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Articles by Bethany Thayer
Sauce made with canned tomatoes brings back the taste of summer
Even though the season is long over for homegrown vegetables, you can still savor the flavors of summer with our veggie-loaded tomato sauce. Like Italian grandmothers who perfected the art of stretching the harvest, we’re doing it, too. This sauce is delicious on pasta, lasagna, casserole dishes and even on poached eggs. You’ll get more than the usual amount of nutrients because there are two servings of vegetables in every portion.
Breakfast dish packs protein punch courtesy of berries, oats and nuts
Show Caption Hide Caption Starbucks hopes to bounce back with a jolt of protein power Starbucks is rolling out new protein-infused drinks it hopes will reverse the trend and lead to improved sales. Protein shakes, lattes and bars are getting a lot of space on store shelves these days. But the best way to get protein is through a variety of whole foods that provide a balance of nutrients, fiber and healthy compounds.
Breakfast dish packs protein punch courtesy of berries, oats and nuts
Protein shakes, lattes and bars are getting a lot of space on store shelves these days. But the best way to get protein is through a variety of whole foods that provide a balance of nutrients, fiber and healthy compounds. So in todays recipe for Oatmeal Protein Bake with Pecans and Berries, were offering a satisfying breakfast with optimal nutrition. More than just a muscle builder, protein supports nearly every system in the body.
Broth-based soup warms you with nutrients instead of fat and sodium
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Savory sweet potato dish is healthful alternative to rich potluck fare
Potlucks pop up often this time of year, and they're often overflowing with rich, heavy casseroles. There are other options, however. The word “potluck” means “luck of the pot.” In 16th-century England, the term referred to any meal that happened to be cooking in the pot on that day. By the mid-1960s, potlucks were standard for gatherings at work, school events or in the neighborhood. These days, potlucks can be a chance to impress guests with healthful eating options.
Cranberry sauce gets a spicy makeover courtesy of jalapenos, onions
Show Caption Hide Caption America's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit: A journey through time Explore the rich history of Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade, from its humble beginnings to becoming a cherished annual tradition. Thanksgiving dinners are filled with tradition, but it can be fun to add new dishes. Today’s recipe for Cranberry Salsa calls for combining cranberries with jalapenos, ginger and onions — with honey and orange juice added as sweeteners.
Low-fat chili served in colorful bell peppers makes for a meal rich in vitamins, nutrients
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health It’s pretty, it’s clever and it’s edible! We’re talking about the bowl — it's actually a hollowed-out bell pepper — that we used for today’s hearty chili recipe. The pepper offer a fresh and crunchy contrast to the hearty chili. As days get colder, we need to eat more food with vitamin C to help boost our immune systems and fend off illness. One of the best sources of vitamin C is bell peppers.
This slow cooker rice pudding is a sweet fall treat — and yes, it's the color purple
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health If you’re craving comfort food for dessert, our Slow-Cooker Purple Rice Pudding adds a modern twist to a nostalgic recipe. This easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for chilly days or night. Your family or guests will enjoy the fragrant spices, nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture of the sweet treat, but the purple color, which is similar to that of blueberries, will be the real conversation starter.
Apples work flavor magic on savory dinner dish featuring sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Most people enjoy desserts made with apples, but apples can also be used to sweeten savory dishes. That’s exactly what we’re doing in today’s recipe for Harvest Vegetable and Chicken Skillet. Apples have an interesting history in Michigan. In the 1800s, John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, planted seeds and made fenced nurseries in southern Michigan.
This 165-calorie pumpkin smoothie cuts way back on sugar and you won't even notice
Smoothies are a delicious treat that's creamy, cold and full of flavor. Add some fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits and healthful protein to them and they also can deliver fiber, vitamins and minerals. The trick is to balance all the flavors while you control the calories and sugar. That’s what we’re doing in today’s recipe for Pumpkin Spice Smoothies.
Brussels sprouts are a nutrition powerhouse and growers have helped improve their flavor Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health We have a tasty update about Brussels sprouts. In recent years, they’ve been selectively bred to remove their bitter side and enhance their nutty and sweet flavors. In this healthful salad, Brussels sprouts are combined with apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, shallots and Dijon-vinegar dressing. Rounding out the salad are green pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and goat cheese.
Nutrient-rich bean soup is made with tomatoes, corn, carrots and a big dose of garlic Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Bean soup may have turned a page in cooking history. Now it can be elegant as well as hearty, healthful as well as homey. With its sophisticated garnish of fresh basil, today’s Tomato and Corn Soup with White Beans makes a delicious side dish or a meatless bistro-style dinner you can serve with crusty whole-grain bread and a green salad. For a quick and easy way to add more vegetables into your meals, this soup is it.
Turn some of that zucchini in your garden into spicy enchilada chicken roll-ups
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health With zucchini starting to pile up in gardens, here’s a fun recipe you can use to get it on your dinner table and perhaps make it your family's new favorite vegetable. These bite-size Zucchini Chicken Enchilada Roll-ups are filled with chicken, peppers, cheese, onions and enchilada sauce. If kids are near the kitchen, they can help you do the rolling. Summer squash comes in lots of sizes and shapes. One type is zucchini, which has an average length of 9 inches.
No-fry version of Italian classic Eggplant Parmesan has just 285 calories per serving Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Late September and October are peak seasons for a big berry that’s served like a vegetable. What is it? Eggplant! It’s called a fruit because it has seeds and it grows from a flower on a plant. In today’s recipe for Eggplant Parmesan, we’re taking the guesswork — and the fat — out of this meatless meal. This eggplant dish is baked, but it provides the same delicious flavors as high-calorie versions of this classic dish.
Pack a noodle bowl for school or work and get nearly half your recommended daily veggies
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Kids are heading back to school, and life is getting hectic at home. So it’s time to be strategic about preparing healthful lunches for your kids — and yourself. Today’s Asian Noodle Bowls make a great lunch that can be prepared ahead of time, and they break the boredom associated with opening a lunch box containing a sandwich and piece of fruit. We love this recipe because each bowl provides a cup of vegetables.
Turn homegrown tomatoes into an elegant appetizer for your late-summer dinner party
In late August, vegetable gardens have reached their peak, and that’s when our Michigan tomatoes have the best flavor. Now’s the time to enjoy them in a healthful and elegant appetizer. Our recipe for Tomato and White Bean Bruschetta is simple yet sophisticated, attractive and appealing. Tomatoes are native to South America and became widely used in Italy in the 1700s.
Low-fat burger in a bowl is topped with roasted sweet potatoes and tangy sauce Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health If you like cheeseburgers and fries but not the calories and fat that go along with them, then we have a great substitute for you. Our recipe for a Heart-Healthy Burger Bowl eliminates lots of saturated fat, sodium and calories. That’s because we’ve prioritized the vegetables, omitted the bun, used ground turkey with savory burger seasonings and then topped things off with roasted sweet potatoes.
Michigan meets the South in this recipe inspired by a Lowcountry seafood boil
The typical Lowcountry boil, also known as Frogmore Stew or Beaufort Stew, contains seafood, pork sausage and lots of butter. It's tasty, but it's high in saturated fat and sodium. Today's recipe trims calories by using turkey sausage instead of pork and including a little margarine instead of lots of butter. In the summertime, huge gatherings with friends and family are popular in the Lowcountry regions of Georgia and South Carolina.
Use yogurt, cereal or dried fruit to coat kid-friendly frozen bananas on a sick
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health To make Frozen Banana Pops, kids can help the peel bananas, place them on a stick and roll them in yogurt, dry cereal or dried fruit. The pops, which have just 110 calories, will last up to two weeks in the freezer. When it’s hot outside, it’s time for a cold treat that kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy. Making our frozen banana pops is a fun summer activity that can get kids interested in cooking.
Ready-in-minutes Summer Quinoa Salad helps keep you full and provides lots of energy
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Quinoa offers about 4 grams of protein per half-cup serving, which is more than many other grains. Feta cheese, green onions, pine nuts and lemon juice help add pizzazz to today's quinoa recipe. It’s summertime and the cookin’ is easy! Today’s recipe for delicious Summer Quinoa Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues or backyard meals. Packed with nutrients, this salad will give you sustained energy for the rest of your day.
This lower-salt version of chips and salsa calls for cinnamon, sugar and roasted fruit Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health The downside of store-bought salsa is the high salt content, which can exceed 40 mg of sodium per two-teaspoon portion. Corn tortillas can also be high in sodium. By making your own, you can reduce the salt, fat and calories found in ready-made chips. What’s not to love about a delicious and healthful version of chips and salsa?
Turn a slice of watermelon into a berry-topped sweet treat for your Fourth of July party
Today's dessert pizza starts with a 2-inch thick slice cut from the center of a seedless watermelon. It's topped by a mixture made with Neufchatel cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt and finished off with a colorful mix of berries. Want a fun way to serve fruit? Try our recipe for watermelon pizza. Then expect plenty of oohs and aahs when people see your unique presentation of this refreshing dessert. It’s perfect for picnics or a Fourth of July celebration.
Simple vegan appetizer inspired by Caprese salad is perfect for summer outings
Vegan Caprese Appetizer Skewers call for ingredients used in a traditional Italian Caprese salad. Each skewer has just 46 calories and 1 gram of fat. Picnic and potluck season is here! This summer, our Vegan Caprese Appetizer Skewers could be just the dish you’ll serve to satisfy the appetite of all the guests. Caprese salads are a staple of Italian cuisine. They are light, tasty and easy to prepare during hot summer months.
Burger featuring ground turkey and whole-wheat pita keeps fat and cholesterol in check Original
Smash burgers are made by pressing a ball of ground meat onto a hot griddle or skillet and flattening it. Garlic, herbs and spices enliven the turkey patties in today's recipe, and the tzatziki yogurt sauce adds some tanginess to the meat. If you crave burgers and want a healthful option, consider today’s recipe for Mediterranean-Style Smash Turkey Burgers. Smash burgers are made by pressing a ball of ground meat onto a hot griddle or skillet and flattening it.
Stuffed peppers get a healthful flavor makeover with chicken, ranch seasoning and quinoa Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Stuffed peppers offer a wide range of possibilities for fillings: meat, fish, cheese, grains and vegetables. In addition to ranch seasoning, today's recipe calls using garlic, onion, sour cream and chives for flavor. When you’re considering delicious meals, stuffed peppers can offer a pleasurable mix of comfort and creativity. They offer a wide range of possibilities for fillings: meat, fish, cheese, grains and vegetables.
This snack mix delivers plenty of crunch while keeping salt and fat under control Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Salt cravings can be satisfied by seasonings like dill, garlic powder, onion powder or chili powder. If you have a sweet tooth, you can gratify it with antioxidant-rich fruit, including dried fruit. Enjoyment and convenience have made snacking more popular than ever for Americans according to researchers. When approached as an opportunity to nourish your body, snacking can help bridge the gap between meals while supporting your nutritional goals.
Meat sizzling on a grill can create cancer-causing chemicals. Here's how to avoid them
With spring’s arrival and warmer weather, you may be ready to fire up the grill. Grilling is a high-heat, low-fat cooking method that works great with colorful veggies and lean meats. It allows fat — and calories — to drip away, but that sizzling fat comes with some risks. When fat drips from the meat on the grill, it creates smoke that coats food in cancer-causing chemicals called polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The high heat also produces heterocyclic amines, another harmful compound.
Savory bruschetta scones get their goodness from ingredients other than butter Original
Savory bruschetta scones are filled with spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts and basil. You can cut them into classic wedge shapes or simply drop portions of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. When we take time to celebrate our mothers or the motherly people in our lives, we can do it with a delicious type of pastry that supports their health. Our bruschetta scones are the perfect treat.
Air fryer turns russet and sweet potatoes into a crunchy, spicy and guilt-free treat Original
Today's recipe for fries calls for a mix of russet and sweet potatoes. The fries can be served with dipping sauces in two flavors: spicy and chili lime. Fries are a classic: crispy, delicious, and perfect for snacking. But traditional deep-fried versions can be high in sodium and unhealthful fats, making them something people try to avoid.
Eggs are the star of shakshuka, a spicy dish popular in the Middle East and North Africa Original
Eggs poached in tomatoes, spices and sauce originated in the northern part of Africa near the Sahara Desert. Today shakshuka (shak-SHOO-ka) is popular in the Middle East, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria. Vegetables for breakfast? Yes, please! Today’s recipe is a savory one-pan meal that nourishes your cravings for healthful comfort food and helps you meet your daily vegetable goals. Eggs poached in tomatoes, spices and sauce originated in the northern part of Africa near the Sahara Desert.
Gluten -free, dairy products with a spicy flavor
Are you looking for a delicious and meatless dinner full of flavor, crunch and nutrition? We have one! Today’s recipe is vegan, gluten -free and dairy products, so it is perfect for people with various food needs or preferences. We will use tofu, which is made from soybeans. Soy contains a flavonoid called isoflavones. Flavonoids are compounds of plants known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gluten -free, dairy products with a spicy flavor
Are you looking for a delicious and meatless dinner full of flavor, crunch and nutrition? We have one! Today’s recipe is vegan, gluten -free and dairy products, so it is perfect for people with various food needs or preferences. We will use tofu, which is made from soybeans. Soy contains a flavonoid called isoflavones. Flavonoids are compounds of plants known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vegan recipe made with tofu, brown rice gets spicy flavor from chili sauce, lime juice Original
Today's Chili Lime Tofu Bowl delivers flavor, crunch and lots of nutrition. It gets its spicy flavor from a sauce made with chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice and garlic. Looking for a delicious and meatless dinner that’s packed with flavor, crunch and nutrition? We have one! Today’s recipe is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, so it’s perfect for people with various dietary needs or preferences. We’ll be using tofu, which is made from soybeans. Soybeans contain a flavonoid called isoflavones.
No crust? No problem. Satisfying fruit crisps are like pie without the extra calories Original
With just one layer of topping, crisps, cobblers and crumbles are easier to prepare than pie and have fewer calories. Today's recipe for Berry Crisp calls for rolled oats, which turn crispy when they're baked, and a mix of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. Today’s Berry Crisp offers the fruity richness of pie without the heavy crust.
Celebrate winter's end with these low-fat, shrimp-filled spring rolls Original
Recipe for healthful spring rolls calls for shrimp, veggies and a peanut dipping sauce. Although spring rolls can be fried, this version is not. That means these spring rolls are low in fat and high in nutrition. Spring is almost here, and it often brings a desire for new experiences. In the kitchen, that means trying new dishes with interesting flavors, so today we’re offering delicious spring rolls made with fresh veggies, shrimp and yummy peanut sauce.
The couscous salad contains corn, beans, spinach, tomatoes and pepper
Why shouldn’t you deeply clean your pastry plates The seasoning molds help create more browning during the roasting of vegetables. Solved problem The Southwest Bowl couscous provides five portions of vegetables. Its key ingredient is couscous, which is made from durum wheat transformed into seme Like many cooks concerned with health, we are always looking for ways to add tasty vegetables to our meals.
Nutritious couscous meets flavors of the Southwest in hearty 5-vegetable salad
Like many health-conscious cooks, we’re always looking for ways to add tasty vegetables to our meals. Today’s Southwest Couscous Bowl salad combines delicious flavors and attractive colors in an easy dish. This nutritious salad provides five hearty servings of vegetables per serving along with grains from couscous. Couscous originated about 2,000 years ago in northwest Africa, the area that includes Morocco, Libya, Algeria and Tunisia.
Nutritious couscous meets flavors of the Southwest in hearty 5-vegetable salad
Southwest Couscous Bowl provides five servings of vegetables. Its key ingredient is couscous, which is made from durum wheat processed into semolina, Like many health-conscious cooks, we’re always looking for ways to add tasty vegetables to our meals. Today’s Southwest Couscous Bowl salad combines delicious flavors and attractive colors in an easy dish. This nutritious salad provides five hearty servings of vegetables per serving along with grains from couscous.
It takes just 10 minutes to assemble this white bean chili in your slow cooker
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health White bean chili made in a slow cooker is a set-it-and-forget-it dish. To reduce the need for lots of salt and fat, this recipe calls for savory Mexican and Southwestern herbs and spices On a cold day, our white bean chicken chili simmering in your slow cooker is just what you need to make your evening easy. This nutritious and no-fuss dinner is full of flavor thanks to the green chilies, mushrooms, white beans, lean chicken and several spices.
It takes just 10 minutes to assemble this white bean chili in your slow cooker
On a cold day, our white bean chicken chili simmering in your slow cooker is just what you need to make your evening easy. This nutritious and no-fuss dinner is full of flavor thanks to the green chilies, mushrooms, white beans, lean chicken and several spices. For health benefits, you’ll get protein from the chicken to build and repair muscle tissue, and to support good bone health. Onions, garlic and green chilies can benefit the immune system, respiratory health and blood pressure.
Give chicken a taste of Asia with spicy marinade featuring turmeric and ginger
If you're looking for a new way to add excitement to chicken, try our tasty marinade. It features turmeric and a variety of delicious spices to dress up poultry. Turmeric adds a tangy flavor to curry, yellow mustard and pickled vegetables. Its pleasing yellow color is used as a tint for cheese, butter and other foods. In addition, turmeric can be steeped into a tea or added to smoothies, stews and stir fries.
Give chicken a taste of Asia with spicy marinade featuring turmeric and ginger
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Turmeric has had multiple uses since ancient times. Turmeric and ginger are the key ingredients in today's recipe for a spicy marinade for chicken. If you're looking for a new way to add excitement to chicken, try our tasty marinade. It features turmeric and a variety of delicious spices to dress up poultry. Turmeric adds a tangy flavor to curry, yellow mustard and pickled vegetables. Its pleasing yellow color is used as a tint for cheese, butter and other foods.
Buffalo chicken dip made with yogurt, cottage cheese cuts the fat, not the flavor
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Buffalo chicken dip made with yogurt, cottage cheese cuts the fat, not the flavor Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health Want to cook something easy for your Super Bowl gathering? Try our delicious Buffalo chicken dip. You’ll get the zingy flavor of Buffalo chicken wings but with fewer calories, less prep and less mess. Best of all, it’s healthful. We’ve swapped the typical high-calorie ingredients for fat-free Greek yogurt, fat-free cottage cheese and low-fat skim mozzarella. As a result, this dip has only 132 calories per serving.
Often-overlooked parsnips are the surprise ingredient in low-calorie beef stew Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health The coldest months of the year are a great time to come home to a hot and nutritious beef stew. For today's heart-healthy meal, we're using a slow cooker to simmer lean beef, root vegetables, garlic, onion, spices, tomato paste, red wine and broth to create a savory and low-sodium dish you’ll love. The slow cooking process will allow the natural flavors to meld and the lean beef to become tender.
Lentils, brown rice will fill you up on a chilly winter night
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Lentils, brown rice will fill you up on a chilly winter night Original
Bethany Thayer Henry Ford Health If your diet is vegan or vegetarian or you're just looking for another meatless recipe, this delicious dish is perfect for your next meal. It features lentils, potatoes and zucchini simmered in tomato sauce, coconut milk and spices. Lentils are a great source of protein, making them an excellent substitute for meat. They’re rich in fiber so you’ll feel full after this entree. Lentils also contain folate, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
This seafood chowder gets its creaminess from a surprise ingredient
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This seafood chowder gets its creaminess from a surprise ingredient
We’re starting the new year by providing a great recipe for a satisfying winter soup: seafood chowder. Many people enjoy the creamy texture and complex flavors of clam chowder, but the calories can be a problem. So we’ve created a light version. After tasting it, someone may ask: “Are you sure this is the healthy version?” Yep, we’re sure! Seafood Chowder gets its creaminess from steamed and pureed cauliflower. Instead of using heavy cream as a base for the soup, we’re using cauliflower.
A jar filled with gluten-free granola makes a sweet gift for people with allergies
Homemade desserts can be a great holiday gift, but for people trying to maintain their weight and eat healthful foods, those gifts may not be a blessing. Worse, if your delicious treats contain gluten, nuts or other allergens, they may be a curse. So what can a gift giver do? Adapt. We’ll help you. For people on your gift list who have allergies, consider using our recipe for Gluten-Free Gingerbread Granola.
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