Salt and Pepper: When to Use Both, When to Let Salt Fly Solo

The late great Chef Anne Burrell famously said, “salt and pepper are not married, they are just dating.” Pretty much all you need to know about this duo is packed into that quote, however, I will elaborate. Salt (aka, table salt, kosher salt), is a flavor enhancer. It lifts the flavors of a dish and […]

A Guaranteed Method for No Stick Fish

Eating more fish (not fried of course) is a great step toward healthy eating. Cooking fish, however, can be daunting. Even an experienced cook has torn, shredded, or mangled fish when trying to flip it. Cooking salmon is relatively easy thanks to its high fat content. Check out this blog to see how to cook […]

What Kitchen Equipment Do I Really Need?

Everyone needs the basics to make a meal – knives, cutting board, pots and pans, spatulas, spoons, mixing bowls, measuring cups, you get the idea. Beyond that, what gadgets or pieces of equipment do you REALLY need? A good knife and some practice can take the place of many gadgets sold today. Here is what […]

What I Learned at Cooking School- Part 3

Cooking is my passion. I am fortunate that this passion often overlaps my career in nutrition as we work to build healthy recipes, test cooking techniques, and write curricula that helps everyday cooks make healthy food for their family. As with any passion, you should sharpen your knives from time to time. The way I […]

Meal Prep 101

Save time by preparing meals all at once for the week–even if you are working from home. Batch prepping and batch cooking can save you time and money, ensure leftovers don’t go to waste, and keep you stay in control of portions andingredients. Determining your time availability and needs each week will help you decide […]

Easy & Quick High-Protein Healthy Weeknight Dinner: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

As someone who eats meat-free, I spend a lot of time thinking about how to make sure I get protein through healthy, filling options. This recipe is estimated to have only around 450 calories, yet packs 20 grams of protein! Plus, it allows for many adaptations to your personal taste. Many recipes for stuffed sweet […]

instant pot quinoa

Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

Quinoa is a whole grain that provides complete protein along with other nutrients. It is a great addition to a healthy eating pattern but many people are not familiar with this super food or may not know how to cook it. The recipe below is one of my favorite ways to cook quinoa. It is […]

Kale, eggs, mushrooms and oil ingredients

Need an easy healthy weeknight recipe? Try a veggie bowl!

I recently signed up for a produce subscription service called The Produce Box, which serves the Triad, the Triangle, Charlotte, the Piedmont, and the Coast of North Carolina. I will admit that I have previously been hesitant to sign up for one of these services because I’m always afraid I will end up wasting lots […]

How to Make Perfect Seared Salmon

For some, cooking fish at home may seem like a daunting task. While fish such as salmon can be an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3’s, concerns over food safety and proper preparation abound. But in truth, cooking with seafood can be a quick and enjoyable way to break the monotony of weeknight dinners. […]

My Two Recent Food Obsessions: Gremolata and Soy Chorizo

There are two food items that have been in heavy rotation in my kitchen: gremolata and soy chorizo. What I love about both of these items is that they are extremely tasty and relatively healthy. Double win! Gremolata Several weeks ago, I saw this recipe, which introduced me to two things: 1) how to make […]