Food and Recipes

Food and Recipes

Peppermint Mocha Energy Bites

These bites capture that festive peppermint mocha flavor in a more balanced, bite-sized form that provides a bit of fuel.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is not necessarily a type of rice you can buy at the store, but a preparation method often used to make sushi rolls. It's cooked, short-grain white rice combined with rice vinegar and other ingredients.

Food and Recipes

Cold Lunch Ideas

Making a healthy lunch doesn’t have to be complicated or involve time in front of the stove. Cold lunches are quick, customizable and good for busy days on the go while still staying full and energized.

Food and Recipes

Are Acai Bowls Healthy?

Acai bowls have been rapidly growing in popularity thanks to their versatility, visual appeal and nutrient-packed ingredients. Here’s what you should know about this trendy dish before grabbing a spoon.

Food and Recipes

How Fermented Foods Can Support Your Gut Health

Fermented foods are becoming more popular for physical health and well-being. Here is what to know about fermented foods and gut health.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are unleavened dough noodles made from eggs and wheat flour. They are often long and flat, though some are twisted into other shapes. Being versatile in nature, egg noodles can be enjoyed on their own or commonly added to other dishes such as soup.

Food and Recipes

Healthy Cookie Recipes

With just a few ingredient swaps, cookies can get a nutrition boost with fiber, protein and even healthy fats - all while satisfying a sweet tooth.

Food and Recipes

Is Beef Jerky Healthy?

Beef jerky is a popular snack option for road trips, long hikes and busy days on the go. While it’s convenient and packed with protein, you may wonder if it’s actually healthy.

Food and Recipes

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.

Food and Recipes

3 Budget-friendly Recipes to Elevate Canned Foods

With grocery prices high and holiday spending right around the corner, many are feeling the pinch at the checkout line. But eating well doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Food and Recipes

Spicy Shakshuka

Shakshuka loosely translates to “all mixed up” in Arabic. It’s originally a North African dish featuring poached eggs in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Food and Recipes

Smoky Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

This filling dinner leans on shelf-stable pantry staples and is elevated with a few extra ingredients.

Food and Recipes

Skillet Chickpeas

This recipe is a great and versatile way to elevate chickpeas. To save more on this recipe, the oil can be swapped for canola, vegetable oil or whatever is in the pantry.

Food and Recipes

Could Eating Spicy Food Help You Eat Less?

A recent study examining spice levels in food in a short-term situation discovered eating spicy food may eat slower, chew more and chew more, give the body time to register fullness and prevent overeating.

Food and Recipes

Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Keep Blood Sugar in Check

For those managing diabetes, the traditional Thanksgiving spread can pose a challenge. However, it is possible to enjoy the feast without sending your blood sugar soaring.

Food and Recipes

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Feta and Herbs

Sweet potatoes, with their caramelized edges and buttery centers, become the perfect canvas for a crumble of tangy feta and a handful of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or parsley.

Food and Recipes

How to Steam Broccoli

Steaming is one of the best cooking methods to retain broccoli’s vibrant green color, crunch and health benefits. Compared to methods like stir-frying and roasting, steaming uses gentle heat and minimal water, helping the florets retain both nutrition and flavor.

Food and Recipes

Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Tossed with tender kale, fragrant sage and just enough butter to bring everything together, this dish features comfort without being overindulgent. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough to impress – especially when you tell everyone the gnocchi is made from scratch.

Food and Recipes

Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas

Enjoying food-centered holidays can be a real challenge for people with diabetes but there are ways to make these traditional gatherings more diabetes-friendly.

Food and Recipes

How to Not Cry Cutting an Onion

When an onion “fights back,” it’s just defending itself with an eye irritant. This volatile molecule that reaches your eyes, reacts with the water in your tear film and produces the stinging sensation that triggers reflex tears.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Tortellini

Tortellini is an Italian stuffed pasta made with a thin, egg pasta dough filled with cheese, meat or vegetables. It can be cooked from scratch or cooked from a package dry or frozen at the grocery store. Fresh tortellini cook much faster than dried tortellini.

Food and Recipes

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

If you are looking for a few new ideas or making gluten-free dishes for a guest, we have you covered.

Food and Recipes

Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes

With a few tweaks and additional ingredients, you can make this humble cut of meat into flavorful, healthy dishes that keep mealtime exciting while supporting health goals.

Food and Recipes

Halloween Charcuterie Board

Here are some ideas on how to make your charcuterie offerings extra spooky.

Food and Recipes

Matcha on the Brink: Why We're Running Out and How to Drink Smart

Matcha tea is so popular, Japanese farmers who grow green tea for matcha cannot keep up with the demand. Here is what to know about matcha shortages, how to be smart about your matcha consumption and alternatives to consider.

Food and Recipes

Healthy Halloween Recipes

Between getting dressed up and heading out for trick-or-treating, sitting down for a nutritious meal might not seem like a priority, but it can make a big difference.

Food and Recipes

Roasted Spaghetti Squash Sauce

Spaghetti squash is nutrient-dense – low in calories but high in fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C. It helps support a healthy gut, eyesight and immune system.

Food and Recipes

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.

Food and Recipes

How to Poach an Egg in the Microwave

Want a healthy start to your day, but don’t have a lot of time? Check out these easy recipes for microwaved poached eggs, scrambled eggs and a few other egg variations for a protein-packed breakfast.

Food and Recipes

Easy High Protein Meals

Looking to up your protein intake? Here are four easy-to-make meals that contain at least 30 grams of protein apiece. Which recipe are you most likely to try?

Food and Recipes

Healthy Dessert Recipes

When that sweet tooth hits, it’s easy to reach for cookies, candy or ice cream. These are great in moderation, but what if your dessert could satisfy cravings and offer nourishing qualities at the same time?

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Rice in the Oven

You can cook any type of rice in the oven, including long-grain, short-grain, jasmine rice or brown rice. The amount of water and cooking time may slightly vary depending on rice type.

Food and Recipes

10 Fun Facts About Fall Foods

Did you know Michigan is one of the largest producers of apples in the U.S.? Here are 10 fun facts about our local fall harvest.

Fall Produce
Food and Recipes

10 Spice Substitutes to Use in a Pinch

Some spice combinations can come close to replicating the flavor of the spice you are missing. Here is how to replace 10 popular spices.

Food and Recipes

How Portion Size is Affecting Your Health

Many people struggle with portion control without even realizing it. But those extra bites can add up and have a real impact on your health over time.

Food and Recipes

The Nutritional Value of Egg Whites Versus Egg Yolks

Eggs are a great source of complete high-quality protein with few calories. But which is better: the egg white or egg yolk?

Raw organic farm eggs on the old background.
Food and Recipes

How to Cook Black Rice

Black rice, which is also referred to as purple rice, gets its black-purple color from a pigment called anthocyanin, which has strong antioxidant properties. Cooking black rice is easy and like cooking most other types of rice.

Food and Recipes

5 Healthy Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes to Try at Home

Buying store-bought dressing is convenient, but those products are often highly processed and contain excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. Making your own salad dressing is not only healthier, it’s easier than you think.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Barley

Cooking barley is easy, and the finished product offers nutrients that can improve heart health and blood sugar health while giving a boost to the digestive system. Here's how to cook pearled barley and hulled barley.

Food and Recipes

Could the Way You're Preparing Potatoes Increase Your Diabetes Risk?

Potatoes are the most popular vegetable in the United States. Here is what to know about potatoes and their association with increased Type 2 diabetes risk.

Food and Recipes

Spiced Apple Rings

These cinnamon sugar apple rings are an easy breakfast addition or treat. Dipped in a batter and seared, they have a soft fluffy outside with a satisfying crunch inside.

Food and Recipes

Butternut Squash Deconstructed Lasagna

Deconstructed lasagna skips the most time-consuming and fussy parts of traditional lasagna while delivering similar flavors. This creamy pasta sauce relies on nutrient-rich butternut squash along with ricotta for creaminess and is balanced with pesto for a contrast in flavor.

Food and 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.

cider
Food and Recipes

Healthy Tailgate Food Ideas

Tailgates are as much about food and fun as they are about the big game, but planning a dish that satisfies a hungry crowd can feel overwhelming. Wow your crew with fan favorites while adding in a little extra balance with these recipes.

Food and Recipes

Apple and Caramelized Onion Bites

Baguette or flatbread topped with sweet, caramelized onions and crisp apple slices offer a refreshing break from heavier fare. This dish strikes the balance of sweet, savory and crunchy.

Food and Recipes

Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a fan favorite at any tailgate — creamy, spicy and difficult to stop eating. This lighter version, made with cottage cheese and less cream cheese, keeps the flavor but dials back the heaviness

Food and Recipes

Healthy Apple Crisp

When you find yourself with only one or two apples in your pantry, don't worry! This delicious apple crisp is made with just a few ingredients.

Apple Crumble For Two
Food and Recipes

How to Make Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles," are a cooking trend that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. Want to learn how to make zucchini noodles? There's a variety of ways to do it, and we list them all here.

Food and Recipes

Does Kombucha Have Health Benefits?

It’s important to know that rigorous research on Kombucha is limited, but let’s explore some of the most common health claims as well as a few risks worth knowing about before you grab your next bottle.

Food and Recipes

5 Michigan Superfoods We Love

High in nutritional value, there are many delicious Michigan-based foods that provide amazing health benefits. Here are five of our favorites.

Asparagus
Food and Recipes

Elote Seasoning Ideas

Love corn? We've come up with two unique seasoning of elote to explore new flavors.

Food and Recipes

What is Red Yeast Rice? Are There Health Benefits?

What is red yeast rice, and is this a safe substitute for medications? Let’s look at this supplement and safe ways to manage and lower cholesterol.

Food and Recipes

How to Stop Eating at Night

Making a habit of eating at night can affect your health over time. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can help you make choices that better support your overall well-being.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Udon Noodles

Udon noodles are long, thick wheat-flour noodles that originated from Japan. They are often used in recipes such as soups, stir-fries, noodle bowls and salads, and they pair well with a variety of sauces.

Food and Recipes

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.

Food and Recipes

Low Sodium Condiments

Consuming high amounts of sodium can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Here are a few low condiments, lower sodium alternatives and tips to find healthier options.

Food and Recipes

How to Understand Misleading Food Labels

Let’s look at common claims manufacturers make on food labels, what they mean and don’t mean and how to find helpful nutritional information on food labels.

Food and Recipes

Why You May Want to Skip This Common Sugar Alternative

A common artificial sweetener called erythritol is associated with a variety of negative health effects. Here is a look at the non-nutritive sweetener, the health effects and how to navigate food packaging.

Food and Recipes

Easy Meals for College Students

Amid all the change, figuring out how to eat healthy can feel like another challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.

Food and Recipes

One-pot Coconut Curry Gyoza with Frozen Veggies

This is a comfort food upgrade packed with nutrients and flavor - and it only requires cleaning one pot and no chopping.

Food and Recipes

Don’t Throw Your Fruit Scraps Away! The Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon Rinds, Orange Peels and More

Since we were kids we discarded the pits, peels and seeds from our fruit while eating the tasty flesh. But did you know the parts of the fruit we usually scrap can have health benefits, too?

Food and Recipes

Baked Peaches

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, juicy peach straight from the oven.

Food and Recipes

3 Healthy Peach Recipes

Peaches are more than just a summer treat - they're a nutrient-rich fruit offering a variety of health benefits. They can add a burst of flavor to salads, complement proteins when grilled and can shine at the breakfast table.

Food and Recipes

Peach Crumble

This seasonal recipe is a lighter take on a classic dessert with less sugar and butter, while packing in fiber from whole wheat oat flour and oats.

Food and Recipes

Peach Panzanella Salad

Panzanella is a classic Tuscan salad made of dried Italian bread, ripe tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette. This version adds grilled peaches which brings caramelized flavor to this dish without added sugar.

Food and Recipes

Health Benefits of Watermelon Juice

Recently, watermelon juice has become more popular as a refreshing beverage. Here is a look at the health benefits of watermelon and its juice and whether it’s a healthy option to add to your diet.

Food and Recipes

Is Cooking with an Air Fryer Healthy?

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in recent years. They are commonly used for their convenience and ability to deliver crispy meals with less oil. But is cooking with an air fryer a healthier option?

Food and Recipes

What to Know about Stone Fruit

Stone fruits are one of the most popular summer fruits on the market. Tart and sweet, these fruits, also called drupes, are versatile and have many important nutrients.

Food and Recipes

Sodium: How Much Is Too Much?

Most Americans eat too much sodium. But what is “too much?"

Food and Recipes

8 Summer Snacks That Can Stand the Heat

Before you pack for a summer day outing or road trip, read this list of summer-friendly snacks that won't melt, get soggy or spoil under the sun.

Food and Recipes

How Vitamin D Can Help with Healthy Aging

Taking a Vitamin D supplement is associated with better aging, according to a new study. Let’s take a look at the results of this new study, the risks of taking supplements and ways to get more vitamin D into your diet.

Food and Recipes

Lemon Garlic Salmon with Herb-whipped Feta

This delicious summer appetizer strikes the balance between simplicity, nutrition and restaurant-quality flavor.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Fava Beans

Fava beans are versatile legumes that are high in fiber, potassium and magnesium. Serve cooked fava beans as a side dish on their own or in a soup, stew or dip.

Food and Recipes

What’s the Difference Between Kefir and Yogurt?

Americans are consuming more yogurt than ever. Let’s look at kefir, yogurt and how these dairy products compare.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Basmati Rice

Basmati rice has less starch than plain white rice and is cooked like most rice types, most commonly on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.

Food and Recipes

Rating the Health Value of Trendy Sauces and Condiments

From hot honey to Korean gochujang, the sweet and spicy combination is en vogue. But do these sauces and condiments provide any nutritional benefits?

Food and Recipes

What’s a Safe Temperature to Cook Your Meat?

It’s always important to take precautions and educate yourself on proper food hygiene, especially when it comes to cooking meat.

Food and Recipes

Strawberry Lemongrass Sorbet

While many frozen treats are loaded with added sugars and ultra-processed ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make something indulgent and nourishing at home.

Food and Recipes

3 Healthy Fourth of July Recipes

This year, consider swapping out some of the heavy, traditional dishes for lighter, plant-forward options that don’t sacrifice flavor. Here are three simple, wholesome recipes that spotlight the best of Michigan’s summer harvest.

Food and Recipes

Should You Try Protein Coffee?

Putting protein in coffee is yet another social media trend. Let’s look at “proffee” and whether it’s worth a try.

Food and Recipes

How to Cook Artichokes

You can cook artichokes in a variety of ways, including boiling, grilling, steaming, stuffing or baking. When cooked well, artichokes should hold together and have a silky, creamy texture and an earthy taste.

Food and Recipes

Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit: The Many Health Benefits of Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are packed full of antioxidants, protein, complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. It's no wonder that popular kids jingle suggested to eat them with every meal.

Food and Recipes

How to Tell if Eggs Are Bad

It's important to understand the various food product dates stamped on our food. Knowing the difference between them, as well as how to perform an egg float test, can help you figure out if your eggs have spoiled.

Food and Recipes

Is it a Dairy Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

Let’s look at the symptoms of each and how to manage the conditions.

Food and Recipes

Milk Safety Overview: The Dangers of Raw Milk and the Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives

June is National Dairy Month, a good time to look at the pros and cons of dairy milk, how dairy compares to milk alternatives and the dangers of raw milk.

Food and Recipes

9 Iconic Michigan Ice Cream Parlors to Visit 

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?

There are more than a few iconic ice cream spots that Michigan families flock to each summer. These shops have enjoyed sustained success for their quality and service. How many of these eight have you visited, and how many more would you like to check out?  
Food and Recipes

Why You Should Eat More Flavonoids

A study found those who ate more flavonoids, a plant chemical in many fruits and vegetables, aged better than those who had a lower flavonoid intake. Let’s look at flavonoids, associated health outcomes and how to add more flavonoids to your diet.

Food and Recipes

3 Healthy Father’s Day Recipes

Prioritizing health doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. It’s an opportunity to reimagine Father’s Day favorites with a fresh and wholesome twist.

Food and Recipes

Strawberry Shaved Ice

This shaved frozen fruit treat relies on the natural sweetness of ripe seasonal strawberries. Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, fiber and phytonutrients that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Food and Recipes

Mediterranean Salmon Burger with Tzatziki

Salmon is a powerhouse of heart-healthy omega-3s, high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and selenium. The feta cheese brings a rich, tangy flavor to the salmon burgers, while cap

Food and Recipes

Healthy Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad is packed with fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and antioxidant-rich herbs.

Food and Recipes

Michigan Tomatoes: The Six Varieties You Need to Taste

You already know about Beefsteak tomatoes, but there are many varieties grown in Michigan to try before summer ends.

Michigan tomato varieties
Food and Recipes

Southwestern Grilled Romaine Salad

By grilling half a head of romaine, the salad body stays intact well and makes for a beautiful presentation. This recipe takes on a Southwestern flavor with cotija cheese, cilantro and chipotle ranch.

Food and Recipes

What Are the Best Fruits for People with Diabetes?

Fruits are high in nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and fiber necessary for overall health. People with diabetes should include fruit as part of a healthy diet while keeping an eye on fruits with particularly high sugar content.

Food and Recipes

The ABCs of Marinades and Grilling

Grilling is a popular cooking technique because of the flavor and caramelization it produces. A good marinade combined with the fire of the grill allows complex flavors develop with a texturally pleasing aftermath.

Grilled Food
Food and Recipes

Everything You Need to Know About White Strawberries 

White strawberries are sweeter than red ones and can even smell tropical. Here’s what you need to know about this cream-colored fruit.

Ripe White strawberries, pineberries
Food and Recipes

Healthy Grilling Recipes for Your Memorial Day Menu

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. It’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy the warmer weather and indulge in delicious grilled foods. Try one of these healthy grilled skewer pairings for your Memorial Day celebration.

skewers
Food and Recipes

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese

Thinking of switching to vegan cheese? The plant-based product has its fair share of health advantages compared to dairy cheese. But it has its drawbacks, too.

Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese
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.

Food and Recipes

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.

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