Dinner Tonight: A Twist on Italian Wedding Soup

greens+beansLately, I have been craving warm comfort foods. This variation of Italian Wedding Soup uses a heartier leafy green than spinach, and navy beans instead of orzo pasta. The one thing that remains the same is the meatballs.

This soup provides an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, including folic acid, iron and potassium. Not to mention, it can be a fantastic meal for those watching their weight, because of the high water content.

1 lb organic lean ground turkey
1 large free-range egg
1/2 cup oat bran
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp dried thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
5 cups of organic reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage or 2 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups cooked navy beans (if you use canned, rinse and dry them well)
1 bunch of kale or escarole, roughly chopped

To make the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, oat bran, parmesan cheese, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. Roll into balls, using about 1 tbsp of the mixture for each. Should make about 12 to 16 balls.  Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: A Twist on Italian Wedding Soup”

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We’re Here to Help You – Introducing Your New Personal Chef

chef2It can be frustrating trying to figure out which foods to eat to stay healthy. Which foods should you avoid and which ones are right for you and your family? Do you get in a rut making the same things over and over? It can be taxing just trying to figure out what to prepare. Whether you’re single or a busy parent, it’s the same issue: you need simple, easy-to-make meals that are nutritious. After all, it is true – you are what you eat. If we all ate really well all the time, it is more likely that we would feel fantastic!

Now, what if you could have your own personal chef, if you had someone to provide daily recipes designed specifically for your needs? We’re all biochemically different and we all have unique nutritional needs. If your chef proposed simple meals that were nutritious, delicious and addressed your unique needs, that might be a load off your mind. It could save you time, and could also fill a huge void in your personal nutrition.

While it sounds almost too good to be true, we have a new way to serve up this unique solution. Continue reading “We’re Here to Help You – Introducing Your New Personal Chef”

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Dinner Tonight: Miso French Onion Soup

French-onion-soupI remember the first time I had French onion soup. I was in college and had gone over to a friend’s house for dinner. Her mom brought us these handled bowls full of steamy soup, covered in bread and cheese. From that moment on, French onion soup became a favorite.

As the days turn a little chillier, this soup becomes a staple. The following recipe uses miso paste instead of the traditional beef broth. A staple in Asia for thousands of years, miso is made from soybeans fermented with a grain such as brown rice or barley. The result is a tasty, salty condiment that is live with bacterial culture and excellent for promoting gastrointestinal health. Soybeans also contain lecithin, which provides key ingredients for brain neurotransmitters, an excellent way to boost brain function. The onions provide sulphoraphanes, which increase immunity, counter free-radical damage, and fight cancer.

French Onion Soup

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cups water
3 Tbsp miso paste
4 slices whole wheat French bread
4 tsp seeded mustard
1 cup Swiss or mozzarella cheese or dairy free equivalent, grated

In a large pot, warm oil over low heat and add onions. Caramelize the onions by cooking them slowly for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. I know it is a long time, but definitely worth it to get sweet, delicious onions.  Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Miso French Onion Soup”

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Delicious Fall Recipe for Chai Ginger Apple Cider

apple-cider-ginger-chaiChai ginger apple cider is a delicious warming beverage that is the perfect end to a crisp fall day. The ginger is a great digestive aid and the aromas from immune-boosting chai spices will make your whole house smell like you have been baking all day. Chai tea is a traditional Indian tea made from black tea with spices added to it, such as cinnamon. It’s certainly delicious, but make sure when choosing it that you opt for a traditional healthy variety, rather than one with added sweeteners or syrups. Organic tea is best, if you can get it.

– 6 cups apple cider
– 2 chai tea bags (regular or decaffeinated)
– 1 inch slice of fresh ginger, peeled and left whole

In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup apple cider to a boil, then add the chai tea bags and ginger. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 45 minutes.

In a large saucepan, combine remaining 5 cups of apple cider with prepared 1 cup chai tea-infused cider. Bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat. Serve with a cinnamon stick!

Recipe care of Hyhope Farms.

Photo from here, with thanks.

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Dinner Tonight: Kale Salad with Cranberry Dressing

kaleThis coming weekend is always a little bittersweet. Here in Canada, our family celebrates Thanksgiving, but we also close down our cottage for the winter every year at this time. For us, this is the true marker of summer end, and the beginning of cold weather.

But it is also usually the nicest weekend to be at our cottage. Crisp cool mornings, beautifully colored leaves, no bugs, and the best part… Thanksgiving dinner!

We have a rustic, yet fairly traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, corn, and this year, kale salad with cranberry dressing. I had this at a friend’s house the other night – it was delicious and the perfect complement to a traditional meal.

Kale is a winter collard and at only 36 calories per cup, it provides a boat-load of nutritional goodness. Every serving of kale provides: Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Kale Salad with Cranberry Dressing”

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