Everything Smashed Potatoes

Everything Smashed Potatoes (Photo: Molly Morgan)

EVERYTHING SMASHED POTATOES

Serves 6.

Ingredients:
1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes, whole (about 4 cups)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning
1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub and clean the potatoes.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the potatoes. Boil for 20 to 25 minutes to until the potatoes are tender.

3. Drain the potatoes, let cool slightly. Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, firmly press the potatoes to “smash”.

4. Drizzle the melted butter over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle on the everything bagel seasoning over the potatoes and the shredded cheese.

5. Roast the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are lightly browned, and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition facts (per serving): 150 calories, 7 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 20 milligrams cholesterol, 250 milligrams sodium, 18 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, 4 grams protein

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Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

These energy bites are quick and easy to pull together! Plus, they are nut-free.

Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
Serves 12 (2 bites per serving)

Ingredients:
2 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup sunflower nut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
2+ teaspoons of cinnamon
pinch of salt
1/2 cup raisins
2 to 3 tablespoons water (if needed)

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl combine the oats, nut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine. Tip: Add extra cinnamon if desired… it works well to mix with clean hands!

2. Stir in raisins. And if needed add water one tablespoon at a time to help mixture come together.

3. Form into one-inch bites. Place in an air-tight container, store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 155 calories, 7 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 30 milligrams sodium, 22 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 10 grams sugar, 4 grams protein

Lemon Bread

This deliciously light bread is perfect for spring and it is quick and easy to pull together.

Lemon Bread (Photo: Molly Morgan)

Lemon Bread
Serves 12

Ingredients
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour or whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a mixing bowl combine oil, sugar, and eggs. Stir until well combined.

3. Add lemon zest, two tablespoons of the lemon juice, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Once well-combined, add yogurt. Stir until mixture is thick but creamy.

4. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until baked through and lightly browned on top.

5. In a small mixing bowl combine the powdered sugar and remaining two tablespoons lemon juice. Drizzle over lemon bread while warm. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then remove and slice.

Nutrition Facts (per slice): 240 calories, 10 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 30 milligrams cholesterol, 110 milligrams sodium, 34 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 20 grams sugar, 3 grams protein, 2% DV vitamin A, 2% DV vitamin C, 5% DV calcium, 7% DV iron

Overnight Oats: 3 Ways

Breakfast is such an important meal and opportunity to fuel the body. As the name suggests, this is the meal that literally breaks the fast. While there isn't one perfect breakfast option, there are definitely nutrients to look to include like whole grains, fruit, healthy fats, and protein. This mix of nutrients will help to fuel and refuel the body.

Overnight oats are such a great option because you make them ahead of time and then let the oats sit overnight. You can then warm them up before you eat them or just enjoy them right out of the refrigerator. Oats deliver fiber and protein to help fill you up; one cup of oats has about 10 grams of protein. In comparison - one large egg has about 6 grams of protein. 

The oats then serve as a perfect foundation for nutrient-rich toppings and additions like fruit, nuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and more! There are almost endless options for overnight oats so experiment and find the mixture that is best for you - even try savory options with toppings like avocado, egg, and chopped scallions. Below are three overnight oats recipes for you to try!

Chia Berry Overnight Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 cup (240 mL) old fashioned oats
1/2 cup (120 mL) almond milk
1 Tablespoon (15 mL) chia seeds
1/3 cup (80 mL) frozen blueberries
1/3 cup (80 mL) frozen strawberries
1/3 cup (80 mL) frozen raspberries

Directions:
1. Mix the oats, almond milk, and chia seeds together in a small mixing bowl.
2. In a pint-size jar, start with 1/3 of the oatmeal mixture. Then layer frozen raspberries. Top with 1/3 of the oatmeal mixture. Then layer with frozen blueberries. Top with 1/3 of the oatmeal mixture. Finish with a layer of frozen strawberries.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Optional: To serve finish with 1 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup or agave nectar.

Topping suggestion: Top with fresh bananas, fresh raspberries, and/or coconut chips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 400 calories, 9 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 80 milligrams sodium, 73 grams carbohydrates, 15 grams fiber, 13 grams sugar, 12 grams protein 

Golden Overnight Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 cup (240 mL) coconut, almond milk, or whole milk
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) tumeric
1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) vanilla
2 teaspoons (10 mL) agave nectar
1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) cinnamon
1 cup (240 mL) old fashioned oats

Directions:
1. Combine the spices and agave nectar to the milk, whisk together. Then add the spice-milk mixture to the oats. Shake or stir to combine.
2. Transfer to a pint size jar or container, cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Serving suggestions: Top with raisins, sliced pear, coconut flakes, and/or hemp seeds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):  470 calories, 9 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 160 milligrams sodium, 80 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams fiber, 16 grams sugar, 15 grams protein

Maple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 cup (240 mL) coconut, almond milk, or whole milk
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) cinnamon
2 teaspoons (10 mL) maple syrup
1 cup (240 mL) old fashioned oats

Directions:
1. Combine the cinnamon, maple syrup, and the milk, whisk together. Then add the spice-milk mixture to the oats. Shake or stir to combine.
2. Transfer to a pint size jar or container, cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Serving suggestions: Top with chopped apple slices, walnuts, chocolate chips, sliced banana, and/or pecans.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):  380 calories, 8 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 160 milligrams sodium, 70 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 15 grams sugar, 11 grams protein

Utica Greens

These are hands down one of my favorite recipes! I hope you love the recipe too! - Molly Morgan

Utica Greens (Image Source: Molly Morgan)

Utica Greens

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients - Topping:
1/2 cup extra- virgin olive oil
1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
1/2 cup Parmigiana-Reggiano, grated

Ingredients - For the Greens:
1 head escarole or baby kale (about 1 1/4 pound)*
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 slices prosciutto (about 2 ounces), sliced thin*
4 to 6 hot cherry peppers, tops and seeds removed, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup Parmigiana-Reggiano, grated

*Notes: Traditionally escarole is used in this dish, although, I really like kale! Instead of prosciutto use 2 oz of vegetarian sausage crumbles or skip all together.

Directions:

1. The greens: Trim the escarole and rinse the leaves. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once the water is boiling, add the greens and blanch for about 2 minutes. Drain and then cover with ice to stop the greens from cooking. Set greens aside. Notes on types of greens: If using collard greens, simmer in vegetable broth on low for 45 minutes to soften. For kale, blanch for 2-3 minutes until the kale is bright green and tender.

2. Prepare the topping: mix the oil, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and cheese. Stir to mix. Set aside.

3. Preheat the broiler.

4. Coat a skillet with olive oil and over medium heat, sauté the cherry peppers, prosciutto, and garlic for about 5 minutes. Then add the greens to the pan and season with salt and pepper.

5. To the skillet add half of the prepared topping and 1/2 cup of the Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese. Stir continuously to keep from burning.

6. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet. Top with the remaining topping. Broil for 2 - 3 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned.

7. Serve immediately.

Check out our Facebook page for video tutorial of us making this recipe!

This recipe was adapted from: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018594-utica-greens

Coconut Skillet Chicken

Coconut Skillet Chicken (Photo: Molly Morgan)

Coconut Skillet Chicken

Serves 4

Ingredients:
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) or firm tofu
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1 cup vegetable stock
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste preference)
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon corn starch mixed into 1 tablespoon water
2 cups cooked brown rice

Directions:
1. Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over a medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned on each side.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes to soften. Add the vegetable stock, lime juice, cilantro and chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, continue to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to let the sauce reduce down.
4. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to simmer again for another 5 minutes. Add the prepared corn starch and bring to a boil to thicken the sauce.
5. Add the chicken back to the skillet and let the chicken continue to cook until it is cooked through (about 5 to 10 minutes).
6. Serve over the brown rice or quinoa.

Click here to watch a video of this recipe from the video archive from Molly’s cooking project with Olum’s.

Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip

Get ready for Football season with this creamy baked buffalo chicken wing dip! This twist on the classic is still full of flavor, and gets a protein boost, from the addition of plain Greek yogurt to the base of the dip.

For a chilled Buffalo Wing dip recipe, check out this recipe I shared with Men’s Journal: https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/buffalo-wing-dip/

Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip (Image Source: iStock)

Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip
Serves 8

Ingredients:
4 ounces light cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (12½-ounce) can of chicken, drained
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded light cheddar cheese
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup hot sauce (or more to taste)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients and mix together. Transfer the mixture to an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.

3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

Serving suggestion: Serve the dip with sliced carrots, celery sticks, and/or multi-grain tortilla chips.

Nutrition facts (per serving): 150 calories, 8 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 40 milligrams cholesterol, 450 milligrams sodium, 5 grams carbs, 0 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar, 16 grams protein

Cajun Spaghetti Squash Bake

Spaghetti Squash (Image Source: iStock)

Cajun Spaghetti Squash
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
2 spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
½ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
3 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Rub ½ tablespoon of olive oil on each half, roast for 30 to 45 minutes, or until tender. Let the squash cool. Once cooled, shred the spaghetti squash using a fork and reserve the squash shells!

2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a very large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the chicken, Cajun seasoning, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping the pieces once to brown on all sides. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.

Tip: For a vegetarian version, opt for Quorn Meatless Chicken Pieces.

3. In the same skillet, add the garlic, onion, and bell peppers and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Then, add in the diced tomatoes and cream cheese. Stir gently until combined. Take the mixture off the heat and set aside.

4. Add the shredded spaghetti squash to the chicken and vegetable mixture, stir to combine and season with remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch pan. Top with cheddar cheese.

5. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are slightly crisp.

Nutrition facts (per serving): 200 calories, 8 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 50 milligrams cholesterol, 675 milligrams sodium, 13 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams sugar, 20 grams protein

Blueberry-Banana Bread

While blueberries are so fresh, what could be better than Blueberry-Banana Bread? This recipe is made with my favorite whole grain flour, whole wheat pastry flour, which keeps the texture nice and light!

Blueberry-Banana Bread

Blueberry-Banana Bread

Serve 16

Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a bread pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir together.

3. Stir in the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine. The mixture will be thick.

4. Fold in the fresh blueberries.

5. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the bread is cooked through and the top is golden brown. 

Nutrition Facts (per slice): 160 calories, 6 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 130 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 12 grams sugar, 3 grams protein

Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Bolognaise

Serves 6

Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
6 ounces button mushrooms
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 oz. lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) (or meat substitute)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes
1/2 cup dried red lentils
1 pound whole grain spaghetti

Shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

1. In food processor, pulse together garlic, onion, carrot and mushrooms until finely chopped.

2. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped vegetables, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Then cook together, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.

OR: In an Instant Pot, add olive oil and choose sauté feature to sauté vegetables.

3. Next add the ground beef (or meat substitute) and cook, breaking up with wooden spoon, until browned, 10 to 12 minutes.

OR: In an Instant Pot, add ground beef to the instant pot.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes (and their juices) and once added to the skillet, crush the tomatoes. Then add lentils, 2 cups water, and sea salt and pepper; simmer until lentils are tender, for about 15 to 20 minutes.

OR: In an Instant Pot, add ingredients in this step. Follow Instant Pot instructions to secure lid and then cook under high pressure for 5 to 7 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

5. Meanwhile cook the pasta, per the package instructions. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet (or Instant Pot) and toss to coat with the sauce.

6. Serve topped with shredded Parmesan cheese.