Welcome back!

I have something very special for you today!   This is the very first “Cooking With Nicole” video.  Nicole Stevenson has studied nutrition and cooking for over 7 years, and brings to Take Back Your Health a great depth of knowledge on nutrition & cooking and the impact both have on our mind, body, and spirit.  I am so excited to have Nicole as a guest on the blog.  This video is only the first of many videos to come.  I hope you enjoy it!

You’ve heard of the infamous “spinach artichoke dip” or the tender marinated artichoke hearts that they have at salad bars, but have you ever wondered what an actual artichoke looks like in its pure and natural form?  Artichokes are one of the undiscovered gems of the culinary world not only for their taste, but nutritional properties as well!  They are an excellent source of folate as well as fiber, and yes, they count as a vegetable. 

This video walks you through the anatomy of an artichoke, as well as the proper cooking methods and healthy alternative dipping sauces! (recipes below) Enjoy this short (6 minute) informative video below and try something a little different for dinner this week!  Artichokes pair great with Israeli couscous and baked lemon chicken or a black bean quinoa salad!

Click here to see the video – Cooking With Nicole: How To Cook An Artichoke

Artichoke Dipping Sauces

Greek Yogurt Avocado

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 avocado
• Juice from 1 lime
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp garlic salt

Mash avocado with a fork.  Then mix with other ingredients using a hand mixer or put in a blender depending on the consistency that you want. 

Tomato Basil Hummus

• 1/2 cup garbanzo beans
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbs tomato paste
• 1 Tbs fresh basil
• 1 Tbs olive oil

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or blender until desired consistency.

Greek Yogurt Sriracha

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbs Sriracha
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic salt

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

My favorite dipping sauce is the Greek Yogurt Avocado!  Feel free to leave a comment and let me know which one you like!

Bon Appetit!

    Debbie