Jazzed up Cottage Cheese

Do you find you’re always rushed for time, getting the kids off to school, doing paperwork, answering the phone, running errands, getting dinner ready, walking the dogs……with barely a minute for yourself let alone time to sit down and have a bite to eat?  Well you’re not alone. 

In today’s society we are so wired that even when we do have a few minutes alone, the computer is on, our cell phone is ringing, we’re getting text messages on our iPad or iPhone – that many of us find ourselves grabbing whatever we can to eat.  Oftentimes that means something unhealthy.  I’m a victim of this as well, unless I think ahead to prepare quick healthy foods on those days I’ve got a hectic schedule.

My favorite quick healthy fix is Cottage Cheese.  I love the stuff and although it may sound boring to you, a 1-cup serving provides your body with 28 grams of casein protein.  These proteins are slow to digest, which means a person can feel fuller for a longer time sustaining you throughout the day. It’s also perfect if you’re trying to lose weight – keeping you full longer means less or no snacking.

Cottage cheese is also high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Found primarily in freshwater fish, they’re known for their positive effects on brain function, while also reducing the risk of heart disease.  In addition, cottage cheese is packed with calcium, which helps build and keep our bones strong. It also contains selenium, phosphorus and iron, Vitamin A, B-12 with trace amounts of foliate, B-6, thiamine and niacin – that’s a mouthful!  Since cottage cheese is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than hard cheeses like cheddar, and creamier cheeses like brie, it’s a healthier choice for your heart and waistline

To read more about this post, and other exciting recipes, and tips, continue………….

JAZZED UP COTTAGE CHEESE

yield: 4-6 SERVINGS

prep time: 20 MINUTES

total time: 20 MINUTES

For a quick pick-me-up try my Jazzed up Cottage Cheese – your body will love you for it!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (24 oz.) container of Cottage Cheese (whatever fat content you desire)
• 1 red pepper, chopped brunoise style
• 1 yellow pepper, brunoise style
• 1 stick of celery, sliced 1/4 inch
• 1 carrot stick, brunoise style
• 2-3 scallions, sliced 1/4 inch
• fresh ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients, blend and serve chilled.

Enjoy this cottage cheese for a snack, a meal, alone, or with some fresh fruit.  It will leave your body feeling happy inside and out!

Vicki Bensinger has been teaching culinary classes throughout Missouri since 1992. However, she saw the need for more specialized classes and in 2004 established “At Home with Vicki Bensinger“, offering personalized private culinary classes for individuals and small groups (ages 7 to adult) in the comfort of their home or organization.

Having an In-Home Culinary Class is the perfect way to get together with friends while you learn to cook, hone your culinary skills or just have a fun time with friends and food.

If you’d like to learn more about her classes please email Vicki at: linking text or [email protected]

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Member:
“IACP”
“Women Chefs & Restaurateurs”

Please check out Vicki’s blog where she shares recipes, tips, videos, giveaways and everything food related. The recipes Vicki has posted on her blog are recipes she hopes everyone will be able to prepare.

Happy Cooking!