Stephanie Kay Nutrition

Stephanie Kay Nutrition

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Spinach Breakfast Casserole

Published on January 5, 2017 by Stephanie Kay

Made with potatoes, spinach, and cheddar cheese, this spinach breakfast casserole is a healthy vegetarian breakfast!

spinach breakfast casserole

 

Lately, I have become obsessed with breakfast casserole recipes. Also known as egg bakes or frittatas or even crustless quiches, they have become a bit of a staple in our kitchen. My mornings are typically rather busy. I get up around 5:30 am and head to the gym at 6:00 am. I am home by about 7:15 and then need to get breakfast going so I can get on with my day. There are certainly mornings when I have more time to cook, but there are other mornings when I am in a pinch and I need something quick. Hello, spinach breakfast casserole!

The word casserole is not my favorite, as it sounds less than appealing and reminds me of childhood dishes, but it is essentially what this dish is;  a casserole is simply a dish baked in the oven. My favorite part about making these egg baked dishes is just how simple they are and how many servings they make. You can essentially mix in any ingredients you like and it bakes together to make a delicious breakfast dish that you can slice, grab and go. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for anyone who is not a morning person or needs breakfast in a pinch.

spinach breakfast casserole

 

When it comes to ingredients I like to cover all of my bases and ensure that every slice is loaded with protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lots of veggies. I’ve made other versions of this spinach breakfast casserole before, like my breakfast egg bake, so this is just another twist on the idea. In this version, I added (lots of) spinach to ensure you are getting a daily dose of greens, and some potatoes to make it a little more filling. Plus, if you are a morning workout person, eating carbs after your workout is a great way to replenish all of the energy lost during your workout. And if you really wanted to, you could eat this spinach breakfast casserole cold as well. I’ve done it many times for lunch, and it tastes just as good.

 

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spinach breakfast casserole

Spinach Breakfast Casserole

Author: Stephanie Kay

Made with spinach, potatoes and cheddar cheese, this spinach breakfast casserole is a well-balanced breakfast with protein, vegetables and healthy fats!

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 slices 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Ingredients

  • 12 eggs
  • 12 baby potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 leek, chopped
  • 6 cups spinach, well packed
  • 1/2 cup old cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Grease a 9×12′ baking dish with butter or oil.
  2. In a pot, bring water to a boil, and add potatoes. Boil for about 15 minutes or until potatoes can be pierced with a fork. Strain, rinse with cold water, set aside and allow to cool.
  3. In a saucepan on medium heat, add butter and leeks. Cook for 3-5 minutes until leeks are tender.
  4. Once leeks are cooked, lower heat, add in the spinach and allow to wilt. Covering the pan with help to steam the spinach so it reduces. Once wilted, turn off the heat and set the leek and spinach mixture aside.
  5. Once the potatoes have cooled, cut them in half and layer them on the bottom of the baking dish. The intention is to have 2 baby potato per slice, so try to lay them out evenly at the bottom of the dish.
  6. When you are done with the potatoes, layer on the spinach mixture and cover with shredded cheese.
  7. In a large bowl, crack the eggs, season with salt and pepper and whisk until well combined.
  8. Pour the eggs into the baking dish to cover the vegetables evenly. If things moved around at all, just use your hands to adjust so the vegetables are evenly distributed.
  9. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until eggs are set in the middle.
  10. This breakfast casserole can be served hot or cold and can be stored covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  11. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slices
  • Calories: 189 calories
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 25 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Protein: 11 grams

Keywords: healthy, spinach, with potatoes, low carb, vegetarian

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Chopped Chicken Salad

Published on January 5, 2017 by Stephanie Kay

A diner classic, this chopped chicken salad recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch!

Chopped Chicken Salad

Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe

 

There is no denying that salads can get boring after a while, but thankfully there are lots of different ways to mix things up. Chopped salads are actually just like regular salads, but their presentation, colours and dressing combinations are a simple way to add some variety to your lunch, much like this basic chopped chicken salad.

When it comes to chopped salads, the varieties are endless, but this particular version is nice and simple so you can whip it up without many ingredients. When I worked in an office setting, I probably ate a salad similar to this one almost every day for work. Boring? Perhaps, but it was a really easy way for me to get my lunch packed quickly and keep myself on track.

 

Chopped Chicken Salad

 

I think the beauty of this particular salad is that it can be made in the moment in about 20 minutes or less, or prepared in advance and assembled when needed. All of the vegetables and ingredients can be pre-chopped and stored in containers in the fridge until they are needed, making it especially easy to prepare weekday lunches in the morning. Plus, the dressing itself is quick to whisk together and can be stored in the fridge (or the office fridge) until you dress the salad.  I’ve added a creamy yogurt-based dressing to this salad, but you could also use my herbed lemon dressing as a lighter alternative.

More Chicken Salad Recipes:

  • Shawarma Chicken Salad
  • Strawberry Chicken Salad
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Chopped Chicken Salad

Chopped Chicken Salad

Author: Stephanie Kay

The dressing for this salad lasts about one week in the fridge, and you can also add a pinch of seasoning like cumin or dill to mix up the flavour. Grilled or baked chicken work in this recipe, whatever you have on hand is just fine.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Category: Salads
  • Cuisine: Gluten-Free
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Ingredients

Salad:

  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 large red onion, diced
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
  • 2 chicken breasts, grilled and diced

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup full-fat yogurt
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. First, prepare the dressing. In a mason jar or container, combine the ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
  2. Wash and chop the lettuce into bite size pieces. Peel the cucumber, quarter and dice. (I like to remove the seeds as they can make the salad watery.) Half the cherry tomatoes and dice the onion.
  3. If you are using frozen corn, simply add it to a bowl and cover it with hot water until in thaws. Once thawed, strain off the water and dry lightly with a tea towel.
  4. Add the lettuce, vegetables and chicken to a large bowl and drizzle with half of the dressing.
  5. Toss salad to combine, add more dressing as needed and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 calories
  • Sugar: 11 grams
  • Fat: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 26 grams
  • Fiber: 7 grams
  • Protein: 34 grams

Keywords: grilled, healthy

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Spicy Potato and Egg Hash

Published on December 30, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

This spicy potato and egg hash makes a delicious weekend brunch or the hearty weekday breakfast-for-dinner meal.

Spicy Potato & Egg Hash

Potato Egg Hash Recipe

Breakfast is hands down my favorite meal of the day, and eggs are my favorite ways to do breakfast. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see that I eat eggs almost every day of the week. Be it fried, poached, scrambled, or boiled, they are always on my plate in some way, shape, or form. Not only are eggs incredibly nutrient-dense, but they are a filling way to start the day, and this spicy potato and egg hash is the perfect way to combine all of my morning favorites.

Eggs have been demonized in recent decades, however, in reality, they have been a highly valued food since the beginning of time. Pastured eggs are a rich source of macro and micronutrients, and one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, making them a valuable addition to any diet. Not only are eggs a highly valued source of protein, but one egg contains 13 essential nutrients, which are mostly found in the yolk, so it is imperative that we eat the whole egg. Not only are the yolks the source of vital fat-soluble nutrients, but eggs are also a rich source of antioxidants.

 

Potato Egg Hash

More Egg Breakfast Recipes:

  • Bacon & Egg Muffin Cups
  • Spinach Egg Muffins
  • Green Shakshuka

 

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Spicy Potato & Egg Hash

Spicy Potato and Egg Hash

Author: Stephanie Kay

I used chorizo in this spicy potato and egg hash, but bacon would also work well too, and the potatoes could easily be swapped for sweet potatoes.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
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Ingredients

  • 3 medium white potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 white onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chorizo, diced (200grams)
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 eggs

Toppings:

  • Coriander
  • Crumbled feta
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. In a pot, bring water to a boil, add potatoes and cook until tender and can be pierced with a fork; about 8 minutes.
  3. In an oven-proof skillet on medium heat, add butter and saute onion and garlic until soft. Add chorizo and cook another 2-3 minutes.
  4. When the potatoes are done cooking strain and rinse them, and transfer to the skillet with the onion mixture, strinning to  coat the potatoes with the mixture.
  5. Continue to cook on the stovetop for another 5-6 minutes to help crisp up the potatoes a little.
  6. Gently crack eggs on top of the potato skillet. I like to make a little well to break the eggs into.
  7. Once the eggs have been added, transfer skillet to the oven and cook for 8 minutes, or until the egg whites are hard and the yolks are runny.
  8. Serve with fresh coriander and crumbled feta, and extra hot sauce for added spice.
  9. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 254 calories
  • Sugar: 3 grams
  • Fat: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Protein: 11 grams

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Homemade Sports Drink

Published on December 30, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

From lemon-lime to orange, here is a quick and easy recipe for a homemade sports drink.

Homemade Sports Drink

 

Drinking filtered water is great for our health, and sometimes all we need during our gym workout, but there are certainly times when a homemade sports drink can help to replenish more than just the fluid we lose when we exercise. Plain water does not contain all of the essential electrolytes lost during periods of intense exercise or intense sweating, but that does not mean that neon-coloured, athlete-endorsed, branded sports drinks are the way to go. Fortunately, there are many options for DYI versions of a homemade sports drink and even more reasons to do so.

How to Make a Homemade Sports Drink

Look at any pre-made sports drink and you will find a list of ingredients that include sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavours, artificial colours and vegetable oils, and anything fluorescent coloured doesn’t seem all that ‘natural’ to me. The good news is that the basic ingredients for any sports drink are quite simple, so making them at home is easy, while being just as beneficial (if not more) than the pre-made versions. The variations of flavour are endless, but the basic formula for a homemade sports drink is the same. The key ingredients include:

  • Water: Filtered water should be used as the base for any homemade sports drink, or alternatively you could also use coconut water as it is a natural source of electrolytes and natural sugars.
  • Salt: Unrefined sea salt, such as Celtic Sea salt or Redmond Real Salt, is a source of trace minerals and electrolytes at it contains minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The addition of unrefined sea salt helps the body to absorb water more efficiently ensuring that is reached the cells and keeps your hydrated.
  • Fruit: Using freshly pressed citrus fruit such as orange, lemons or limes is the simplest way to add flavour, simple sugars and additional electrolytes such as potassium to any homemade sports drink.
  • Raw Honey: Honey offers a quick source of energy, in the form of glucose, to any sports drink as it is easily digested and therefore quickly absorbed by the body. Adding honey is optional, however, when used it is important to use raw honey as it is unrefined and can offer additional trace minerals.

Here are two basic recipes you can whip up at home in a pinch.

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Homemade Sports Drink

Homemade Sports Drink

Author: Stephanie Kay

It is best to use fresh fruit or freshly pressed juices for homemade sports drinks in order to reduce the refined or processed sugars.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: By Hand
  • Cuisine: American
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Ingredients

Lemon-Lime:

  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (Celtic or Real Salt)
  • 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Orange:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (Celtic or Real Salt)
  • 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a glass or jar until salt is dissolved.
  2. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 26 calories
  • Sugar: 4 grams
  • Sodium: 104.5mg
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 8 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams

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Homemade Chicken Stock

Published on December 22, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

This simple homemade chicken stock is a classic recipe and the perfect base for a wide variety of soups and stews, and a simple kitchen skill that anyone can master.

Simple Chicken Stock

 

When I first began making my own soups I always opted for the convenience of store-bought broth or stock cubes. I’m all about keeping things simple and opening a container always seemed so much easier than making it myself. I mean, you have to put things in a pot, add water and then boil it – it was just too much work! (Voice of heavy sarcasm.) But the more I read and researched about stock and broth, the more I realized I was doing myself a disservice by not making my own.

You see, as with most pre-packaged goods, the ‘natural’ store-bought versions are not really natural at all. Most of them either contain added preservatives, added sugars and salts, and who knows what else! Plus, as any good cook knows, a good stock is the key to any recipe and the flavour in the boxed variety is just not there.

What most people don’t realize, or have forgotten, is that bone broths have been used as nutritional and healing remedies for years, and the store-bought versions just don’t make the cut. When properly prepared, bone broths are extremely nutritious, containing the minerals present in the bones, cartilage, marrow, and vegetables as electrolytes. Homemade stocks are rich in minerals that the body can easily absorb, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and many trace minerals. So, the old adage of chicken soup when you are sick is actually all it is cracked up to be, but only when you make the real deal.

What is the difference between chicken stock and chicken broth?

One small area of confusion is the difference between broth and stock. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, it can be explained like this.

The words ‘broth’ and ‘stock’ are used interchangeably in many cookbooks, and for good reason, because the differences are hair-splittingly small. In general usage, ‘broth’ is a home-cooked version, while ‘stock’ is the province of professional kitchens. Broth is made from spits and spots of leftovers, and its nature changes according to what’s on hand. Stocks follow a prescribed formula. There is yet another distinction. The meaty element of stock is dominantly bone, while broth is typically made with meat. The difference changes the finished product in two significant ways. The large proportion of bones gives stock a more gelatinous texture and greater clarity. Broths tend to be thinner and cloudier.

 

Simple Chicken Stock

How to Make Chicken Stock

The good news is that both are incredibly easy, and dirt cheap to prepare! If you cook a whole chicken or turkey, you can use the whole carcass to make stock, or simply collect bones and veggies scraps as you go and freeze them in a container until you are ready to cook.

 

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Simple Chicken Stock

Homemade Chicken Stock

Author: Stephanie Kay

This chicken stock recipe was made with chicken bones, but this could easily be made with turkey bones as well. You can also do this recipe in the crockpot for ease and simplicity.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 18 cups 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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Ingredients

  • 2–3 pounds chicken bones (or whole carcass)
  • 4 litres water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 onions, roughly chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 4 stalks celery, roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch parsley

Instructions

  1. Place chicken bones and pieces in a large pot and cover with water. Add chopped onions, carrots celery and vinegar.
  2. Bring to a boil and then turn down heat to a simmer. Cook for 6-8 hours, skimming surface as necessary. You can cook the stock as long as 24 hours, the longer you leave it the richer and more flavourful it will be.
  3. About 30 minutes before finishing the stock, add the parsley.
  4. Once cooked, strain stock through a fine mesh sieve or strainer.
  5. Allow stock to cool before refrigerating; it can be stored in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 20 calories
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 4 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Protein: 1 gram

Keywords: homemade, easy, healthy

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Kale Apple Slaw

Published on December 8, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

Kale Apple Slaw

I’m so excited to be sharing this guest post by my amazing sister Jodi and her Happy Hearted Kitchen. Jodi’s blog is filled with amazing fresh, local, and seasonal recipes, and she makes the absolute best salad dressings, so this kale apple is not to be missed.

holiday kale slaw

Hi guys,

Jodi here from Happy Hearted Kitchen, I’m so happy to be sharing this recipe with you here today! I am always one to offer to bring a salad or some vegetables to the party, and this is one of my favorite salad recipes for bringing to a holiday potluck or gathering. I try to keep the produce simple and as local as possible, so here I’ve chosen sturdy Tuscan kale and crunchy gala apples. Tuscan kale holds up nicely to any dressing, and doesn’t wilt after time – this salad actually tastes best once it has been marinating in the fridge for a little while. I love dried fruit in a salad, but I often find it can be a bit heavy on the sweet side, so these soaked golden raisins are just the perfect thing, sweet, juicy, and a good burst of acidity from the apple cider vinegar. From there we add toasted hazelnuts (an apple’s best friend) and a simple dressing spiked with just a pinch of holiday spices.  I love the simplicity of this salad, the colors, and the textures.

Wishing you all a very merry holiday season.

Stay green, get festive. x

holiday kale slaw

More Kale Salad Recipes:

  • Fall Harvest Salad
  • Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad

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holiday kale slaw

Kale Apple Salaw

Author: Stephanie Kay

This kale apple slaw is a hearty winter salad that makes a great side dish for roast or a hearty meal, and leftovers store well in the fridge for days to come.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: By Hand
  • Cuisine: American
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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 bunch tuscan kale (aka lacinato kale, cavolo nero or dino kale)
  • 2 small or 1 large red gala apples, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup hazelnuts
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (from the raisins)
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon tamari
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch each ground nutmeg and cloves
  • 1 small clove of garlic, finely grated with a microplane grater (no more than 1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Place the raisins in a small jar and cover with apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 10 minutes while you are making the salad or in the fridge overnight. Strain, reserving apple cider vinegar and set soaked raisins aside.
  2. Remove the tough stems from the kale and thinly slice the leaves. The thinner the better. Place sliced kale in a salad bowl.
  3. Place hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast until skins are dark and cracking, shaking often to prevent burning. When the hazelnuts are deep brown in color, remove from heat and tip into a dry, clean tea towel. Rub the hazelnuts together in the tea towel until the skins flake off. Remove the nuts from the tea towel and return them to the pan, toasting until they reach a deep, warm brown. Roughly chop the hazelnuts, leaving a few larger pieces.
  4. Make the dressing. Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, tamari, spices and garlic to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid on the jar and shake until dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as need.
  5. Add thinly sliced apples, toasted hazelnuts and soaked raisins to the salad bowl with the kale. Drizzle over a small amount of dressing and toss to coat, massaging the kale as you go. Add in enough dressing to cover the salad. Taste a piece of kale and add in remaining dressing as needed. Serve immediately or allow to marinated in the fridge for up to one hour before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 207 calories
  • Sugar: 11 grams
  • Fat: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Protein: 3 grams

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Sautéed Garlic Kale

Published on December 1, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

Ready in minutes, sautéed garlic kale is the perfect quick and easy side dish!

Sautéed Garlic Kale

 

Sautéed garlic kale is my go-to lazy side dish. Making a salad is a great way to add more greens to the diet, but as the weather cools down it’s certainly nice to have a warm side dish to tuck into. So whenever I can’t be bothered, to peel, chop, dice, or toss, I just grab some kale, toss it in a pan and I’m good to go.

I use this side dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because it pairs well with everything. Eggs, check. Chicken, check. Beef, check. Not only is it simple to prepare, but gently cooking the kale actually helps to break it down more, making it more easily digested, which means more nutrient absorption. Although people often worry that cooked greens are not as nutritious as raw greens, it truly depends on the variety and cooking method, but kale’s hearty texture helps it withstand a little heat and bring out its nutritional value. And don’t worry, sautéeing is just a fancy french word for cooking something in a pan with butter, so I’m sure you can handle it.

 

Sautéed Garlic Kale Recipe

Sautéed Kale with Garlic

This sautéed garlic kale is just one of the many ways to cook with kale, but it happens to be the quickest and simplest and easy way to add more leafy greens to your diet!

 

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Sautéed Garlic Kale Recipe

Sautéed Garlic Kale

Author: Stephanie Kay

To make this recipe completely vegetarian, simply swap the butter for coconut oil or olive oil, and if you don’t have fresh garlic, a sprinkle of dried garlic works too.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Stovetop
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Ingredients

  • 1 head kale, dino or curly
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kale. Using your hands or a knife, tear or chop the kale into bite-size pieces. Be sure to remove the thick stemmed centre ribs, you can leave thinner ones.
  2. Add chopped kale to a colander and rinse kale very. Strain and lightly shake or pat dry. You can leave some of the excess water as it will help the kale steam a little as it cooks to keep it tender.
  3. In a pan on medium heat, heat the butter to melt, add minced garlic allow to cook about 1 minute until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed kale to the pan and cover. Allow to cook 3-4 minutes until the kale has wilted a little, tossing it with the butter and garlic.
  5. Once the kale has softened and is bright green in colour, add a good pinch of sea salt to the pan and toss well to combine.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 68 calories
  • Sugar: 1 gram
  • Fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 3 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Protein: 2 grams

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Oven-Baked Parsnip Fries

Published on November 28, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

Salty, crispy, and crunchy, these oven-baked parsnip fries are a delicious side dish the whole family will love!

Oven-Baked Parsnip Fries

 

Don’t get me wrong, regular crispy oven fries are certainly delicious but sometimes you just need to mix things up and I think these oven-baked parsnip fries are just the way to do it! In my opinion, parsnips are a highly underrated vegetable, in fact, I think all root vegetables are highly underrated. Be it carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, radishes, yams or cassava – there are just so many options to try.

Root veggies are cheap as chips (french fry joke) to buy and the cooking options are endless making them a very friendly and versatile ingredient option in the kitchen. Of the root vegetable family, parsnips might be a bit of an acquired taste, but that doesn’t mean you can’t acquire it. Sometimes you just have to give foods a few chances before you write them off. Parsnips themselves are closely related to carrots and parsley, and can actually be eaten raw like carrots, but I find they taste much better and sweeter roasted in the oven. Although they are often used in holiday dinners, they can certainly be used in day-to-day meals, and these oven-baked parsnip fries are a quick and easy side dish and a welcomed change to the traditional white potatoes.

 

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Oven-Baked Parsnip Fries

Oven-Baked Parsnip Fries

Author: Stephanie Kay

These oven-baked parsnip fries are a quick and easy side dish and a welcomed change to the traditional white potatoes fries! For extra flavour, you could also sprinkle the parsnips with a little garlic or paprika powder before adding them to the oven.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Baked
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Ingredients

  • 4 parsnips
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.
  2. Scrub your parsnips clean and lightly peel them. You can leave a little of the skin, it is completely edible.
  3. Slice the parsnips length wise into about 3-inch strips.
  4. Toss parsnips strips in olive oil and season generously with sea salt.
  5. Line them on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Flip them once during cooking.
  6. Remove from the oven and season more as needed.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 230 calories
  • Sugar: 13 grams
  • Fat: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 48 grams
  • Fiber: 13 grams
  • Protein: 3 grams

Keywords: baked, olive oil, salt, healthy, easy

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Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

Published on November 24, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

Winter is finally upon us, so it’s slow cooker season to the rescue, and this slow cooker Moroccan chicken is just the heart-warming winter dish you have been looking for! Full of Moroccan-inspired spices, this dish requires very little work while ensuring a whole world of flavour.

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

I wasn’t always one for spices. As a kid, salt pepper and the occasional dash of curry powder was as crazy as things got in our house (no offence, Mom), and when I moved out on my own I really thought that flavour came from a bottle or a packet. I used to buy all the pre-made sauces in the grocery store; be it spaghetti sauce, Thai sauces, Indian Sauces or the old Lipton Onion Soup standby. Why? Because they were easy; just open and pour. However, after watching endless hours of the Food Network, I became inspired by watching TV chefs use all of these different herbs and spices, mixing them together to create exactly the flavour they wanted.

To be honest, at first, this was incredibly overwhelming. There are over 30 spices in the standard grocery store aisle, and I had no idea what the difference was between coriander and cumin and paprika actually was. When I first began to experiment, I would just try recipes ideas I had found on the internet, mixing and matching spices as the recipes called for. Every week I would try a new recipe, and buy a new spice to add to my collection. Something I had never used before, and the more I did it, the more I became comfortable with the flavours. Eventually, my spice drawer grew and I knew what to combine to great Mexican flavours, Indian flavours or Asian flavours. But what I truly realised is that flavour comes from real food, herbs and spices, and not from a package or a bottle. When you decided to take the leap and experiment with spices, it opens you to a whole new level of cooking. And it’s fun!

 

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

 

This slow-cooker Moroccan chicken is a flavor-loaded dish that I hope will provide you with a little inspiration to try some new spices in the kitchen. If you have never purchased cumin, allspice or turmeric, this is your chance! I promise that you will be impressed with the flavours you can create in your own kitchen, and create a spice drawer that you can be proud of!

More Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

 

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Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

Author: Stephanie Kay

Made with chicken thighs, chickpeas and warming spices, this slow cooker Moroccan chicken is an easy recipe that is packed full of protein!

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Mains
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Moroccan
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Ingredients

  • 8 chicken thighs, boneless
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g can diced tomatoes
  • 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • Optional: Mint or cilantro to serve

Instructions

  1. In a pan on medium-high heat, brown the chicken. Heat olive oil and add chicken to the pan and sear on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Once browned, removed from pan and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minute on medium heat until soft, ensuring that it does not burn.
  3. In the slow cooker, add the cooked onions and garlic to the bottom of the pan.
  4. Add can of diced tomatoes and spices. Stir gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined so that the spices cook evenly in the mixture.
  5. Add the chicken, laying it out evenly in the slow cooker, limiting overlap. Cover everything with broth.
  6. Turn slow cooker on low and allow to cook for 2 hours.
  7. After two hours of cooking, add the chickpeas and apricots. I added the apricots whole, but you could also chop them into small pieces if you like. Allow to cook for 1 hour more.
  8. After the final hour, uncover and give the stew a little stir to ensure all of the flavours are well mixed together.
  9. Serve on its own or with come chopped mint and/or cilantro.
  10. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 calories
  • Sugar: 14 grams
  • Fat: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Fiber: 5 grams
  • Protein: 44 grams

Keywords: chicken thighs, apricots, chickpeas, tagine, crockpot, healthy

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4 Causes of Sugar Cravings

Published on November 24, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

Despite the hundreds of articles, blog posts, podcasts, and books dedicated to encouraging people to cut back their sugar intake, it remains one of the most common nutrition concerns. The tips and tricks to helping people kick their sugar habits are plenty, however, these same tips and tricks are often putting a bandaid on the greater problem. You can use all of the fruit, dates, and maple syrup you like, but if the sugar cravings do not go away, you are not solving the problem. In order to kick (or at least reduce) our sugar habit, we must identify WHY we are craving sugar in the first place! Here are 4 of the top common causes of sugar cravings.

Causes of Sugar Cravings

Common Causes of Sugar Cravings

If you are asking yourself: “why do I crave sugar?” you are certainly not alone! Sugar cravings are one of the most, if not the most, common cravings. Fortunately, if you understand why sugar cravings occur in the first place, there are plenty of ways that you can help to mitigate them in the first place. Here are 4 causes of sugar cravings and what you can do about them.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is probably the most common cause of sugar cravings. Lack of water consumption is often mistaken for sugar cravings and hunger pains. That afternoon pick me up so many people crave in the form of a granola bar, cookie, latte, or sweet treat is often a signal of dehydration, not a need for sugar. A lack of fluid intake can make it more difficult for the body to metabolize glycogen (stored glucose) for energy, so our bodies crave sugar to provide us with a quick source of energy when we actually just need to drink a little more water.

What To Do: The first step is to bring awareness to the situation. Have you had water today? Are you thirsty? Reach for your water before you reach for that donut, and aim to drink half of your body weight (pounds) in ounces of water per day.

2. Stress

I can’t talk about sugar cravings without talking about stress. Stress is linked to sugar cravings in two ways; emotional cues and physical cues. From an emotional perspective, sugar is a comfort food that provides a temporary escape from a stressful situation. From a physical perspective, the consumption of sugar increases our dopamine levels, the body’s happy neurotransmitter, giving us a temporary boost in pleasure. However, because this experience is very short-lived, our body begins to crave sugar again shortly thereafter creating a vicious cycle – stress causes sugar cravings, consumption of sugar causes stress, and stress causes more sugar cravings.

What To Do: Think about your primary sources of stress. Work? Home? Financial? Too busy? Too tired? Too much exercise? Too little exercise? The more you can identify the source of your stress, the more you can identify the trigger of your sugar cravings. If you must opt for a natural source of sugar like fruit, that way at least you will get a little nutritional value along the way.

3. Excess Carbohydrates

Overconsumption of refined carbohydrates can lead to sugar cravings. Carbohydrates can be broken down into three categories; fibrous complex, starchy complex, and simple. Fibrous complex carbohydrates include most vegetables and are likely not a trigger to sugar cravings because they contain so little sugar themselves. Starchy complex carbohydrates include foods like potatoes, grains, lentils, and beans, while simple carbohydrates include foods like fruits and refined forms like sugar, candy, or soda. Although it might be easy to understand why refined simple carbohydrates may cause sugar cravings, many don’t realize that the overconsumption of carbohydrates, paired with the underconsumption of protein, can cause sugar cravings. Whenever we eat foods that contain complex carbohydrates, our bodies convert them into a simple sugar known as glucose, which is our primary source of energy. However, by consuming even complex carbohydrates in excess you are asking your body’s insulin to work overtime to store these sugars. Eventually, the body’s insulin becomes overworked and our body’s become insulin resistant, meaning glucose is not able to enter your cells and stays in your bloodstream. Eventually, your cells become starved for fuel, and even though you might be eating enough, your cells can’t access the fuel. So although a diet of granola for breakfast, a wrap for lunch, and gluten-free pasta for dinner might seem healthy, it’s simply too much carbohydrate for one day.

What To Do: Focus on adding more protein and fat to the diet, ensuring you have a source of protein at every meal, and limiting carbohydrate intake. Starting your day with 15-20 grams of protein and a serving of fat will help balance blood sugar, limit cravings during the day and promote higher energy levels.

4. Poor Digestion

News flash – your body is not a garbage disposal. Although many people tend to think they can eat whatever they want, and their digestive tract will sort the rest out, unfortunately, that is not the case. Our digestive system is a delicate ecosystem of flora, microorganisms, and bacteria. All-day long our body’s beneficial microbiome is fighting for space with bad bacteria invading the body, which are populated by a diet high in refined foods, processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. A lack of beneficial bacteria can allow for an overgrowth of yeast in the intestinal tract which literally lives and thrives on sugar. What this means is that your sugar cravings might be coming from an overgrowth of bad bacteria, and every time you consume more sugar you are feeding their party in your digestive tract.

What To Do:  Focus on limiting the foods that might be feeding your harmful microbiome, and focus on adding more fermented foods to your diet. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, plain yogourt, and kefir are rich in probiotics which help to support the body’s beneficial bacteria, as well as fiber-rich foods like onion, garlic, leeks, and artichokes which are rich in prebiotics, and act as food for probiotics.

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Published on November 22, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

Would you believe me if I told you this chocolate chia pudding is delicious, high in fiber, and something you could enjoy for breakfast? Good news, it is, in fact, all of the above!

Chocolate Chia Pudding

 

When it comes to breakfast, I really have two rules; 1) limit crumbs, and 2) eat protein. I think these two rules are the most common pitfalls in people’s breakfast, and yet they are so easy to implement. When popular breakfast items include things like muffins, bagels, and granola bars, you are really not setting yourself up for a successful day. In general, items that create crumbs are higher in sugar, and flours, as compared to whole grains, have 10,000 times more surface area meaning they are absorbed more like sugar in the body. This creates a roller coaster for your blood sugar, causing a spike and rapid crash in your energy levels. Ensuring you eat a protein-rich breakfast and limiting crumbs, helps to balance your blood sugar meaning you won’t need that mid-morning snack so quickly, and you’ll have more energy come the afternoon.

 

Chocolate Chia Pudding

 

Chia seeds are a fun ingredient to use. They are a source of plant-based omega-3 fats and protein and absorb 4 times their weight in liquid making them a great ingredient to create healthy puddings. Additionally, since you only need 3 tablespoons per serving for this recipe, a bag of these magical little seeds will make you plenty of chocolatey treats.

More Healthy Chia Pudding Recipes:

  • Perfect Chia Pudding
  • Pumpkin Chia Pudding

 

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Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Author: Stephanie Kay

This chocolate chia pudding is delicious, sugar-free, high in protein and fibre, and makes the perfect chocolatey and guilt-free snack!

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Overnight
  • Diet: Vegan
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2/3 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Optional: Raspberries or fruit of your choice

Instructions

  1. In a mason jar or bowl, combine the ingredients. Add chia seeds, cover with milk, and add cocoa, maple syrup and vanilla.
  2. Add a pinch of sea salt to the jar, this helps to bring out the chocolate flavour.
  3. Cover the mason jar and shake well, or using a spoon stir well to combine.
  4. Cover and place in the fridge overnight, or at least 2-3 hours. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and become gelatinous in texture, creating a pudding consistency.
  5. In the morning, uncover the pudding and stir to ensure everything is well combined.
  6. Serve with raspberries or fruit and toppings of your choice.
  7. Enjoy!

Notes

I used almond milk in this recipe but any type of non-dairy or dairy milk will work, and if you don’t have maple syrup, honey would work as a sweetener too.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 257 calories
  • Sugar: 4 grams
  • Fat: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Fiber: 16 grams
  • Protein: 9 grams

Keywords: almond milk, overnight, healthy, keto, vegan

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Homemade Turtles

Published on November 17, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

This healthy homemade turtles recipe that’s as fun to as make as it is tasty to eat and one the whole family is sure to love!

Homemade Turtles

Turtles used to be one of my favourite holiday treats. My dad used to give them to us every Valentine’s Day and I’d often get them as a little stocking stuffer at Christmas, but as you can imagine, they are not the type of treat that I would opt for nowadays. However, that does not mean that I have lost my love for the ooey-gooey caramel centre, salty pecan crunch and velvety chocolatey melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Lord help me, they are just so good. Fear not, I’ve found a combination that really hits the spot and satisfies that sweet, salty and chocolatey craving.

If you have never tried dates before, I’ve got news for you. 1) Get it together! (Just kidding, it’s all love here folks.) 2) Seriously now, you are missing out. I know you are probably thinking, ‘But aren’t those the fruits used to help relieve constipation?’ Truth, be told, yes they are but stick with me here. Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits and therefore are known to have many healing properties. Today dates are available in grocery stores fresh or dried and are sweet tasting with a rich chewy texture. Dried dates are often used in baking recipes as a natural sweetener, such as my Trail Mix Bites, but can also be eaten on their own as a little snack. There are a couple of varieties of dates, but the Medjool variety is the sweetest and, when eaten fresh, tastes just like toffee. That’s right TOFFEE! Not only do they taste amazing, but are a source of fibre, vitamins and trace minerals, and do not spike your blood sugar the same way refined sugar does, making them a great alternative as a natural sweetener.

Homemade Turtle Candy

So, if you have never tried Medjool dates this is your chance. I promise that with their toffee-like flavour and chewy texture, paired with crunchy pecans and rich dark chocolate, they make the perfect caramel centre for these healthy homemade turtles.

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Homemade Turtle Candy

Homemade Turtles

Author: Stephanie Kay

You can really make this healthy homemade turtles recipe from any type of dates you like, but it works best with Medjool dates for a soft and gooey texture.
  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 turtles 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: By Hand
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Ingredients

  • 12 Medjool dates
  • 1 cup chocolate chips, dark or semi-sweet
  • 48 pecans halves
  • Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Using your fingers, or a knife if needed, peel open the dates and remove the pits.
  2. Once the pit has been removed, using your hands press the pitted date into a flat, round shape. The fresher the dates the easier this will be. You want to ‘smush’ them together to create a bit of a ball, the more you ‘smush’ them, the more they will provide a chewy texture to the turtles. (Optional: You can also add the dates to a food processor to create a date paste and then shape the paste into 12 disc-shaped pieces.)
  3. Once each date has been formed into a circle, press 4 pecan halves into the base of each date. The pecans should emulate the feet of the turtles. Once complete, place them feet-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Using a double boiler (or microwave if needed) gently melt the chocolate. You want to do this at a low heat to ensure the chocolate remains velvety smooth, and ensure that you are stirring the chocolate periodically.
  5. Once the chocolate is melted, add roughly 1 teaspoon to the bottom of the turtle to help adhere the pecans to the date. Once complete, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for a few minutes until the chocolate has solidified.
  6. Once the chocolate has solidified, remove the baking sheet from the fridge or freezer. Working one at a time, place each date into the melted chocolate, feet-side up, until the entire date is covered in chocolate. You can use a spoon to move it around and remove it from the chocolate.
  7. Once complete, return each turtle to the baking sheet, feet-side down, and sprinkle the top with a small pinch of sea salt. (The sea salt is optional but it helps to bring out the flavor of the chocolate.)
  8. Once all turtles are complete, transfer the baking sheet to the fridge for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate has completely solidified.
  9. Once solidified, the turtles can be eaten immediately, or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 turtle
  • Calories: 185 calories
  • Sugar: 21 grams
  • Fat: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 26 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Protein: 2 grams

Keywords: candy, easy, healthy

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Roasted Cod with Fennel and Lemon

Published on November 11, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

This roasted cod with fennel and lemon is an easy one-pan dinner that can feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Roasted Cod with Fennel & Lemon

 

This baked cod with fennel recipe actually came together rather randomly one night when I didn’t have much of a plan for dinner. I tend to always have an idea of what I am going to make or do a little meal preparation in advance so I’m not scrambling at the minute. However, sometimes the best ideas come from having no plan at all and this was definitely one of them.

I never used to eat much fennel, mostly because I didn’t know what to do with it. It looks rather odd, and it wasn’t a common ingredient in my household as a child. A couple of years ago I made a little challenge to myself; I decided to start buying all of the unfamiliar vegetables in the grocery store and try to cook with them in my kitchen. I’m pretty sure that this idea was inspired by Jamie Oliver; I used to watch his cooking shows religiously when we lived in England! Not only is he adorable and hilarious, but he has a passion for real food, ingredients and using everything nature gave us. And I love that.

 

Baked Cod with Fennel & Lemon

 

This dish is simple and fresh, but the flavours really work. Raw fennel has a liquorice-like flavor but roasted it has a milder sweeter flavour and pairs well in savoury dishes. I used cod in this dish, but you could use any white fish you like, I think halibut or haddock would pair very well. Plus, you don’t need many skills in the kitchen to make this dish, just a sharp knife and an oven, and you will be well on your way to flavour country.

More Healthy Cod Recipes:

  • Lemon Butter Baked Cod
  • Mediterranean Baked Cod

 

 

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Roasted Cod with Fennel & Lemon

Roasted Cod with Fennel & Lemon

Author: Stephanie Kay

This baked cod with fennel recipe calls for cod fillets, however, any white fish such as halibut, haddock or tilapia would work well too.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baked
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Ingredients

  • 2 (4oz) cod fillets
  • 1 bulb fennel
  • 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven 400°F.
  2. Prepare the fennel. Using a sharp knife, trim the base of the bulb and remove the fronds (stems), these will be used for later.  Cut the bulb of fennel in half, enabling to lay flat on the cutting board to slice.Thinly slice or shave the bulb into 1/4 slices.
  3. In an oven proof skillet, lay the fennel slices in the bottom of the skillet. Add the cherry tomatoes (you can leave them whole or slice them), and drizzle everything with 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes. While the fennel and tomatoes are cooking, season with cod fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. After 20 minutes, remove from the oven and top the fennel and tomatoes with cod fillets laying them flat on top of the fennel. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
  6. Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice of half of the lemon over the fish and vegetables. Thinly slices the other half into rounds and add on top of the fish. Grab a small handful of fennel leaves from the stems and add to skillet.
  7. Transfer to the oven for another 10-12 minutes, until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Remove from the oven, and garnish with extra fennel leaves or lemon juice as desired.
  9. Serve on its own or with a large side salad.
  10. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 209 calories
  • Sugar: 9 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Protein: 22 grams

Keywords: baked, cherry tomatoes, easy, healthy

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Sweet Pea Soup

Published on November 9, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

Soup season isn’t only for root vegetables, the frozen friends of summer are not to be forgotten and this sweet pea soup does just that! Minty and fresh, and made with fresh or frozen peas, this soup brings a certain brightness to those cold winter days.

Sweet Pea Soup

 

I’m often asked if frozen vegetables are a good option. The short answer is; yes! Of course, buying fresh, local, and seasonal veggies are always the best option, but there is no shame in using frozen veggies in your game! Truthfully, there are times of the year when frozen veggies might actually be a better option than some of what is on the grocery store shelves. Frozen veggies are often picked at the peak of freshness and frozen immediately, therefore not losing much of their nutritional value in transport or travel time. I am certainly not suggesting that you not use fresh raw vegetables, these are an important part of any well-balanced diet, but sometimes you need to cut yourself a little slack and do what you need to do to stay on track. If that means a bag of frozen veggies in your freezer, then so be it!

I think frozen peas are either a love-it-or-hate-it kind of food, however, I myself am a big fan. Although they are typically eaten alone, I like to add them to lots of soups and stews or feature them as I have in this recipe. This sweet pea soup is rich and creamy without the addition of any dairy or heavy creams. The secret weapon to any dairy-free creamy soup is a couple of good potatoes. Cooked and pureed into any soup they add a velvety flavur and texture, and I promise nobody will be the wiser.

 

 

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Sweet Pea Soup

Sweet Pea Soup

Author: Stephanie Kay

This sweet pea soup could also be made with fresh garden peas, but frozen works just fine. If you wanted to make this soup a little lighter and lower in carbs, you could swap the potatoes for a large head of cauliflower and achieve the same texture.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
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Ingredients

  • 6 medium potatoes (or 3 large)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 litres vegetable or chicken broth
  • 350g frozen peas
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • Optional: Plain full-fat yoghurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes. Peel to remove skin and chop into 0.5 inch chunks. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot on medium, heat olive oil and add diced onion and sautee 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and heat for another 1 minute until fragrant but do not allow to burn.
  3. Once onions and garlic are cooked, add diced potatoes to the pot and stir well to coat. Season with sea salt.
  4. Add broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook potatoes 15-20 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Once the potatoes are tender add in frozen sweet peas and chopped fresh mint leaves and cook for another 5 minutes until bright green.
  6. Remove the soup from the heat and using an immersion blender or in batches using a bar blender, puree until smooth.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. You can serve as is, or stir through a small spoonful of plain full-fat organic yoghurt and garnish with extra fresh mint leaves.
  9. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 234 calories
  • Sugar: 6 grams
  • Fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Fiber: 8 grams
  • Protein: 7 grams

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Salmon Nicoise Salad

Published on November 1, 2016 by Stephanie Kay

This salmon Nicoise salad is a fun twist on a classic French salad.

Salmon Niçoise Salad

 

Salad Nicoise is absolutely one of my favorite salads. If I am out for lunch and it is on the menu, you can bet I will be ordering it. The reason that I love this salad so much is not only because it is filled with flavors and textures, but it is also so well macronutrient balanced. With a hearty helping of vegetables, carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats it can keep you well fuelled for hours. This salmon Nicoise salad is my take on a delicious French classic.

The classic Nicoise salad is typically composed of tomatoes, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and anchovies, artfully arraigned on a plate and dressed with a vinaigrette. The nice thing about this salad is that it is meant to be an old standby and something that you can throw together with a can of tuna and any vegetables you have in the fridge. Now I have made my fair share of Niçoise salads with canned tuna, but this time I decided to mix it up with some salmon. Not only do I love salmon, but it is a fish that is really easy to cook, more so than people might think. You can easily bake it in the oven for a hands-off approach, but I like to sear it really quickly in a skillet for an extra crispy exterior and flaky interior.

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Salmon Niçoise Salad

Salmon Nicoise Salad

Author: Stephanie Kay

This salmon Nicoise salad can be made with salmon or the more classic version of tuna. Essentially any type of leafy green, size of tomato, or type of potato would work, these just happen to be my favorites!

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 salads 1x
  • Category: Salads
  • Cuisine: French
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Ingredients

Salad:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup green beans (10–12 beans)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup baby potatoes (6–8 potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup olives (8–10 olives)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (4–6 tomatoes)
  • Sea salt
  • Fresh pepper

Dressing:

  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing. Peel and chop garlic. In a small jar on container, combine garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and mustard. Shake or whisk to ensure well combined.
  2. Cook the potatoes. Bring a pot of water to a boil, season with a pinch of sea salt and add potatoes. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until they can easily be pierced with a fork.
  3. Cook the beans. Add the beans to the pot of potatoes with 2 minutes remaining in the cooking time. You only want to cook the beans for 2 minutes until they are bright green in colour. The beans can also be added to the salad raw, but are easier to eat when lightly cooked.
  4. When the potatoes and beans are done cooking strain and submerge them in cold water. This is done to stop the cooking process. The beans can be added to the salad whole, while the potatoes can be cut in half.
  5. Cook the eggs. Bring water to a boil and add eggs. Boil for 10 minutes for a yoke could through, or 6-8 minutes for a runny yoke. Once the eggs have cooked remove from boiling water, add to cold water to help cool and peel. Cut in halve to serve.
  6. Cook the salmon. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. In a hot pan, add olive oil and add salmon skin side down. Cook for 4 minutes and then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  7. Prepare the salads. Add chopped romaine to a bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp. of dressing and toss to coat.
  8. Add the dressed lettuce to a plate or bowl, and top with cooked salmon, egg, potatoes, tomatoes, beans and olives. The salmon can be added to the salad hot or cold, my preference is cold.
  9. Drizzle salads with remaining  dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad
  • Calories: 620 calories
  • Sugar: 11 grams
  • Fat: 40 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Fiber: 11 grams
  • Protein: 39 grams

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