Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

breakfast

Recipe of the Week: Vegetarian Gyros

Looking for dinner that’s an easy, meatless meal? Think Greek! These Vegetarian Gyros are made with strips of Portobello mushrooms and a homemade Tzatziki Sauce. Just top with fresh veggies and dinner is served!

Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 4 gyros

INGREDIENTS:

For the Gyros

  • 8 ounces portobello mushroom caps (2 large or 3 medium caps), don’t remove gills
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning*
  • 4 pita bread rounds
  • Toppings: sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • ½ cup grated English cucumber, squeezed to remove water
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a large baking sheet (or two smaller baking sheets) with parchment paper.
  2. Gently rub portobello caps with a paper towel to remove any dirt. It is not necessary to remove the gills (they will add more flavor). Slice each portobello into ¼-inch-thick strips (and no thicker than ?-inch-thick strips).
  3. In a bowl, gently toss portobello strips with oil and Greek seasoning. Spread out portobello strips and pieces in an even layer on the baking sheet(s) – it’s OK to place them somewhat close together as they will shrink during cooking. Bake the portobello strips for 12 minutes.
  4. While the portobello strips are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients; mix gently to combine.
  5. To serve, heat pita rounds directly on the rack in the hot oven for 1 minute. Divide the baked portobello strips among the pita rounds and top with tomato slices, red onions, cucumber, feta, and a drizzle of Tzatziki Sauce.

NOTE: Make your own Greek seasoning: combine 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried onion flakes (or onion powder), ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp dried dill, ¼ tsp marjoram, ¼ tsp dried thyme.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving Size: 1 gyro with 1/4 cup Tzatiki sauce

Calories: 377

Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 66 g, Protein: 15 g

Original recipe from the Real Food RDs can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Shakshuka Skillet Eggs

Breakfast for dinner? Serving brunch for a crowd? Try this flavorful North African baked egg dish! It’s loaded up with sautéed peppers, tomatoes and spices

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced or diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, rough chopped
  • 3/4 tsp salt, more to taste
  • cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp aleppo chili flakes (optional)
  • 3 medium tomatoes diced small with juices (or one 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil ribbons, chopped cilantro or Italian parsley
  • 4 –6 Extra large organic eggs

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 375F
  • In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced peppers and garlic, and turn heat down to med-low and cook for 5-7 more minutes, until peppers are tender.
  • Add all spices, sugar and salt.
  • Cook for 2 more minutes. Add fresh tomatoes and water.
  • Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, adding more water if it gets too dry or thick. You want a saucy, stew-like consistency. After tomatoes cook down, taste, it should be full-flavored, so adjust salt, spices, and sugar if necessary.
  • With the back of a spoon, make a well for each egg in the stew. Crack the eggs into each well, sprinkling each egg with a little salt and cracked pepper and Aleppo chili flakes.
  • Bake until egg whites are become opaque and are cooked (~8-10 minutes) and yolks are still soft.
  • Remove from oven and top with fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving Size: 1.5 eggs
Calories: 250
Fat: 14.9g
Carbohydrates: 17.7g
Protein: 12.2g

Original recipe from Feasting at Home can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Summer Roasted Tomato Tart

Looking for a way to enjoy late summer tomatoes? Check out this roasted tomato recipe below! Great to serve as a side dish or appetizer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:Tomato & Butternut Squash Quiche

  • 1 pre-made pie crust, thawed
  • 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4–5 medium firm tomatoes, cored and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh basil – optional

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Lightly spray a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press pie crust into the pan, and slightly up the sides.
  3. Spread the grated cheese evenly over the pie crust with the cheese, and then sprinkle with garlic powder, nutmeg, and thyme.
  4. Arrange tomato slices over cheese in an overlapping pattern. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the olive oil.
  5. Bake 45-50 minutes until crust is golden and tomatoes are soft but retain their shape.
  6. After removing from the oven, add fresh basil if desired.
  7. Let tart cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Nutrition:

Calories: 173 cal/ serving
Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 134mg
Original recipe from Craving Something Healthy can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: No Bake Energy Bites

These No Bake Energy Bites are a team favorite! They are so easy to whip up and made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Have 1 or 2 as a quick snack or a healthy dessert. Did we mention they are so delicious?!
Servings: 20 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Ready in: 20 minutes

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (opt for natural)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats (raw)
  • 2/3 cup toasted , sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup ground golden flaxseed meal (try Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 6 Tbsp mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
  3. Transfer mixture to refrigerator or freezer and chill until mixture has firmed up a bit, about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from refrigerator and shape into 1-inch balls.
  5. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

 

Original recipe can be found here! Check out the original recipe for ideas on substitutions or nutritional swaps.

Recipe of the Week: Veggie Soup with Lentils & Greens

Our Peak Team are big fans of eating with the seasons. This hearty and rustic soup comes together in about an hour and is loaded with vegetables. Let them simmer in a rich, flavorful broth filled with wilted greens & lentils. Bon Appetit!
Prep : 45 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr, 15 mins
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small sweet onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup butternut squash, chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3/4 cup French lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups 32-ounces no / low-salt vegetable stock or broth
  • 14 ounce can chopped canned tomatoes, low salt
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 lb baby Bok Choy, greens cut as a chiffonade, white parts added with carrots & other vegetables
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • sea salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Drizzle the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven with a heavy bottom. Heat on medium until hot. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is softened.
  2. Add the leek, celery, carrots, butternut squash, white portion of the Bok Choy and the lentils. Stir gently to coat all vegetables in the olive oil then add the vegetable stock and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid and gently simmer for about 15 minutes.
  3. Add the tomato paste, chopped greens, parsley and thyme. Heat until the greens are just tender.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley and black pepper. Serve with a hearty whole grain bread if desired.

Notes

  • The soup is easily adaptable by substituting rutabaga or turnips for the butternut squash.
  • Use seasonal greens such as Swiss Chard, Kale, Cabbage or Spinach in place of the Bok Choy if desired.
  • Be sure to cut vegetables about the same size so they will cook more evenly.

Original recipe from Saving Room for Dessert can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Broccoli Pesto Omelet

Ingredients

  • 3/4 ounce fresh basil leaves, plus two sprigs
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 cups broccoli, chopped
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups mixed greens, washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. Finely mince the basil, pine nuts and garlic. Add half of the Parmesan and mince to form a paste. Place in a medium bowl and add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, stir to mix.
  2. Set up a steamer and steam the chopped broccoli for 2 minutes, then let cool slightly before adding to the bowl with the basil mixture. Toss to coat.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites, eggs, and remaining Parmesan until well-mixed.
  4. Drizzle a 6-inch nonstick pan with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, swirl to coat, and place the pan over medium-high heat. Let heat for about 30 seconds before pouring in half the egg mixture about 1 cup. Let cook for about 1 minute before reducing the heat to medium-low. Let cook for 2 more minutes, until the eggs are cooked around the edges and there is just a bit of runny egg on top. Use your spatula to flip the omelet and cook for a few seconds more, then flip again.
  5. Place half of the broccoli mixture on one side of the omelet and use a spatula to carefully fold the omelet over the broccoli. Cover the pan and cook for 1 minute to warm the broccoli, transfer to a plate, and cover to keep warm until serving.
  6. Repeat to make the second omelet in the same manner. Serve hot, garnished with basil sprigs and 1 cup mixed greens, which have been tossed with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and the lemon juice, on the side.

 

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1 omelet

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 271

Total Fat: 17g; Sodium: 346mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 20g

 

Original recipe from My Fitness Pal can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Firecracker Vegan Lettuce Wraps

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 lettuce wraps

INGREDIENTS:

For the Firecracker Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste (like sambal oelek)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • a small knob of fresh ginger, peeled
  • a clove of fresh garlic, peeled

For the Lettuce Wraps:

  • 1 container extra firm tofu
  • 4 ounces brown rice noodles
  • lettuce leaves, for wrapping
  • peanuts, cilantro, lime for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Noodle Prep: Soak your noodles in a bowl of lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes while prepping the rest of the recipe. You want the noodles to be soft and flexible.
  2. Sauce: Blend all the sauce ingredients together in a small blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
  3. Tofu: Press the tofu with a few paper towels to get some of the moisture out. Cut the tofu into small pieces. Heat a little oil in a nonstick skillet. Add your tofu. Stir-fry until golden brown, usually let it sauté for at least 15 minutes. Add about half of the sauce to the pan. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes. As the sauce browns, it will form small crispy pieces around the tofu. Transfer tofu to a bowl.
  4. Noodles: Drain and rinse your noodles. Add another swish of oil to the pan and plop the noodles in. Add about half of the remaining sauce. Stir fry for just a minute or two until coated. Add a splash of water if it’s too sticky. Remove from heat immediately and toss with the tofu.
  5. Lettuce Wrap It Up: Fill your butter lettuce leaves with the noodle/tofu mixture . Top with peanuts, cashews, cilantro, scallions, lime, and/or Sriracha if you want.

Protein Options: It’s super easy to swap out your protein here. You can try ground chicken or turkey.

Soaking the Noodles: If you don’t soak the noodles long enough they will require more liquid in the pan to cook, which makes them boil into a big glob. Be sure to soak them until they are very soft.

NUTRITION:

Serves: 6
Calories Per Serving: 397
Fat 27g, Carbohydrate 27.4g, Protein 13.1g, Sugars 8.3g

 

Original recipe from Pinch of Yum can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Berry Chia Jam

Whose favorite recipes are super quick and easy to make?! Homemade jam is perfect for toast, yogurt, or in a PB & J! It’s thickened with chia and made with real ingredients you can feel good about serving to the family.

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: About 1 cup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (see suggestions below)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (only if needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Heat fruit in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is heated through and begins to break down and bubble.  Use a spoon or potato masher to mash the fruit to your desired consistency.
  2. Stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice until combined.  Then taste, and stir in 1 or 2 tablespoons sweetener if needed.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.  (The jam will thicken considerably as it cools.)
  4. Give the jam one final good stir.  Then serve immediately, or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

 

NOTES:

Fruits that work well in chia jam: 

  • Berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries), cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, pineapple, kiwi…basically any “juicy” fruits.

Optional add-ins: 

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • lemon zest (to make your jam a little more tangy)
  • a pinch of spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg, etc.)

Reminder: Different kinds of fruit will yield different textures & flavors so taste & adjust your jam as needed.

  • Some fruits may need more sweetener than others.  (i.e. Raspberries are much more tart than blueberries.)
  • Some fruits are juicier than others.  (i.e. Pineapple will make a much juicier/thinner jam than strawberries.)
  • Feel free to nix the lemon juice if your fruit is already tart.
  • You get the idea.  Taste…adjust as needed…enjoy.

 

This recipe from Gimme Some Oven can be found here!