Food and Recipes

You may feel like diving into a gallon of chocolate ice cream, but there are certain foods you should avoid during your period.

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish that is most often made with potatoes, flour and eggs. Boiling or pan-frying gnocchi are the most common cooking method. Similar to most pasta types, you can serve gnocchi in a variety of ways with or without sauce depending on your personal preference.

This cruciferous vegetable is related to cabbage and broccoli and is a popular addition to salads or roasted with balsamic vinegar as a side dish. Let's look at the many health benefits of Brussels sprouts and delicious ways to prepare them.

Made with added protein, low-fat milk or milk alternative and sugar substitutes, these pints are marketed as “healthier” and “guilt free.” But are they? Let’s look at high protein ice cream, the claims around the dessert and whether it’s worth buying instead of regular ice cream.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day as a family is a great way to break the routine and make the day-to-day exciting. Creating colorful, creative snacks is a good way to foster a love for healthy eating while making memories. Here are two easy-to-make, nutritious ideas.

Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.

Red lentils are small, red legumes that cook quickly, making them an easy and healthy ingredient to add to a variety of dishes. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein – making it a perfect filling addition to soups and stews.

From carrots to mangoes, learn about the benefits this delicious and versatile produce.

Made by simmering rice in milk with spices, rice pudding takes on a creamy consistency that pairs well with fruit. This recipe features cardamom and allows the pudding to take on a complex flavor profile with a sweetness that marries well with the hint of brown sugar.

These glazed carrots are roasted until fork tender and served with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce for a dose of protein. The pistachios add a nice contrasting crunch and flavors that work so well with this spring crop. Enjoy this vegetarian delight as an appetizer or a side.

This refreshing salad has crisp romaine and sweet strawberries. The vinaigrette is made from champagne vinegar and fresh strawberries that perfectly marry basil and heart-healthy olive oil. The quick-pickled onions and goat cheese add complex flavors to this spring salad.

Quinoa is a seed that has a nutty flavor profile and is a popular ingredient for recipes like granola, soup and salad. Quinoa comes in three varieties, each with its own texture and flavor.

Split peas are dried peas that have been hulled and split in half. They can be in a variety of dishes such as soup and stew and are a good source of fiber and protein.

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are classified as legumes. Along with being a good source of protein and fiber, chickpeas are high in nutrients and vitamins such as vitamin A, E and C. Cooking chickpeas is simple but requires some preparation.

Many of us are looking for keto soup and high protein soup recipes this winter to complement our fitness goals. Check out these two hearty winter soup recipes, both of which are health and easy to make.

Seed oils are oils extracted from plants; the eight most common are canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, soy, rice bran, sunflower and safflower. Let’s look at the relationship between seed oils and heart health.

Arborio is a short-grain white rice that originates from Italy. Because of its tendency toward creaminess, arborio isn’t typically cooked on its own but is instead most often used for dishes like risotto or rice pudding.

What’s not to love about dark chocolate? It has a rich, flavorful taste and loads of health benefits to make it a good-for-you treat.

Cherries are abundant in Michigan because the state is the top producer of tart cherries and the fourth largest producer of sweet cherries in the U.S.

The Big Game day is America’s second largest food consumption day after Thanksgiving. Popular dishes include wings, chips and dips - the latter being a particular Midwest favorite.

Wings are a Big Game staple. In fact, the National Chicken Council estimates Americans eat 1.45 billion chicken wings during the special night.

Most fresh pasta is made from flour and eggs, and cooked while still soft. While fresh pasta takes a little longer to prepare, its cooking time is much faster compared to dried pasta.

Nutrition labels on packaged foods are there to help you understand what’s in them and how you can make healthy choices.

These gingery and lightly spicy noodles get their creaminess from healthy fats in peanut butter. Sugar snap peas and shredded carrots add a nice crunch and boost the fiber and antioxidants content.

Brown rice is packed with fiber and nutrients which gives it its brown color and nutty flavor. It is an excellent source of B vitamins and iron and can be paired with a variety of dishes from grain bowls to stir fries.

This smoothie is naturally sweet and creamy from mango and banana. The oats add a subtle nutty flavor and contribute to a more filling and nourishing smoothie.

This pancake batter consists of only five ingredients and is easily made in a blender. Blueberries and lemon zest add refreshing elements and are a perfect flavor combination in this breakfast treat.

These oat bars are a perfect chewy and refreshing snack packed with antioxidants from the deep colored raspberries. Between the raspberries, chia seeds and oats, this recipe is packed with fiber that’ll help keep you full until your next meal.

Oats are a popular breakfast staple and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients, they’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

 Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles," have gained popularity as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. There are many options for what to serve with zucchini noodles. You can pair them with a protein, sauce or even mix them with regular pasta.

Even though eggs come from poultry, they are still usually included under the broad umbrella of what vegetarians eat. That’s because they don’t contain what’s considered the meat or muscle of an animal.

Mung beans are small legumes that have a slightly sweet taste. Cooking mung beans is quick compared to other larger bean types and no soaking is required before cooking.

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are large, creamy legumes that originate from South America. Butter beans are used in a variety of dishes and a great source of protein, fiber, iron and folate.

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that can be used in several dishes including soups, grain bowls and pasta salad. You can cook orzo like many other pasta types on a stovetop.

Holiday festivities often mean pulling out recipes we only eat once a year. But seasonal dishes don’t have to be complicated – or lacking nutrition.

Wild rice is a seed known for its chewy and nutty flavor and various health benefits. It's naturally gluten-free, low in fat and high in fiber.

The holiday season often brings an abundance of indulgent foods. While it’s OK to enjoy your favorite foods, it’s a good idea to mix in nutrient-dense and vegetable forward options with the traditional spread.

These seafood crab and dill bites are a perfect refreshing and protein-packed starter. Dill adds a burst of flavor while cucumber brings a crisp element to this dish.

These appetizer bites are earthy and savory. Sautéed mushrooms and a zesty horseradish cream filling make an elegant and flavorful appetizer.

This bite-sized appetizer brings balanced flavor with fat from avocado, acid from lime, salt from turkey bacon and a sweet-tart flavor from sundried tomatoes. These bites will bring color to your holiday table.

Barley is a cereal grain high in fiber and protein. Often, it’s added to soups or used to make bread. Barley primarily comes in two different forms: hulled and pearl. The easiest way to cook barely is on the stovetop.

Did you know black-eyed peas aren’t actually peas? Contrary to popular belief, black-eyed peas are neither a grain nor a vegetable but are actually beans. Cooking black-eyed peas is the same as cooking any other dried bean: You'll need to sort, soak and cook them.

Leftovers are nice, but after a few meals of Thanksgiving turkey, it might be time to spice things up. Here are some delicious ways to do that.

Thanksgiving may be a meat-centric celebration, but the seasonal flavors of this fall holiday lend themselves well to healthy, hearty and wholesome vegetarian – and gluten-free dishes. Ditch the tofurkey and plan a menu with comfort at the core.

When you have a picky eater in your family, this can cause stress leading up to and during the holiday meal. Here are some ideas and recipes that can help your picky eater join in on the Thanksgiving dinner.

While turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes are often the stars of the table, Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to make twists on family favorites and share cultural dishes. Consider featuring dishes that offer a modern twist on classic sides.

Crispy rice salads are trending all over social media. This one is a fall-inspired take with nutrient-dense kale, sweet-tart cranberries and a thyme vinaigrette.

Dips and spreads often lean on heavy cream cheese or mayo-based ingredients. This whipped feta provides a creamy, tangy alternative with more health value.

Green beans are a classic vegetable side, but the fresh, sauteed versions often get overshadowed by heavier, richer dishes. This simple yet elevated recipe takes the humble green bean to the next level.

The AHA and USDA both recommend a daily sodium intake of less than 2,300 mg, or about one teaspoon of salt, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg a day for most adults, especially those with high blood pressure. However, many Americans get more than 2,000 mg of sodium in an average Thanksgiving dinner.

Let’s take a look at the myth around turkey and the reasons you may want a nap after your Thanksgiving feast.

You may have seen viral social media posts on TikTok that claim, “seed oils are toxic,” or “seed oils are the root problem to your health issues,” but is it true?

Cooking jasmine rice is simple and requires only a couple of steps. Two of the most popular cooking methods are on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, many Americans find comfort in seasonal beverages. While these drinks can be a treat, they often come with excess ingredients that can negatively affect your health if consumed frequently.

A chai latte is a spiced beverage that combines warm, creamy milk with a robust blend of black tea and aromatic spices that provides a balance of sweetness and warmth. Simply steep tea bags in oat milk heated in a pot and add spices.

This cozy fall drink features the creamy, nutty and earthy flavor of pistachio. The pistachio syrup is incorporated with the espresso shot, to allow the flavors to melt together. By adding the pistachio syrup to the espresso rather than the milk, it helps prevent the milk from burning and provides a smoother taste.

Whether going door-to-door or attending a party, candy is synonymous with Halloween. Between the sweets, it can be a good idea to add in nutrient-dense recipes and talk to children about healthy behaviors around candy.

This layered taco dip is bound to be a Halloween party crowd-pleaser from flavor to presentation. The dip is made up of protein-rich lean turkey, seared with vegetables and taco seasoning for a fragrant base.

Making these spooky treats is a great crafty family activity with a delicious aftermath. Naturally sweet Honeycrisp apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with white chocolate to form a festive webbed pattern.

These ghostly bites feature classic Italian fresh flavors of tomato, oregano, basil and mozzarella cheese.

In 2023, the average American consumed 279 eggs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With this many eggs, daily recipes are bound to get boring. Check out these different ways to change up your egg recipes.

Apple cider is a beloved fall beverage, but is it healthy? Learn more about its pasteurization process and nutrition value, here.

Pie-Sci pizzeria on Trumbull in Detroit challenges the notion that vegan pizza fails to stack up to its meat and dairy-based counterparts.

Diet culture has made many reluctant to consume pasta. However, a 2020 study found that in general, pasta eaters had better diet quality compared to those who avoided it.

This pasta sauce is a twist on the classic pesto, adding sundried tomatoes for a flavor punch. Olive oil provides a healthy source of fat compared to many pasta sauces, while the sundried tomatoes, basil and nuts add a generous amount of fiber to the dish to support a healthy gut.

Making vegetarian choices throughout the week is much easier if you’ve been able to meal prep ahead of time. Here are some ideas for flavorful, healthy vegetarian meals and snacks that you can prepare, portion and store to eat later.

A healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, but a little planning and preparation can go a long way.

With only about 50 calories per cup, pumpkin is a great low-calorie addition to add nutrients to a variety of breakfast dishes. Here are three recipes featuring pumpkin to start your morning.

This healthier no-bake breakfast rendition of a cheesecake blends fall flavors of pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice with yogurt and light cream cheese.

This fall spiced smoothie bowl is a delicious way to start the morning. The combination of pumpkin and banana provides fiber and natural sweetness, while the toppings add healthy fats and crunch.

These fall flavored pumpkin pancakes pack a protein punch thanks to cottage cheese, milk and eggs, making them perfect for a filling breakfast.

It can be easy to make a habit of buying storebought dressing to save time, but they are often highly processed and contain excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. Making your own salad dressing is not only healthier, but it’s easy, inexpensive and you can put your own spin on it.

Apples are Michigan’s largest fruit crop, producing more than 900 million pounds per year. An apple, high in fiber and polyphenols, may keep the doctor away. Research has associated nutrients in apples with lower risks of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

This salad in a jar recipe showcases fall flavors from Honeycrisp apples and pumpkin seeds. The layered nature of the salad ensures freshness and makes it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy this seasonal salad as a nutritious lunch on-the-go or a light, easy dinner.

This recipe reimagines indulgent caramel apples as a lighter, more wholesome option. Apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with a light coat of caramel and topped with walnuts. These skewered treats offer the classic caramel apple flavor with fewer calories and less sugar.

In this twist on a familiar favorite, Honeycrisp apples and celery add sweetness and crunch to a sweet and spicy tuna melt. Whole wheat bread provides a hearty and fiber-rich base for melty Swiss cheese, juicy Campari tomatoes and crisp iceberg lettuce.

You are probably aware that eating more fruits and veggies is good for your health. When it comes time to prepare a meal, it can be difficult to know the best way to include and serve the proper amount of fresh fruits and vegetables or to break long-standing habits tied to food.

Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer and a chance to enjoy outdoor grilling before the cool temperatures set in. This Labor Day, elevate your menu with these vibrant and nutrient-dense recipes featuring seasonal produce like corn and jalapeños.

This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe pineapple with the zesty kick of jalapeño. The pineapple juice adds natural sweetness, and its enzymes help tenderize the chicken. To make this a full meal, serve with our grilled corn and avocado pasta salad.

This dish combines the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with creamy avocado and pasta for a satisfying side. Tossed in creamy and zesty cilantro lime dressing, this salad offers a balance of textures and flavors. Corn packs in a healthy dose of fiber that helps boost satiety while avocado delivers heart-healthy fats.

This healthier twist on a classic dip is rich in protein and lower in saturated fat compared to traditional recipes. The cottage cheese boosts the protein content and adds a creamy texture without the need for excess cream or cheese. Spinach, artichokes and chestnuts contribute to a variety of textures in each bite and bring essential vitamins and minerals to the mix.

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and guardians are tasked with the job of packing nutritious lunches for their children. Students who consume a balanced lunch perform better academically and have more energy throughout the day.

FODMAPS, an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, are a group of carbohydrates in fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy. Foods high in FODMAPs ferment as you digest them, causing gas, abdominal cramps, constipation and diarrhea for some.

August is Kids Eat Right Month, and it appropriately falls during a time when kids across the country are packing their backpacks and lunch bags. This month brings attention to the importance of fueling kids with healthy foods and establishing nourishing snacking and mealtime habits ahead of the school year.

This crispy and fresh salad is served with a flavor-bursting dressing of herbs, lime, chili and more. A key component of the dressing is fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine that bring umami and depth to sauces and dressings.

Raspberries are in-season in August and because their shelf-life is short, it’s best to take advantage of them as soon as they’re picked. Raspberries are the richest fruit source of fiber, serving up 8 grams in just a 1-cup serving.

This breakfast dish could double for dessert with its creamy and sweet essence. Simply let the raspberries take a ride in the blender with some milk, honey and vanilla extract. Then, add chia seeds and let them work their magic transforming the texture into a pudding over just four hours.

These single servings of raspberry crumble serve two and are perfect for those evenings when you want a little something sweet without overdoing it. If making a serving for one person, simply cut the ingredients in half.

These little frozen bites are a perfect, moderately sweet treat to enjoy after a weeknight dinner. The 60% dark chocolate in this recipe allows the chocolate to melt while still offering the antioxidant and fiber benefits of dark chocolate.

Frozen bananas keep excellent in the freezer for up to a year. In this recipe, they act as both ice and a sweetener to make a creamy smoothie.

In 2022, canned vegetable company Libby’s Vegetables held a Great American Picnic survey to find out which plate is most commonly seen at picnics in the U.S. If you’re looking to refresh your picnic basket ideas, try one of these fresh recipes:

Though traditional fried spring rolls in a sweet and sour sauce serve up a delicious treat, these fresh and nutrient-packed Vietnamese spring rolls are perfect for a healthy appetizer or part of a meal.

Watermelon tastes great on a hot day - it’s crunchy and thirst-quenching. These watermelon fries are served with a lime protein-packed yogurt sauce.

This corn salsa is packed in veggies like creamy avocado and colorful Roma tomatoes and bell peppers. Easy to make, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes.

Grilling meats is a popular summer tradition, often leaving vegetables to take a backseat. However, grilling vegetables is an excellent choice for side dishes as they’re naturally low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. If you’re looking to update your recipe collection for the occasion, consider trying one of these fresh, patriotic recipes for entertaining or bringing to a cookout.

The red, white and blue salad provides a fresh and light option, showcasing seasonal produce with the sweetness of blueberries complementing the savory mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze.

These skewers are packed with protein and feature a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that adds a zesty kick. Lightly marinated and grilled instead of fried, these are lighter than their traditional “bang bang shrimp” counterpart.

From the upper peninsula all the way down to Jackson, Michigan is dripping with iconic ice cream parlors. How many of these classic Michigan ice cream spots have you tried?