Last week I had the opportunity to stroll through the Union Square Greenmarket with Min Kong, the Chef de Cuisine of Little Park restaurant in NYC. The summer bounty is currently at its peak, and we were both giddy over the gorgeous produce that surrounded us at every vendor. Check out my visual diary of our market visit with tips, recipes, and nutrition tidbits highlighting summertime goodness.
Read moreare beet greens the new kale chip?
Are you looking for a new way to use your beet greens? How about turning them into chips? Don't just chop and chuck them - bake them! Beet green chips cook similarly to kale chips and can be dressed up with any of your favorite seasonings and spices. Beet greens are earthy and robust and full of Vitamins A, C, and K. So save your greens and turn them into chips!
Read moresummer salad series - cauliflower quinoa kale salad
Summertime, when the eatin's easy. The produce is getting amazing, and the farmers' markets are bursting with incredible inspiration. This summertime salad features ingredients that you likely received in your CSA box or can easily procure at your local greenmarket. My mother-in-law made this salad at a recent family gathering. It immediately won me over due to its layer upon layer of crunchy goodness as well as its complexity of flavors. Pickled onions, roasted cauli and beets, zesty dressing, protein-filled quinoa, and the option of robust blue cheese make this summer salad a bonafide winner. This crunch fest can easily serve as a fully balanced meal or as a summery side. Since durable and hearty kale is the foundation, this salad is great to make ahead and enjoy for the next day or two.
Read moreseven things to make this 4th
Happy 4th of July weekend! If you are grilling up a storm, sipping some spritz's by the pool, or simply sitting back and enjoying the long weekend with good company - here are seven things to keep you healthily fueled all weekend long.
Read morecarrot dogs aka how to make your 4th of july crunchier
I have a confession. I have a secret obsession with hot dogs. To be honest, I cannot remember the last time I actually had a real one. I often imagine the sensation of the snap when biting into a crispy juicy dog and piling it high with relish, onions, celery salt - all sandwiched between a perfectly griddled bun. I am all for living a balanced lifestyle and not feeling like you are constantly missing out. However, once I start thinking about forced meat loaded with sodium, nitrates, preservatives, and other not so health-supportive ingredients, my hot dog eating fantasies usually disappear. If you can find a butcher who uses high quality sustainable meat or brands utilizing clean ingredients, then go live out your hot dog eating dreams. If you are a die hard veghead, these carrot dogs will help make any 4th of July hot dog eating fantasies come true.
Read morefive things to make this labor day weekend
It is the last weekend of summer. Go out with a bang! Here are 5 things to make this labor day weekend.
Read morelate summer slow roasted tomato + eggplant pasta
I am not going to lie; this is probably one of the best pastas that I have ever made. It is incredibly easy and highlights the beautiful produce which is peaking on the east coast right now. The only catch is that it takes time....approximately 4 hours of your precious end of summer time. Don't despair. I have a trick to make this seamless, simple, clean, and delicious dish yours without the elongated wait.
Read moresummer salad series + zesty corn salad
Nothing is more synonymous with summer than corn...well maybe tomatoes or peaches? Corn and summer always seem to go hand in hand. I always get giddy when corn starts popping up at the greenmarket, and this season was no exception. Although I to try use fresh produce creatively, there truly is nothing better than simply grilled corn on the cob with a little butter and a touch of salt.
Read morearugula + zucchini quesadilla
I developed this quesadilla during my continual pursuit to utilize my CSA loot in the most viable, nutritious, and interesting manner. Quesadilla's are typically not the most nourishing dish, but this healthified version will leave you feeling light and virtuous. Loaded with almost raw zucchini and arugula, pickled onion, and fiery jalapeño, this is a super simple dish that is perfect for a weekday night.
Read moreturmeric ginger lime + peach smoothie
This feel good smoothie is loaded to the brim with immune boosters and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to superpower roots turmeric and ginger. Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory abilities which is mainly attributed to curcumin, the compound in turmeric most cited for its medicinal potency.
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