g, Sodium: 60 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 4 g, Fiber 3 g

Tags: , , , , , , Posted in: Cooking, Recipes
May 31, 2013

The Truly Healthy Family Cookbook Contest!

Truly Healthy Family CookbookI don’t believe in food exclusions, just the very best that Mother Nature has to offer. That’s why all foods are celebrated in my new book, The Truly Healthy Family Cookbook!

Filled with recipes that you won’t find elsewhere, my new book focuses on what works: tasty, fresh, mega-nutritious ingredients, simple preparation and proven nutrition based on modern science. What’s not to love?

Whether you’re just starting a family or you’re part of a modern family, everyone will get excited about the variety, flavor and eye-appeal of my mouth-watering recipes!

Scrumptious breakfast choices include Homemade Date and Almond Muffins and Orange-Infused Whole Wheat Breakfast Couscous with Fresh Cherries; Savory snacks and appetizers feature Curried Veggie Pancakes and Crustless Mini-Quiche with Goat Cheese and Beet Greens; Flexitarian-friendly dinners include Thai Salmon Sliders and Stuffed Chicken with Herbed Ricotta and Kale, and what cookbook would be complete without dessert? Fruited Yogurt Brûlée and Chocolate Chip Angel Food with Ganache await you!

The Truly Healthy Family Cookbook will be released August 6th, but you can pre-order it now on Amazon.com!

I’m hosting prize-packed contests to celebrate the arrival of my new book, and the giveaways will continue all year!

Sample prizes include:

  • Signed copies of The Truly Healthy Family Cookbook
  • Amazon gift cards
  • Kitchenware and gadgets
  • Custom beverage recipes for your next adult or children’s party
  • Recipe makeover of your favorite dish
  • Personal nutrition consultation

Stay tuned! Contest details coming soon.

Posted in: Books, Contests
May 29, 2013

Teen Cuisine by Matthew Locricchio

teen-cuisine2Teenagers are the busiest members of a family. They have autonomy when it comes to choosing what they eat and often rely on “fast” food to fill their stomachs while on the go.

If a teen had just a little guidance and was acquainted with the family kitchen, she could easily make her own nutritious, tasty, meals instead of relying on the microwave or drive-thru.

Matthew Locricchio’s 2013 IACP award-winning cookbook, Teen Cuisine, is the perfect tool for making this concept a reality. The book is packed with 50 user-friendly recipes that will appeal to the most voracious of teenage appetites, plus safety tips, cooking terms and kitchen essentials.

One of the most important skills a parent can offer their child is the ability to cook. With Teen Cuisine they will develop a life skill that will go the distance.

Posted in: Books