healthy

What’s a Nutcake?

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As you know, I absolutely love anything and everything local. Forget brand names and packaged foods with more than 100 ingredients. EW. Local food artisans are so much more interesting…and they make tastier products. Seriously, you should see me when I walk into Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or a local Farmer’s Market. I’m like a little kid on Christmas morning…walking around with eyes bigger than my head and a grumbling stomach. I want to taste everything; I want to taste it ALL. From wineries and cheese producers to homemade breads and ooey gooey brownies, local is totally the way to go.

Today at work we discovered Effie’s Homemade, a local company crafting up biscuit-like cookies out of Hyde Park, MA. Two life-long friends (Joan Maclsaac and Irene Costello) started the company in honor of Joan’s mom Effie and her amazing Oatcakes recipe. And there you have it: Effie’s Homemade was born, baking up fresh, simple oatcakes, corncakes ‘n’ nutcakes daily! These tasty gems beat a cookie any old day…serve the biscuits with tea, a piece of cheese or enjoy as a light, tasty snack any time of the day! Better yet, the ingredients are fresh and simple so you … Read More!

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Cleaning Up after a Weekend of Too Much Fun

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I’m the girl who in college would be teased by my roommates because my idea of “drunk food” was peanut butter and an apple or fruit and nuts. As my roommates munched on large, extra-cheese pizzas and overflowing chicken finger orders with colossal fries, I’d join in on the fun with a plate of what they called “bird food.” One thing’s for sure, however. While my drunk eats were a tad abnormal and definitely not as fun, I’d wake up feeling somewhat better (minus the pounding headache).

You can image then why I feel so blah today after a weekend of “fun” eating. I have to say while it’s good to eat loudly and proudly most of the time, too much fun sometimes isn’t good…especially considering how I feel now. I always say it’s OK to treat yourself–every day even–but scarfing down chicken fingers, cheesy Reubens leftover from my roommates post-bar “snack” and french fries took things a little too far for me. Not to mention my sister was visiting all weekend, so what can I say? We wined and dined…hard core.

So while I am ecstatic I had a fun, event-packed weekend, I am now paying the consequences on … Read More!

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SoWa Open Market: The Perfect End to My Weekend

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Today my sister and I ventured into South Boston for SoWa Open Market: Boston’s Original Art and Indie Design Market. While at first we complained on our never-ending, mile (plus some) walk from Arlington Station, I think it’s safe to say it was totally worth it! And also safe to say that we probably needed that walk anyway considering the amount of food we consumed this weekend. Hey, walking is the perfect detox.

Anyway, back to the point. I don’t know how I’ve lived in Boston for nearly a year and have yet to visit this lovely Sunday tradition.
The two of us casually walked around the market, browsing a variety of artwork, homemade gadgets, local produce, and clothing lines. I felt like I was in creative heaven. It absolutely blew my mind to see all the unique, inspiring homemade creations, from personalized dog collars and signature greeting cards to beautiful jewelry and recycled beer bottles turned into artwork. “SO COOL!” I thought. “We really need more creative people in this world.”

As if these homemade gadgets weren’t; enough to make me fall in love with SoWa, then came the food! There were a variety of breads and … Read More!

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Oh-So Amazing Open Faced Turkey Burg

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This classic BBQ burger makeover pairs wonderfully with my sinless sweet potato fries, or a small side salad! While everyone else is downing multiple double decker beef patties, enjoy your healthy remake with a smirk . . .

-1 container lean ground turkey
-1/2 c. red onion, minced
-1 egg
-2 TB olive oil
-2 TB oregano
-2 TB basil
-1 TB garlic powder
-1 TB Old Bay seasoning
-1 tsp. salt
-1 TB pepper
-2 whole wheat buns*, separated into 4 slices

*Use brown rice wraps or gluten free bread if you follow a gluten free diet, or just skip the bun completely!

1. Mash up turkey with your hands as if you were making meatballs, and combine all other ingredients. Mix well.

2. Separate into 4 generous burger shaped patties.

3. Heat your BBQ grill or George Foreman, and grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side!

*Hot Tip: If you’d like, top your burger with a thin slice of mozzarella cheese and a sauce made up of plain low fat yogurt, dill and lemon as a substitute for fatty mayo!… Read More!

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Embrace Your Inner Chef & Win Some Mullah While You’re at It!

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Do you pride yourself on making tasty apps and one-bite desserts? Are you looking for a way to let our your inner Rachael Ray? Don’t lie…we know you pretend you’re on your own celebrity chef television show when no one is watching (well, other than your dog Spot).

Well, maybe Whole Foods’ last chance contest is exactly what you need to embrace that inner chef! Today, Wednesday August 11th is the last day to enter into the exclusive “Contest for Small Bites,” hosted by Whole Foods Market. The challenge is to craft up a delectable “small bites” holiday recipe that costs no more than 50 cents per piece.

Yes, we know what you’re thinking. “A holiday recipe? But it’s only just August…” Well, guess what? If your bite size goodies are selected, you’ll receive a $50 gift card and be featured in the December issue of The Whole Deal.

So put on that snowman apron, whip out those oven mitts, and start cookin’! But hurry up, today is the LAST day to enter. Click here for more details on the contest and to post your recipe…and good luck!… Read More!

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Healthy Chickified “Yogurt Parfait”

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Enjoy this as a post-dinner treat or afternoon snack to get you over that midday work hump. I usually eat this when I’m craving something sweet after a savory dinner, but don’t have a craving (or any room) for ice cream, chocolate or anything heavy. Enjoy!

-1 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
-handful fresh blueberries*
-1/2 banana, sliced into little chunks
-1 tsp. cinnamon
-few walnut halves (about 5)*
-Few sprinkles of shredded coconut
-1/2 TB flaxseed oil (optional)

~Mix all the wet ingredients together. Drizzle on cinnamon and a few walnuts. Finally, sprinkle on a bit of shredded coconut to top off this tasty treat. Enjoy!

*May substitute blackberries or raspberries for blueberries, or use slivered almonds instead of walnuts… Read More!

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Light ‘n’ Healthy Summer Pasta

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I made this tonight for dinner because I had some corn laying around but wasn’t in the mood for just plain old corn on the cob. When a pasta craving hit, I got inspired and this is what came of it. Not only was it extremely delicious, but it was nice and light, making for a perfect summer evening supper.

-1/2 c. whole wheat or brown rice pasta
-An ear of corn, fresh
-1/4 c. sweet onion, chopped
-1/4 c. baby bella mushrooms, pre-sliced
-1/4 c. each zucchini and yellow squash
-2 TB olive oil
-handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese
-s & p
-any herbs/spices you have on hand

1. Boil and cook pasta in small pot. In the meantime, chop up veggies and cook in olive oil on medium heat until tender.
2. Let cool for a bit then slice corn off of the cob and add into veggie mixture.
3. Once pasta is done, drain and add to pan with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well. Sprinkle on parmesan cheese and a dash of salt and pepper. I also added in some blended herbs for an extra zing.

Serve with a fresh field green salad topped … Read More!

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