Category: Penny Palate

Food, Penny Palate

Light up your studying mind

Desiree Arnold

Finals are upon us and time is quite limited right now. The brain requires fuel so if you normally skip breakfast or resort to a light snack as you run out the door, do away with that on test day. Breakfast is incredibly important. The brain needs energy to work at optimal capacity. Protein-rich foods are good choices as they promote brain activity and alertness. Oh the incredible edible egg is a solid choice. One of eggs’ most impressive talents is their ability to embrace and hold various ingredients together in a frittata. Frittata is a very simple egg-based Italian…

Campus, Penny Palate

Shrimp salad packed with proteins and also delicious

Desiree Arnold

Proteins are essential for growth and maintenance of our body. It is necessary to incorporate it into your diet to help your body repair cells and create new ones. Eating plenty of protein has a ton of benefits for weight loss, muscle gain and health. Protein is known for its fat-reducing benefits. Eating adequate amounts of protein can reduce hunger and body fat. Consumption of fewer calories occurs because our appetite is satisfied quicker as opposed to gorging and taking in more calories. Seafood is a wonderful source of protein because it is low in fat. Avocado and eggs may…

Campus, Food, Penny Palate

Rebound from Spring Break

Desiree Arnold

Google After an entire week at the beach for some and late-night shenanigans for many others, Spring Break has come to an end. A delicious vitamin boost and detoxication beverage may be a good idea right now, unlike a few not-so-good ideas you may or may not have made over Spring Break. I offer you a simple and tasty five-ingredient Post Spring Break Smoothie. This glass of yumminess includes pineapple, avocado, spinach, honey and H2O. Every one of these ingredients benefits the body. It takes only one cup of pineapple to fill your body with 100 percent of the daily…

Penny Palate

Keeping Spring Break healthy and delicious

Desiree Arnold

Spring Break is near and relaxation and sunshine are on the agenda for most. Fun in the sun can be a nice workout so fuel your body with good foods. It is that time of year to spring clean your diet. Say goodbye to winter comfort foods and welcome spring and its fresh flavors and bright colors. Although it can be hard to maintain healthy habits while having fun on the mini vacation, be sure to pack good eating habits along with your beach attire. Healthy eating is simply just eating smart, especially during the warmer seasons. Spending the majority…

Food, Penny Palate

A taste of Ireland’s finest dish

Desiree Arnold

Leap year only comes around every four years and this year, we will find ourselves enjoying an extra day in February. We receive 366 days as opposed to the 365 days that we are accustomed to. This extra day is given to us because of astronomical reasons, and an untidy condition in our solar system and calendars. Leap year keeps our calendars in sync and has prompted some interesting traditions and customs. One known custom is marriage proposals given by women instead of men. This tradition was said to have begun in fifth century Ireland according to Irish history. The…

Campus, Penny Palate

A dish so sweet you’re bound to fall in love

Desiree Arnold

Feb. 14 is known as the day of romance, so with that theme in mind, an indulgent choice from the Valentine’s cliché closet seems more fitting in lieu of the simple savory dishes I am more drawn to share. Valentine’s Day and chocolate are pretty much synonymous. A silky and fluffy chocolate mousse is a favorite of mine. Most varieties of mousse are usually prepared with ingredients very high in fat, sugar and loaded with calories. The thought of altering the original sinful chocolate mousse came to mind. This version is incredibly simple to make and is delicious as well…

Campus, Food, Penny Palate

Sliders sure to score with Super Bowl crowd

Desiree Arnold

Super Bowl Sunday is not just about the game — it’s also about the food. It is one of the two best food holidays of the year, with Thanksgiving holding strong to the No. 1 slot. Friends and families celebrate this particularly exciting Sunday event by gathering to watch the game and overindulge on the football fare. Serving touch- down-worthy eats is a must while watching the NFL’s top teams face off for the title of champion. A Super Bowl spread typically strives to achieve holiday feast status. This is not a sit-down dinner, but rather a brimming buffet. Super…

Entertainment, Food, Penny Palate

Strata perfect for holiday breakfast or brunch

Desiree Arnold

The much anticipated holidays are upon us and closing in quickly. We get to take part in the opportunity to catch up and bond with family and friends. Either we are traveling to see them or they are traveling to see us. The holiday festivities commence when we are all gathered. It’s a time to start new traditions as well as continue with old ones. The menu is a tradition that typically is not altered. It consists of the usual suspects — ham, turkey or tamales. These dishes cover the lunch and dinner portion of the days spent together over…

Penny Palate, Series

You’ll give thanks for this delicious holiday dip

Desiree Arnold

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, a day filled with family, friends, food and football. We all give thanks for the wonderful people in our lives and of course for the fabulous feast. It is a known pastime to overindulge on Thanksgiving dinner and derail any health goals. A tip to stay on track and not sabotage this is to remember that it is the turkey’s role to be overstuffed, not you. Contributed photo Want to feel like a star at your Thanksgiving gathering? Try bringing this Pumpkin Dip — it’s healthy, inexpensive and, most importantly, delicious. Whether hosting or…

Food, Health, Penny Palate

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive

Desiree Arnold

The battle to eat healthy on a budget is ongoing. Most people are under the assumption that to partake in a nutritional menu is costly. It does not have to be. Many say consuming fast food is cheaper as well as a time saver. It is not. Here is a quick breakdown that fast food is not necessarily cheaper. Purchasing chicken breasts in bulk is about $15 (Tip: buy fresh then portion out in baggies and freeze and pull out only what you need). Fresh veggies of your choice may cost you $10 and a starch (pasta, rice, etc.) $5.…