How to Stock Your Pantry Like a Pro

Cooking a healthy meal shouldn't mean you have to run to the store for ingredients. Here are 21 items to always keep on hand.

Quinoa >> This high-protein grain is a great substitute for pasta or rice dishes, but what many people don’t realize is that it works just as well for hot breakfast cereal. Prepared like oatmeal, it’s delicious with a smidge of maple syrup, cinnamon, apples and walnuts.

Rolled oats >> Great for breakfast, but also added to baked goods or ground up into flour.

Organic chicken stock >> A base for many soups and sauces, of course, but you can also use it to cook grains and greens for added flavor.

Artichoke and ‘Shroom Bruschetta
Makes five servings (three pieces per serving)

1 small loaf multigrain bruschetta
4 cups chopped spinach
1½ cups diced portabella mushroom
1 cup artichoke hearts
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
Olive oil
Sea Salt

Five-Grain Chocolate Raisin Granola
Makes 15 servings (serving size is 1/4 of a cup)

3 cups Old Wessex Five Grain Cereal, uncooked. (Oatmeal is a fine substitution.)
1.5 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup apple sauce, unsweetened
5 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup  honey or maple syrup
1 tsp . baking soda
1/3 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Spiced Skinny Cocktail
Serves one

1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
1.5 oz. Club soda
6 oz. VitaCoco Coconut Water, Plain
1 Orange, sliced
Ice

In a pint class, muddle two slices of orange with the back of a spoon. Fill glass with ice. Add rum, soda and coconut water. Stir. Enjoy chilled on the rocks or strain into a martini glass.

Per serving: 120 Calories, 0g Fat, 0mg Cholesterol, 35mg Sodium, 16g Carbs, 0g Protein

For Full Post Click Here

Roasted Turkey Breast with Grilled Apples
Serves three

1 lb Turkey breast (about 4 cutlets)
3 Apples, sliced evenly (Gala, green or both)
¼ cup Dried cranberries
¼ cup Walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp Butter, unsalted
2 tsp Maple syrup
1 tsp Cinnamon
¼ tsp Nutmeg

I-Can’t-Belive-It’s-Not-Spaghetti Squash
Serves two

Half of a spaghetti squash
¼ cup    Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cups    Spinach, steamed
¼ cup    Podda cheese, cubed (or peccorino)

For the dressing:
¼ cup     Extra virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp. Dried rosemary, minced
½ tsp.      Garlic, minced (approx. 2 cloves)
¼ tsp .     Sea Salt

Spinach Salad with Figs and Goat Cheese
Serves two

3 cups baby spinach
6 figs, quartered
¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp.  walnuts, chopped
2 tbsp.  extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp.  balsamic vinegar

To prepare figs, cut off the bottom and top, then quarter lengthwise. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except nuts. Drizzle with oil and vinegar. Toss well and divide two plates. Top with chopped walnuts and enjoy!

Per serving: 400 Calories, 25g Fat, 6.5g Sat Fat, 13mg Cholesterol, 143mg Sodium, 40g Carbs, 7g Dietary Fiber, 9g Protein