It is amazing that one year has passed since the launch of the Power of 5 Test Kitchen! I have enjoyed writing my food blog and sincerely hope I have provided you with valuable information on healthy eating. Providing over 30 recipes this past year, I offered my readers healthy alternatives and recipe adaptations, #alteredtastes, #melissasmodifcations . . . for any eating preference.
As I review the recipes I posted over the past year, I have some fan favorites that I want to be sure you did not miss!
My 5 Favorite Recipes
The Natural Salad – A recipe that still a fan favorite 40 years later!
Roasted Beets – Flavorful, hearty and nutritious!
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce – A surprisingly hearty and satisfying meal!
Guilt-free Healthy Desserts – Everyone loves desserts! These are a few of my favorites good for a treat but in moderation!
Heart Healthy Soup – A staple in our house, an all-time favorite soup! It can be versatile using a variety of veggies that you can change up. Full of protein and you can add more if you wish!
My 5 Favorite Cooking Spices & Flavors
Cinnamon, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Tumeric & Curry – all have anti-inflammatory qualities.
- Tumeric – Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and thought to reduce amyloid deposits in the brain which are linked to Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cinnamon – Anti-inflammatory, diabetes prevention, helps with digestion
- Ginger – Anti-oxidant, improves circulation, decreases nausea, prevents bloating, lessens the pain of arthritis
- Cayenne Pepper – Anti-inflammatory due to capsaicin, may reduce platelet stickiness, a condition that can lead to abnormal blood clotting
“Everything But the Bagel“ – A combo of dried minced garlic, onion, sesame, sea salt, pepper and poppy seeds. It reminds me of a delicious bagel!
Braggs Liquid Aminos – A healthy replacement for salt and soy sauce.
Braggs Nutritional Yeast – An inactive dry yeast with B complex vitamins that has a cheesy flavor.
Fresh Garlic – Anti-inflammatory, arthritis relief. What would life be like without garlic?
My 5 Favorite Cooking Appliances & Gadgets
Induction Cooktop – I’m new to induction and I just love it. Click the link for more information!
Easy cleanup cookware – There are so many excellent brands of cookware. Since I recently transitioned to induction cooking, I shopped around for the best cookware within my price range and ended up purchasing a set of Analon Cookware.
Kitchen Aide Blender (or like) – Best with two bowl sizes and attachments.
Slow Cooker – They come in many shapes and sizes. I have two sizes; a 4 quart and an 8 quart. I have an InstaPot, but unless I am making a bean soup or recipes that require pressure cooking, I find it more convenient to use the slow cooker and large dutch oven for soups and stews, as my InstaPot does not have a controlled sauté mechanism.
Cuisinart 14c Food Processor – I use this for so many recipes.
Oh and don’t forget a set of sharp knives – a must!
It has been a wonderful and fun year in exploring and cooking in The Power of 5 Test Kitchen! Thank you for following my journey and I look forward to continuing to share my thoughts on healthy foods and recipes in the coming months! I’d love to hear thoughts and/or suggestions!
To Healthy Eating!
Melissa
P.S. Wondering about the delicious salad in the photo? Its a Mexican Chopped Salad with a delicious Green Goddess dressing. Check it out!
