Author: Lily

Bean salads are the perfect picnic salad. They stay fresh, keep well, and serve a crowd. My Mediterranean three bean salad recipe features kidney beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas tossed with fresh veggies and herbs in a zesty vinaigrette. Photo Credits: Suzy Karadsheh The Best Mediterranean Three Bean Salad This easy Mediterranean Three Bean Salad is one of my favorite healthy side dishes for potlucks, picnics, or even a weeknight dinner side or desk lunch. I skip the canned green beans often found in classic bean salad recipes and instead go for a vibrant protein-packed trio of kidney beans, cannellini…

Whatever your goal is—whether you want to improve your running or merely keep up with your present routine—you must pay attention to your diet. Running demands a lot of energy, but understanding what to eat can pose a difficult task, especially for beginner runners. Food is fuel for all runners. Your energy levels and performance can be significantly influenced by the types of food you eat. They may also help reduce your chances of developing gastrointestinal issues in the long run. Knowing the correct meals to consume and when to consume them is essential to performing and feeling your best,…

Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news: Huli Huli Tiki Lounge in Powell announced that they are opening a second location, this one in downtown Columbus in the former Jury Room space at 22 E. Mound St. An exact opening date hasn’t been set yet, but it looks to be opening sometime this spring. The MCL Restaurant and Bakery in Whitehall announced that they will be closing at the end of this month, on March 29, after nearly 70 years in business. (Thanks to reader Larry V who sent me a tip on it; MCL confirmed it in the…

These tiny homemade bread crumbs can make a big impact on your meal! They’re the perfect crisp finishing touch on casseroles, salads and more. Follow this recipe to make regular golden bread crumbs, or add the optional seasonings and your kitchen will smell like the best Italian restaurant. This simple recipe is far more flavorful than store-bought options, and keeps well for months. Use your bread of choice, whether it’s your favorite crusty sourdough or whole wheat sandwich bread. If you have leftover bread that’s turning stale, turn it into bread crumbs to save it for later (or croutons or…

As if better balance, improved heart health, and sounder sleep weren’t enough to get you into strength training, here’s one more reason that might do the trick: Weightlifting is good for your skin. That’s the finding of a study published in Scientific Reports, which found that both aerobic exercise and weight training altered gene expression and improved the underlying health of facial skin cells and tissue. Participants in the study saw their skin grow “more youthful at a cellular level” after they began exercising, one of the researchers said – and the biggest boost came from weightlifting. Researchers examined 56 middle-aged…

Whip up these vegetarian pasta recipes for cozy weeknight dinners or wallet-friendly meal prep! With endless ways to enjoy pasta, you’ll love exploring over 18 delicious and family-friendly vegetarian dishes. Are you new to vegetarian and vegan recipes? We are so happy you are here! We love to help people make delicious vegetarian dishes packed with nutrition and flavor, too. If you are looking for some like-minded friends, we even have a whole community just waiting to welcome you!  Whether you are a veteran vegetarian or new to plant-based diets, we have some easy and delicious vegetarian pasta recipes to…

Easy chicken burger recipe with the juiciest, most flavorful chicken patties seasoned Mediterranean-style! No outdoor grill necessary. Photo Credits: Katherine Irwin The Juiciest Chicken Burgers Ever! If you’ve been afraid to try chicken burgers for fear of dry patties, worry no more! I’ve got you covered with this juicy, flavor-filled chicken burger! You’re gonna love it! Like with salmon burgers, chicken burgers have a bad reputation for being bland and dry. Not here! I have a few tricks to ensure you get the juiciest, most delicious chicken patties. First, use breadcrumbs (you can use gluten-free if needed) to lock in…

I’m never without homemade herbes de Provence in our kitchen. Abundant in the south of France, this spice mix really speaks to my love of French cooking. I use it in just about anything I can! My mom’s French heritage was a big influence growing up, and because of her, I will always have a soft spot for French dishes like boeuf bourguignon and pâté. I’m no Julia Child (or even Martha Stewart for that matter!), but I do try to incorporate French recipes in our meal plan whenever possible. Many people think French cooking is fussy or difficult, but…

Crispy skillet gnocchi with ricotta in a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce is a satisfying one-pan, 30-minute dinner! Serve on its own or with some crusty bread to scoop up that delicious sauce. (nut-free with gluten-free and soy-free options. 17 grams protein and 9 grams fiber per serving) You all loved my spinach artichoke gnocchi, so I decided to make a skillet gnocchi recipe for you. I got some mini gnocchi, because they’re smaller and more fun to eat. Crisp them up with some garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then just scoop a bunch of my tofu ricotta on top along with…

I don’t always love blue cheese, but I love this blue cheese dressing. It’s a great introduction to blue cheese if you’ve been hesitant to try it, and a guaranteed winner if you love it. You can use mild cheese, as I prefer, or a more intense blue cheese for a bolder dressing. This blue cheese dressing recipe is creamy but not too heavy, nicely tangy, and tastes like the best restaurant versions, thanks to the fresh chives and garlic. It’s similar to my Easy Blue Cheese Dip, but ready to drizzle over greens. Salads are my specialty, and my…