How to make healthy versions of "soul food"

WTNH-- With the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Day just a day away, there are a variety of ways for Americans to celebrate.

One of those ways for your family could be with some food and the food that Dr. King enjoyed.

Wendy Battles, the "Clean Eating Coach,"  shows us how to make healthy versions of "soul food," to celebrate.

Recipes:

Buttermilk, Panko and Pecan-Crusted Oven Baked Chicken

Ingredients:

4 skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp. dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup panko bread crumbs
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
pepper

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk, thyme, cayenne, and garlic powder at
least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and pecans with the
all-purpose seasoning.
4. Dip chicken breasts in egg whites then the panko/pecan mixture.
5. Place breaded chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet.
6. Spritz chicken with a little non-stick cooking spray.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until coating is crispy and juices run clear.

Healthy Hoppin’ John

Ingredients:
2 small bunches or 1 large bunch of fresh collard greens
2 large, sweet onions
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cans black eyes peas, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:
1. Thoroughly wash collard greens, pat dry and cut from the stalk.  Lie several leaves on top of each other, roll up like a cigar and slice into 1/4″ strips. Chop strips into smaller pieces.
2. Slice onions into half crescents.
3. In large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until onions are lightly browned, making sure not to burn them.
4. Add collard greens and sauté for approximately 10 minutes until wilted, adding a little water to the pan so greens don’t stick.
5. Add black eyes peas and cook for several minutes more until hot.
6. Add vinegar and salt, to taste.

For more information about Wendy and the health coaching services she provides, visit www.DontWorryGetHealthy.com .