Cook's Essentials - Healthy Options

Cook's Essentials

Healthy Options

Cooks and foodies love to work with quality, gourmet and downright decadent ingredients. Yet we know that moderation is the key to a healthy body and lifestyle. It's especially true in the spring and summer when it feels better to eat lightly and make use of the abundance of fresh produce available. Here are a few essential foods to stock so that you can cook with a lighter hand.

Whole wheat frozen bread dough or pitas are helpful to stock in your freezer. They can form the base for a pizza that showcases fresh veggies and some lowfat cheese, or you can use them to make light and fresh sandwiches. They're also handy to whip up some quick appetizers, such as garlicky pita wedges for a lowfat dip, or bake the bread and slice for bruschetta or crostini. Simply top with chopped fresh tomatoes mixed with herbs and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette for a light starter.

Low sodium/lowfat broths help add flavor to light dishes without adding a lot of fat or calories. You can use them to make soups, either warm or chilled, or they can help make a quick sauce for a skillet sauté. Cook brown or wild rice with chicken broth, garlic,and chopped fresh herbs for an extra kick of flavor. You can buy them in the store, but if you make your own freeze the broth in ice cube trays for space saving efficiency.

Always keep a bottle each of red and white wine exclusively for cooking. It doesn't have to be an expensive wine, just one you like to drink. Think Barefoot or Beringer for a decent taste and price. Wine is the tastiest way to deglaze a pan and make a quick sauce. You can cook red wine, balsamic vinegar, and a dollop of honey together until thickened for a velvety sauce. You only need to lightly drizzle it over your food as it has a powerfully decadent flavor. Wine also makes a perfect base for a vinaigrette dressing or a marinade. It's also a good idea to have some in your wine glass to sip as you cook.

A variety of vinegars helps add tart, bold flavor to vinaigrettes, sauces, marinades, veggies, and more. They are also easy to infuse with herbs, garlic, and other seasonings for your own unique style or to bottle as gifts.