headshot of Laura Kanya in a blue shirt against a pink background
headshot of Laura Kanya in a blue shirt against a pink background

Laura Kanya

Laura Kanya is a recipe tester and developer in the EatingWell Test Kitchen. Laura tests many recipes that come through the Test Kitchen door, including for feature articles as well as for all sections of the magazine. She discovered her love of baking growing up alongside two grandmothers and a mom who shared the same love of baking and cooking. They unknowingly established the importance of food and cooking in Laura's life. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, she had access to some great restaurants, and her dad took her to many. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 1998 with a B.S. in dietetics, she pursued her love of baking by graduating with an associate degree in baking and pastry arts from the Culinary Institute of America in 2000.
Think of this one-pot creamy lemon orzo with spinach and snap peas like a quick risotto that swaps orzo for rice. The orzo is cooked until just al dente, giving some texture to the dish.  Snap peas are a great addition, but asparagus or another green veggie would work well too.
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The sweet edge in this delicious cocktail with a kick comes from fresh fruit juices and zest—no triple sec, simple syrup or spoonfuls of sugar required. If you don't have blanco tequila, reposado will work as well.
Spinach Puffs
Rating: Unrated
New!
These bite-sized spinach puffs are reminiscent of artichoke dip, with a slight hint of spice from ground pepper and za'atar seasoning. Puff pastry surrounds the savory filling, adding a crispy golden crust on the outside.
Potato Frittata
Rating: Unrated
New!
This potato frittata is packed with fresh herbs and vegetables. Dill havarti adds a creamy, mild flavor to the dish. The frittata releases easily from the cast-iron pan, revealing a savory crust on the bottom that adds flavor and texture.
French Onion Soup
Rating: Unrated
New!
This French onion soup recipe uses two types of onions, yellow for sharpness and sweet for sweetness, for a more complex flavor. White wine and vermouth bring slight acidity, while thyme gives an earthy flavor. The thick, cheesy slices of whole-wheat bread soak up the delicious broth.
Apple Crisp
Rating: Unrated
New!
Keeping the peel on the apple gives a bit of texture and color to this apple crisp recipe. A topping made from oats and pecans adds nuttiness. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Chocolate protein powder adds staying power to this tasty protein ice cream. Maple syrup lends a touch of sweetness, while peanut butter powder provides nuttiness for a flavorful sweet treat. Toppings like cacao nibs and crushed peanuts provide a satisfying crunch.
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Zucchini Bread
Rating: Unrated
New!
Zucchini and cranberries star in this tender loaf that is sure to become your go-to bake. The liquid from the zucchini helps keep the loaf moist. The best part of this zucchini bread recipe? It only requires one bowl, so cleanup will be effortless.
Banana Nut Bread
Rating: Unrated
1
Walnuts add crunch and tangy sharpness in this healthy banana nut bread recipe. Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots, or even black bananas, as they will provide more sweetness. The banana nut bread is tender, with a caramelized crust.
Chocolate protein powder adds staying power to this tasty protein ice cream. Maple syrup lends a touch of sweetness, while peanut butter powder provides nuttiness for a flavorful sweet treat. Toppings like cacao nibs and crushed peanuts provide a satisfying crunch.
Zucchini Bread
Rating: Unrated
New!
Zucchini and cranberries star in this tender loaf that is sure to become your go-to bake. The liquid from the zucchini helps keep the loaf moist. The best part of this zucchini bread recipe? It only requires one bowl, so cleanup will be effortless.
Banana Nut Bread
Rating: Unrated
1
Walnuts add crunch and tangy sharpness in this healthy banana nut bread recipe. Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots, or even black bananas, as they will provide more sweetness. The banana nut bread is tender, with a caramelized crust.
Air-Fryer Zucchini
Rating: Unrated
3
Zucchini crisps up nicely in this simple air-fryer zucchini recipe. The interior is creamy and soft without feeling mushy, with the outside remaining crispy. A squeeze of lemon after cooking adds brightness and tang.
Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
Rating: Unrated
New!
Hominy adds mild corn flavor, while poblanos provide smokiness in this chicken tortilla soup recipe. Spices like cumin, coriander and smoked paprika bring a bold flavor that's balanced by fresh lime juice.
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It doesn't get easier than this healthy chicken tenderloins recipe. Tamari, honey and garlic combine to create a sticky-sweet sauce that coats the chicken. Serve these chicken tenders over brown rice with a side of broccoli, or use to top a salad or grain bowl.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Rating: Unrated
New!
This chocolate chip cookie recipe features whole-wheat (or spelt) flour that adds a nutty flavor. The outsides of the cookies are crisp while the insides are tender and gooey. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cold glass of milk.
Mushroom Quesadillas
Rating: Unrated
New!
Cremini mushrooms, shallots, asparagus and arugula pack these mushroom quesadillas for a satisfying plant-based main. Use any combination of herbs, like parsley, tarragon or chives, to add freshness. Serve with a side of beans or rice.
Healthy Homemade Nutella
Rating: Unrated
New!
Make your own chocolate-hazelnut spread with this healthy Nutella recipe. Dates provide a natural sweetness to help reduce the need for excess added sugars. Spread this homemade Nutella on toast, add it to smoothies or stir into oatmeal.
Vegetarian French Onion Soup
Rating: Unrated
New!
This vegetarian French onion soup is teeming with onions and shallots that caramelize and add sweet and savory flavor to the soup. Vegetable broth stands in for beef broth, but mushroom broth, with its dark color and earthy flavor, is also a good option.
Vegan Carrot Cake
Rating: Unrated
New!
This vegan carrot cake recipe with almond flour is packed with carrots, raisins and pecans, which add wonderful texture. Vegan butter and vegan cream cheese combine with rice flour to create a creamy, tangy frosting. Letting the frosting chill in the fridge is crucial so it thickens, giving it a more spreadable consistency.
This vibrant borscht features the traditional red beets plus cabbage, carrots and potatoes to make a hearty and filling vegetarian soup. A cool yogurt cream, featuring fresh mint and dill stirred in at the end, adds a pop of flavor and freshness to the dish.
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Chicken Tikka Masala Soup
Rating: Unrated
2
This chicken tikka masala soup tastes just like the original dish, but in soup form! The ginger, garlic and onion combine with aromatic spices to offer flavor in every bite. Butternut squash (or sweet potato) and spinach add sweetness and color to this warming soup. Serve with toasted garlic naan.
This chicken and root vegetable soup will fill you up with chicken and nutty wild rice paired with your favorite root vegetables. Try butternut squash for sweeter notes, or celeriac or parsnip for an earthier flavor.
Green Chile Chicken Pozole
Rating: Unrated
New!
This Mexican-style soup features chicken thighs, hominy and roasted poblano peppers, which add depth of flavor and a little heat. Oregano, coriander and garlic give this simple soup a lovely aroma to whet your appetite.
Inspired by the classic Chinese dish, this version of egg drop soup adds sliced chicken for protein and heartiness. The garlic, ginger and scallion pop in the dish, while the chili crisp topping provides a delicious layer of spice. Be sure to consistently stir the soup when adding the eggs to achieve the signature swirls.
This hearty garden tomato soup is loaded with vegetables. To thicken the soup, we puree it before adding the quinoa. Half-and-half and milk add creaminess and cut the acidity of the tomatoes, adding balance and letting the garden-fresh flavors shine. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for dipping.
This cauliflower and zucchini soup gets its silky texture from blending mellow-flavored cauliflower and zucchini together. Just a touch of milk and cream combine with sharp Cheddar cheese to add additional creaminess and savory flavors to this warming vegetarian soup.
This slow-cooker chowder draws inspiration from both American corn chowder and Thai curry. Thai chile and green curry paste provide spiciness and umami, while cream and coconut milk round out the flavors, resulting in a soup that's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Blending part of the soup helps thicken it for a delicious bite.