National Waffle Day: Banana Oat Waffles

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and what better way to celebrate than National Waffle Day. #NationalWaffleDay falls on Monday, August 24th, and celebrates the anniversary of the very first waffle iron patent issued.  For you to celebrate, we share a favorite banana oat waffle recipe. Oats contain beta-glucan fiber, which helps […]

10 Foods to Always Keep in Your Freezer

Being at home more in the last few months has changed many of the ways I have planned meals, cooked, and even grocery shopped. For instance, grocery shopping has become a once per week event instead of the usual three or four times per week. In order to cut back on these grocery trips, I […]

Black beans in a bowl

Perfect Black Lentils in the Instant Pot

Beluga lentils commonly referred to as black lentils, hold their shape better and have a firmer texture than green or red lentils when cooked. For this reason, I like to meal prep a batch and use them throughout the week in various ways. They are good as a side dish with a drizzle of olive […]

A close up of prepared summertime salad

Favorite Summertime Salad – Confetti Bean

This has become a favorite cook-out side dish recipe and has a record of close to 10 consecutive appearances at summertime Nordby family cookouts.  I usually serve this with Tostitos Scoops chips but can also be a star solo act.  Double the recipe for lots of left-overs that go quickly in my house. Ingredients Directions […]

The prepared grain bowl recipe

Tasty and Trendy Grain Bowl Recipe

Has anyone else noticed all the tasty grain and vegetable bowl restaurants popping up everywhere? After stopping into two different shops I noticed they have a few things in common: tasty grain/vegetable bowls, and really high prices! The concept is very simple and easy to recreate at home for a much lower price. They are […]

Pantry Staple Essentials

“A pantry is like a quiver of arrows, at your back and at the ready.” Abra Berens in her cookbook, Ruffage Pantry staples are more important than ever. For the past several months, I have only been going to the grocery store once a week, which has made me more mindful when planning my weekly shopping […]

A Med-Inspired Vegetarian Wrap

May is International Mediterranean Diet Month (or #MedMonth) which highlights the Mediterranean-style eating pattern. The Mediterranean Diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean meats. It’s not only backed by research, but it is also delicious and satisfying which makes it a popular eating pattern for many. There are several Med-inspired recipes on […]

Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe: Kale and White Bean Pasta

At a recent Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes Cooking School, we demonstrated a simple pasta dish made with vegetables and beans. It is shared below with a few modifications based upon what was available in my refrigerator the night I made this for dinner. I would have also liked to add carrots to this […]

burrito bowl

What to Make With Canned Beans

As we are all practicing social distancing and stocking our pantries with nonperishables to avoid COVID-19, you might be wondering what to do with all those cans of beans you stocked up on. Pandemic or not, beans are great pantry staple and can be used in a variety of meals. I always have a variety […]

How to Snack Smart While Working from Home

We have all been there… we find ourselves back at the fridge picking through whatever might look tasty. Not because we are particularly hungry, but because it is available. Trust me, I understand. My work from home ‘desk’ happens to be the kitchen table, meaning I am just a few steps from the fridge, pantry, […]