Author: Jim Romanoff
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Little sweetener goes a long way in healthy diet
Moderation is a wonderful thing. Not only do health experts say it’s the key to making — and sticking with — healthy eating choices, it also goes a long way toward making the healthy foods we choose more pleasurable. Sweeteners are a good example of a place in the American diet where moderation can make…
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Rethinking the latke for St. Patrick’s Day
When the people of Dublin, Ireland elected their first Jewish mayor, Robert Briscoe, in 1956, baseball legend Yogi Berra allegedly exclaimed “Only in America!” This St. Patrick’s Day recipe for corned beef and potato pancakes with pickled cabbage crème fraîche was created in that same spirit. Potato latkes, traditionally served at Hanukkah, are the inspiration…
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Thighs: Get a leg up on healthy meals
Most health-conscious cooks focus on boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It makes sense. This ubiquitous piece of the bird is convenient, versatile and virtually fat-free. But there are other — and often overlooked — options on the same bird. More flavorful, and just as convenient, are boneless, skinless thighs; they really should be near the top…
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An easy, crispy shrimp just in time for Mardi Gras
Start thinking about New Orleans and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday is March 8), and it won’t be long before you’ve got shrimp on your mind. Preparation of these party-perfect, Crispy Shrimp in Spicy Cajun Sauce is somewhat similar to how you might make Buffalo wings. Raw shrimp are dredged in a seasoned mixture of self-rising…
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Adapt the basic bean burrito for Mardi Gras
One of the many appealing things about a burrito is that a surprising range of ingredients can be rolled up into a complete meal in a single package. But other, less-desirable surprises also can lurk inside burritos, especially extra fat and calories you may not have bargained for. These Creole-style burritos are inspired by the…
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An easy, crispy shrimp in honor of Mardi Gras
Start thinking about New Orleans and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday is Feb. 8), and it won’t be long before you’ve got shrimp on your mind. Preparation of these party-perfect, Crispy Shrimp in Spicy Cajun Sauce is somewhat similar to how you might make Buffalo wings. Raw shrimp are dredged in a seasoned mixture of self-rising…
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Flank steak: Marinate, stuff and roll it
These corn- and red pepper-stuffed flank steak pinwheels are so colorful they look more suited to July than February. And the flavor screams backyard barbecue even though you’ll never have to step outside to make them. Flank steak is a wonderfully flavorful cut with little waste on it — a 1 1/2-pound steak will easily…
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This healthy dip is fit for a Super Bowl party
A flavorful cheese dip that is rich, creamy and — at least somewhat — healthy? It’s not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of reduced-fat, creamy ingredients available, some good, some not so much. The key to success when using them is knowing which to use when and, just as importantly, what…
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Soup up your diet to lose a little weight
If losing weight is on your list of New Year’s resolutions (again.), add slurping soup to your to-do list. A bowl of soup is mostly liquid, making it a lower-calorie way to feel satisfied without actually being stuffed — or stuffing in lots of calories. This is why so many diets tell you to drink…
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Weeknight friendly, and dinner party impressive
It’s always good to have a few “utility” recipes in your pocket. That is, dishes that are easy enough to prepare for a weeknight family dinner, but dressy enough for company. This recipe for Pecan-crusted Chicken Breast with Bourbon Pan Sauce has a luxuriously rich flavor and looks impressive, yet takes just 35 minutes to…