The Labor Day holiday is approaching. That could mean picnics, BBQs and pot-lucks. If you are watching your cholesterol, sodium or weight, what could you serve or contribute that will help you stay with your resolve to eat healthfully during the holiday weekend? One of the dishes my cooking class students as well as my friends like is Chicken Peanut Salad made with Trader Joe’s fresh Vegetable Stir Fry, (with Napa cabbage, broccoli and snow peas), Broccoli Slaw, Just Chicken, shrimp or baked tofu; Asian Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette,...
read moreI had a weight management client with a busy work and social life who didn’t have time to cook. One week she ate out 15 times! I told her about Trader Joe’s Just Chicken and her life was transformed! Just Chicken is just that: 16 ounces of cooked chicken breast, lightly salted. She bought salad greens, Just Chicken and some low-fat dressings as well as some ready-to-eat vegetables and began bringing her lunch to work as well as putting some convenient items together for some dinners. She was a happy camper! And she was able to...
read moreI knew it wouldn’t be long before Trader Joe’s brought in this super-healthy and delicious green. Maybe you’ve heard about how good it is for you and maybe you’ve seen it appear at your local Trader Joe’s vegetable section recently but aren’t sure what to do with it. I became acquainted with it when making “Autumn Vegetable Ragout with Soft Polenta” in Sunset magazine years ago. Yum! I’ve used in many different ways since then. Here are some suggestions. What to Do With Kale Take the...
read moreIt’s that time again when people get together and eat! How about serving or bringing a salad that everyone will love and it’s healthy? Plus, it’s convenient-all of the ingredients can be purchased at your local Trader Joe’s. This recipe is from my upcoming new cookbook on losing weight with Trader Joe’s. It is full of great, easy recipes, menu plans and much more. Stay tuned for more information and ordering instructions. Have a happy healthy 4th! Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Grapes and Raisins 2 (12 ounce)...
read morePlease see my interview in the Contra Costa Times. http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_17076718?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com
read moreMany of you may know that Weight Watchers has a new way of configuring points. I have redone the points for my recipes and will post them next to the old points as soon as I figure out how to put them on the Web site.
read moreThe price of the 4th edition (June 2010) is now on sale! The retail price is $15.95 and you can purchase it here for less. It makes a great gift for yourself as well as all you know who are Trader Joe’s fans.
read moreLife can be even busier than usual for some over the holidays and having great go-to meals that don’t require much time or thought can make the difference between going hungry and overeating when you do finally get to the fridge or picking up fast food and eating something healthy so that you continue to feel and look great through the day and evening. “Quick and Healthy Meals from Trader Joe’s” has over 90 recipes that are quick and easy. For example, Chicken and Salsa (page 18) takes all of 8 minutes to put...
read moreNeed a great tasting and healthy appetizer for the upcoming holidays? This is one of my guests’ favorites! And gluten-free! 1 tube TJ Organic Polenta 1 jar or container TJ Bruschetta 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese Olive oil spray Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice polenta into 8 slices and place on baking pan sprayed with olive oil spray. Bake for about 10 minutes; top with bruschetta and heat another 5 minutes. Top with cheese and serve warm or cold. Serves 8 Per serving: 58 calories, 3 g fat, 314 mg sodium, 6 g...
read moreThanksgiving is upon us! We’ve been redecorating and remodeling the kitchen/dining area and now it’s time to get it all completed and think about the guests and the feast! Trader Joe’s used to sell a wonderful cranberry mustard. Alas, as those of us who are Trader Joe’s fans know too well, some things that we absolutely love are discontinued for some reason. Here is a recipe from Ocean Spray that is similar to the cranberry mustard which Trader Joe’s used to carry:
1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons...
