Saturday, November 20, 2010

Comforting and Delicious!

As the winter months roll in, I enjoy preparing food that is hearty, flavorful and comforting. In contrast with most people's thinking, you do not have to spoil your entire day or week of healthy eating on one comforting meal. Below is an example of comfort food that is still healthy, affordable and quick.

Individual Italian Meatloaf
with Mashed Baby Red Potatoes and Green Peas



I was originally going to make a traditional meatloaf but decided against that option due to the amount of time (1 hour) of cooking time. We had a busy night and needed to get dinner on the table ASAP so I opted to make individual meatloaves using the muffin pan. They cooked in 17 minutes on 350 degrees. They were moist and very flavorful. I was very pleased with the time and the quality of this meal.

Using ground turkey, frozen peas and fresh potatoes this meal remained light. I only added skim milk, fat free sour cream, and less than a 1/4 cup of butter for all 3 pound of mashed potatoes . This allows for a creamy and comfort heaping of mashed potatoes without the calories and fat.

Italian Turkey Meatloaf Recipe:

A Variety of Meatloaf Recipes:

I hope that you try this recipe or will be inspired to try one of the other types of meatloaf's listed above as well as cook comfort food that doesn't break your calorie bank!

Happy Cooking!
Little-Cheftitian

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Fun, Fall & Fabulous!

Here are some of the dishes that I have created during this fall season! I hope you enjoy the array of tasty dishes that highlight various seasonal vegetables. Be inspired to cook outside of your normal menu and highlight the seasons best!



Fresh Green Leaf Salad with Craisins, Cucumbers and Walnuts:
It is dressed with a homemade red wine vinaigrette. This is a great salad anytime of the year and pairs well with all of the entree's featured below.



Stuffed Acorn Squash:
This is a roast acorn squash stuffed with black beans, goat cheese, fresh tomatoes and garlic. I loved this dish and would make it again with a variety of "stuffing" combinations. This was my first time cooking/eating acorn squash. It was mild compared to butternut squash but still encompassed a full fall flavor. I was not sure if the skin would be tender enough to eat but it was delicious! This dish provides a healthy dose of vitamin A and fiber.


Herb Roasted Eggplant:
I was inspired by a cooking light article out of the November issue which featured a cooking school in Paris. I have eaten eggplant all sorts of ways, but never considered fanning it out prior to cooking. Fanning it allowed for a neat presentation and quick cooking time. The eggplant is topped with fresh parsley.



The Herb Roasted Eggplant served on top of a Whole Wheat Spaghetti:
It was topped with fresh grated parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. This is alternative recipe for those who adore eggplant parmesan. It was delicious, hearty, and satisfying.



Honey Soy Cod, Sauteed Savoy Cabbage and Baked Sweet Potato
This meal was amazing. The feature was the Honey Soy Cod. I really impressed myself once I tasted the fish. I purchased the Cod fresh from Harris Teeter for only $4 for 8 ounces (which serves 2, 4 oz servings). I made a homemade marinade highlighting soy and honey. This was a beautiful combination and made this delicate fish savory with a hint of sweet! The savoy cabbage was tender and tasty after being sauteed with olive oil and caramelized onions.


Each of these recipes showcases a fall flavor. I hope that you will be inspired to create seasonal dishes that are healthy, creative and delicious!

Happy Cooking!
Little Chef-titian

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Let's Move Campaign


I have fallen in love with Michelle Obama's campaign against childhood obesity called Let's Move! The website is full of inspirational stories, resources, and tools to get your community, family and schools healthier. I have been amazed at the depth of this campaign. As a future dietitian, I am thrilled that the First Lady has designated her time and efforts to helping create awareness and ways to fight against the epidemic of childhood obesity. I would encourage you to check out the website and all that it has to offer. Think of ways you can get involved even if it is educating your friends and family on the importance of eating healthy and participating in physical activity daily.

The Hard Truth: Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. One third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives; many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma.

Mission of the campaign: Through theLet’s Move! campaign—a comprehensive, collaborative, and community-oriented initiative that addresses all of the various factors that lead to childhood obesity—we are engaging every sector of society that impacts the health of children to provide schools, families and communities the simple tools they need to help kids be more active, eat better, and get healthy.

Two resources that I came across and loved were:

1: The menu plan and recipes. It provides you with a shopping list, recipe, and planned week for the menu. This is a great resource to help try new foods and get in the habit of cooking.

2. The Healthy Family Calendar. This helps plan ahead to eat fruits or vegetables and take part in a physical activity. Make this a family event. Allow each family member to plan one or two days of the week (activity and fruit/vegetable consumption). This resource will allow for regular physical activity and making a healthy habit of eating well.

Why I love this campaign:
It addresses families, schools, moms, communities and chefs.

It targets specific populations where tips are tailored to better educate and help fight against childhood obesity and provides overall healthy lifestyle choices.

I hope that you will at least check out this website and find a way to get involved. Let's take part in creating healthy lifestyles that will be passed down for generations to come!

Happy Health!
~Little Chef-titian