Let’s face it. Valentine’s Day is a chocolate smorgasbord! There is something very alluring, almost mysterious, about very, very dark and creamy chocolate. Whereas tiny bites of dark chocolate bars or chips are good sources of anti-oxidants, the tiny part is a challenge sometimes not worth the risks! (more…)

The roasted, toasted flavors of this chili are perfect for game day enjoyment. Take your time and enjoy the earthy flavors slowly. You can top this chili with fat-free feta cheese and sliced scallions. Spoon the chili over crusty baked potatoes or scoop the chili out of the bowl with celery stalks. Any choice provides a dish high in soluble and insoluble fibers, antioxidants and potassium with very little effort! Save your energy for armchair coaching. Your team needs you . (more…)

How are you handling your New Year resolution to boost F and V’s? Chilly days and a post-holiday desire for ease make it hard to chop salads and stir-fries daily. How about a nearly instant chili-stew meal in a bowl? This “bowlicious” cold weather meal goes from microwave to your healthy table in five easy minutes. Once again, your HMR entree plus veggies is the solution to keep playoff game days restful and stress free, unless your team is getting stomped! (more…)

Southern tradition requires black-eye peas on New Year’s Day as the harbinger of prosperity and good fortune in the 364 days to come. Why not include the start of your successful resolution for a healthy year of multi-colored (red, green, purple) vegetable dishes, seasoned with health-friendly herbs (circumin) that provide high fiber and excellent environmental control? This dish stands alone as an appetizer or serves as a “topping” for fresh spinach salad or steamed, chopped collard greens, chard or kale. Try some variations using other small cooked beans for any occasion other than New Year’s Day. A healthy table is so easy … any day of the year. (more…)

It’s a cold winter evening. You’re enjoying the company of friends and family. The appetizers appear and your veggie option is cold, raw crudité and dip. Do you feel that you just need something warm and toasty instead of cold and crunchy? Here is an easy version of warm comfort food to pick up and pop in your mouth! Easy to prepare ahead and reheat, don’t leave home without these tangy tiny spuds and “baby” carrots. Your healthy table can travel with you to any gathering. Share the warmth. (more…)

Pot luck events are such an easy way to share celebrations at work, in your home or in friendly meeting places. This spicy cabbage slaw takes on interesting Asian flavors, courtesy of our favorite PB2 powdered peanut butter and a bit of chili “heat”. The “heat” is from Sriracha chili sauce, a vinegary chili and garlic paste, available in all Asian grocery stores and most well-stocked super markets. You can substitute with other hot chili sauces, but the flavor may not have the same tartness. (more…)