Your recipe calls for almonds but when you get to the store to quickly grab a bag you realize you have to choose between natural, blanched, unblanched, roasted or raw. Who knew there were that many choices for one little nut? More than likely, the only almond you've ever had was produced in...

I would argue that there isn't much better in life than a cool and refreshing ice cream cone on a hot and humid day. I think everyone can agree that ice cream and summer-time definitely go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, on average a ½ cup serving of vanilla ice cream weighs in at about 15 grams of...

I'm pleased to introduce guest blogger and Illinois State University, Food Nutrition and Dietetics student, Austin Duffell! With the New Year in full swing, many people are excited to try out their New Year Resolutions. When talking wi

I am pleased to introduce guest blogger and Illinois State University dietetic intern, Noel Konken! Tired of your average cold sandwich with a smashed banana that barely survived your early-morning commute? Swap out your packed lunch for a capped lunch! Get creative with your lunch this...

It's dad's turn to celebrate the joys of fatherhood. And what better way to thank him for all the whisker rubbing hugs and hours spent teaching us how to ride a bike, than with food? But not just any food: Dad food. Dad food is quite simply food that your dad loves. For many dads, that includes "...

Most recipes make a family-sized portion, causing a weeks' worth of leftovers for someone who's only cooking for one or two people. While beef and noodles may be your favorite meal you probably hesitate buying a whole roast knowing you'll grow tired of

During spring, asparagus is everywhere!  You may notice it is on sale at the grocery store, or it may even be popping up in your own garden at home. Asparagus is a spring crop that is easy to grow and very cheap in the spring, which may leave you with a surplus of the vegetable in your...

Not many people can bite into a lemon without emitting a puckered face. And, no, that is not some kind of lemon-challenge! While a lemon's flesh may be too sour to eat on its own, when combined with other ingredients, it can produce a flavor that is simply delightful. Lemons may be available all...

This week's blog post is guest written by Illinois State University student, Paige Meints. She is an undergraduate student studying Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics at ISU. When I think of summer, I think of the smell of burgers, charbroiled on the grill. Although delicious, hamburger meat patties...

Move over coffee. According to the Tea Association of the U.S. Inc., total hot tea sales have increased more than 17% over the last five years and are expected to double over the next five. While Americans still drink far more coffee than tea, coffeehouses are offering more varieties of tea. The...

Kale is the queen of greens. It's been hailed as one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. We're talking about a green plant that provides 1,000 percent of your daily requirements for vitamin K and over 100% of your daily requirements for both vitamins A and C. Yep, it's super. But is it...

This week's blog post was written by our Nutrition and Wellness intern, Paige Meints. She is a student at ISU studying Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics. Zucchini is a popular summer crop in the Midwest because it's a low maintenance plant and is fairly easy to grow. Zucchini plants do not take up...

This July 29th we celebrate an Italian classic: Happy National Lasagna Day all you lasagna lovers. A cheesy, gooey pan of carbs is what makes this meal a favorite of all ages. The ingredients are simple, inexpensive, and feeds an army, making the whole family happy. Lasagna begins with the flat-...

Tofu anyone? Ok. Most people look at me like I'm a weirdo when the "t" word is mentioned. However, tofu is one of the ultimate convenience foods; it's quick and easy to use in a wide variety of dishes. Before you write it off, you must first know a little bit about it. Tofu is made by coagulating...

I'm pleased to introduce guest blogger, Noel Konken, Illinois State University Dietetic intern! Memorial Day Weekend jump starts the season of cookouts, potlucks, and picnics. While these social gatherings are a classic American summer tradition, they are not always conducive to healthy...

Much like Thanksgiving is bombarded with pumpkin spice, the flavor of Christmas is most notably peppermint. There's peppermint mochas, chocolate peppermint bark, cool peppermint pies and delicious peppermint cookies. It's the chief mint chosen to flavor candies and gum, and it comes to good little...

When the weather is warm and beautiful, there is nothing better than eating outdoors. Whether at a park, an outdoor event, or just in the backyard, a picnic can be a fun excursion for the whole family. There's no need for a picnic table; a blanket on the ground will do. You can use paper plates or...

Weekday breakfasts' for working families may be a quick bowl of cereal, fruit and yogurt, or a granola bar on-the-go, but nothing beats a hot breakfast on a cold day. February is Hot Breakfast Month, a time to celebrate the wonderful warmth of eggs, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal and, of course, "b and...

Are you a late night snacker? While "eating after 8 p.m. is bad for your health," is a myth that has long been debunked, it doesn't mean that all foods in a late night kitchen spree should be on the table. However, late night snacking doesn't have to kick the curb as long as you follow...

January 2nd was National Buffet Day. That's day number two in the start of most people's diets. Just who was the malevolent person who determined the need for Buffet Day to be celebrated at the beginning of News Year's resolutions? I guess the more important question is, "why is there a buffet day...