Eat More Veggies With These Recipes

Sadly, incorporating more greens into your diet is not quite as easy (or fun) as amping up your daily chocolate intake. Luckily, it’s still possible to enjoy all the stuff you already like (that includes you, brownie!) while adding to the recommended daily serving of vegetables.

1. Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Sure, you can pile vegetables onto the dough of your choice and give yourself a high-five; but eliminating the processed carb and swapping it for cauliflower? Now you’re talking.

2. Vegetarian Enchilada

There’s no need to feel guilty about eating this hot, melt-y goodness. Instead of the usual meat that fills up this dish, it’s righteously replaced by sweet potatoes and black beans (or any vegetables you have a propensity for). To make it a complete veggie lover’s dish, opt for soy-based cheese to sprinkle on top.

3. Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Got a fork? Good, because that’s literally the only tool you need to make this faux pasta. Simply roast a spaghetti squash (yes, that’s its name) and shred it with your trusty utensil. Top with our roasted garlic pasta sauce and you’ve got yourself a seriously well-balanced dinner.

4. Kale Fried Rice

Let's play the word association game with fried rice. We’re betting your first choice would be pork (pineapple, a close second). Kale? Not likely. Try this once, though, and you’ll be fixing up a batch of these whenever you have a hankering for a little fried rice action that packs a nutritious punch.

5. Veggie Ramen

Even ramen can get a healthy makeover with the addition of fresh vegetables like broccoli, spinach and bok choy. Miso paste gives loads of unctuous umami flavor, so you can enjoy comfort in a bowl and feel good about it from the inside out. Want more ideas on how to win with ramen? Find out how our resident food expert, Mary Dacuma, decks hers out.

6. Flourless Fudge Brownies

We told you there was dessert involved! This amazing recipe is so easy and—dare we say it?—healthy. The addition of coffee brings out depth and helps you mentally block out the fact that these are made of black beans.

7. Low-Carb Breakfast Burrito

Collard green is bringing its “A” game to the breakfast scene in an unexpected way. Enjoy a low-carb burrito packed with nutrients by wrapping up scrambled eggs, avocado, black beans, and cheese in this hearty leaf.

8. Morning Glory Muffins

Just because you’re always on the go doesn’t mean you have to resort to chocolate chip muffins. These are made with good-for-you carrots, apples, and walnuts so even if you’re having a frazzled morning, you can grab one for the road and fuel yourself without physically crashing an hour later.


9. Omega-3 Omelete

If you’ve denigrated this quintessential breakfast dish to cheesy concoctions loaded with cubes of processed ham, it’s time to graduate to this wholesome version with mushrooms, spinach, and hemp seeds.

10. Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake

We know, this one is a bit of a cheat but carrot cake is hands down, the best dessert to justify an indulgence. And indulgence this is. Sprinkle some chopped walnuts over the cream cheese frosting and your cravings are instantly rationalized--in case the "It's calling my name" rationale isn't cutting it.

11. Broccoli Rice Casserole

Eating comfort food need not equate with heavy dishes filled with artificial ingredients you’ll regret eating the next day. This casserole dish is filled with fresh broccoli and once you get a whiff of it coming out of the oven, you’ll never resort to eating store-bought again.

12. Zucchini Bread

If you love banana loaf bread, get ready to be converted into a zucchini fanatic. It has an incredibly moist center and our version is a cinch to make. So really, there’s no excuse for not getting enough of this vegetable.

13. Moroccan Cauliflower With Couscous

Who says steaks have to consist of red meat? Take a thick slice of the humble cauliflower, season it with cumin, coriander and cinnamon and place it over a bed of couscous for a Moroccan-inspired fare.

14. Kale and Sausage Galette

We hear you. Just because you want to eat more vegetables does not mean you want to give up meat. The pork sausage in this rustic French dish brings a ton of flavor, perfectly accompanied by warm kale leaves.

15. Spinach Quiche

Who knew spinach could be so decadent? A buttery shell and creamy filling makes a wonderful dish that makes you forget just how much of this vegetable you’re eating.

How to Make Smoothies

Smoothies are terrific because they contain refreshing ingredients and are very easy to make. It's a blended beverage that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you're looking for a nutritious treat, a healthy breakfast or a post-workout recovery shake, these recipes will help you satisfy any smoothie craving.

For an Antioxidant Blast

This smoothie recipe packs a refreshing blast of antioxidants and nutrients. Made with berries, matcha powder and beets, it delivers a significant dose of vitamins and minerals that will naturally rejuvenate and strengthen your body. Try this smoothie for when you need to give your system an immunity boost.

For All-Around Good Health

All you need are fresh fruit, non-dairy milk and spinach to put together a healthy smoothie. It’s a simple treat you can enjoy for breakfast, as a snack, or after a good workout.


For a Lean, Green Breakfast

Don’t let the appearance of this green breakfast smoothie fool you -- it is a lean, green, detox machine. In just one glass, it delivers a surprising amount of nutritional benefits that’ll get you through the day. To make this smoothie even sweeter, add half a slice of a banana.

For Clear Skin

The ingredients in this tropical smoothie not only taste great, but can contribute to healthy, glowing skin. Each ingredient contains many skin-firming and hydrating properties, leaving you with a rejuvenated complexion. Enjoy this smoothie fresh to experience maximum health benefits.

For Detoxing

Replenish your body with a detoxifying smoothie. This smoothie recipe is filled with nutritious ingredients such as ginger, coconut water and leafy greens that help cleanse your system and revitalize your body. This detoxifying smoothie supplies your body with plenty of nutrients and anti-inflammatory qualities.

For Low-Sugar Sweetness

This peaches and cream smoothie is simple and sweet. All it takes is a ripe peach, plain yogurt, cinnamon and vanilla extract to create this creamy concoction. This is a wholesome smoothie to enjoy for breakfast or as a tasty snack.

For Kids

Kids love a good chocolate smoothie, and this one is no exception. It’s packed with protein, chocolate, almond butter and bananas that make for a rich and creamy treat. These homemade protein shakes will be sure to please children and anyone with a big sweet tooth.

For a Dessert-Alternative

For a delicious and drinkable dessert, serve up a batch of this coconut cream pie smoothie. The smoothie is made from simple ingredients such as bananas, coconut milk, graham crackers and honey, which truly make this a unique and refreshing smoothie. Freeze the bananas prior to blending to ensure the smoothie maintains a creamy texture.

For Super Food Fans

Add any of these 11 foods to supercharge your smoothie, from acai to chia seeds. The ladies at LEAF.tv share their top picks of powerful ingredients that will give a nutritional boost to any of your favorite smoothie recipes.

Healthy Meals for Late at Night

Late-night munchies can wreak havoc on your diet. During the nighttime your body does not expend much energy and eating unnecessary calories can therefore trigger weight gain. Many diets suggest you stop eating after 8 p.m. to avoid this excess weight. Boredom, fatigue and everyday stress make late-night eating hard to resist and often unhealthy foods, such as hamburgers, french fries, chocolate, cookies, potato chips, and ice cream are the preferred fare. Replace these unhealthy foods with healthier options, to avoid sabotaging your diet.

Salads

If you want to eat late at night, make yourself a salad. Salads are easy on your digestive system and don't contain a lot of calories, so your diet stays intact. Select some mixed greens and add some chicken for protein. Protein helps fill you up, so you are less likely to overeat. Avoid heavy dressings which have many calories; stick to light and low-fat dressings. Instead of dousing your veggies with the dressing, have it on the side, so you can better control the amount you consume.

Cereals

A bowl of cereal is an easy go-to meal during the late-night hours. Avoid cereals that are high in sugar, because these spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling hungry again fast. Consume a cereal that is high in fiber and protein and low in sugar and fat. Look for whole-grain varieties. Whole-grains are complex carbohydrates and digest slowly, so you feel full for a long period. Eat your cereal with low-fat or nonfat milk to keep the total calories low.

Soups

Soup is an ideal late-night meal because it is easy to make and has a warming, soothing and filling affect. Many varieties are low in calories per serving and have added fiber. Eat water-based soups, such as vegetable and chicken soup, instead of creamy soups that are higher in calories. Check the sodium content per serving, if you opt for a tomato-based soup, because these tend to be rather high. If you crave a thick, creamy soup, drink two glasses of water beforehand, so you consume less soup.

Sandwiches

A healthy sandwich late at night can be a satisfying late-night snack. Instead of using white bread, use whole-wheat bread because complex carbohydrates fill you up, digest slowly and don't spike your blood sugar. Place a slice of low-fat cheese on the sandwich or opt for a lean meat, such as turkey. To make your sandwich even more filling, add vegetables, such as lettuce and cucumber to it. If you crave something sweet after eating your sandwich, eat fruit, such as strawberries or an apple. The natural sugars will satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Make a Holiday Yule Log

Traditionally served around Christmas time, this classic French Yule Log or Buche de Noel is a show-stopping centerpiece. Comprised of a deliciously light chocolate sponge cake that is moistened with Kahlua and filled with an intense tiramisu filling, the cake is thickly frosted in a rich dark chocolate ganache and topped with pistachio "moss," a rosemary sprig "forest" and a generous flourish of confectioners' sugar "snow." Despite looking rather complex and tricky, this recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward.

Step 1: Preparation

Begin by measuring out all the ingredients required.

Preheat the oven to 450 F / 230 C. Grease and line a 9-by-13 inch / 23-by-33 centimeter swiss roll baking sheet or rimmed baking tray with parchment paper, letting the parchment paper slightly overhand the short sides. Grease the top of the parchment lightly and dust the pan with cocoa powder. Tap out any excess.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or with a hand-held electric whisk, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until thick, fluffy and doubled in volume, about 4 to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Gently stream in the butter and carefully fold to just combine.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and gently smooth out the top. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the cake has pulled away from the sides of the pan and springs back when gently touched.

Step 6: Roll

While the cake bakes, evenly dust a clean kitchen tea towel with cocoa powder. Once the cake is baked, use the over-hanging parchment paper to help invert the cake out onto the tea towel. Remove the parchment paper and lightly sprinkle more cocoa powder on top of the cake.

Then working quickly, firmly and gently, use the tea towel to roll up the warm cake from the long side. Tightly seal, then leave the rolled cake to cool in its tea towel sling until cool.

Step 7: Make the Ganache

Put the chopped chocolate in a large bowl. Heat 3/4 cup of the heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it stand for a minute before beginning to stir, concentrating in the center, until smooth then stir in the corn syrup. Chill the ganache bowl for up to 30 minutes, stirring a couple of times until it is thick, smooth and spreadable in consistency.

Step 8: Make the Filling

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment, or with a hand-held electric beater, beat together the mascarpone, confectioners' sugar, 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder and 1 tablespoon Kahlua until thick and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then in a separate bowl, beat the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream on medium speed just until it holds stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to loosen and set the filling aside until needed.

Step 9: Fill the Roulade

Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it. Moisten the cake generously with the remaining Kahlua then evenly spread over the mascarpone filling. Gently and tightly re-roll the cake to form the roulade.

Step 10: Assemble the Yule Log

Cut a 2 to 3 inch / 5 to 7 centimeter piece diagonally off the of the roulade to use as the stump. Gently remove the roulade to a serving platter.

Step 11: Frost the Yule Log

Use the cooled ganache to attach the stump to the top or side of the roulade then use the rest of the ganache to generously frost the rest of the roulade, being generous with the amount that you use. Use a knife or offset spatula to give the ganache a rough "bark-style" look.

Finish by decorating the Yule Log with the crushed pistachios, rosemary sprigs and a generous dusting of confectioners' sugar.

Step 12: Serve

The Yule Log is best served on the day it is made but can be kept covered and refrigerated for up to two days. Let it sit out for 30 minutes to return to room temperature and soften the ganache before serving.

Pistachio Crusted Salmon Recipe

If you're looking for a healthy and impressive dinner option, give this salmon recipe a try. Coated in a crunchy pistachio crust, this baked salmon comes out delightfully moist and flavorful. You can serve it warm, or make it ahead of time and serve it cold in a salad or sandwich.

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Pulse 1/2 cup of the pistachios in a food processor until fine crumbs are formed. Transfer the pistachio crumbs to a large bowl; add in the flour, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine and set aside.

Add the remaining pistachio halves to the food processor and pulse into coarse crumbs, leaving them in larger pieces than the fine crumbs you pulsed before. Pour them into another medium-sized bowl and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the eggs and olive oil until well combined; set aside.

Coat each salmon fillet in the flour/pistachio mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg/oil mixture and allow any excess liquid to drip off and back into the bowl. Finally, generously roll it in the coarsely chopped pistachios, shaking off any excess nuts and letting them drop back into the bowl. Place the salmon fillets, a few inches apart, on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake for nine minutes and then turn each piece over and bake for an additional nine minutes, or until the outside is crisp and the center is cooked to your liking.

Serve pistachio-crusted salmon warm. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days.

How to Eat Carbs and Lose Weight

Carbohydrates provide essential nutrition and energy to the human body; weight loss is possible and practical while eating carbs as long as the carbs themselves are carefully chosen. Complex carbohydrates are much better for the body than simple carbohydrates because the sugars they contain are broken down over a longer period of time. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is a proven way to lose weight and stay healthy in the long run.

Cut the simple carbohydrates out of your diet. This includes such items like white bread, white rice, semolina pasta and sugary foods such as soft drinks. These items are digested in the body easily and contribute to weight gain instead of weight loss.

Add items to your diet that are high in complex carbohydrates such as legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables. Whole grains should be substituted for refined grains and include brown rice, whole wheat flour, steel cut outs, rye, millet and quinoa.

Eat approximately 50 percent of your daily calories in carbohydrates. For the average diet of 2,000 calories per day, you should receive 250 grams of carbohydrates from healthy sources. Review the USDA Food Guide when eating to determine how many grams of carbohydrates a food item has in it and eat accordingly.

Eat whole and non-processed carbohydrates whenever possible. Whole foods are items that are still mainly intact. For example, an apple is considered a whole food while applesauce is not.

How to Make Popovers in a Muffin Tin

Popovers are delicate, hollow rolls that are similar to Yorkshire pudding. They're a wonderful accompaniment to holiday meals! The best popovers have crisp, golden exteriors and delicate, soft interiors. While many recipes call for dedicated popover pans, there’s absolutely no reason to purchase special equipment, especially if you’ll be making them infrequently. For an easy kitchen hack, you can make perfect popovers in standard muffin tins. This recipe makes easy, classic popovers, and it also includes an option for cheese. Stirring a bit of shredded cheese into the batter just before baking creates popovers that are even more savory and delicious.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

These rolls are known as "popovers" because they rise somewhat dramatically above the pan, much more so than standard muffins. For this reason, you will need two standard 12-cup muffin pans (not minis) so that you can leave an empty space between each popover.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets

Place an oven rack on the lowest shelf and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Very thoroughly grease 10 of the muffin cups with butter (baking spray will also work), alternating spots to allow room for the popovers to "pop over." Pour 1 to 2 inches of water into the unused cups to protect the pan from warping.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the melted butter, milk, flour, salt, sugar and eggs to a blender. Turn the machine on low to combine the ingredients, and then slowly turn the speed up to high. Puree for approximately 20 to 30 seconds until the batter is smooth and frothy. There should be no lumps.

Step 4: Divide the Batter and Bake the Popovers

Measure approximately 1/4 cup batter into the greased muffin cups. For cheesy popovers, stir 1 tablespoon of cheese into each cup, mixing with the batter. Place both pans into the oven next to one another on the same shelf (they can be baked in two batches if both pans don't fit at once).

Bake for 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then lower the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Remove the muffin pans from the oven.

Carefully remove the popovers from the pan and serve immediately. Whether they’re plain or cheesy, popovers are a fantastic addition to any holiday meal.