Wholesome Wave Georgia

Do you know anyone who uses Food Stamps/EBT/WIC? Have you ever tried to feed a family, or even yourself, using little more than what is given to you through SNAP benefits? If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, consider yourself lucky. If these words hit close to home, then you probably understand how difficult it is to eat at all, let alone healthily, on the budget given to those utilizing SNAP or WIC benefits. The Wholesome Wave Foundation seeks to help bring healthy food to all people despite their financial situations. 

Blueberry Basil Granita

I mentioned in an earlier post that creating desserts around fruit are a great way to cut calories as well as add much needed nutrients to an otherwise indulgent, nutrient-deprived course. This Blueberry Basil Granita does just that! Granita is essentially a grown-up version of shaved ice, except this time we're adding real fruit and herbs that are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. I got the idea of basil and blueberries at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market, where a super nice lady from Cafe Campesino was selling refreshing Blueberry Basil Limeade.

Jimmy Dean Sausage Balls

Being from Tennessee, if my family uses sausage at all it's typically Tennessee Pride or even the sausage my uncle smokes himself. With the recent death of Jimmy Dean, another one of the sausage kings (among other things), I decided it was time to pay tribute.

Summertime Pasta

When the weather is cold, there's nothing better than warming up with a hot plate of tomato sauce, cheese and pasta! But what is comforting in the wintertime can be downright oppressive during warmer months. That is why I like to switch my pasta sauce to a lemony flavor during Summer. This lemon, spinach proschiuto combination is perfect for days like today when it is 95+ degrees and I really just don't feel like standing over a hot stove for too long.

You CAN Have Dessert!

Dessert has long been the enemy of those looking to lose weight. It has been portrayed as the demon of healthy living. I'm here to to tell you, you shouldn't been afraid of dessert! While eating large pieces of chocolate cake with buttercream frosting every night might not be the best thing, there are a good choices you can make to not only enjoy a yummy dessert but also get in some extra nutrients (that IS why we eat isn't it?)