Grocery Store Finds: May 2017

Have you been wondering where my Supermarket RD’s Picks have been? I started that series when I was working as a retail registered dietitian. Since leaving that position in February, I’ve missed sharing my favorite new finds as I stroll the aisles at the grocery store.  In my new position, I am still giving grocery store tours helping clients navigate the grocery store, learning to read food labels, cut through marketing scams and discover the healthiest route to help you stick with their nutrition goals.
As many of us are extremely busy, grocery shopping trips have turned into just a quick errand. You’ve probably walked by these items before. Maybe now they will catch your eye next time you are at the store. Each month, I am going to share with you a few of my favorite new finds. Every brand has a story and I am hoping with this series, I can help you learn a little more about these items too! If you have any recommendations, shoot them my way!
RD Approved Grocery Store Finds
Dear Purely Elizabeth,
How do you get your clusters so perfect? I’ve always been a Purely Elizabeth granola fan because of their wholesome ingredients and low sugar clusters. This new flavor, chocolate sea salt probiotic granola flavor caught my eye. Then I became a little more curious. How are there probiotics in granola? Probiotics are killed when exposed to heat. Purely Elizabeth uses GanedenBC30(A non-GMO, vegan strain of probiotic), a patented strain of probiotics, shown to survive the baking process. Eating two servings a day of purely granola will get you maximum probiotic benefits to help support a healthy immune and digestive system. I’ve been enjoying my granola with Siggi’s and berries.
RD Approved Grocery Store FindsLa Terra Fina sent me over some samples to try for Memorial Day weekend. They have three flavors of creamy Greek yogurt dips: Spinach & Kale, Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan, and Spinach & Parmesan. With Greek yogurt as the base, they have 45% less fat and calories than your traditional spreads. What I really like about them, is that you can enjoy them both warm and chilled. They were a hit with my family & friends this past weekend.
RD Approved Grocery Store Finds
I am predicting that these, Beyond Meat: The Beyond Burger, are going to be the hottest new item this summer. I’ve recently stocked up at Whole Foods when I saw them because they fly off the shelves. I can’t even begin to describe how delicious these burgers were. Packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein, it will be a great meatless option for grilling. The primary source of protein in The Beyond Burger™ comes from (soy, gluten, and GMO-free) peas. The Beyond Burger looks, cooks, and tastes like a fresh beef burger. It has all the juicy, meat deliciousness of a traditional burger, but comes with the upsides of a plant-based meal. When I was cooking it, I was wondering how the juices were running red in my grill pan just like a beef burger would. With a little research, I learned that it was actually beet juice. RD Approved Grocery Store FindsI finally was able to find Perfect Bar‘s new flavors! Hello, Dark Chocolate Almond & Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter with sea salt. These have become a staple afternoon snack for me when I know I am hitting the gym after work and won’t be eating dinner until late. They remind me of cookie dough. Note that they are found a refrigerated section of your grocery store.
RD Approved Grocery Store FindsIt’s never been easier to fit protein into your morning breakfast, even when on the go. BelVita just came out with a protein soft baked biscuit with 10 grams of protein per biscuit. When I was at Today’s Dietitian Spring Symposium this month, Lauren Harris-Pincus of Nutrition Starring You had a great session about the importance of breakfast. The composition of your breakfast does matter. Look to include protein. I like to pair these biscuits with yogurt and a piece of fruit for a filling and satisfying breakfast.
Disclosure: I did receive samples of BelVita and La Terra Fina. All thoughts and opinions are my own to share healthy items found in your grocery store to RDelicious Kitchen readers. I was not compensated for my time. 

What new grocery store finds did you come across this month?
RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche

Whether you are pleasing a crowd for brunch or simply meal prepping for the upcoming week, add a Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche to the menu for a veggie and protein-packed breakfast!

Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
I love a good quiche, but I’m a little OCD on the ratios when I make mine. I crave the perfect balance of crust, filling, and eggy-ness.

  • Crust thin enough but thick enough to enjoy delicious flaky crust in every bite.
  • Plenty of filling. Quiches are typically filled with vegetables, protein, and cheese. I like when each bite incorporates all the flavors of the filling.
  • The perfect balance of fluffy eggs. This kind of goes hand in hand with the filling part, and even amount of filling and eggs.

Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
I used red swiss chard with mushrooms as the stars for the filling. What’s fun about quiche is you can play around with the ingredients to create your favorite combo! Plus, it’s an easy (and tasty) way to incorporate vegetables in the morning.


Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
The magic of this quiche is the cheese. Cabot’s garlic & herb cheddar is out of this world. It is so creamy with a rich garlic and herb flavor, finishing with the subtle bite from the cheddar. Did you know many of Cabot’s cheese is lactose free? How can cheese be lactose free, you may wonder. The removal of lactose occurs naturally during the cheese making process. Just look for the “Lactose-Free” icon on the packaging of your favorite Cabot cheese products if you are looking for a  naturally lactose-free cheese.
Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenI have a pretty deep pie plate that I used for this quiche. If you don’t have as deep of a dish, you may want to scale back a little on the amount of eggs. I did note that in the recipe’s note section, but just in case, I thought I would remind you again 😉
What’s your favorite quiche combo?

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Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche on a white plate

Swiss Chard and Mushroom Quiche

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 8-12 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the crust:
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp to 1/4 cup ice water
  • For the quiche:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups mini portabello mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 heaping cups red swiss chard, chopped (or any dark leafy green)
  • 4 oz Cabot garlic & herb cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 68 eggs* (see note)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. Dice the butter into small cubes. Using a pastry blender (or fork) work the butter into the flour until it’s well-distributed, but not fully incorporated.
  3. Tossing with a fork, drizzle in the ice water. Stop adding water when the dough starts to come together, and grab it in your hands.
  4. Gather the dough into a ball. Gently shape each dough into a rough disk. For better texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling. Roll into an even circle. Place into pie dish and pinch the edges along the sides for the crust. Set aside until ready to use.
  5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over low-medium heat. Cook onions for 20 minutes, until caramelized. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are tender. Add the balsamic vinegar and let reduce to about half. Toss in the swiss chard to coat with vegetables until just beginning to wilt.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Sprinkle half the garlic & herb cheddar cheese at the bottom of the quiche crust. In an even layer add the swiss chard and mushroom mixture. Pour in the eggs. Top with remaining cheese.
  8. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, until the edge of the crust has browned and the filling appears set.

Notes

Pie crust recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour’s all-butter pie crust.

I used a deep pie dish which was able to fit 8 eggs. If your pie plate is more shallow use 6 eggs.

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Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake

Serve pancakes family style with this (grain-free) Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake.
Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD #pancake #jumbopancake #apple #glutenfree #breakfast #brunchConfession: I am a terrible pancake flipper. I am a waffle maker pro, but when it comes to pancakes, I fall short.

It’s either I am too eager to flip them before they are ready or the flipping process is just a disaster, like how I flipped it right on top on my other pancakes and I just made one giant pancake mound. Culinary school graduate fail.
Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD #pancake #jumbopancake #apple #glutenfree #breakfast #brunchI was going to attempt to make this recipe into individual pancakes, but instead of the hassle of making a bunch of pancakes, I tried making one giant pancake and let me tell you.. it was the best idea I’ve ever had.
Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD #pancake #jumbopancake #apple #glutenfree #breakfast #brunchThis giant pancake can now be served family style, so no more waiting for your stack on Sunday morning when everyone else is chowing down. Plus, no more pancake flipping disasters!
I opted to top mine with apple slices this time, but now I am thinking of all the topping options I want to try. This is going to become a staple on my weekends. Bonus, it heats up well too!
Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD #pancake #jumbopancake #apple #glutenfree #breakfast #brunch

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Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake in a baking pan

Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Oven-Baked

Description

Serve pancakes family style with this (grain-free) Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 eggs
  • ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk, from the can
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon, plus more for garnish
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 apple (such as a Honeycrisp Pink Lady), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Place a large cast iron skillet in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, leaving the skillet inside during preheating.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, arrowroot starch, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Pour the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and stir until fully combined.
  3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the coconut oil. Swirl it around the pan to coat the bottom and sides. Carefully pour the batter into the skillet. Gently place the apple slices on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed.
  4. Serve sprinkled with extra cinnamon and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.

Notes

adapted from Paleo Magazine

Keywords: #pancake #jumbopancake #apple #glutenfree #breakfast #brunch

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Chef Julie Harrington, RD - Culinary Nutrition Consultant of chefjulierd.com

 

Jumbo Skillet Apple Pancake via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD #pancake #jumbopancake #apple #glutenfree #breakfast #brunch

Prickly Pear & Wild Blueberry Smoothie

Start your morning with a simple smoothie with an exotic twist. The mix of prickly pear and wild blueberries adds a burst of flavor while packing in antioxidants to start your morning off right.
Prickly Pear & Wild Blueberry via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenDisclosure: By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America and I am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Did you know there are two different kinds of blueberries? The two different varieties are regular, cultivated blueberries and Wild Blueberries. While they may have a few similar qualities, they are quite different.

Wild Blueberries have a more intense flavor than regular blueberries. Wild Blueberry plants grow wild and are genetically diverse with thousands of interlocking plants spreading naturally across fields called barrens. It’s this diversity that gives Wild Blueberries their complex and delicious flavor — an extraordinary mix of tart and sweet.
Prickly Pear & Wild Blueberry via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenI wanted to highlight Wild Blueberries’ unique flavor profile with another unique fruit – prickly pear! I was recently asked what my strategies were to add plenty of produce into my daily eating habits. My response was, make it fun! Try adding unique and exotic new produce to your regular routine so it never gets boring.
An item like Wild Blueberries, you won’t find in the fresh produce section. You can find Wild Blueberries in the frozen fruit section of your local grocery store; just make sure the package says “Wild”. The Wild Blueberry crop (99% of it) is frozen. These potent little berries are individually quick-frozen (IQF) at harvest, locking in their nutrition and taste.
Prickly Pear & Wild Blueberry via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenWild Blueberries have twice (2x) the antioxidant capacity of larger, cultivated blueberries. A growing body of research shows the potential health benefits of Wild Blueberries including gut health, diabetes, cancer and brain health.
It’s a no-brainer that I now always have Wild Blueberries stashed in my freezer.
Prickly Pear & Wild Blueberry via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

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Prickly Pear & Wild Blueberry Smoothie

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 2

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 prickly pear, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen wild blueberries
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon flax seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 banana, peeled
  • Ice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Serve immediately.

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RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
Prickly Pear & Wild Blueberry via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

Learn more about Wild Blueberries:
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter

(Gluten-Free) Banana Bread Muffins

Pair with breakfast or add as a snack, these gluten-free Banana Bread Muffins can fit into any part of your day.

Banana Bread Muffins - Pair with breakfast or add as a snack, these gluten-free Banana Bread Muffins can fit into any part of your day. via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #muffin #glutenfree #grainfree #baking #breakfast #snack

One of the cooking goals that I’ve been working on is working with flour alternatives. There are so many varieties of flours (almond flour, quinoa flour, coconut flour, oat flour, plus so many more!) on the shelves in the grocery store and I’ve been intrigued. Mainly, because I am a food science nerd and I want to learn and understand their baking properties, but also I think many of us are trying to trim back on the amount of refined grains we are consuming (ie. white flour), so it’s been a fun challenge baking with these flour alternatives.

Banana Bread Muffins - Pair with breakfast or add as a snack, these gluten-free Banana Bread Muffins can fit into any part of your day. via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #muffin #glutenfree #grainfree #baking #breakfast #snack

I’ve quickly learned that these alternative flours do not have that perfect 1:1 ratio. FYI, coconut flour sucks up so much moisture. I tried baking cookies with coconut flour and when I picked one up it crumbled right in my hand. Note to self: Add more liquid and maybe pair coconut flour with other flours too. (I’m still working on that recipe!)

Banana Bread Muffins - Pair with breakfast or add as a snack, these gluten-free Banana Bread Muffins can fit into any part of your day. via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #muffin #glutenfree #grainfree #baking #breakfast #snack

I had received a bag of almond flour when I was on the trip with California Almond Board and I feel like it’s been calling my name to bake with it every time I open my pantry and see it.

Banana Bread Muffins - Pair with breakfast or add as a snack, these gluten-free Banana Bread Muffins can fit into any part of your day. via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #muffin #glutenfree #grainfree #baking #breakfast #snack

When you have overripe bananas, bake some banana bread muffin.

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Gluten-Free Banana Bread Muffins with nut butter

Banana Bread Muffins

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
  • Category: Muffin
  • Method: Baking

Description

Pair with breakfast or add as a snack, these grain-free Banana Bread Muffins can fit into any part of your day.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 bananas
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 11/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a food processor or blender, blend the eggs, bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, until blended through and fluffy (to incorporate air). Pour into a bowl and fold in the yogurt.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Fold wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour muffin batter into muffin tins and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. (Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin at they are done when it comes out clean. Center will also spring back when pressed.)

Keywords: muffin, grain-free, gluten-free, baking

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Chef Julie Harrington, RD - Culinary Nutrition Consultant of chefjulierd.com
Banana Bread Muffins - Pair with breakfast or add as a snack, these gluten-free Banana Bread Muffins can fit into any part of your day. via Chef Julie Harrington @ChefJulie_RD #muffin #glutenfree #grainfree #baking #breakfast #snack

Chicken Zoodle Soup

Soups on! Did you know February is Soup Season? I am kicking off Soup Season with this Chicken Zoodle Soup.This post is sponsored by the General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition on behalf of ProgressoTM and ReganMillerJones, Inc. I received free samples of the soup mentioned and was compensated for my time, but as always, opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting brands that make RDelicious Kitchen possible!
During this time of year, soup becomes almost an everyday staple for me. There is nothing better than cozying up to a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day. If it is a soup from scratch or from a can or package, my goal is to bump up the veggies.
I get a lot of questions about canned soup from clients. Canned soup is quick & easy. It’s convenience in a can! Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, prep a meal in minutes. There is a whole aisle dedicated to just soup at my local grocery store, so it can be challenging to decide which one would be the best choice.
First, check your ingredient list. ProgressoTM is now serving White Meat Chicken With No Antibiotics. Ever! They do not include any artificial colors or flavors.
Then, check the serving size. You may be surprised, in a can of soup there is usually more than 1 serving per container. In one can of ProgressoTM Light Chicken Noodle Soup there are 2 servings. By adding zoodles, this one can of soup turned into 4 servings, which now cuts the sodium in half per serving.
Have #SoupYourWay by pairing with zoodles, a side salad, or a sandwich.

By adding more veggies, it adds an extra punch of nutrition and flavor, helps stretch your dollar, which in turn will create more servings to also help lower the sodium content.ProgressoTM is out to prove that “vegetables” and “flavors” can co-exist.

Simply pour the hot soup over the zoodles and enjoy. It can’t get much simpler than that!

If you have leftovers, make sure you are cooling down and storing properly. Leftover soup can last in the refrigerator for three days and up to one month in the freezer. Follow these steps to store soups for later use.

  1. Refrigerators and freezers cannot cool soups quickly enough for food safety protocols. Speed up the cooling process by placing the pot of soup in a bath of ice water in the sink. Stir soup to help release the heat.
  2. Label and date large ziplock plastic bags. To help pour soup in the bag, place bag in the bowl and cuff the bag over the edges. Ladle soup into each bag, let out excess air and seal.
  3. Lay bags flat in a single layer in the freezer. When completely frozen, stack bags to save space in the freezer.
  4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

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chicken zoodle soup in a white bowl

Chicken Zoodle Soup

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can ProgressoTM Light Chicken Noodle Soup
  • 1 large zucchini, spiralized

Instructions

  1. Heat soup in a small pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Spiralize zucchini and divide between 4 bowls. Pour hot soup over zoodles and serve immediately.

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RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

For more soup news and recipes, be sure to visit the ProgressoTM website, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
And don’t forget to check out Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, for the latest on nutrition research.

Tropical Green Smoothie

Trying to add more fruits and veggies to your daily eating habits? Add both first thing in the morning with this Tropical Green Smoothie.
Tropical Green Smoothie via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenIt’s February 1st – how is everyone doing on their New Year’s Resolutions so far? I saw a funny post on instagram that January was just a “practice round”. The problem setting big resolutions or goals, is you have to refine them in the beginning and make small habit forming changes to help you get to your end goal.

Tropical Green Smoothie via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenOne goal that I have been discussing a lot lately this path month is simply including more fruit and vegetables within meals and snacks. Just simply go back to the basics. Are you really getting in the minimum recommendation of 5 fruits and vegetables a day? If the answer is no, this should be your starting point.
If eating healthier or maintaining a healthy weight is your goal for 2017, start here. Try to add a serving of fruit and/or vegetables at every meal and snack. If you are typically consuming 3 meals and 2 snacks per day (and now you are adding a fruit and/or vegetable to each) – BAM! You just reached the minimum daily recommendation for fruits and vegetables for the day.
Tropical Green Smoothie via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenSmoothies are a fantastic way to add both fruit and vegetables in one meal! The secret to this smoothie is the frozen avocados. Now, of course, you can freeze them yourself, but now Welch’s prepackages them in the frozen aisle. Now, you won’t have to worry about the other portion of your avocado turning too quickly. The frozen avocado makes this smoothie so creamy, almost like a consistency of a milkshake.

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green smoothie in a glass with a gray straw

Tropical Green Smoothie

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 1

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 banana, frozen
  • 1/4 cup frozen mango
  • 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/4 cup frozen avocado (or quarter fresh avocado)
  • 1 cup kale (or spinach)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Add water for a thinner consistency or add ice for a thicker consistency.

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RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
Tropical Green Smoothie via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

Avoid the Yo-Yo Effect

Avoid the Yo-Yo Effect via RDelicious Kitchen @rdkitchen

After enjoying the New Year’s festivities and watching the ball drop at midnight, the first commercial of 2017 was a weight loss program promising quick results. It is clever marketing since many vow to make new year’s resolutions to lose weight this time of year.
Don’t get sucked into another fad.  Weight loss experts know that losing weight and keeping it off requires a long-term commitment, yet even savvy dieters can occasionally be tempted by the quick weight loss promised by fad diets, only to be disappointed when the weight returns. As each new “lose weight fast” gimmick comes along, some people forget about the negatives associated with most fad diets — from a lack of nutritional value to food restrictions that are hard to live with. Look out for these common red flags:  read more here!

Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sometimes dinner time turns into an episode of Chopped right in your own kitchen. This Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash can easily be customized with ingredients you have in your refrigerator and pantry for a simple, wholesome meal.

Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
The holiday season can be stressful at times. Considering I haven’t even started any of my holiday shopping, let alone even figuring out what I am getting anyone, that is adding a little stress to my plate these days. Things have been very busy here at RDelicious Kitchen, so I like to escape to my happy place and stress reliever – the kitchen.

There is something so soothing about chopping, stirring, and the aroma in the kitchen. With my days being jam packed it has been leaving little time for simple things, like grocery shopping. This recipe was inspired as I was in my imaginary world of being on an episode of Chopped. When you haven’t gone grocery shopping in a little while, you have to get creative!
Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
Time-saving tip: Whenever I make a batch of quinoa, I always make extra and freeze the rest. This whole grain freezes well and easily heats up so you don’t have to start from scratch every time you are making quinoa.
My kale was on its last legs in my fridge, so in the saute pan it goes! Kale is one of those leafy greens that even after washing and trimming can last long in the refrigerator. When it begins to wilt, that’s when I throw that kale in my smoothies or saute pan – no waste!

Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
When building a recipe, look to add different textures to the dish. I added almonds (my balsamic roasted almonds, to be exact) which adds that crunch factor, but also adds heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein!

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Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash on white plates

Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 2

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 acorn squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Slice acorn squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Place squash on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, flesh side down. Roast squash until for tender, about 30-50 minutes. (Exact roasting time will depend on the size and variety of your squash.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil to the pan. Add kale and cook until slightly wilted. Add the balsamic vinegar and let cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the quinoa, dried cranberries, and almonds, and cook until warmed through.
  5. Full acorn squash with kale, quinoa, and kale mixture and serve.

Notes

*for an extra kick of balsamic, add balsamic roasted almonds

Balsamic Roasted Almonds + Fun Facts about Almonds

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RDelicious Kitchen - Julie Harrington Consulting LLC - @rdkitchen
Kale, Quinoa, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl

A comforting, satisfying plant-based bowl, this Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl is the perfect colorful fall dinner to cozy up to on a chilly night. 
Fall is my favorite season! I just love the cool, crisp weather, the beautiful fall foliage, and of course the food!
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
This time of year, I find myself roasting vegetables daily. Roasting is one of my favorite cooking methods for veggies, but there’s something about cracking the windows on a cool fall evening and cozying up with fluffy blankets with a warm comforting meal.
Recipe ReDux members were challenged to create a plant protein power bowl, packed with protein, fiber and color, plant power bowls are trendy and delicious.
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

I decided to use sorghum as my whole grain in this recipe because I was inspired when I met Katie Cavuto, RD at the sorghum booth at FNCE this past weekend. She just released a new cookbook “Whole Cooking and Nutrition” and I was able to sample her sorghum recipe.
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_KitchenHave you ever used sorghum before? When I counsel clients, I encourage them to expand their variety of whole grains in their diet. I often see that their first swap is switching white bread to whole wheat bread or white rice to brown rice, which is great, but I don’t want them to just stop there.
Ancient grains, like sorghum, have more nutrition bang for your buck. Sorghum, which doesn’t have an inedible hull like some other grains, is commonly eaten with all its outer layers, thereby retaining the majority of its nutrients. One serving of sorghum contains 5 grams of fiber and is a good source of iron!
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
I absolutely love how colorful this recipe is. More colors = more nutrients. Another plus is it’s so simple to make. Simply place your veggies on a pan to roast as you prep the remaining ingredients.
If you want a shortcut, you can use Love Beets instead of the mess of peeling beets at home. Love Beets come peeled, steamed and vacuum packed.

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Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl

Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
  • 4 beets, peeled and chopped
  • 4 carrots, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 bunch Swiss chard, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup sorghum
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup hummus (your favorite flavor!)
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Toss sweet potatoes and beets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.
  2. Using a peeler, create long strands of carrots. Remove vegetables from oven, add carrots and toss. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until vegetables are fork tender. Remove from oven.
  3. In a large bowl, massage Swiss chard leaves with olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Add garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add Swiss chard on a large baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes until Swiss chard is tender (not crispy).
  4. As vegetables are roasting, cook the sorghum. Add sorghum and water to a pot. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes. Turn heat down to low; cover and cook for about 45 minutes or until tender-firm. (for an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of vegetable stock with the water) Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble your bowls, by adding sections of sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, Swiss chard, and sorghum. Add a dollop of hummus and sprinkle with goat cheese. Serve warm.

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RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
Roasted Root Vegetable Power Bowl via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen