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...
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...
We eat to nourish and fuel the body, but how often do you think about feeding your mind? More and more studies are demonstrating the importance of certain nutrients for brain health. Food influences energy levels, mood, memory, and more. In this first article of two on brain health, we'll cover...
Are you ready for spring? Try these delicious sweet dip recipes to lighten up your springtime get-togethers. Cookie Dough, Chocolate Hazelnut, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie -- serve with graham crackers, cubes of angel food cake, and fresh cut up fruit! Healthier Chocolate...
Eat more veggies! Eat more fruits! Isn't that what we've been told? We usually hear the adjective "fresh" in front of those words, as in "fresh fruits and vegetables". But it's winter in central Illinois and fresh is a relative term. Just how fresh is that bunch of broccoli from California or the...
This year's National Nutrition Month theme is "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle." Have you ever thought about what a healthy lifestyle means to you? If you haven't, it's worth pondering. What would it take to achieve and maintain your version of a healthy lifestyle? How would that...
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...
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...
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...
