November 20, 2020

Another Tasty Saturday Swap-portunity!
Snacking is a part of life for most of us. If we’re battling with health or weight issues, it can be a challenge to feel satisfied with your snack choices. So many brands of mainstream snack foods have made it harder because of the variety of flavors they’re producing. There are chips and pretzels of every flavor combination and create your flavor marketing campaigns to engage shoppers. It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the hype!

But, sometimes it is about getting back to the basics and creating your own amazing flavor combinations that will drive your satisfaction with snacking. If you’re craving something crunchy that packs a huge flavor, try roasting chick peas with a favorite blend of seasonings. Or, season some popcorn to add extra fiber to your diet. You can even boost your heart healthy fats and satisfy your snack craving with one small serving of nuts. A handful of almonds provides a delicious combination of hunger-satisfying protein, dietary fiber and healthy fats for a simple snack with only 160 calories per ounce.

California Almonds has some amazing recipes to try. So go ahead and spice up your weekend while you prepare some snacks for the week ahead! If you’re a fan of spicy things, then this Spicy Sriracha Almond recipe is for you! Sriracha rocketed from unknown Thai condiment to one of the most loved flavors! The base of this deliciousness is made from red jalapeños peppers, yet it is only moderately spicy compared to other pepper sauces.

November 18, 2020

It’s Wellness Wednesday
With cold and flu season upon us, it’s extra important to understand whether it’s the annual illness coming around or something more serious like COVID-19. As the pandemic continues, protect yourself and others this flu season by learning the differences between symptoms of the common cold or flu, as well as COVID-19, and taking the proper steps to alleviate your symptoms. Check out more information from the CDC.

Dietitians Dish – November 16, 2020

Thanksgiving Dinner in 2020…

The focus for many these days is how to stay healthy and still enjoy the holidays! For some, they won’t be the same with a smaller group or just immediate family around the Thanksgiving dinner table. But, that doesn’t mean you have to skip the fanfare of a grand meal. To stay connected, plan a virtual holiday dinner.

Try a new recipe for a traditional side dish – stuffing is one that lends itself to including more fruits and veggies in flavorful ways.
Instead of the same old stuffing, why not sweeten it up a bit? The flavors and textures of the added fruit, veggies, and nuts will make this a hit!
And, if your group is smaller, there’s many advantages:

• You can test out a new recipe without worrying about feedback from a whole group.
• You’ll have plenty of leftovers to freeze for another time.
• It’s a great opportunity to waste less by planning future meals.

Pear – Walnut Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 cup toasted walnut pieces
• 2 Tbsps. chopped fresh sage

• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 package (12 ounces) unseasoned, cubed stuffing
• 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup reduced sugar dried cranberries

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrot and onion; cook 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pears, walnuts, sage, thyme, salt and pepper; cook 5 minutesor until pears soften, stirring occasionally.
• In large bowl, gently combine stuffing, broth, cranberries and vegetable mixture; transfer to prepared dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake stuffing 30 minutes; remove foil. Bake 15 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Check out this and other recipes at Inseasonezine.com.

November 13, 2020

Fun Fact Friday
Believe it or not, pumpkin spice has NOTHING to do with pumpkins! It’s a blend of spices which include ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (and sometimes allspice). While it is commonly added to pumpkin pies for that spicy complement, its use has expanded beyond the pie crust. Many brands have introduced pumpkin spice flavored items into their seasonal goods for fall.

If you want to get in on the trend for all things pumpkin spice, buy a prepared seasoning or make your own. If you’ve got a stocked spice cabinet, you can create this thrifty favorite in just a couple minutes. Stir together and store in a clean jar or spice container with tight-fitting lid.

3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1-1/2 teaspoons ground allspice (optional)
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

November 11, 2020

Wellness Wednesday – What’s in season?
With fall in full swing, and holiday menus on the horizon, it’s important to know what’s in season to get the most bang for your buck. When things are in season that means they’re at their peak of harvest and flavor. And, given they’re often at the highest supply this time of year, it’s the most cost-efficient time to buy.

During the months of October through December, many of the same items are considered in season. Now is the time that you’ll find the best deals on these seasonal items:

• Apples
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Citrus
• Cranberries
• Kiwi
• Leeks
• Parsnips
• Pears
• Pomegranates
• Rutabagas
• Sweet Potatoes
• Turnips
• Winter Squashes

The Healthy Family Project offers information throughout the year for what’s in season. Including more of these seasonal favorites will boost the nutrients in your menu, and may help defend against cold and flu season germs. I’d rather spend money on nutritious foods that taste great at this time of year than OTC cold medicines and doctor copays. Wouldn’t you?