Thursday, May 8, 2014

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Mom -- THE GREEK YOGURT KITCHEN -- Review, Recipe: Lemon-Blueberry Stuffed French Toast and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this cookbook by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style (May 6, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1455551201
  • ISBN-13: 978-1455551200
  • Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches

"Greek yogurt has quickly become America's favorite health food, its tangy, luscious taste going far beyond a typical breakfast or simple snack. Thanks to its health benefits, this power food has become a staple. Greek yogurt's protein quantity builds muscles and regulates metabolism and the probiotics help maintain a healthy digestive tract and boost the immune system. Greek yogurt is also an excellent source of calcium and very low in sodium-and it's lactose-intolerant friendly, too! Why wouldn't you want it in every meal? 
Now, in THE GREEK YOGURT KITCHEN, nutrition expert Toby Amidor shows readers how to cut back on fat and calories without compromising flavor. She shares how to use this most versatile and healthful ingredient in unexpected ways, making even the most bad-for-you foods healthier, tastier, and more satisfying." 
Recipes include: 
  • Smoked Salmon Torte
  • Lemon-Blueberry Stuffed French Toast
  • Whole Grain Banana-Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  • Herbed Goat Cheese and Pepper Crostini
  • Chilled Herb-Tomato Soup
  • Penne Bolognese
  • White Margarita Pizza
  • Dulche de Leche Bowl
  • Spiced Chocolate Cupcakes
  • And more...

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My Thoughts:

When my parents were both diagnosed with high blood pressure a few years back, not only were they prescribed medicine that they would need to take for the rest of their lives, but they also met with a dietitian who went over food plan ideas and shared heart healthy recipes with them.  One ingredient that my parents found interesting and that popped up in most recipes was Greek yogurt.  

At this time, Greek yogurt was just taking off in stores -- fast forward to today and there are so many differet Greek yogurt brands and flavors available for on-the-go snacking for both kids and adults to enjoy. But, Greek yogurt is not just for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.  Have you ever tried swapping out different ingredients in popular family recipes with Greek yogurt?  After my parents shared the heart healthy recipes using Greek yogurt with me a few years back, I make a point to try and use this in my recipes, especially if my parents are coming to eat.

There are so many health benefits of consuming Greek yogurt, including helping to lower your blood pressure, helping with your digestive track, as well as improving your overall heart health, just to name a few. In addition to sharing over 130 mouth watering and oh so easy to prepare recipes, nutritionist Toby Amidor, shared the multiple benefits of Greek yogurt with readers.

Upon receiving a review copy of this cookbook, I found my mouth watering as I flipped through the pages and saw the different recipes, from appetizers, dips and salsa to breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees and even desserts.  Many of the recipes, just based on the photo, would never lead you think the included Greek yogurt...but, they all do!


When it comes to Mother's Day, I have been hosting a Mother's Day brunch at our house for several years now.  Family and friends get together, not only to celebrate the joys of motherhood and catch up, but also enjoy favorite dishes and some new ones.  This year, I am going to surprise guests by including a handful of recipes from Toby Amidor's new cookbook, "The Greek Yogurt Kitchen".  One recipe I am excited to try out and serve up is the Lemon-Blueberry Stuffed French Toast.  You can't have a brunch without serving a french toast recipe.  And, I know this recipe will be an instant hit with everyone.  Just look at the photo below...is your mouth watering yet? :-)


Will you be surprising Mom with breakfast in bed this Sunday, or will you be hosting a Mother's Day brunch like me?  Why not serve up the Lemon-Blueberry Stuffed French Toast recipe, that will surely put a smile on Mom's face and all those that try it. Here is the easy to prepare  recipe for you to print out and make this upcoming Mother's Day, or even just for an upcoming weekend family breakfast...  

Lemon-Blueberry Stuffed French Toast
SERVES 4
Ingredients:
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup nonfat milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½  teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½  loaf challah bread, preferably whole wheat
  • 1 ¼ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed if frozen)
  • ¼  cup nonfat lemon Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
  • Coat a large skillet with cooking spray.
  • Heat it on the stove over medium-low heat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  • Cut the challah into eight ½-inch-thick slices.
  • Submerge half the slices in the egg mixture, being sure to moisten both sides.
  • Then place soaked slices on the heated skillet and cook until golden brown, about 7 minutes.
  • Flip and cook on the other side until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
  • Spray skillet with cooking spray and repeat with the remaining challah slices.
  • To make the filling, mash the blueberries and lemon yogurt together in a small bowl.
  • To assemble each stuffed French toast, place 1 piece of French toast on a plate.
  • Spread ¼ cup of the lemon-blueberry mixture over the bread. Top with another piece of French toast, and slice in half.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle the confectioners’ sugar evenly over the stuffed French toast.

French toast not your thing? Why not consider serving Mom one of these tasty recipes on Mother's Day, with breakfast in bed...all of which can be found in this cookbook...
  • Lemon-Blueberry Stuffed French Toast
  • Eggs Benedict with a Lighter Hollandaise
  • Whole Grain Banana-Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  • Fig and Walnut Parfait
  • Herbed Goat Cheese and Red Pepper Crostini 
  • Green Goddess Deviled Eggs 
This cookbook is not just for Mother's Day recipe, oh no.  Just check out some of the other recipes in this cookbook which would make for great additions to your upcoming Memorial Day cookout, summer BBQ's and other family gatherings this years...

Memorial Day

  • Salad Parfait
  • Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Olives
  • Potato Salad with Parsnips and Edamame
  • Grilled Asian Shrimp Skewers with Dipping Sauce
  • Lamb Kebobs with Mint-Yogurt Sauce
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches with Pomegranate
  • Peanut Butter Banana Ice Box Bars
  • Vanilla-Lover Cupcakes 

So, what are you waiting for?  Head on over to Amazon.com today and purchase either the paperback version or the Kindle version, and start creating healthier dishes and treats for your family, that include Greek yogurt. Don't worry, I will not tell them the recipes include Greek yogurt! :-)

--GIVEAWAY--


I am excited to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of THE GREEK YOGURT KITCHEN  by Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, so that you can try some or ALL of the 130 recipes in this new cookbook at home.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!
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About the Author:
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN is the founder of Toby Amidor Nutrition, where she provides nutrition and food safety consulting services. She is a nutrition expert for FoodNetwork.com, writing for their Healthy Eats Blog, a regular contributor to U.S. News and World Report’s Eat + Run blog, and an adjunct professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Toby trained as a clinical dietitian at New York University. Her expertise includes over 14 years of experience in various areas of food and nutrition. Through ongoing consulting and faculty positions, she has established herself as one of the top experts in culinary nutrition, food safety and media.
Follow Toby Amidor online:


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this cookbook by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

1 comment :

  1. My favorite Greek yogurt recipe is using it instead of mayo in my spinach dip.

    ReplyDelete