A Healthier Cheese Melt

From Glamour's Vitamin G blog, here is a great way to lighten up your cheese melts, or really any sandwich...check it out here...they post tons of delicious and healthy recipes and snack tips...so awesome!

The Amazing Two Ingredient Dipping Sauce

I really love all the interesting tips, tricks, and recipes on Glamour's Vitamin G blog. The one that I'd like to share today is for a dipping sauce that can go with several different foods.

The Amazing, Two-Ingredient Dipping Sauce That Makes Everything Tastes Better!

Carrots, spring rolls, sushi, grilled chicken, broccoli, tofu--I can think of a million things that taste infinitely better with a drizzle of my new favorite homemade dipping sauce on top. It's the perfect combo of sweet and spicy and low-cal (and oil free). Bonus: It couldn't be easier to make (and you're boyfriend will think you're a goddess if you do!).

Here's what you do:

*Take two tablespoons of apricot jam or jelly (low-sugar is even better--my fave is the kind from Trader Joe's) and mix in a squeeze of sriracha sauce (it's a hot and spicy Asian condiment that you can find at most grocery stores), about a teaspoon or less.
*Mix in about 1 tablespoon of water to thin out and stir until well combined.
*Dip in your favorite foods and enjoy!

The Best Times to Stretch

From Glamour's Vitamin G Blog, via The Fitnessista, here are 3 key times during the day that you should stretch. Stretching keeps your muscles warm and limber, keeping you from stiffening up and being uncomfortable. It can help keep your blood pumping and your body in good shape.

Best Times to Stretch

*Right after you wake up: I've started stretching in bed as a more relaxing way to wake up. Before I set my feet on the floor, I slowly stretch my legs, then arms. Health experts say that pausing this way before you jump out of bed and start your busy day can really help you manage stress.

*After exercise: Sure, go ahead and stretch a little before you work out, but it may be most important to loosen those limbs after your long run, say experts.

*Right before sleep: Yawning and stretching, say sleep experts, is how animals hit the hay, and it's a technique that might help you fall asleep sooner, too.

From Glamour's Vitamin G Blog, check out this recipe for Coconut- Blueberry Muffins.

Coconut-Blueberry Muffins

This recipe is from the Muffin Tin Mania check it out here

Blueberry Freeze

From Glamour's Vitamin G Blog, here is a recipe for a delicious blueberry smoothie that could boost your brain power.

Blueberry Freeze
Recipe courtesy of Elizabeth Somer

Ingredients:

1 cup blueberries (go for frozen)
1 cup soy milk with Omega-3 DHA, such as SILK
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 packet sugar substitute (or sugar, honey or agave nectar)
1 ice cube

Directions:

Mix together in a blender, pour into glass, and serve. Makes 1 serving. (Nutrition stats: 226 calories, 3.5 grams total fat, 10 grams protein, 3.3 grams fiber.)

Arugula and White Bean Spread

Check out this recipe for arugula and white bean spread, fromGlamour's Vitamin G blog.

Arugula and White Bean Spread

Ingredients:

3 cups arugula
2-4 garlic cloves
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of salt
15 oz can white beans
1 medium tomato, diced

Preparation:

Mix first five ingredients in food processor. Add beans and pulse until beans are chunky, not pureed. Put in serving bowl and fold in tomato. Serve with whole wheat crackers, or pita bread--yum.

Luscious Pumpkin Latte

Check out this recipe for a Pumpkin Latte just as good as one from Starbucks for a fraction of the cost, from Glamour's Vitamin G blog.

Luscious Pumpkin Latte

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:
2 heaping tablespoons cooked or canned pumpkin
2 cups low-fat milk
4 tablespoons vanilla syrup (or, swap out 2 tablespoons of sugar if you don't have syrup)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice 1 cup coffee, brewed strong or a shot of freshly brewed espresso
Spice for dusting, optional

Directions:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the pumpkin until it combines, then add vanilla syrup and cinnamon (or pumpkin spice.) Heat until steaming, stirring frequently. Carefully pour into a blender and blend on high for 20 seconds, until it foams. Pour into a tall heat-proof glass, then add the espresso or coffee. Dust with cinnamon or pumpkin spice and serve immediately.

Nutrition Highlights: Calories: 270 (or less if you use nonfat milk); Fat: 5g; Protein: 10g; Vitamin A: 70%; Calcium: 40%.

Read More http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2008/11/afternoon-snack-a-healthy-and.html#ixzz1AbNjrcri

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

Check out this recipe for a delicious chocolate banana bread from Glamour's Vitamin G blog. The found this one from RecipeGirl who found it in Rancho La Peurta's cookbook.

Chocolate Banana Bread
Recipe courtesy of RecipeGirl.com; created for Rancho La Peurta

Ingredients:

10 ounces pitted dried prunes
3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
2 large eggs
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup banana chips, chopped coarsely
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. In a small saucepan, bring prunes and 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until prunes are very soft, about 20 minutes. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 5ÿ9-inch loaf pan and line bottom with a piece of parchment paper, cut to fit.

3. In a food processor, whirl prunes and bananas until very smooth. Add eggs and whirl to combine.

4. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir in banana mixture until evenly moistened. Stir in banana chips and chocolate chips. Scrape the thick batter into pan and spread level.

5. Bake bread until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out a little chocolatey but not gooey, 40 to 50 minutes. Loosen bread from pan with a knife and invert onto a rack. Remove parchment. Turn bread right-side-up and let cool at least 1 hour before slicing.

Servings: 16
Yield: 16 slices
Each serving is 162 calories, 5.5 grams of fat

Cooking Tips
*Shortcut: Sub 10 oz. (1 1/4 cups) unsweetened prune baby food for the pitted prunes, and omit water and cooking in step 1.

Low Fat Pumpkin Bread

Check out this recipe for a lower fat version of pumpkin bread from Glamour's Vitamin G blog. The found this one from Cooking Light.

Low Fat Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:
(Makes two loaves--freeze one for later!)

2 cups sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla pudding
4 large egg whites
3 cups all-purpose flour (Note from Sarah: You could also use whole wheat)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Another note from Sarah: I'd also add more spices, like cloves (just a pinch) and nutmeg)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Cooking spray

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in chocolate chips, if using.Spoon batter into 2 (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans on a wire rack, and remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

Banana Apple and Walnut Bread

The Vitamin G blog over at Glamour has found yet another banana bread recipe to share with everyone. This one is from Zoe at Zomte Bakes.

Banana Apple & Walnut Bread

Ingredients:

2 large bananas, mashed
1 apple, grated (with skin on)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup sugar (she used a product called LoGiCane)
1 cup whole grain spelt flour
3/4 cup almond meal
1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum/gluten free)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Preparation:

Mix the mashed bananas with the sugar, and beat in the egg. Fold the grated apple and spices through. Combine the almond meal and mix thoroughly. Sift the flour and baking powder and gently fold through until nearly combined. Add the walnut and fold a few more times. (Do not over mix or you will toughen the gluten in the flour.) Spray a loaf dish with canola oil and line with a sheet of baking paper. Spoon the mixture in and flatten the top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.

From Glamour's Vitamin G blog, check out a recipe for Banana Pudding. They found it from Food Tales.

Microwave Banana Pudding

Adapted from BBC GoodFood Magazine, April 2010 pg.38

• 100 gram butter, softened
• 2 ripe bananas
• 100 gram Muscovado sugar (I used normal sugar) i'd use splenda
• 100 gram self-raising flour (I used normal flour)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (I reduced to 1 tsp)
• 2 eggs (I replaced with Egg Replacer Powder) i'd use 4 egg whites
• 2 tbsp milk
• icing sugar, toffee sauce, and ice cream to serve, if you like ( I used ready made vanilla cream)

1. Put the butter in a 1-litre baking dish and microwave for about 30 secs-1 min until melted.
2. Add 1 1/2 mashed bananas, sugar, flour, cinnamon, eggs and milk. Mix together well.
3. Slice the remaining banana over the top, then return to the microwave and cook on High for 8 mins until cooked through and risen.
4. Serve warm, dusted with icing sugar, if you like, with a drizzle of toffee sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Apple Butter Banana Bread

I found this recipe at Glamour in the Breakfast At Your Desk Blog, but the recipe was originally found in Susan G. Komen's Everyday Coupon Book.

Apple-Butter Banana Bread
Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup flour (note from Sarah: Go ahead and use whole wheat flour, if you want!)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 slightly beaten eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup apple butter
1/4 cup canola or cooking oil

Preparation:

Grease and flour the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of a loaf pan; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients, making a well in the center. In a medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour into the dry ingredients, and stir just until moistened. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 45 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Low Fat Banana Bread

Here is another banana recipe that was posted in Glamour's Breakfast at Your Desk blog.

Low Fat Banana Bread

You guys probably saw the piece in Glamour this month about just how horribly over-the-top banana bread can get (hello, 480 calories and 19 grams fat! Crazy!). Make this more sensible--yet still tasty--banana loaf at home, and bring it with you to the office. Better for your hips and your wallet!

****
One of my favorite recipes for banana bread calls for buttermilk as an oil substitute (you hardly know the oil isn't there!). Here are the details:

Ingredients:
(Makes 1 loaf)

2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup smashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2-inch pan; dust with flour. Using electric mixer; beat eggs and sugar in large bowl until thick and light, about 5 minutes. Mix in smashed bananas, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt over mixture; beat until just blended. Transfer batter to prepared pan.

Bake bread until golden brown on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Turn bread out onto rack and cool.

Healthier Banana Bread

I love banana bread, but most recipes call for butter which makes the fat and calorie content of it skyrocket. Here's a recipe from Glamour that replaces the butter with applesauce while keeping the banana bread delicious and even more nutritious.

Afternoon Snack: Proof That Applesauce as a Butter Substitute in Banana Bread Is Delicious!

By now, you've probably heard the healthy eating tip about swapping out butter in baked recipes for equal parts applesauce. If you're worried about what it will do to the flavor and texture of your favorite banana bread or muffins, don't. Here's proof that applesauce creates amazing results ...

Banana Bread (Easy + Healthier)

(this recipe is from Quyen - Kitchen Runway)

Prep: 10 mins - Cooking time: 50 mins - Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 C flour
• 1 C sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ C cinnamon apple sauce (naturally sweeten)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ C nuts, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°, spray loaf pan with cooking spray
2. Mash bananas with a potato masher or a fork, set aside (I like to keep it on the chunky side because I like little bits of banana floating in my bread)
3. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda in medium bowl
4. Add cinnamon apple sauce, eggs, vanilla and bananas (and nuts if using) to flour mixture and mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well combined, do not overmix
5. Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake on center oven rack for 50 mins - 60 mins (until inserted tooth pick comes out clean)
6. Let cool in pan for 5 mins and then cool bread on cooling rack

The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need to Know How to Cook part 9

We continue with the last of Glamour's twenty recipes with a recipe for chicken soup and an omelet. If you missed the rest of this series, check them all out here

"Feel better instantly" chicken soup

• 1 pound carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
• 5 stalks celery, chopped 1/2-inch thick
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 5-pound chicken
• 2 tbsp. chopped parsley

1. In a large pot, place carrots, celery, onion and chicken, backbone-side up. Add water to cover.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and cook partially covered until chicken is done, about an hour. Skim off foam and discard.
3. Remove chicken from pot, and let stand until cool. Remove meat from bones, shred into bite-size pieces and return to pot. Cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

"He stayed over" omelet

Melt 1 tbsp. butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Crack 2 eggs directly into pan, then quickly scramble using a rubber spatula (or whisk them in a bowl). Season with salt and pepper. Add toppings like cooked veggies or ham and cook until set. Toss in cheese and pop the skillet under the broiler to melt. As you slide the omelet onto a plate, simply fold it over onto itself.

The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need to Know How to Cook part 8

We continue with Glamour's twenty recipes with a recipe for grilled steak and Delicious fried rice. If you missed the first five parts, check them all out here

"Amp up anything" brown butter sauce

Melt a stick of butter in a pan. When it browns, add juice of 1 lemon and 8 sage leaves. Toss with pasta or drizzle over fish. Garnish with lemon zest.

Crunchy, golden crostini

Brush olive oil on half-inch round pieces of baguette, then toast. Rub with raw garlic, top with...whatever!

The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need to Know How to Cook part 7

We continue with Glamour's twenty recipes with a recipe for grilled steak and Delicious fried rice. If you missed the first five parts, check them all out here

"No guy required" grilled steak

Sprinkle kosher salt on a good cut of meat (I like rib eye). Toss onto a superhot grill. Avoid pushing down while grilling--it forces juice (and flavor) out. For medium rare, cook a one-inch rib eye about 2 or 3 minutes per side, more if thicker. Let sit 10 minutes before serving so juice redistributes.

Delicious fried rice

Dump that carton of leftover cooked Chinese rice and 1 tbsp. vegetable oil into a hot frying pan. Add 1 cup peas, 1 cup diced scallions, 1 tbsp. each soy sauce and sesame oil, and 1 egg. Fry until egg is scrambled and rice crackly.

The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need to Know How to Cook part 6

We continue with Glamour's twenty recipes with a recipe for Your Signature Cocktail and Sweet Potato Puree. If you missed the first five parts, check them all out here

No-mess bacon

How to cook bacon without a single splatter? Use your oven instead of a frying pan. Preheat oven to 400°F and lay bacon over a rack on a sheet pan (cover pan with foil for easy cleanup). Cook until crispy, about 15 minutes. For a sweet and savory twist: Sprinkle on brown sugar before baking. Delicious!

Incredible fruit crumble

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 5 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small bits and chilled
• 1/2 cup pecans

For the fruit filling:

• 4 cups fresh fruit (peaches, berries, etc.)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch
• Pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place first 6 ingredients in food processor and pulse to combine.
2. Add butter and pulse 6 to 8 times until mixture has pea-size pieces of butter mixed in. Toss in pecans and pulse a few times to chop. Refrigerate in a bowl for 15 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine fruit, sugar, corn starch and salt, folding them together. Place in 8" x 8" baking dish.
4. Sprinkle chilled topping over fruit. Bake until fruit is bubbly and top is golden, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving (with vanilla ice cream!). Makes 6 to 8 servings.

The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need To Know How to Cook...Part 5

We continue with Glamour's twenty recipes with a recipe for Your Signature Cocktail and Sweet Potato Puree. If you missed the first three parts, check them all out here

Your signature cocktail

For this I always suggest starting with a basic martini (3 parts vodka to 1 part dry vermouth), then, to customize, add 1 tbsp. of whatever flavor liqueur you'd like: Poire William for pear, Chambord for raspberry, Grand Marnier for orange. Cheers!

Sweet potato puree

This is the ultimate side dish. My favorite way to serve it is with fish on top; I love the color contrast. How to make it: Roast 3 sweet potatoes in a 400°F oven for 45 minutes. Let cool, then peel. Use a food processor or potato masher to puree potatoes with 2 tbsp. butter and 1 cup warmed milk. Serves 4.

The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need To Know How to Cook...Part 4

We continue with Glamour's twenty recipes with a recipe for Fresh Salsa and the Perfect Cookie

If you missed the first three parts, check them all out here

Fresh salsa

• 4 large plum tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 small red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, optional
• Salt and hot sauce to taste

Grate tomatoes and onion on the large holes of a box grater (or dice with a sharp knife). Add cilantro, then season with salt and hot sauce to taste. Makes 2 cups.

The perfect cookie

My dirty little secret: I use the recipe on the Toll House bag (it's a classic!), and then add my own touches, like coconut or dried cherries.