Food

This recipe highlights just how versatile your slow cooker can be. Moist and fudgy, this cake makes a sweet pick-me-up or a decadent dessert garnished with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.      

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is not to be mistaken for the more familiar traditional celery. Celeriac is grown for its root and not the stalk. Paired with potatoes and leeks as shown here, or added to stuffing, stir-fries, roasted vegetables, salads, and mashed potatoes, it packs a lovely flavour into any recipe.

Kale is a fabulous winter green that is bountiful in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K as well as fibre, calcium, and iron--great for keeping our bodies nourished during long chilly days. 1 bunch (about 1 lb/450 g) curly or dinosaur kale, washed and dried 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp (45 mL) Parmesan cheese, finely grated Preheat oven to 300 F (150 C). Remove kale leaves from stem and tear into 2 in (5 cm) pieces. In large bowl toss kale with olive oil. Arrange leaves in single layer on two parchment-lined baking sheets and sprinkle with cheese. Bake kale until crisp and edges are starting to brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Place baking sheet on wire rack to cool before serving. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 103 calories; 5 g protein; 5 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 11 g carbohydrates; 2 g fibre; 106 mg sodium Source: "Winter harvest", alive #350, December 2011

Skip the bread and boost the comfort food factor with a baked potato boat to cradle kale, mushrooms, and poached eggs. Along with potassium, fibre, and protein, this complete meal will leave your taste buds satisfied until dinner.

Accordion potatoes, sometimes called hasselback potatoes, are an elegant (and fun!) way to mix up your stuffed potato game. By making gentle slits in the potato flesh, you create the perfect holder for any number of flavour enhancers.

Switch up the stir-fry by leaving rice behind and replacing it with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes. Once sliced, they’re ready to take on a sticky broccoli-tofu topper for a meal that will satisfy your takeout cravings.

Traditional salade niçoise is not a weeknight-friendly endeavour, dirtying every pot and pan in the house. But if you put it on a sheet pan, this classic, wholesome French salad can be made on any night of the week. Serving the salad warm means it can be enjoyed year-round.

This vegetarian tray uses a handful of fresh ingredients and an economical pantry staple: white beans. Full of fibre and protein, this tray gets a touch of Moroccan zing when served with a garlicky, spiced yogurt perked up with orange.

As a good source of plant-based protein and calcium, tofu deserves to be given the royal treatment with a slick, salty-sweet miso butter. Broccoli and cucumber noodles round out the meal for a vibrant, healthy, and fast alternative to takeout.

Our childhood tuna melts were the ultimate quick dinner for parents. Here, they’re all grown up (yet still equally enjoyed by kids) with sharp Asiago cheese, juicy tomatoes, and dark greens. This complete meal can be served with whole grain or gluten-free toast to soak up the juices or enjoyed as is for a grain-free option.

Despite seemingly not having a lot in common, after one taste you’ll agree that matcha green tea powder and scallops are worthy of being in each other’s lives forever. Here, matcha’s vegetal sweetness is a delicious complement to buttery scallops, rounded out nicely by a butternut mash.

Teaming up peanut butter with creamy brie cheese is a surefire way to reinvent the humble grilled sandwich. Add an easy DIY fig jam, and you have a handheld meal that will appeal to all generations of a household. Extra fig jam can be spread over toast or even grilled meats.

When it comes to tofu, people fall into two camps: “more please” or “meh.” Maple syrup is a surprising way to transform a tofu basher into a tofu lover. Tofu is a good source of low-fat protein, while spinach adds a splash of colour and plenty of vitamin K.

No one will know that these decadent-tasting chocolate cakes are infused with lentils. In fact, the moisture they provide lets you cut back on the amount of fat needed. If needed, you can make the cakes using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat pastry flour.

Walking the line between savoury and sweet, the classic Waldorf salad gets a boost of nutrition from quinoa and beta carotene-rich sweet potato.

Bored with basic chicken? It may seem counterintuitive, but simmering chicken alongside berries produces tender meat that is further enhanced by a complex sweet sauce that’s sure to become a family favourite.

Spring has truly sprung on this vibrant sheet pan supper. Roasting radishes is a new way to enjoy the springtime treat, mellowing their sharpness. In-season asparagus and juicy, mustard-crusted salmon (packed with protein and omega-3s) make this meal feel worthy of a special occasion—even though it’s a cinch to prepare. Whenever possible, choose organic ingredients.

Bursting with intense flavour, these colourful squares are an excellent source of protein and key vitamins and minerals. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients. A tossed green salad and low-fat oven fries are ideal accompaniments to this family-friendly entrée. 4 medium-large zucchini, grated Dash of salt 2 large carrots, grated 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive or camelina oil 4 large free-range eggs 1 1/2 cups (350 mL) shredded Jarlsberg cheese (or substitute Swiss or Edam) 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped parsley 2 green onions, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp (5 mL) basil 3 Tbsp (45 mL) grated Parmesan cheese 3 Tbsp (45 mL) dry-roasted sunflower seeds Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Lightly grease 11 x 7 in (28 x 18 cm) baking dish. Place grated zucchini in colander and salt lightly. Let zucchini rest for 15 minutes. Squeeze out moisture from zucchini until quite dry. Pat grated carrot dry. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add grated zucchini and carrot and sauté until crisp-tender. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Mix in Jarlsberg, parsley, green onions, garlic, basil, and the sautéed veggies. Place mixture in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and sunflower seeds. Bake for 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Remove from oven and cool slightly for a minute or two. Cut into squares. Squares can be served both hot or cold. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 201 calories, 18 g protein, 11 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 10 g total carbohydrates (5 g sugars, 3 g fibre); 233 mg sodium source: "Easter Eggs-travaganza", alive #390, April 2015

Our lovely pea soup is delicious on a warm evening. And, should the nighttime temperature take a sudden dive, this soup can also be served warm. Whenever possible, make it with organic ingredients. 1 Tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter 2 large shallots, peeled and diced 1 garlic clove, minced 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken stock 6 cups (1.5 L) frozen peas, thawed 1 tsp (5 mL) peeled, grated fresh ginger 1/4 cup (60 mL) lightly packed Italian parsley 1/4 cup (60 mL) lightly packed mint leaves 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) fresh lemon juice Sea salt and white pepper, to taste 1/4 cup (60 mL) crème fraîche, whisked Fresh pea shoots, for garnish Melt butter in medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté just until soft. Stir in garlic and sauté for another minute. Be careful not to let shallots and garlic brown. Stir in chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in peas and grated ginger. Do not cook peas or they will lose their bright green colour. Stir in herbs. Whirl in blender or use hand-held immersion blender and purée until soup is very smooth. Add a little water if soup is too thick. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and strain if you wish. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. To serve, place in small bowls and garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche and a few pea shoots. Serves 8. Each serving contains: 164 calories; 9 g protein; 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 20 g total carbohydrates (7 g sugars, 5 g fibre); 293 mg sodium source: "Cool Summer Soups", alive #382, August 2014

These cakey flapjacks feature bright carrot flavour and a silky maple cream to turn your breakfast into something moderately reminiscent of dessert. Eating vegetables at daybreak never tasted so good. The batter can be made up to a day in advance and kept chilled, but it should be left at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using. Prepared pancakes freeze well. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients.

Morning glory muffins and breads are filled with fruit, nuts, and usually far too much sugar and canola oil; grated apple and olive oil add sweetness and moisture, respectively, to this bread instead. It’s packed with everything you need to start your day on a heart-healthy, energizing note, while being just as nice in the afternoon with a cup of tea. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients.        

If you’re in need of an appetizer for the impending Easter holiday that offers some wow factor, try these pretty in pink devilled eggs. The vinegary snap of old-fashioned yellow ballpark mustard—whose vibrant yellow hue is actually due to the addition of the spice turmeric—is ideal for the filling of devilled eggs as well as for a range of dips. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients. 2 medium beets, peeled and quartered 6 large free-range eggs 3/4 cup (180 mL) cider vinegar 1 Tbsp (15 mL) whole black peppercorns 1/3 cup (80 mL) reduced-fat sour cream 1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped chives 1 Tbsp (15 mL) yellow mustard or creamy Dijon 1 tsp (5 mL) curry powder 1/2 tsp (2 mL) paprika 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt Pickled jalapeno, for garnish (optional) Fill medium saucepan half full with water; add beets and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beets are softened, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, place eggs in separate saucepan and fill with enough cold water to cover them by at least 1 in (2.5 cm). Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove pan from heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes. Drain, crack the shells gently (this will help with peeling), and place eggs in bowl of cold water for a few minutes to cool, then peel shells. In large wide-mouthed jar or other large glass container, combine the beets, 1 1/2 cups (350 mL) of red cooking water, peeled cooked eggs, vinegar, and peppercorns. Let the mixture sit at least overnight. The longer the eggs soak the more they will pickle and deepen in colour. Slice each egg in half. Scoop out yolks and place in medium bowl. Using back of fork, mash yolks. Add sour cream, chives, mustard, curry powder, paprika, pepper, and salt; stir until smooth. To fill eggs, either spoon yolk mixture into cavities or use piping bag for a fancier presentation. Serve with pickled beets and garnished with pickled jalapeno, additional chives, and/or a sprinkle of paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 110 calories; 8 g protein; 7 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 4 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 1 g fibre); 130 mg sodium from "Cooking with Mustard", alive #365, March 2013

Forget the heavy, stick-to-your-ribs stews of winter: this zesty and bright creation will leave you feeling light and revitalized. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients. If you have leftover cooked brown rice, quinoa, or pasta, stir that in along with the chickpeas. 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, halved and cut into thin rounds 2 medium carrots, cut on the diagonal into thin slices 2 cups (500 mL) halved radishes 2 cups (500 mL) cooked chickpeas 1 cup (250 mL) vegetable broth 1/2 tsp (2 mL) sea salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground pepper 2 cups (500 mL) fresh spinach 1 cup (250 mL) fresh or frozen peas Zest of 1 lemon 2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice In large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and radishes. Sauté for 10 minutes, or until vegetables become slightly tender. Add chickpeas, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are very tender. Immediately before serving, stir in spinach, peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Once spinach is bright green and wilted, about 1 minute, serve. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 274 calories; 12 g protein; 10 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 36 g total carbohydrates (10 g sugars, 8 g fibre); 442 mg sodium source: "Early Spring Produce", alive #389, March 2015

Fingerling potatoes really do look like fingers, and they make brilliant finger food. Serve this tray of fried chip-free nachos for dinner, or as an appetizer at your next gathering.