Whenever there’s a crowd gathering in the kitchen, you can bet there’s layered bean dip nearby. However, the classic bean dip that is often the highlight of BBQs, sports gatherings, and more isn’t always the best nutritional option. Here’s the same crowd-pleaser made over with equally tasty and healthy ingredients. Enjoy at your next party. We know your guests will!
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9 x 9 inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray.
2. Layer ingredients into the baking dish starting with the black beans.
3. Mix the seasonings and yeast together and sprinkle over the dish.
4. Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbling and warm.
5. Serve warm with gluten-free tortilla chips.
Enjoy!
- Amie Valpone
Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP, Editor-in-Chief of TheHealthyApple.com is a Manhattan based Culinary Nutritionist, Personal Chef, Professional Recipe Developer, and Food Writer specializing in simple Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free ‘Clean’ recipes for the home cook. Visit Amie on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Valentine’s Day is almost as famous for sugary confections as it is love notes. Try making a healthier version of your favorite holiday treats by opting for fruit dipped in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has less sugar than its milk counterpart and is packed with beneficial antioxidants. And fruit naturally is a better sweet source than sugary candies made with artificial dyes and flavors.
This recipe for Dark Chocolate Mint Pears can be adapted for other fruits and toppings like heart-healthy nuts—plus, kids can join in the kitchen fun. Now, it’s easy to indulge and be mindful when celebrating your life’s loves with food.
Dark Chocolate Mint Pears
Serves 4
Ingredients
Directions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Place mints in a Ziploc bag; seal and crush using a wooden spoon. Transfer mints to a food processor; pulse until candy canes resemble a powder.
3. Place chocolate in a medium bowl; heat in the microwave until melted, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, slice each pear into 4 slices.
5. Remove melted chocolate from microwave; mix well and dip pears into chocolate; coat each pear slice only 1/2 way. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then lay pears on the parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle crushed mints onto the chocolate half of the pears; place in the refrigerator to cool for 20 minutes.
Enjoy!
- Amie Valpone
Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP, Editor-in-Chief of TheHealthyApple.com is a Manhattan based Culinary Nutritionist, Personal Chef, Professional Recipe Developer, and Food Writer specializing in simple Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free ‘Clean’ recipes for the home cook. Visit Amie on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Wintry weather makes us crave stick-to-your-ribs food. So, we’re always on the look out for hearty meals that fit the bill, but don’t come with unwanted and unhealthy extras. Our new favorite recipe for butternut squash salad incorporates simple flavors that are tasty, seasonal, and satisfying like comfort food. Plus, it makes the perfect meatless meal.
Ingredients
Directions
1. To prepare the croutons, cube any type of bread (we used wheat French bread). Mix the cubes in a bowl with olive oil, thyme, sage, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Spread the bread cubes on a cookie sheet and bake on 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.
3. Peel the butternut squash and then chop it into cubes.
4. Sauté the butternut squash in olive oil until it is soft on medium heat for 10-20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, apple cider, and apple cider vinegar along with chopped sage, thyme, and salt and pepper. Adjust the dressing’s ratio to taste.
6. Rinse and dry arugula. Mix with sliced red onion, chopped walnuts, cooked butternut squash, and shaved Parmesan cheese (just enough to cover the salad).
7. Add just enough dressing to lightly cover the salad and toss.
Enjoy!
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With a week left in the holiday season, we know entertaining family and friends is still on your to do list. Or maybe you just want to treat yourself to a little wholesome goodness. Either way, here is a sweet, simple, and healthier dessert that you can serve up after dinner or for a New Year’s Eve party.
Sweet Gluten Free Apple Crisp (Serves 2)
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a baking dish (like a ramekin) with non-stick baking spray; set aside.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; gently toss to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until apples are tender.
4. Remove from oven; set aside for 5 minutes to cool before serving.
Enjoy!
- Amie Valpone
Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP, Editor-in-Chief of TheHealthyApple.com is a Manhattan based Culinary Nutritionist, Personal Chef, Professional Recipe Developer, and Food Writer specializing in simple Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free ‘Clean’ recipes for the home cook. Visit Amie on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Ok, I’m taking a big leap sharing this recipe with you guys. The reason being is that it’s a bit “hippie” or some might say “like bird food.” Or it might seem a little too healthy for others.
And yes, well, it is. But it’s SO darn good! I’m telling you. I’m one of those people who, despite knowing the wonderful health benefits of chia seeds, has a hard time with the gooey texture. All those drinks and puddings definitely turn me off.
So, the fact that I have been playing around with chia seeds is surprising in itself, and I’m actually sharing a recipe with you.
I really encourage you to try this cereal because it is not only unique and delicious, but it’s a grain-free, well-balanced combination of omega 3s, healthy carbohydrates, and hemp protein. The best part is, my pickiest son, actually LOVES this recipe and it’s the easiest cereal you’ll ever make.
Add a little milk and honey and it’s a perfect snack. I could NOT be happier about this.
Chia Hemp Buckwheat Breakfast
Ingredients
1 cup organic chia seeds
1 cup organic buckwheat groats
1 cup organic hemp seeds
Optional
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Mix the hemp, chia, and the buckwheat seeds together in a sealed glass container. You can store this for months.
I LOVE this cereal with the above spices, especially during the Winter holiday season. If you want to add some or all of the spices, do so before you store the grains or add just a pinch when you are ready to eat the cereal. It’s up to you. Play around with the seasonings, it’s fun.
When ready to eat the cereal, pour 3 Tablespoons into a bowl. Add your favorite organic milk (enough to cover the seeds plus a bit more – about 1/2 cup). I add vanilla almond milk. Again, you can add a pinch of whatever seasonings you like. Maybe even a splash of vanilla flavoring.
Note: let this sit about 5 minutes before eating. The chia seeds will thicken the mixture. Then it’s ready to eat.
I added cherries to my bowl. Feel free to add any in-season fruit. I also toasted a handful of the buckwheat groats and added them to the mixture for a bit of a toasty flavor. If you want to do this, toast about 1/4 cup of groats in a toaster oven for 3 minutes at 350 degree Fahrenheit.
This cereal makes a very lovely homemade gift for the holidays. Inexpensive, super simple and healthy; what better gift to share?!
Have fun. Happy Holidays.
– XO — Juli Novotny of Pure Mamas
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