better eating

Sam Kass was the chef for the Obamas during their time in the White House and he has played an important role in promoting healthier eating in this nation.  "Eat a Little Better: great flavor, good health, better world" is a brand-new book by Sam and this is a great book to have!  Not only does it have so many good recipes that sound amazing and good for you, but it also has so many tips and ideas for making better choices in regards to our health and environment as far as growing food, what to look for in produce and making choices with shopping, cooking and eating. 

Here's one recipe that is included, easy to make, healthy to eat and delicious!

 

Lucky Pasta

Serves 4 To 6

You may not have an election or debate coming up, but we all need a lucky charm, or at least a meal that comes together in minutes. Feel free to cook the chicken, boil the pasta, and even make the pesto the night before. If you do, under-cook the pasta slightly or reheat it in just a little water in a saute pan. Store the pesto in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to keep natural discoloration at a minimum.

 

    Lucky Pasta Ingredients

• 1 pound mini penne or any pasta shape you like
• Kosher salt
• ½ garlic clove
• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts or pecans, toasted
• ¹⁄₃ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to finish
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cooked chicken breasts (see below), cut into bite-sized pieces, warm or room temperature
• ½ pound baby spinach      

Recipe:

Active time: 20 Minutes

Start to finish: 20 Minutes

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salty water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the water.

2. While the pasta cooks, drop the garlic into a food processor with the motor running and process until the garlic is finely chopped. Add the basil, nuts, cheese, half the oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt and pulse to a coarse puree. With the motor running, add the remaining oil in a slow stream and keep processing until pretty smooth.

3. Toss the hot pasta with the pesto, chicken, spinach, and ⅓ cup of the reserved pasta water. Gradually add more of the pasta water if the dish seems dry. Season with salt to taste and top with more grated or shaved parmesan.

Simply Roasted Chicken Breasts

- 2 skin-on chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each.

- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.

- Kosher salt.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Put the chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and coat with the oil. Season generously all over with salt, about 1 teaspoon total. Roast them skin-side up until lightly browned and fully cooked bustill juicy, about 20 minutes. Let them rest on a cutting board for a few minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

 

I highly recommend this book to read through for ideas for making healthier choices and the recipes all sound great and look great in the pictures!

For more information about this book, go here!

To learn more about Sam, go here!

 

*Thanks to the Blogging for Books Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*