Food and Recipes
How to Cook Dried Beans
Beans are a protein-packed, nutritious and versatile staple of many meals including chili, soup and salad. You easily can cook dried beans in a slow cooker or instant pot.
Grilled Swordfish with Caper Salsa Verde
This swordfish is lightly marinated and grilled to perfection. Swordfish is a great selection of fish to grill – it’s meaty enough to hold its texture compared to more delicate options that may fall apart. The salsa verde uses flat leaf parsley as the base herb where a small bit of jalapeño kicks up the heat and capers give it a complex, salty bite.
How to Cook Millet
Millet is naturally gluten-free, a good source of protein and rich in iron, vitamin B and calcium. Many people around the world enjoy millet and incorporate it as a stable in their breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is popular in dishes such as stir-fries, bowls, salads and cakes.
Spice Up Cinco de Mayo with Two Healthy Recipes
Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a lively celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Celebrate the occasion with these two creative and healthy recipes.
The Month-by-Month Guide for When to Eat Michigan Produce
Certain fruits and vegetables are in-season in Michigan between March and September. Learn about each one and find out how long each growing season lasts.
What is Millet?
If you've wondered what millet is and what millet looks like, you've come to the right place. Millet is a high-fiber food that's part of the cereal grain family. Jump on the millet bandwagon.
Grilling vs Baking: Which is Healthier?
Grilling is a summer pastime in Michigan, and baking is known to be a healthy way to prepare foods. We all know the grilled food is healthier than fried food, but how does the grilling method stack up against baked food?
Is Your Morning Coffee Good for Your Health?
Your cup coffee has many different benefits, according to a new study. Here’s a look at the health benefits of morning coffee.
Herbaceous Crudité Cups
Crudité cups are an easy appetizer that everyone can enjoy at the table or when socializing. These individual cuts of blanched and fresh vegetables, paired with an herb-based dipping sauce, are light and refreshing.
Strawberries and Cream Whole Wheat Waffle Platter
Waffles are a classic celebratory breakfast. Their health value can be elevated by skipping the syrup, making them whole grain, topping them with fresh strawberries and a light creamy topping.
What’s the Healthiest Type of Grill?
Charcoal grills, gas grills and smokers have all seen an uptick in use over the past five years. The question is, what is the healthiest grill to use?

How to Cook Buckwheat
Buckwheat is neither wheat nor grain, but a seed known for its nutty, toasty flavor and soft texture. Despite its name, it’s naturally gluten-free and a popular addition to a variety of side and main dishes.
How to Cook Brown Rice Pudding
Cooking rice pudding is as easy as boiling rice and putting all the ingredients into a saucepan and simmering until the rice is very tender and the mixture thickens up. You can serve rice pudding warm or chilled and enhance its flavor by including a variety of spices or topping it with fresh fruit.
Why You Should Wait a Few Hours Before That Morning Cup of Coffee
Coffee might be the first thing you reach for when you wake up. However, it might be better to wait a while. Let’s look at the reasons why and when it may be better to enjoy your morning cup.
What’s the Difference Between Vegans and Vegetarians?
There are differences and nuances to both diets. Here are the main points in separating veganism from vegetarianism, including nutritional obstacles people who adopt these diets may encounter.

Chocolate-drizzled Coconut Date Cookies
These three-ingredient cookies’ natural sweetness comes from fiber-rich dates. They are a more wholesome, nutrient-dense alternative to the door-to-door sold cookies.
How to Cook Yellow Rice
Yellow rice is a versatile, popular dish in Indian, Latin American and Mediterranean recipes containing meat, seafood or vegetables. While you can buy yellow rice, it’s easy to make at home with fresh ingredients for added flavor.
Foods to Avoid During Your Period
You may feel like diving into a gallon of chocolate ice cream, but there are certain foods you should avoid during your period.
How to Cook Gnocchi
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.
Let Brussels Sprouts Become an Important Part of Your Diet
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.
Should I Eat High Protein Ice Cream Instead?
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.
Healthy, Kid-Approved St. Patrick’s Day Treats
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.
Three Healthy Cabbage Recipes
Incorporating cabbage into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. Here are three healthy cabbage recipes to try.
How to Cook Red Lentils
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.
10 Reasons to Eat Orange and Yellow Fruits and Veggies
From carrots to mangoes, learn about the benefits this delicious and versatile produce.
Creamy Cardamom Brown Rice Pudding
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.
Glazed Roasted Carrots over Zesty Yogurt with Crunchy Pistachios
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.
Spring Salad with Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette and Quick-pickled Onions
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.
How to Cook Quinoa
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.
How to Cook Split Peas
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.
How to Cook Chickpeas
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.
2 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With
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.
Are Seed Oils Good or Bad for the Heart?
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.
How to Cook Arborio Rice
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.
The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
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.
Benefits of Michigan Cherries + Delicious Recipes
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.
3 Healthy Big Game Recipes
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.
Crispy Sumac Baked Dry Rub Wings
Wings are a Big Game staple. In fact, the National Chicken Council estimates Americans eat 1.45 billion chicken wings during the special night.
How to Cook Fresh Pasta
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.
How to Read Nutrition Labels
Nutrition labels on packaged foods are there to help you understand what’s in them and how you can make healthy choices.
Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles with Tofu and Veggies
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.
How to Cook Brown Rice
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.
Mango Oat Smoothie
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.
Oat and Banana Blueberry Pancakes
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.
Raspberry Chia Seed Oat Bar Recipe
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.
The Nutrient Power and Versatility of Oat Recipes
Oats are a popular breakfast staple and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients, they’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
How to Cook Zucchini Noodles
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.
Are Eggs Vegetarian?
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.
How to Cook Mung Beans
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.
How to Cook Butter Beans
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.
How to Cook Orzo
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.
These Seasonal Holiday Dishes Are Packed with Antioxidants
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.
How to Cook Wild Rice
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.
Three Healthy Holiday Appetizers that Sleigh
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.
Seafood and Dill Shells
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.
Mushroom and Creamy Horseradish Shells
These appetizer bites are earthy and savory. Sautéed mushrooms and a zesty horseradish cream filling make an elegant and flavorful appetizer.
Sundried Tomato Avocado Shells
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.
How to Cook Barley
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.
How to Cook Black-Eyed Peas
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.
Rethink Thanksgiving Leftovers with These Recipes
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.
Vegetarians Can Enjoy the Flavors of Thanksgiving Too
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.
Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas for the Picky Eater in Your Family
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.
Three Healthy Recipes for Your Friendsgiving Feast
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 Kale and Cranberry Salad
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.
Greek Yogurt Whipped Feta Dip with Apple and Pecan Topping
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.
Garlicky Green Beans with Anchovy Breadcrumbs
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.
How to Reduce Sodium in Your Thanksgiving Dinner
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.
Does Turkey Actually Make You Sleepy?
Let’s take a look at the myth around turkey and the reasons you may want a nap after your Thanksgiving feast.
Are Seed Oils Unhealthy?
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?
How to Cook Jasmine Rice
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.
Comfort in a Cup - 3 Healthy Fall Beverages
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.
Chai Latte
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.
Pistachio Latte Recipe
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.
3 Halloween Eats That Won't Haunt You to Make
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.
Webbed Taco Dip
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.
Spider Web Apple Pops
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.
Boo-schetta
These ghostly bites feature classic Italian fresh flavors of tomato, oregano, basil and mozzarella cheese.
3 Ways to Spice Up Your Eggs
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.
Does Apple Cider Have Health Benefits?
Apple cider is a beloved fall beverage, but is it healthy? Learn more about its pasteurization process and nutrition value, here.
Detroit’s Pie-Sci Pizzeria Builds a Vegan Following with Plant-Based Pizza Options
Pie-Sci pizzeria on Trumbull in Detroit challenges the notion that vegan pizza fails to stack up to its meat and dairy-based counterparts.
3 Pasta-tively Healthy Sauces to Make at Home
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.
Pesto Rosso Pasta Sauce
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.
Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas
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.
5 Healthy Breakfast Hacks for Busy Parents
A healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, but a little planning and preparation can go a long way.
3 Seasonal Pumpkin Recipes to Pump Up Your Morning
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.
Breakfast Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
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.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl
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.
High Protein Pumpkin Pancakes
These fall flavored pumpkin pancakes pack a protein punch thanks to cottage cheese, milk and eggs, making them perfect for a filling breakfast.
5 Homemade Salad Dressings to Try at Home
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.
Fresh Picks for Fall - 3 Creative and Healthy Apple Recipes
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.
Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Salad in a Jar
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.
Healthier Turtle Apple Pops
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.
Honeycrisp Tuna Melt
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.
Easy Ways to Fit In-Season Fruits and Veggies into Your Diet This Fall
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.
3 Healthy Recipes to Liven Up Your Labor Day
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.
Pineapple Jalapeño-marinated Grilled Chicken
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.
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.
Higher Protein Spinach Artichoke Dip
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.
3 Healthy and Balanced School Lunch Ideas
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.
Could A Low-FODMAP Diet Be Helpful For Your Sensitive Stomach?
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.