Lemon bars are one of my all-time favorite springtime desserts. They're bright in both color and flavor and are a great way to end a meal on an uplifting note. But lemon bars aren't usually as light in calories as they are in appearance. I've tweaked this treat to be just as satisfying, with the...

Zuppa Toscana is one of my favorite soups at Olive Garden but when looking at the nutrition information I decided to make my own version to avoid all of the sodium, fat and calories that come from just 1 serving. By making a few simple changes to the ingredient list, I was able to save 130 calories...

It's Valentines weekend…we all know what that means: Chocolate galore! And while we should partake in treating ourselves in moderation, we can tend to get carried away. I mean who really eats only ONE chocolate out of the ten pound assorted box? We should most definitely indulge in these items...

Last week, John L. (a producer at WCIA-3, our local CBS station) asked if it was possible to make a healthier version of the Chocolate Stout Brownies he made to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The stout beer used in the batter and glaze lends a rich, complex flavor. But 2 sticks of butter and a cup...

I went with some friends down to southern Illinois over Memorial Day weekend and reconnected with some of my favorite places that I frequented throughout my time there during grad school. Besides the severe allergies I endured that last day it was a fantastic trip filled with fun in the sun and...

You know you've eyeballed them at the grocery store. They hang out in the produce section right next to the bananas. From time to time, might even be mistaken for bananas, but overly sized and sometimes rotten looking (black.) The plantain is a surprisingly versatile fruit that is as much a...

Over the past few years, carbs have gotten an unnecessarily bad rap, but there's plenty of room for bread in a heart-healthy diet. And it's a good thing, because there's nothing quite like biting into a still-warm slice of freshly baked bread; soft and chewy inside, with a slightly crisp crust....

Leave the bottled salad dressing on the store shelf. You might be thinking, "But I buy 'low-fat' dressing so it isn't that bad…" Think again. When food manufacturers take out the fat, they are putting something else in to help with palatability and when it comes to dressing…it's most likely sugar...

Have you broken your resolution yet? Lost 20 pounds? Ran a marathon? Me neither. This year I am keeping it simple. An apple a day… Apples are good for you! Who knew? Recent studies both in the US (University of California, Davis) and in the United Kingdom (Oxford University) have shown that eating...

Okay, so donuts are delicious. Fried dough with a sweet frosting or glaze? Yes please. Of course, we all know that donuts aren't health food. But let's be honest - it's unrealistic to expect that you're NEVER going to eat donuts. Plus, it's definitely possible to occasionally have one in the...

This post goes out to cooks who want to save time preparing meals, use a few less dishes, and avoid heating up the house using the oven or stovetop. Whether reheating leftovers or cooking foods and recipes, it is time to open your microwaves! Tips Reheat recipes to 165°F or until steaming hot Be...

I for one am a breakfast food fanatic! What's more, I absolutely love the smell of bacon in the morning! But what if I told you eggs and bacon aren't as simple as they once were. There are constantly new products out on the market targeting consumers as being a "healthier" alternative or a "new and...

Celebrate a belated Mardi Gras with the one-pot wonder that is jambalaya! Spicy sausage, chicken breast, and shrimp stewed together with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and rice that soaks it all up. The best! (Scroll to the bottom of the post for a printable PDF version of the recipe)...

From last month's post on concentrated calories, it is time to look at the opposite: foods that are not so concentrated in calories. While we can reduce portion si

It's an ancient tradition, but over the past few months, boiling animal bones has become a health craze. Speculated to provide health benefits such as healthier skin and hair, improved anxiety/mood levels, decreased joint pain, reduced inflammation arthritis, and better overall digestive health...

All these grey skies have most of us craving a tropical escape – white sands, palm trees, the sweet scent of coconut. Luckily, the latter's surge in popularity has led to the release of scores of coconut products. Coconut oil, milk, water – the (sunny) sky's the limit. And based on what you may...

After the celebrating, Thanksgiving means leftovers for many families. Food Safety Pull meat off the bone and cut into desired sized pieces. Move leftover meat into the refrigerator within 2 hours after carving or soone

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Raise your hand if you've got a case of cabin fever! As we slowly add more daylight and inch toward springtime, I've been craving one of my favorite ballpark snacks -- soft pretzels. Sure, I could swing by the mall for a jumbo pretzel saturated with butter and salt. But it's healthier and just...

University of Illinois Extension staff regularly teach on and answer questions about safe handling, preparation, and cooking of food. (Call your local office to get an