Dani's Corner

Dani Spies is a Certified Health and Nutrition Counselor, Fitness Trainer and Mom who is passionate about finding simple ways to make real, whole, nutrtious foods a part of an everyday kitchen. More about Dani »

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Video: Eggplant '101'

Video: Eggplant '101'
Well it's time for another 'Ingredient 101' and you guys know what that means!

I'll be giving you the low down on all of the in's and out's you need to know when it comes to working with Eggplant!

Chard "101" - Video

Chard
Just a friendly reminder:

DARK LEAFY GREENS ARE THE NUMBER ONE FOOD MISSING FROM THE AMERICAN DIET.

So I just thought I would do my part and give you the ins and outs of one of my favorite greens...

Rutabaga "101" - Video

Rutabaga
Rutabagas are definitely a veggie that don't get a lot love in my kitchen.  They were just one of those veggies that I could walk past a hundred times and never pick up.  

So I decided it was time for a Rutabaga "101".

Summer Squash "101" - Video

Summer Squash
We're at the tail end of summer and Summer Squash is pretty abundant right now SO...

Salmon "101" - Video

Salmon
Ever notice how confusing nutritional science can get?!  I'm forever reading and studying what's going on in the world of nutrition and often times all of the contradictory information out there leaves me wanting to pull my hair out!!  It can get pretty bothersome...

Egg "101" - Video

Egg
Ahhhh... the incredible, edible, egg!  It's one of my favorites. 

Quick.  Easy.  Nutritious.  Versatile.  Convenient.  And let's be honest... pretty darn tasty too! 

In this video I cover some of the basics you might want to know about eggs and egg whites.

Oatmeal "101" - Video

Oatmeal
Eating oatmeal is one of the quickest, easiest, and tastiest ways to incorporate a whole grain into your kitchen!! 

The one question I get the most often in regards to oats is...

Butternut Squash "101" - Video

Butternut Squash
Of all the varieties of winter squash that exist, Butternut Squash is by far one of the easiest to work with.  It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy consistency that works well in sweet and savory dishes.

Spaghetti Squash "101" - Video

Spaghetti Squash
There are several different ways to prepare Spaghetti Squash but to be completely honest the absolute easiest and fastest way is to use the microwave (what can I say, sometimes a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do to get some good food on the table!).

Strawberry "101" - Video

Strawberry

August is in the house and so are some new videos!! 

This month I'm focusing on Strawberriesso don't just sit there... check it out:)!

 

Spring Time Leafy Greens "101" - Video

Spring Time Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens are some of the most nutrient dense foods out there. Whenever you see the term "power food" these babies are always at the top of the list.  They are so rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that they literally quench your body with nutrients. 

Asparagus "101" - Video

Asparagus

With so many spring veggies to choose from this month, I decided to stick with the basics... Asparagus!

I picked this veggie for kind of selfish reasons.  I figure since I'm the one who has to eat the "food focus" veggie in excess all month long (and that's not a complaint) I may as well pick a personal favorite:).  Not to mention, asparagus has been all over the famers markets lately, so I just couldn't resist!

Cabbage "101" - Video

Cabbage

It's a new month!  And you guys know what a new month means... a new "Food Focus"!

This months focus is on cabbage.  Too many people think that all you can do with cabbage is make some cole slaw, but this month I'm out to show you different (Although I would be lying if I said I didn't like slaw... I absolutely LOVE it)!

Quinoa "101" - Video

Quinoa

I've touched on quinoa before, but I really wanted to take it a step further... so here's my  "Quinoa 101" video. 

I'll be posting recipes using quinoa all month, so if you are looking for some more ways to sneak quinoa into your kitchen, be sure to stay tuned!!  

 

Kale "101" - Video

Kale

I decide that Kale would be the perfect "Food Focus" ingredient this month.  I figure why not kick off the New Year with the one ingredient that is missing in most American diets... Dark Leafy Greens!

In this video I go over some of the benefits of kale as well as how to select, store, and prep it.

Sweet Potato "101" - Video

Sweet Potato

Finally, finally... my second "101" video! 

I have began to realize that a huge obstacle that stands in the way of people cooking nutritious, d'lishes meals for themselves is that they simply don't know how to select, store, and prepare the ingredients!