snack – Page 4 – Strong Roots Nutrition

appetizer, side, snack, spring, vegetable, vegetarian

April 29, 2014

Grilled artichokes with lemon-olive vinaigrette

Artichokes are such a beautiful vegetable. They're so mysterious with their sharp leaves and fuzzy insides, though, that many people shy away from them or opt for the simplicity of canned hearts. Working with whole artichokes is not as hard as it looks - it just takes a sharp knife, and the reward is great. One of my favorite cookbooks, Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys by David Tanis, contains this quote: The artichoke is ripe with metaphor and parable possibilities. Getting past the thorns to the sweet center, all of that. Not at[...]

condiment, snack, winter

March 4, 2014

Almond butter

What's not to love about nut butters? They're creamy, satisfying, and equally delicious on toast, apple slices, or a spoon. America's most classic nut butter is made from peanuts, but in recent years, peanuts have faded into the background while almonds have rapidly gained in popularity. Unfortunately, almond butter can get crazy expensive, so do your wallet a favor by buying almonds in bulk and making your very own almond butter for a fraction of the cost. It's insanely easy, delicious, and you'll have the satisfaction of making something yourself. Keep in mind[...]

appetizer, snack

December 2, 2013

Energy balls

Boxes are packed. The fridge is bare. Tomorrow, Mike and I will say goodbye to Denver and move to St. Louis (where I spent almost 20 years of my life before living in Colorado) so he can start working at a great new job he was recently promoted to. We are sad to leave this beautiful state, its endless adventures, and the people we've come to love, but we are excited for new opportunities. And we'll be back. How can we stay away when the mountains are calling? To get through moving out day (and moving IN day the next), we will need snacks. Lots of them. H[...]

appetizer, fall, snack

November 26, 2013

Rosemary and sea salt roasted almonds

This will be my first time hosting Thanksgiving. Know that when I say "hosting," I don't mean the entire extended family will be showing up at my doorstep at dinnertime expecting a great meal. Instead, I mean Mike, myself, and two of Mike's work friends will be there. I'm considering it a Thanksgiving practice run - a less-pressure Turkey Day that will prepare me for hosting a larger group in future years. And considering I've never actually roasted a turkey (because who roasts a whole turkey any other day of the year), I am grateful for that. Nevertheles[...]

appetizer, condiment, favorites, snack

October 14, 2013

The best basic hummus

Hummus is a wonderful on-the-go lunchtime staple. The incredibly smooth, creamy texture of store-bought hummus is amazing, and luckily for us, I know the secret to getting the same incredibly texture at home: skin the chickpeas. Before you go thinking I'm totally off my rocker, let me assure you that this doesn't take that much time and it really is key to making hummus better than your favorite store brand. That's right. Trust me here. Try it and you'll see. [Update: I've found that with a high-speed blender like a Vita[...]