My monthly e-column “Renata’s Table” for York Region Media Group, a division of Torstar Metroland Media Group Ltd. may also be found in your associated local Community Newspapers.
Overnight breakfast quinoa bowl is wholesome, nutritious
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - RENATA’S TABLE: Overnight breakfast quinoa bowl is wholesome, nutritious
Here is a little something deliciously different for your breakfast! We all know overnight oats. This recipe is overnight quinoa that makes a wonderful, wholesome, nutritious breakfast bowl.
It’s made the night before to let the flavours and textures of the healthy ingredients blend together to perfection. Next morning, add the toppings you like best and enjoy a delicious, satisfying breakfast to fuel your morning.
Smashed chickpea spread perfect with crackers
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - RENATA'S TABLE: Smashed chickpea spread perfect with crackers
This savoury smashed chickpea spread is a delicious was to get plant-based protein and fibre into your diet! Made in just a few minutes, it is perfect served with crackers, stuffed into a pita, enveloped in a wrap, or my favourite, spread on a piece of toasted multigrain bread topped with avocado and tomato slices.
No-bake date & nut bars take only minutes to make
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata's Table: No-bake date & nut bars take only minutes to make
These bars are a delicious and nutritious treat. Made in only a few minutes, with minimal ingredients, they are great to have in the fridge for when you need a little something sweet. Cut into squares, triangles, bars with a sharp knife or into hearts for a Valentine’s themed indulgence.
There’s an array of health benefits in the many vitamins and minerals in the naturally sweet dates, raw almonds, all-natural peanut butter and ground cinnamon. Together they provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, immune system support, brain boosting, blood sugar and cholesterol balancing. Plus, they are rich sources of plant-based protein, fibre and calcium. All this goodness in a tasty treat everyone will love!
Holistic Wellness Category - Platinum Award Winner: The renata Collective
So very proud to be the winner of the Holistic Wellness category of the Community Votes Thornhill 2023 Platinum Award!
A BIG Thank You to each and every one of you who voted for The Renata Collective! ❤
The definition of 'holistic' is the 'treatment of the whole person: physical, emotional & spiritual well-being'. My tenet is that good wholesome food is key to all of this. My nutritional cooking workshops, one-on-ones and (most!) recipes at my site teach how easy and delicious it is to nourish and fuel our bodies - stomach, gut, brain, heart and soul!
Savoury soup a welcome meal on a cold day
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata's Table: Savoury soup a welcome meal on a cold day
After all the cooking and indulgent holiday eating, this savoury soup is a welcome meal on a cold January day. It is nutritious, delicious, hearty but not heavy, and best of all, it’s ready in less than a half hour. Don’t let the list of ingredients deter you from making the soup – most are herbs and pantry items you have!
Butternut cookies taste as good as they sound
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata’s Table: Butternut cookies taste as good as they sound
These delicious cookies are perfect any time of year and especially for the holidays!
The combination of shortbread, pecans, butterscotch chips and a rum extract-flavoured icing makes a most impressive treat everyone will love.
Since these scrumptious Butternuts are surprisingly easy to make, you’ll be able to keep them in stock and demand for family and friends.
Sweetness and acidity blend perfectly for honey pork tenderloin
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata's Table: Sweetness and acidity blend perfectly for honey pork tenderloin
As the holidays approach, this simple yet fancy, delicious and nutritious recipe will come in handy to the delight of family and friends.
The combination of flavours, with the sweetness of the stewed fruits and honey and the mild acidity of the tamari and vinegar, blend together with pork to perfection. Sliced chicken breast works equally well for those who prefer chicken.
Serve with rice and a simple green salad for a pretty presentation and palate pleasing winter dinner.
‘Marry Me Chicken' will have your partner popping the question
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata's Table: 'Marry Me Chicken' will have your partner popping the question
Made with a heavenly, flavourful rich sauce, serve over rice or noodles, writes Renata Richardson
Here is my delicious version of the popular "marry me chicken," one of the many recipes that boast they are worthy of a proposal!
This takes about 45 minutes and is easy to make as a weekday dinner. It's also fancy enough to impress family and friends on a special occasion. The rich sauce is heavenly and flavourful. Add spinach and peas to the pan to have them cook in the sauce, or leave out the spinach and serve buttered peas on the side. Serve over rice or noodles, then sit back and wait for the compliments!
Crisp dessert is a medley of almonds, oats, peaches, plums and cherries
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata's Table: Crisp dessert is a medley of almonds, oats, peaches, plums and cherries
My gluten- and dairy-free stone fruit crisp is a medley of ground almonds, oats, warming spices, natural sweetener, nuts and coconut.
Combine that goodness with slices of ripe nectarines, peaches, plums or pitted cherries and bake to create a delicious and nutritious, juicy, fruit-bottomed, crispy-topping dessert.
Pickled red onions add zest to your salads, sandwiches and tacos
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata's Table: Pickled red onions add zest to your salads, sandwiches and tacos
Try adding garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, thyme or chili flakes for their own unique tang, writes Renata Richardson.
Making pickled red onions is easier than you can imagine –– and so delicious. Toss them in your salad to add a delicate zest; add them to your sandwich or wrap, use them in your savoury cooking recipes or add them to your burger, tacos or burritos. You can even serve them as a side!
This frozen fruit sorbet will help you keep cool on those hot summer
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column - Renata's Table: This frozen fruit sorbet will help you keep cool on those hot summer days
Mangos, lime, or whatever fruit combination you can think of make this fantastic treat, writes Renata Richardson
Here is a simple, four-ingredient recipe for the most refreshing, delicious and healthy sorbet crafted to cool you down on the hottest day. It’s perfect for a light dessert and certain to impress and delight friends and family.
I got that summertime, summertime pasta
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: I got that summertime, summertime pasta
This is a dream of a recipe for a quick, delicious healthy dinner. It takes as long to make as for your pasta to boil and cook! It’s made in one pot for easy clean up. Leftovers are fabulous eaten cold so this is a perfect meal prep recipe too.
Asparagus and peas are added to the pasta to cook and chopped spinach is added with cream cheese and pesto to wilt and mix in the heat of the dish.
Enjoy a slice of date loaf with your favourite beverage
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Enjoy a slice of date loaf with your favourite beverage
A delicious and nutritious gluten and dairy free loaf to make for breakfast or to have as a snack.
Dates soaked in strong coffee or brewed tea enhance everything with a delicious, subtle flavour. The dates are the star of this recipe and give the loaf just the right amount of sweetness.
Make your own quick and easy homemade bagels
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Make your own quick and easy homemade bagels
This recipe for fast and appetizing baking-powder bagels uses either wheat or gluten free flour and has five simple ingredients — six if you add sesame seeds sprinkled on top before baking.
The recipe uses dairy-based Greek yogurt which is higher in protein than regular yogurt, is a good source of calcium, vitamin B2 and B12, selenium as well as vitamin A, zinc and potassium. Plain Greek yogurt is low in carbs and has little sugar. The flavoured varieties have more sugar so eat those in moderation.
These heavenly rings are delicious hot from the oven or next day plain or toasted. So. Very. Good.
Chinese-style pork tenderloin a guaranteed hit at dinner
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Chinese-style pork tenderloin a guaranteed hit at dinner
Reminiscent of the barbecue pork at Chinese restaurants, this easy-to-prepare pork tenderloin recipe features Chinese five-spice powder, a combination of antiviral, immune boosting spices that create a powerful, health-benefiting mix (available at most grocery stores). This spice gives this dish its fabulous, unique and familiar flavour.
Heart-shaped strawberry muffins for the love of your life
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Heart-shaped strawberry muffins for the love of your life
February is already here with thoughts of Valentine’s Day treats. Start your day with this gluten-free, non-dairy (it does have eggs), healthy, hearty (see what I did there?) muffin with a crumble topping and a strawberry slice that looks like a heart. A perfect treat for you and for those you love!
Leafy greens pair perfectly with honey Dijon vinaigrette
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Leafy greens pair perfectly with honey Dijon vinaigrette
Happy New Year!
After all the rich savories and sweets over the holidays, I like to lighten up meals in our home, and this delicious and super nutritious salad is perfect.
The vinaigrette dressing really is the star of this salad, with the tarragon adding a wonderful subtle flavour. The dressing can be made ahead of time and kept in your fridge for a couple of weeks.
Pecan tassies add 'gooey goodness' to your Christmas cookie tray
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Pecan tassies add 'gooey goodness' to your Christmas cookie tray
Holidays are a time for treats, and pecan tassies are a little bite of pecan pie gooey goodness!
This classic recipe will be a wonderful addition to your holiday baking. Easy to make, and tassies look so pretty when included with your other baked goodies on a holiday cookie tray.
Adding a touch of chocolate makes these tassies divine!
Dijon pork tenderloin medallions make for an 'easy, elegant and absolutely delicious' meal
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Dijon pork tenderloin medallions make for an 'easy, elegant and absolutely delicious' meal
Easy, elegant and absolutely delicious, this is a family favourite and company-worthy dish. It’s also versatile as you can make it with sliced chicken breasts, add mushrooms, frozen peas, chopped spinach, small pieces of broccoli … there are endless options!
Take a swig of a healthier, homemade pumpkin spice latte
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Take a swig of a healthier, homemade pumpkin spice latte
With autumn’s arrival, food and beverage taste preferences switch to more cosy and spiced. Start your day, or treat yourself on a cool crisp afternoon, by making this healthy and delicious pumpkin spiced latte.
It’s easy to make and rivals those fancy, expensive, high-calorie coffee shop versions. My version has fewer calories, no sugar-spiking syrups, less coffee (or you can leave it out altogether) and is more of a creamy, warming and fabulous fall beverage.
Breakfast bars as healthy as they are wholesome
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Breakfast bars as healthy as they are wholesome
eptember brings the start of a new school year and, for many, a new daily routine.
Quick, easy and nourishing breakfasts are a must. These breakfast bars are just the thing to grab and go, and fill you up with a nutritious start to your day.
When life gives you lemons, bake yourself a snack
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: When life gives you lemons, bake yourself a snack
Tangy and tasty, this easy to make, no-bake, lemon and coconut square is a perfect summer treat. This is an old recipe I’ve revised. The result is a healthier, subtle lemon-flavoured coconut goody, made to store in the fridge for a cool slice of something sweet on a hot summer’s day.
Up the nutrition by adding sesame seeds!
Renata's Table: Salsa salad is perfect for your summer menu
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Salsa salad is perfect for your summer menu
This fun, sassy salsa salad doubles as an appetizer when served with tortilla chips and is a tasty summer treat. It’s cool, crisp, filled with wonderful fresh healthy veggies for a nutrition-packed dish that’s delicious and tangy. The roasted corn adds a fabulous depth of flavour!
21 Best Culinary Nutrition Food Blogs of 2022
I am honoured and thrilled to be included on this prestigious list of the 21 Best Culinary Nutrition Food Blogs of 2002 in the Academy’s Best of Expert Spotlight.
Connect: www.renatacollective.com
The Scoop: A fod columnist, cooking instructor and recipe developer, you’ll discover all kinds of healthy recipes on Renata’s food blog that satisfy the needs of many popular diets.
Recipe To Try: Roasted and Spiced Chickpeas
Et tu, Brute? Caesar baked chicken is creamy and flavourful
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Et tu, Brute? Caesar baked chicken is creamy and flavourful
This Caesar-baked chicken dish is made with four ingredients and takes five minutes to put together. The creamy Caesar dressing makes the chicken very tender and flavourful.
Muffin-themed coffee cake will have everybody talking
As seen in my article on @YorkRegion - Renata's Table: Muffin-themed coffee cake will have everybody talking
Such a lovely coffee cake! It’s delicious and is a wonderful cake to make to serve with a cup of coffee or tea or for dessert with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream and blueberries on top. Its consistency is a little denser, and why it has ‘muffin’ in its name. It’s utterly divine! It makes a delicious breakfast treat too!
Crispy, spicy salmon bites pack nutritious punch
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Crispy, spicy salmon bites pack nutritious punch
With Good Friday and Easter this month, you may want to include this delicious recipe on your menu!
28 Awesome Culinary Nutrition Health Coaches
I am featured on the Academy of Culinary Nutrition’s “Expert Spotlight” segment: 28 Awesome Culinary Nutrition Health Coaches
There is a wealth of information available about food, health, nutrition, diet and recipes – and if you’re dealing with a health challenge or want to learn how to optimize nutrition for your unique needs, consulting with a practitioner who can coach and guide you is absolutely invaluable.
Chickpeas pack a nutritious punch in savoury blondie recipe
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Chickpeas pack a nutritious punch in savoury blondie recipe
You would never guess that the main ingredient in these moist, delicious and healthy treats are chickpeas!
Whip up a decadent Valentine's Day dessert with chocolate mousse
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Whip up a decadent Valentine's Day dessert with chocolate mousse
Valentine’s Day 2022! Chocolate mousse — a decadent dessert for a special dinner or for someone special — like yourself. Super simple and super delicious.
Warm up this winter with a bowl of tomato bisque
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Warm up this winter with a bowl of tomato bisque
This delicate and delicious warming tomato bisque is nourishing, nutritious and made with ingredients likely already in your kitchen. Serve this to family and friends to rave reviews.
Get cheesy this Christmas with mouth-watering salmon recipe
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Get cheesy this Christmas with mouth-watering salmon recipe
Salmon is one of the most popular and versatile fish varieties for chefs and gourmets alike. Consider making this delicious and nutritious, easy, and quick-to-make recipe to nourish and impress your loved ones over the holidays.
This perfect pumpkin loaf is delicious and nutritious
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: This perfect pumpkin loaf is delicious and nutritious
This delicious and nutritious perfect Pumpkin Loaf fits in perfectly with all the ‘cozy’ we crave this time of year and through the winter months.
Black bean & quinoa burgers will win over even staunch beef burger fans
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Black bean and quinoa burgers will win over even staunch beef burger fans
If you are new to veggie burgers prepare for a culinary epiphany!
My recipe has passed the taste test many times for many people and even those who swear by the traditional beef burger. This is one you must try for yourself!
Whip up some feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Whip up some feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes
I discovered whipped feta this summer, and what a lovely treat it is. Easy to whip up (pun intended), this creation is tangy, tasty and ultra versatile.
Easy-to-make Thai beef recipe is spicy and versatile
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: Easy-to-make Thai beef recipe is spicy and versatile
A delicious blend of sweet and spicy sauces makes this quick-to-prepare savoury dish delicious. The garlic and ginger and the pickled jalapenos add powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gut healthy nutrition.
In the summertime, when the weather is hot — treat yourself!
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata's Table: In the summertime, when the weather is hot — treat yourself!
A quick cold snack or dessert in the summer is so very welcome. This nourishing summer chill bowl is made with frozen fruit, which is where the cold part comes from. When it’s healthy and nutritious, as well as delicious, who could ask for more?
Kielbasa and veggie recipe is both versatile and very delicious
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: Kielbasa and veggie recipe is both versatile and very delicious
This one-sheet dinner is a winner! It is super easy to make, versatile as you can use whichever veggies are your favorites or have on hand in your crisper. Meal Planning Alert: This is a great meal to make extra of as cold, these seasoned roasted veggies, and even the kielbasa, become the star of a lunch or dinner salad!
Tahini — the secret ingredient to peanut butter blondies
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: Tahini — the secret ingredient to peanut butter blondies
Blondies made with tahini and nut butter are a baking craze right now! And rightly so as they are a delicious healthy snack filled with good nutrition to satisfy a sweet tooth and to provide a boost of energy.
Kung Pao chicken packs a punch
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: Kung Pao chicken packs a punch
Kung Pao Chicken is one of my favourite dinner recipes. It’s a quick, delicious, spicy and nourishing stir-fry dish that’ll make your tastebuds happy!
Welcome the spring equinox with rich, creamy risotto primavera
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: Welcome the spring equinox with rich, creamy Risotto Primavera
Risotto Primavera (Spring in Italian) is a perfect dish with which to welcome Spring! I learned how to make risotto from my Zio Emil – we called him the Risotto King. His risotto was legendary. Here is my version of Risotto Primavera. Buon appetito!
What is better than brownies on Valentine's Day?
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: What is better than brownies on Valentine's Day?
Tell those you love what they mean to you. Show yourself some love and TLC too – indulge in some quiet time, read that long-awaited book, take a long, hot, bubble bath and definitely bake these healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free brownie hearts. They are incredibly delicious and truly Oh Wow!
Start your day with simply satisfying, nutritious oatmeal
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: Start your day with simply satisfying, nutritious oatmeal
There’s a quiet excitement and anticipation that the first days of the new year bring, and with it lots of good intentions to take better care of ourselves. We start out motivated, and then, in short order, slip into our old routines, bad habits and disappointment that we didn’t stick with it.
Gluten-free Chocolate Torte is a Guilt-free Holiday Treat
As seen in my article on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: Gluten-free chocolate torte is a guilt-free holiday treat
The 2020 holidays are near and will be very different than any other year. We’re being urged to celebrate in-person only with those in our household. No parties to host or attend. It will be a "Silent Night". But, have faith, "all will be bright" soon.
Immune Power-Up Soup
As published on YorkRegion.com - Renata’s Table: Brace for winter with this Immune Power-Up Soup recipe.
Winter is Coming!
All of us in Ontario are bracing for the inevitability of shorter days, longer nights and freezing weather. With winter comes increased flu, cold and Covid concerns. As such, we need to build strong and resilient immune systems.