Easy Summer Zucchini Soup | + Video |

Easy Summer Zucchini Soup | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This easy summer zucchini soup could be my favorite soup EVER!  It’s light, silky, bright, and refreshing.  Not to mention, the soup comes together so quickly, you can have dinner ready and on the table in 30 minutes.  Serve with a warm, crusty baguette on the side and enjoy 😊

Serves: 4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tsp. coconut oil

½ onion, roughly chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 zucchini, roughly chopped

3 cups vegetable broth (I used 1 tsp. bouillon and 3 cups water)

Juice of ½ lemon

How (your directions):

In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. 

Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes.  add garlic and zucchini and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Add vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer.  Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.  Add juice of ½ a lemon and serve immediately!

Why (the science):  Zucchini is rich in vitamin B6, which plays an important role in metabolism and cognitive development!  Who knew? 😉

 

Low Sugar Strawberry Smoothie | + Video |

Low Sugar Strawberry Smoothie | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

When you have organic strawberries, you can blend them directly into this Low Sugar Strawberry Smoothie without removing the green stems- talk about a time-saver!  This chia seeds thicken the longer they sit in the smoothie, ensuring a thick and luscious drink.  No watered down or icy consistency here 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0

What (your ingredients):

1 cup organic strawberries

½ cup frozen banana

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

How (your directions):

In a highspeed blender, blend strawberries, banana, and almond milk.

Pour into a cup, then stir in chia seeds.

Enjoy immediately, take on the go, or save for later!

Why (the science):  Chia seeds are fiber powerhouses, which means they slow the rate of digestion.  No sugar highs and crashes, just a slow release of refreshing energy!  This Low Sugar Strawberry Smoothie is also made with unsweetened almond milk instead of juice, which helps cut down on a lot of sugar, too.

Grilled Plum Salad with Walnuts and Aged Balsamic | + Video |

Grilled Plum Salad with Walnuts and Aged Balsamic | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Serves: 2

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

What (your ingredients):

3 plums

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cups arugula

3 tablespoons raw walnut pieces

2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze

How (your directions):

Heat grill pan over medium heat.

Slice each plum in half and remove the stone (pit).  Using a pastry brush or baster, brush olive oil onto cut side of plum and place onto grill.

Repeat process with remaining plum halves.

Grill plums for 10 minutes.  If desired, flip plums and grill on second, rounded side for an additional 5 minutes.  This will yield a sweeter and softer grilled plum.

Plate arugula, then top with 3 grilled plum halves.  Sprinkle with walnuts and a drizzle of aged balsamic.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Plums are a good source of soluble fiber, meaning that prunes slow the rate of digestion.  The result?  Feeling fuller, longer!

 

Virgin Plum Mojito

Virgin Plum Mojito

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Refreshing, bright, and sweet, this plum mojito is best enjoyed on a hot summer day to cool off!  Easy on the stomach and good for digestion, this virgin drink would also make a great appetizer before any dinner 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

½ plum

6-8 sprigs of mint

Juice of ½ lime

½ teaspoon agave

2 cups sparkling water

Ice

How (your directions):

Slice ½ of a plum into 2 pieces and place in tall glass.  Add mint, lime juice, and agave. 

Using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon or spatula, muddle the plum and mint until the plum’s juices are released and mint is slight broken apart (~30 seconds).

Add 3-4 cubes of ice and top with sparking water.

Enjoy your refreshing drink immediately!

Why (the science):  Fresh mint is great for digestion, as it fights inflammation in the stomach.  Don’t be afraid to chew on the mint leaves once you’ve sipped all of your mojito!

 

 

Marinated Summer Green Bean Salad

Marinated Summer Green Bean Salad

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 4 hours of marinating

What (your ingredients):

1 lb. fresh summer green beans

1 lb. cherry tomatoes

1 tablespoon excellent extra virgin olive oil

½ tablespoon champagne white vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or a spicy brown mustard works well too)

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

How (your directions):

In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt.  Place fresh green beans into boiling water and set a timer for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water and set aside.  Once beans are cooked, immediately transfer to the ice bath (blanching stops the cooking process and prevents the bright green color from fading or changing to a greyish-olive color).

While the beans sit in the ice bath, prepare the marinade.

In a large serving bowl, combine olive oil, champagne white vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.  Whisk until combined.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place in marinade.

Using tongs, transfer the green beans to the bowl with the tomatoes and toss until well combined and the marinade has coated each vegetable.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Serve cold or room temperature as a side to your favorite summer entrée!

Why (the science):  Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin K, one of the fat-soluble vitamins, and is important for proper blood clotting.  Each cup of green beans provides more than 20% of your daily vitamin K needs!

Red Velvet Overnight Oats | + Video |

Red Velvet Overnight Oats | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

You can indulge in dessert for breakfast with these overnight oats, which just happen to be vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, added sugar-free! The secret to that beautiful vibrant color is not food coloring, but rather a simple red beet.  Red Velvet Overnight Oats are meant to be the easiest grab-an-go breakfast for busy people, but they could easily be enjoyed between 2 people at the end of a long day for dessert 😉

Serves: 1

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 4 hours or overnight

What (your ingredients):

1 medium beet, raw

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 heaping tablespoon cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)

1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut

2 dates, pits removed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup oats

1 tablespoon chia seeds

How (your directions):

Wash and peel the raw beet, then roughly cut into cubes.

To a high-speed blender, add the beet, almond milk, cacao powder, coconut, dates, and vanilla.

Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until smooth.

In a glass container, combine oats and chia seeds.  Pour the red velvet beet mixture over the oats and chia seeds and stir until well combined.

Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours to allow the oats to soften and the mixture to firm up into a pudding-like consistency.

Top with walnut pieces, more shredded coconut, or even cacao nibs for added crunch,

Enjoy your dessert for breakfast!

Why (the science):  Beets are high in nitric oxide, which helps optimize performance for athletes!  This recipe gets you one step closer to improving your exercise game with the assist from beets 😊

 

Easy Tofu Chicken Salad (Vegan)

Easy Tofu Chicken Salad (Vegan)

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

I’ve cracked the code on the world’s easiest and most delicious vegan chicken salad with my tofu version!  Too simple not to try 😉 Perfect on toasted seeded bread or spooned into lettuce cups!

Serves: 3-4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 14.oz package extra firm tofu

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos to make vegan)

½ vegetable bouillon cube

Dash of dried thyme

Dash of dried marjoram

¼ cup water

3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise

3-4 small celery sticks with leaves, finely diced

¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 400 °F.  Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.  Hint: the silicone mat or parchment paper is crucial for preventing the tofu from sticking to the baking sheet, as this recipe is oil-free.

Remove tofu from packaging and drain water.

Place tofu on plate lined with paper towels, then cover with paper towels and place a large pan on top of the tofu to squeeze out the water.  Allow tofu to be pressed for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, assemble the sauce by combining the soy sauce or aminos, bouillon, thyme, marjoram, and water in a small bowl.  Hint: heat in microwave of over stove as necessary to allow for bouillon dissolve into the mixture.

Remove pan and paper towels from tofu and slice tofu into 8 slices.  Press with additional paper towels briefly by blotting off excess water.

Dunk each tofu slice into the sauce, turning so that the sauce coats each side, then place on baking sheet.  Repeat with all tofu slices.

Pour remaining sauce evenly over each tofu slice and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove tofu from oven and allow to cool.

In a medium-size bowl, combine mayonnaise and celery. 

When the tofu has cooled, chop into small pieces and mix evenly with the celery and mayo, then season with pepper.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Enjoy on whole grain bread or spoon into lettuce wraps!

Why (the science):  Tofu is a lean vegetarian source of protein with no saturated fat, yet one serving provides 20% of our calcium for the day!

Chocolate Banana Bread Granola (Oil-Free, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Chocolate Banana Bread Granola (Oil-Free, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Decadent and indulgent- the two words that come to mind when eating this delightful chocolate banana bread granola.  Crunchy banana granola clusters, chewy raisins, and sweet mulberries are balanced with the bitter sweetness of cacao nibs.  Served with warm oat milk, the flavors combine to taste like a guilty chocolate chip banana bread 😊

Serves: 10

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 very ripe bananas

2 teaspoons cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups rolled oats

2 cups quinoa flakes (If you cannot find quinoa flakes at your health foods store, sub with 2 cups of rolled oats)

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

¼ cup cacao nibs

¼ cup mulberries

1/3 cup raisins

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 400 °F.  Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.  Hint: the silicone mat or parchment paper is crucial for preventing the granola from sticking to the baking sheet, as this recipe is oil-free.

In a blender, add bananas, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), vanilla extract, and salt.  Blend until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine oats and quinoa flakes.  Pour banana spice mixture over oats and quinoa flakes and stir until well combined.

Pour mixture onto baking sheet and press firmly into an even layer.  This will allow the granola to form those desirable clusters!

Bake for 10 minutes, then stir and flip granola gently, allowing clusters to remain intact.

Bake for an additional 10 minutes, and stir.  Repeat once more until the granola has baked a total of 30 minutes and is golden brown.

While the granola is warm, stir in remain ingredients (pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs, mulberries, and raisins).

Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Enjoy with warmed oat milk for a cozy and energizing breakfast!

Why (the science):  Cacao nibs are rich in magnesium, which can help improve mood, focus, and energy- the perfect reason to enjoy this sugarless chocolate chip as part of your morning breakfast ritual!

Crisp Spring Hydration Salad

Crisp Spring Hydration Salad

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This salad could not be more refreshing or hydrating- the crunchy cucumbers and apple pieces become coated in the sweet juice of the orange wedges, meaning no extra vinaigrette is needed 😊  Plus, you can make this salad a day in advance and take it with you to work or school, as the orange juice prevents the apples from browning.  This picture was taken of my salad made 24 hours prior, as proof that the salad will look freshly made a day later!

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0

What (your ingredients):

½ apple

2 Persian cucumbers

1 orange

½ cup microgreens (I used sunflower microgreens!)

How (your directions):

Roughly chop ½ an apple and place in a bowl.  Slice the cucumbers into half-moons and toss with the apples.

Slice the whole orange into wedges, removing the peel and allowing any orange juice to coat the apple and cucumber pieces.

Plate with microgreens and enjoy!

Why (the science):  If you are one to get bored of drinking plain water, this salad is a great option to stay hydrated and cool off on a warm day!

Warm Pear Compote

Warm Pear Compote

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This warm compote has all the comforting flavors of sweet spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.  Not to mention that your kitchen will smell wonderful as this compote simmers.  The chia seeds act to thicken the compote, so you can spoon it over fresh and steaming whole wheat waffles.  Added bonus, there is no added sugar!  The sweeter your pears, the sweeter your compote.  This leaves room for a drizzle of agave, if you love a sweet drizzle like I do 😊

Serves: 4

Prep time: 2-5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

3-4 ripe pears, diced

1/3 cup water

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Dash of nutmeg

Dash of ground cloves

1 tablespoon chia seeds

How (your directions):

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring diced pears and water to a simmer.  Add spices and continue to simmer over medium-low for 10 minutes.

Stir in chia seeds and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.

Allow compote to cool slightly for about 3 minutes, which allows the compote to continue to thicken.

Serve hot over whole wheat waffles!

Leftover compote is delicious stirred into yogurt or spooned over warm oatmeal 😊

Why (the science):  Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the heart healthy fats, as well as fiber.  1 tablespoon of chia seeds contains almost 6 grams of fiber, providing 20% of your fiber for the day!

Spring Rolls with a Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Spring Rolls with a Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Spring rolls are the perfect grab-and-go lunch for a busy work or school day.  You can assemble them the night before, place them in an airtight container with a separate container for the dipping sauce, and take them with you the next day- no heating required!  While spring rolls can be $7-9 from a grocery store counter, you can make these for nickels and pennies 😊

Serving Size: 6 Spring Rolls (Serves 2-3)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 3 minutes

What (your ingredients):

45 grams Instant Vermicelli Rice noodles

6 sheets Rice Paper

1 cup of our favorite sliced veggies! Carrots, Radish, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Cabbage, etc.

1 Avocado, thinly sliced

Mint or Basil leaves

2 tablespoons peanut butter (I use Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter for added sweetness.  Hint: Add one teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to dipping sauce if using a plain peanut butter)

1 teaspoon sriracha

1 teaspoon soy sauce

How (your directions):

Spring Rolls:

Soak rice noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, then rinse with cold water.  Drain and set aside on paper towel.

Fill a large bowl with warm water.

When ready to assemble, soak one rice paper sheet in warm water for 20 seconds until pliable then lay flat on work surface.

Fill with favorite sliced veggies, a few rice noodles, 2-3 thin slices of avocado, and 2-3 mint or basil leaves.

Roll spring roll like a burrito, then repeat with remaining 5 rice sheets.

Dipping Sauce:

Combine 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 teaspoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 2-3 tablespoons of water. 

Whisk until smooth.  Thin with extra water if desired.

Why (the science):  Spring rolls with the spicy peanut dipping sauce create a balanced meal of fiber-rich and water-rich vegetables, carbohydrates from the rice noodles and rice paper, and healthy fats from avocado and peanut butter.  Not to mention, they are incredibly refreshing on a warm Spring day!

Eggplant and Mushroom Bolognese

Eggplant and Mushroom Bolognese

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This bolognese recipe is my new favorite pasta creation, because it really has the flavor and texture of a classic Italian meat sauce.  Mushrooms and eggplant are often used to replace meat, so when they are diced finely and sautéed with Italian seasoning, the result is a phenomenal sauce that you’ll love more than the meat version!  Don’t leave out the tomato paste, as it creates a richness in flavor that can’t be missed!

Serving Size: 4 portions

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ large yellow onion, finely diced

Dash of salt

1 eggplant

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 8.oz package baby bella mushrooms

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Cracked black pepper to taste

1 jar favorite tomato sauce

4 oz. spaghetti

How (your directions):

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously (pasta water should taste like the saltiness of the ocean).

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large fry pan over medium heat and sauté onions with a pinch of salt until slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cut eggplant into a small dice and add to onions.  Push onions and eggplant to one side of the fry pan.  Add the tomato paste directly to the heat and allow to cook for one minute.  Then, stir all ingredients together and continue to sauté.

Add spaghetti to boiling, salted water and cook to al dente or 1 minute shorter than package instructions (about 7 minutes).

Finely dice the mushrooms and add to vegetable mixture.  Add Italian seasoning, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

When mushrooms have browned, add jar of your favorite tomato sauce and reduce heat to low.

Add 1 ladle of pasta water to sauce before draining water (the starch of pasta water thickens the sauce).

Serve the eggplant and mushroom Bolognese over spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil and a few basil leaves.

Bon appétit!

Why (the science):  Did you know that eggplant can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol!?

Mexican Veggie Hash

Mexican Veggie Hash

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

One of my favorite brunch items to order is a potato hash with eggs, so when I decided to make hash at home, I was surprised at how easy it is to create!  What makes a hash extra awesome is that you can use any combination of veggies you have in your kitchen 😊  I like to serve mine with a squeeze of lime, half of an avocado with sea salt, and a perfectly fried egg.  Hash makes great leftovers for work or school the next day- just serve over rice, or fill a few tacos with the hash and a sprinkle of cheese.

What (your ingredients):

4-5 Yukon gold potatoes

1 large sweet potato

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 red onion

1 green bell pepper

1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 teaspoon cumin

Pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper

Toppings: avocado or guacamole, salsa, lime, fried egg, cilantro, cheese, etc.

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 400° F.  Grease 2 large baking sheets with oil or line with a silicone mat.  Set aside.

Using the dicing blade on a food processor, or using a sharp knife, dice the potatoes into a small dice, keeping the dice size consistent for even roasting.

Toss potatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil and evenly distribute between the 2 baking sheets.

Roast for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large fry pan, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat.  Add diced red onion and sauté for 5 minutes.  add bell pepper and sauté an additional 5 minutes.

When potatoes have finished roasting, add potatoes to the fry pan.  Add black beans, cumin and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Press mixture firmly so that a golden crust can form on the hash (like making a crunchy paella).

Serve hot with your favorite toppings- I highly recommend avocado and a fried egg so that the yolk can act as a sauce!

Why (the science):  Potatoes and beans create a complete protein, meaning that this dish can be vegan (skip the egg) and you still get all 13 of the essential amino acids your body needs!

Zucchini and Corn Fritters | + Video |

Zucchini and Corn Fritters | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Comforting corn fritters get a vegan makeover, ensuring a nutrient-dense patty filled with zucchini and spring peas.  Searing the fritters in a little oil creates a golden crust, then finishing in the oven ensures a soft interior.  Bright green in color and a little spicy, these fritters will become your favorite new Springtime comfort food 😊  Makes 8 fritters (and great leftovers, too).

What (your ingredients):

1 zucchini, roughly chopped into 6 pieces

1 yellow onion, quartered

1 clove garlic

1 cup peas

½ teaspoon chipotle powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup corn kernels

Spelt flour (5-8 tablespoons, depending on mixture)

Coconut or vegetable oil

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350° F.  Grease a large baking sheet with oil.  Set aside.

In a food processor, add zucchini, yellow onion, garlic clove, peas, chipotle powder, and salt.  Pulse until mostly combined, but not completely pureed.

Add corn kernels and pulse 2-3 times to incorporate.

Transfer mixture to a large bowl and add spelt flour, one tablespoon at a time, until mixture is slightly thickened and can form patties.

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat.  Form 3-4 patties and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat process with rest of mixture, adding oil to skillet or fry pan as needed (between each round of searing patties).

Transfer seared patties to greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. 

If mixture is slightly wet on the interior, bake an additional 10-15 minutes.

Serve hot over rice and greens, then top with a drizzle of your favorite dressing and a dollop of hummus!  I used a creamy cilantro dressing, which complimented the spiciness of the fritters.

Why (the science):  Peas are rich in protein and create a gorgeous bright green fritter, which is important since we eat with our eyes 😊  Onion and garlic are not only flavorful, but are anticarcinogenic too!  And while spelt flour does contain gluten, it is much more easily digestible than its wheat counterparts, meaning less GI distress if you’re gluten insensitive.  Another fritter, please…

Detox Salad

Detox Salad

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

While I have never understood the nutrition claim “detox,” there is one delicious salad that I love to purchase, and that’s the Whole Foods Detox Salad.  When I bought a pound container of it, I gasped when I saw the cost…$8!!! So, I decided to make it myself.  This batch makes 8-10 servings for a fraction of the cost, and stores wonderfully in the fridge for 5 days.  Just be sure to not dress it with your favorite vinaigrette until the day of serving 😊  Crunchy, slightly sweet, and eaten with a spoon, this “detox” salad (whatever that means) will become your new favorite refreshing salad!

What (your ingredients):

1 green cabbage, cut into quarters

5-6 large carrots

1 apple

1 large bunch of kale, ribs removed, or 1 large bag of kale salad

2/3 cup dried cranberries

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

How (your directions):

Using a food processor with the grater plate attached, shred the cabbage, carrots, and apple. 

Empty shredded mix from the food processor into a large bowl.

Remove the grater plate attachment from the food processor and attach the large blade.  Add the kale directly into the food processor bowl.  Shred the kale and add to the large bowl of shredded mix.

Top with dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.

This salad will keep for 5 days in the fridge if it remains undressed.  Dress with your favorite vinaigrette when ready to eat!

Why (the science):  Cabbage and kale are incredible prebiotics, which means that they feed and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in our gut.  A healthy gut affects our mood, appetite, weight, and stress levels!

 

Lemon Orzo with Artichoke Hearts and Asparagus

Lemon Orzo with Artichoke Hearts and Asparagus

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Bright and fresh, this pasta salad can be enjoyed hot, cold, or room temperature!  This recipe makes enough to serve 8, but I love to packservings in mason jars to take with me to work throughout the week.  Dinner plus meal prep for the week?  Check and check 😊

Why (the science):  Herbs are often used only as a garnish, but they have so much nutritional power!  Parsley plays the lead with artichoke hearts and asparagus to provide an abundance of vitamin C and folic acid, which play critical roles in our immune system and heart health.

 

Creamy Caulfilower Dill Soup

Creamy Caulfilower Dill Soup

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

6 ingredients (olive oil, salt, and pepper don’t count!) is all it takes to make this silky, spring-inspired soup JOh, and there’s no cream!  Simmered and blended cauliflower creates that velvety consistency.  Ready in under 45 minutes from prep to serving, this light soup pairs perfectly with a grilled sandwich or breadsticks on the side.  Perfect for the cooler transition weather from winter to spring, it’s warming and comforting.  Serves 8 (makes great leftovers)

Why (the science):  Rule of thumb: stinky vegetables (think onions and garlic) and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower) are known for their anticarcinogenic effect.  This is one powerful soup!

 

Lemon Amaretto Cookies

Lemon Amaretto Cookies

Chelsea Gloeckner

If you love the Italian amaretto cookies, you’ll adore my new spin on the classic.  Amaretto is brightened with lemon zest and juice, and given a depth of sweetness from dried apricots and dates.  Made with oats, these cookies make a great breakfast, too!  Cookies for breakfast?  I won’t tell ;)

Why (the science):  Cookies that are incredibly sweet without any additional sugar?  Fiber from oats?  On the go energy?  That’s an incredible cookie!

 

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

I grew up eating my Mom’s homemade mac and cheese, which had all the flavors and fat that comfort food typically has and is one of my favorite recipes (hello butter and cheddar!).  On a whim, I decided to make vegan mac and cheese inspired by fellow healthy food bloggers, and it knocked my socks off!  I tweaked a few recipes to make this stellar version-all the flavor of traditional mac and cheese, but without the saturated fat and dairy.  The “cheese” is gooey, creamy, and honestly tastes like cheddar cheese.  Skeptical?  Try it and taste for yourself

Why (the science):  Nutritional yeast is the key component to making vegan food brilliantly taste cheesy and is packed with vitamin B12, a vitamin found mostly in animal food.  B12 is required for metabolism and DNA synthesis, so nutritional yeast is a powerful food that all vegans should have in their back pocket 

Matcha and Cacao Truffles

Matcha and Cacao Truffles

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Yes, truffles can be nutritious!  Made with nuts, seeds, fruit, and citrus zest, these truffles are gilded with superfood powders to give you long-lasting energy…truffles for breakfast anyone?

Why (the science):  Matcha powder provides an “alert calm” to get you through an afternoon slump, while cacao powder is a great source of fiber and iron.  Who knew?!

 

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