Chef Katie Simmons - Author - Center for Nutrition Studies https://nutritionstudies.org/author/ksimmons/ Food. Science. Health. Wed, 07 May 2025 19:51:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Cavolo Nero: Kale and White Bean Soup https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/soup/cavolo-nero-kale-white-bean-soup/ Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:54:25 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=12598 This oil-free recipe is based on the classic Italian beans and greens soup. Its name comes from the dark cavolo nero kale (a.k.a. Tuscan, lacinato, or dinosaur kale), but you can use any greens you like.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Easy Pumpkin Spice Raw Energy Bars https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/snack/easy-pumpkin-spice-raw-energy-bars/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:00:32 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=24283 These plant-based granola bars are super nutritious, packed with whole ingredients like pecans, pumpkin seeds, and dates, and without refined grain, sugar, or syrup. They make a great gluten- and oil-free snack.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Healthy Plant-Based Tips & Recipes for Ditching Dairy https://nutritionstudies.org/healthy-plant-based-tips-recipes-for-ditching-dairy/ Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:38:38 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?p=30242 Dairy is in cheese, milk, sour cream, salad dressing, ice cream, yogurt, etc. However, there are many healthy, plant-based alternatives to all of these foods, and quite a few useful tips and tricks for incorporating them into your diet.

The post Healthy Plant-Based Tips & Recipes for Ditching Dairy appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Game Day Party Foods: 8 Plant-Based Party Ideas for Feeding a Crowd https://nutritionstudies.org/game-day-party-foods-8-plant-based-party-ideas-for-feeding-a-crowd/ Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:19:36 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?p=30223 The big game is coming up and you want to host a plant-based party that all your guests will enjoy. It may sound daunting at first, but with a little prep work and these 8 tips, you can plan the ultimate plant-based party for game day or any occasion!

The post Game Day Party Foods: 8 Plant-Based Party Ideas for Feeding a Crowd appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> 7 Plant-Based New Year’s Food Traditions from Around the World https://nutritionstudies.org/7-plant-based-new-years-food-traditions-from-around-the-world/ Tue, 24 Dec 2019 15:00:40 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?p=29584 A coin in the beans, 12 grapes at midnight, a hidden almond? What do they all mean? This helpful guide to foods and symbols from around the globe has you covered with plant-based New Year’s traditions to help bring you prosperity, happiness, and especially health.

The post 7 Plant-Based New Year’s Food Traditions from Around the World appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Savory Southwestern Stuffed Sweet Potato https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/main-dish/savory-southwestern-stuffed-sweet-potato/ Fri, 28 Jun 2019 15:12:07 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=28002 Need dinner for 1 in just 7 minutes? Try this ultra easy, ultra healthy sweet potato recipe full of delicious whole food, plant-based ingredients.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> How to Build the Ultimate Plant-Based Burger https://nutritionstudies.org/how-to-build-the-ultimate-plant-based-burger/ Wed, 05 Jun 2019 20:13:09 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?p=27828 Going plant-based doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the summer burger grilling season. With these next-level tips from Chef Katie, your veggie burgers will go from mundane to magical. Even your non-plant-based friends will be asking for your secrets!

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Mexican Plant-Based Cooking 101: Chef’s Guide for Delicious Authentic Flavor https://nutritionstudies.org/mexican-plant-based-cooking-101-chefs-guide-for-delicious-authentic-flavor/ Fri, 03 May 2019 19:16:11 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?p=27308 Traditional Mexican cuisine adapts so well to a whole food, plant-based diet that you will never want for nutrition, flavor, or variety. Beans, rice, and corn work in endless combinations with fresh herbs and vegetables, and everyone’s favorite tropical fruit—the avocado!

The post Mexican Plant-Based Cooking 101: Chef’s Guide for Delicious Authentic Flavor appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Back to School: Plant-Based Tips & Recipes https://nutritionstudies.org/back-to-school-plant-based-tips-recipes/ Thu, 30 Aug 2018 15:40:26 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?p=23037 Check out Chef Katie’s 3 tips to get back into a healthy school routine. These easy recipes will help you start the school year off right.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Plant-Based Asian Power Bowl https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/main-dish/plant-based-asian-power-bowl/ Wed, 29 Aug 2018 19:27:36 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=23049 Sweet potatoes, bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms come together in this delicious plant-based asian power bowl. Oil-free flavor comes from ginger, red chili, and soy sauce for a quick vegan meal.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Banana Bread Oatmeal https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/breakfast/banana-bread-oatmeal/ Wed, 29 Aug 2018 17:30:15 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=23046 This quick and easy oatmeal combines the flavors of banana bread for a naturally-sweet start to your day.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Plant-Based Grilling Tips, Recipes, and Gear https://nutritionstudies.org/plant-based-grilling-tips-recipes-and-gear/ Wed, 08 Aug 2018 14:03:58 +0000 http://sage.nutritionstudies.org/?p=22776 Grilling is a great way to add healthy, low-fat flavor to your cooking. Check out these grilling essentials and recipes for healthy, plant-based cooking.

The post Plant-Based Grilling Tips, Recipes, and Gear appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/soup/vegan-cream-broccoli-soup/ Fri, 20 Apr 2018 20:46:25 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=20895 This easy-to-make and dairy-free broccoli soup is full of flavor and made creamy by using blended white cannellini beans.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole With Pecan Streusel https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/sides/sweet-potato-pineapple-casserole-with-pecan-streusel/ Fri, 11 Nov 2016 16:14:11 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13439 Sweet potatoes are roasted to rich, creamy perfection. Mashed with pineapple and topped with a gluten-free, oil-free pecan streusel topping, this is a classic Southern holiday recipe tradition.

The post Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole With Pecan Streusel appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Caramelized Smoky Brussels Sprouts https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/sides/caramelized-smoky-brussels-sprouts/ Fri, 11 Nov 2016 16:00:45 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13437 Smoked paprika and sweet red onion pair with hearty brussels sprouts in this simple, oil-free side dish.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Port Wine Mushroom Gravy https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/sauce/port-wine-mushroom-gravy/ Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:17:50 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13323 Hearty mushrooms, shallots, and a subtle sweetness from Port wine come together in this satisfying vegan gravy.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Roasted Pumpkin and Parsnip Soup https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/soup/roasted-pumpkin-parsnip-soup/ Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:06:43 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13321 Nothing says fall quite like fresh pumpkin. Sweet parsnips and a touch of nutmeg round out the seasonal flavors, all roasted together for richness in this gluten-free and vegan soup.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Easy Wild Rice Pilaf https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/sides/easy-wild-rice-pilaf/ Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:49:31 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13319 This healthy wild rice pilaf features a colorful blend of whole grain rice. Rice is naturally gluten-free and simple, oil-free flavoring makes this plant-based recipe an essential side dish for holidays.

The post Easy Wild Rice Pilaf appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Smashed Potatoes https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/sides/smashed-potatoes/ Wed, 05 Oct 2016 19:41:39 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13446 This vegan gluten-free, oil-free recipe is an essential comfort food dish.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Pumpkin Pecan Oat Cookies https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/dessert/pumpkin-pecan-oat-cookies/ Wed, 05 Oct 2016 19:32:24 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13443 This easy recipe avoids refined sugar or syrup with the natural sweetness of bananas. Pumpkin purée keeps them oil-free while maple extract and pumpkin pie spice mix adds a seasonal flavor.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Stewed Zucchini With Basil and Mint https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/main-dish/stewed-zucchini-basil-mint/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 17:07:05 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=13073 Cooked low and slow, stewed zucchini and yellow squash are meltingly tender in this simple, healthy dish.

The post Stewed Zucchini With Basil and Mint appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Red Quinoa Enchiladas Rojas https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/main-dish/red-quinoa-enchiladas-rojas/ Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:48:56 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=12596 This delicious Mexican recipe uses red quinoa for a protein and fiber-packed enchilada filling. Roja sauce, made from dried ancho chilies brings a smoky heat to the dish.

The post Red Quinoa Enchiladas Rojas appeared first on Center for Nutrition Studies.

Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Bean Stew With Parsnip Mash https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/soup/bean-stew-parsnip-mash/ Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:33:40 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=12593 This recipe is a vegan take on a classic recipe, Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce. Traditional beef is replaced with hearty Mayacoba beans. You can simmer it in your Slow Cooker, the oven, or right on your stove top.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

]]> Mexican Chili Bean Stuffed Peppers https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/main-dish/mexican-chili-bean-stuffed-peppers/ Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:26:11 +0000 http://nutritionstudies.org/?post_type=cns_recipe&p=11246 These make impressive, delightful entrees for a party - who doesn’t like their own portioned entree? Or, simply freeze extras and reheat for a quick meal for one.

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Written by Chef Katie Simmons.

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