Author Archives: Jenn Struik

Fighting the Culinary School Freshman 30…or 50

There it was, a 4-pound weight gain after only a week of culinary school. Was it the bananas foster with ice cream? Maybe the grilled ribeye with compound butter? It couldn’t be the delicious little arancini balls, could it? It was probably the fact that I ate full servings of ALL those things in aContinueContinue reading “Fighting the Culinary School Freshman 30…or 50”

Top 5 Grand Rapids Restaurants to include in your holiday gift card lineup

We are deep into holiday shopping season and the pressure to get the perfect gift is slowly weighing on all of our minds. I’m here to help you out with one thing and one thing only…food. Getting a gift card to a local restaurant is one of my favorite gifts. I especially love getting themContinueContinue reading “Top 5 Grand Rapids Restaurants to include in your holiday gift card lineup”

Fruitcake Cookies with Maple Eggnog Glaze

Happy December First! It’s holiday cookie time! This year fruitcake is getting a makeover and becoming trendy and more appealing than it’s classic loaf form. With a kick of Brandy-soaked dried fruit, this is anything but your grandma’s fruitcake recipe. These cookies are filled with sugar, spice, and everything nice. Bring them to your holiday parties andContinueContinue reading “Fruitcake Cookies with Maple Eggnog Glaze”

Buckwheat Pancakes for One

Sometimes you just need to sleep in and make yourself pancakes. I’ve been playing around with buckwheat flour for a few months now. I actually prefer it straight up, not mixed with AP flour. I like really hearty grain taste and the more fiber the better. This recipe could be adapted to use half buckwheatContinueContinue reading “Buckwheat Pancakes for One”

Summer Grain Salad

Hi, everyone! It’s been busy! Thanks for sticking around and subscribing…and telling all your friends to subscribe too, right?? I’ve been doing some freelance work for several different companies, but now it’s time to get back to my personal account. I’ve officially entered my last semester of graduate school and my first semester of culinaryContinueContinue reading “Summer Grain Salad”

Mediterranean Diet Month

The Mediterranean diet has been a favorite of health care professionals for a long time. Studies have shown that the diet has positive effects on heart health, anti-cancer properties and could potentially extend life. This is thought to be due to the high antioxidant, fiber, and healthy unsaturated fatty acid content. The Mediterranean diet encompassesContinueContinue reading “Mediterranean Diet Month”

Berry Tart For Two

This tart is too good not to share with someone. It’s also good for you. Isn’t that the ultimate gift after all? Sharing healthy delicious things with people you care about? Maybe that’s just the dietitian in me that wants all gifts to improve your health and well-being in some way. Dietitian or not though,ContinueContinue reading “Berry Tart For Two”

Meatless Monday: Mediterranean Cauliflower Nachos

Did you know that going Meatless once per week can help to reduce climate change, deforestation, and saves water? What’s not to love about that! My absolute favorite flavors come from the Mediterranean regions. I’m a sucker for a great olive oil on top of roasted vegetables. I also love the taste of feta or yogurtContinueContinue reading “Meatless Monday: Mediterranean Cauliflower Nachos”

Brace Yourselves…Michigan Produce is Coming

It’s officially Spring in Michigan which means Summer will soon be upon us. A Healthier Michigan has this lovely comprehensive guide to all Michigan produce and when it’s ready to harvest. Farmer’s Markets across the state will soon open in May. Time to get brainstorming on recipes. I’m personally excited to make a rhubarb andContinueContinue reading “Brace Yourselves…Michigan Produce is Coming”