Cook Smart

Chicken and vegetables on a plate

5 Ingredient Series: Sheet Pan Suppers

July 17, 2024
Sheet pan suppers are great because you can cook everything together on one foil-lined pan, making clean up a snap. You can use all kinds of ingredients and flavors to create something everyone will love. They are a good option for using up any leftover meat or produce you have on hand. Sheet pan suppers use the roasting method for cooking, which brings out the natural flavors of whatever you decide to put on the pan. 
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two people making food in kitchen. One is chopping vegetables and the other is stirring a pot.

5-Ingredient Meals Series

February 12, 2024
Welcome to our 5-ingredient meals series! When you are in a pinch for time, or just want something simple, planning a meal with only five ingredients can be a great option. Let’s start by learning how to use MyPlate to plan quick meals. Then, we’ll discuss making sure your meals are prepared safely.  
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Person stirring food in a pot on the stove.

Cooking Outside the Box: Embrace Creativity in the Kitchen

January 8, 2024
Do you have a few favorite recipes that seem to pop up on your family’s menu often? Starting with these recipes is the perfect way to embrace your creativity in the kitchen and try something new. Sometimes starting with a comfortable food makes it easier to add new flavors or food groups. Check out some of these tips for taking a familiar food and switching it up!
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Healthcare worker wearing scrubs packs a lunch in a home kitchen

Pack a Better Lunch

September 26, 2023
Packing a lunch is a great way to save money and eat nutritiously during the work or school day. With a little planning, you can make it a part of your daily routine. Start by asking yourself a few questions.
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Spoons full of red and green lentils, next to a bowl of yellow lentils

Ingredient Highlight: Lentils

August 30, 2023
Today’s blog will focus on one of the most nutritious plant-based protein and carbohydrate sources: lentils! One cup of cooked lentils is only 230 calories and provides 40 grams of carbohydrates, 18 grams of protein, and 16 grams of fiber.  Lentils may protect against certain types of cancers, heart disease and other health conditions.
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Tofu

All About Tofu

March 6, 2023
Tofu is an important food in many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. It is a great vegetarian protein source and is created by pressing soymilk into a solid block. Tofu has a very mild flavor that soaks up seasonings and spices very well. While you can eat tofu right from the package, most people choose to press the tofu of extra water, season with their favorite flavors and cook it to get the tofu a little crispy.
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pan of cooked turkey, gravy, and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes

Holiday Leftover Guide: Side Dishes

December 12, 2022
If you’re planning a holiday meal or potluck, chances are you will have at least a few side dishes at the table. Once everyone has had a chance to dig in, you might have some leftover potatoes, breads, stuffing, and maybe even a few veggies. Using your side dishes as ingredients in other recipes can keep your post-holiday meals exciting. POTATOES Holiday meals are often full of potato options. Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams are great on their own or remixed into a new dish. Here are just a few ideas to liven up your leftover potatoes:
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Picture of potato soup

Holiday Leftover Guide: Main Dishes

November 21, 2022
Repurposing your holiday leftovers is a great way to save you time and money during the busy holiday season. Plus, creating new dishes out of your favorite holiday foods reduces food waste and keeps you from eating the same thing day after day! Think Outside the Recipe Box Many holiday meals include whole birds or roasts, so you may have some meat left over. Luckily, meats are versatile in recipes. Turkey, ham, chicken, beef and pork roasts can all be used interchangeably in…
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Create your own soup with what's in the kitchen

February 6, 2019
What's for dinner tonight? Sometimes, that's not an easy question to answer.  Our latest blog series focuses on meals to make based on what's already in your kitchen at home. This week, the recipe is perfect for a cold winter night: soup! Weeknight Pantry Soup Ingredients:
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What's in the Pantry? Make a DIY Casserole!

January 22, 2019
When it's cold outside, nothing is better for dinner than a hearty, delicious casserole! Make your own at home by using our simple six category DIY (do it yourself) casserole recipe with what's already in your kitchen.
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