Healthy Cooking

Squish it. Smash it. Smoosh it. Our very first taste of solid food most likely came in a mashed or pureed form. However, as we have aged into adults, we must not forget that we can still enjoy our inner-baby’s love of mush. Here are four mashed foods that shouldn’t be stopped when the high chair...

If you’ve never seen poppy seeds, you may wonder what these tiny dark specks are doing all over your bagel. Poppy seeds are often used in baked goods, giving the product a slight nutty, sweet/spicy taste, a crunchy texture, and a unique decoration.There are many different types of poppy seeds,...

The shorter days this season can leave many people feeling the winter blues. It’s not uncommon to be in a sore mood when there’s less natural sunlight. But a more severe type of depression, called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a medical condition that appears when fall and winter come, and...

I get this question all the time: is honey healthier than granulated sugar? The answer is yes and no. Oh, don’t you hate this answer! However, the truth is not always a simple one and it warrants further explanation. Both honey and sugar are carbohydrates, but each carry different characteristics....

In the world of baking, there are two ingredients that every home baker must have: baking powder and baking soda. They look similar, they sound similar, and they act similar so what’s the difference?  Let’s start with the science. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and is a base on the pH...

Although it is the season of giving, foodborne illness is a gift nobody wants! Many of the favorite holiday foods pose a potential health risk if not stored, prepared and handled properly. Two of the most important rules to remember are:  1) Keep hot food hot and cold food cold...

 If it's your turn to host the family holiday dinner, you hopefully have your game plan ready. There's a lot to consider, including whether or not you have the space: dining table space, burner/oven space and refrigerator space. Not to mention, what foods you are going to prepare and what...

This blog post is written by Pauline Wrocenski, Illinois State University dietetic intern.  November is National Sweet Potato Awareness Month! Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and contain a rich flavor profile, making it ideal to enjoy by itself or as part of a dish....

'Tis the season of cooler weather and comfort foods. Nothing warms up the heart better than savory dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, potato soup, meatloaf, or fried chicken. But while these all-star fare are certainly delicious, they're also heavy and high calorie.  Lightening up your...

As you carve frightening or charming faces in your jack-o-lanterns this Halloween, be sure to keep the seeds for a nutritious snack. Pumpkin seeds are truly one of the greatest rewards to this fall activity.  Saving the seeds is easy. Once cutting out the stem of the pumpkin, the fun part...