Tag: strawberry

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Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (Gluten-Free)

This summer, why not wow dinner and BBQ guests with a healthier than average dessert featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients? Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is a summer classic, perfect for any party.

I bet you can’t guess my favorite aspect of this sweet treat: it’s loaded with a nutrient-dense vegetable! Okay, so maybe you could have guessed I would like that part.

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Rhubarb is a surprising source of calcium–just one cup has 10% of your RDA–and beauty-boosting nutrients like lutein, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Who doesn’t need a little extra help with healthy skin in the summer? All that heat, humidity, and sunshine can do a number on our most exposed organ.

Ok, first, please drool over this picture then scroll down for the recipe…

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Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Ingredients

  • 1 Gluten-Free Pie Crust
  • 1 pint strawberries
  • 4-5 stalks rhubarb
  • 1/2 cup raw cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
  • Splash of sweet vinegar (white balsamic or fruit-flavored of choice)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

  1. Prepare one Gluten-Free Pie Crust (or cheat a little and get one pre-made).
  2. Pre-heat oven to 425 F.
  3. Wash and cut strawberries and rhubarb into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and mix with sugar, arrowroot (or cornstarch if you aren’t gluten-free), vinegar, and salt. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Press pie crust into your favorite nonstick tart or pie dish. Fill crust with fruit and vegetable mixture, spreading evenly.
  5. Bake at 425 F for 30 min then reduce to 350 F and bake another 20-25 minutes or until crust edges are golden brown.

Top with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. I went with Moorenko‘s creamy, delicious Vanilla Bean variety. YUM-E.

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A 3-Course Valentine’s Day Meal that’s Truly Good for the Heart

There is a lot of hype around Valentine’s Day. Guys, I’m going to throw you a bone here, you have it rough. Many of us ladies expect you to plan something romantic, original and surprising. That’s a lot of pressure! And, if you’re the kind that likes to go out and chip away at Washingtonian’s Top 100 list or the DC Eater Heatmap, chances are you’re looking at elusive reservations and pricey checks.

In lieu of all the production and planning, dare I suggest you…eat at home? A homemade meal enjoyed in the comfort of your own home might just be the most unique and thoughtful gastronomic gesture of all. Better yet, you’ll be healthier, richer and experience way more intimacy than if you were squished into banquette seating with hoards of other couples out on the town.

To help get those culinary creative juices flowing, here are three of my favorite heart-healthy and delicious recipes perfect for a party of two “prix fixe menu”.

 

Starter: Plum, Kale and Feta Salad

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Heart-healthy ingredient: Kale. Kale is rich in lutein, a compound recently linked to preventing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

 

Main: Apple Pecan Butter Salmon, Sriracha-Maple Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Rosemary Potatoes 

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Heart-healthy ingredient: Salmon. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and reduce inflammation in blood vessels.

 

Dessert: Gluten Free Strawberry Balsamic Tart

Gluten Free Strawberry Balsamic Tart

Heart-healthy ingredient: Strawberry. Strawberries contain heart-healthy essentials fiber, potassium and antioxidants, and are naturally fat, sodium and cholesterol-free.