Friday, October 17, 2025

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

     It’s sweater season, so that means all things pumpkin - pumpkin coffee, pumpkin carving, and pumpkin dessert. Try this flavorful pumpkin bread recipe, and enjoy it as a part of a balanced meal. 

Ingredients 

  • Vegetable oil or cooking spray 

  • 2⅔ cups sugar 

  • ⅓ cup canola oil 

  • ⅓ cups unsweetened applesauce 

  • 1 15-ounce can pumpkin 

  • 4 eggs 

  • ⅔ cup nonfat plain yogurt 

  • 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour 

  • ⅔ cup toasted wheat germ 

  • 1½ teaspoons salt 

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda 

  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder 

  • 1 teaspoon each spice: ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg  

  • Optional: 1½ cups raisins or cranberries 

Directions 

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 

  1. 2. Spray two 8 ½-by-4½-by 2½-inch loaf pans with the vegetable oil or cooking spray.  

  1. 3. Combine wet mixture: sugar, canola oil, applesauce, pumpkin, eggs and yogurt. Stir until the consistency is smooth. 

  1. 4. Combine dry mixture: flour, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and the spices. 

  1. 5. Combine the wet and dry mixtures and stir until smooth. If adding raisins or cranberries, stir those in. 

  1. 6. Pour mixture into the loaf pans, filling each about 2/3 full.  

  1. 7. Bake loaves for 50 minutes.  

Nutritional Information 

  • - Serving size: 1/12 of a loaf 

  • - Calories: 240 

  • - Total Fat: 4.5 g 

  • - Saturated Fat: 0.5 g 

  • - Total Carbohydrates: 46 g 

  • - Dietary Fiber: 2g 

  • - Total Protein: 4 g 

  • - Cholesterol: 35 mg 

  • - Sodium: 300 mg 

 

Friday, October 10, 2025

4 Fall Foods for You

The temperature is dropping and the leaves are changing colors, which means that autumn is in full swing. Here are some fun ways to incorporate nutritious fall-favorite foods into your daily routine and fully embrace the season. 

Pumpkin 

Pumpkin is rich in potassium, vitamin A, and fiber. It is an easy addition to many foods. Try adding it to mac and cheese, hummus, or even pancake batter. It can easily be added to oatmeal, smoothies, and baked goods. Pumpkin seeds are also a fun and healthy snack, as they are rich in many nutrients like zinc. You can toast your own pumpkin seeds by rinsing them, spreading them out on a baking sheet, baking at 325°F for about 30 minutes or until lightly toasted, and finally seasoning to taste.  

Oats 

Oats provide heart-healthy fiber and lasting energy. Warm oatmeal makes an easy, nutritious breakfast. You can try topping it with nuts like almonds or walnuts, seeds like chia or flax, and fruit like pears or cranberries for even more nutrients and fiber. 

Apples 

Apples are rich in vitamin C and fiber, especially the skin of the apple. You can add toppings to them, such as cinnamon, honey, or peanut butter. Another great way to add them to your day is by incorporating them into a savory meal. 

Brussels Sprouts 

Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables that pack a nutritious punch. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K. They are also rich in folates, high in fiber, and contain protein. They can be enjoyed roasted, sautéed, or incorporated into a mixture of foods like sweet potatoes and squash.