The COVID-19 pandemic has made eating in an everyday occurrence across the country, but for cancer patients who often have unique nutritional needs, at-home meal preparations can be particularly challenging. Fortunately, culinary experts at the OSUCCC – James are here to help with tips and easy-to-prepare recipes that can help cancer patients and caregivers get the most out of their homemade meals and snacks. “In The James Instructional Kitchen, we work with patients, outpatients and caregivers on personalized nutrition education plans,” says chef Stephanie Urrutia, RD, LD, a senior culinary educator at the OSUCCC – James. “We focus on high-protein, high-calorie and easy-to-eat recipes, and provide information tailored to the patients’ diagnoses.” Today’s Recipe: Nut Butter Greek Yogurt The Nut Butter Greek Yogurt Dip has a variety of uses — from dip for fruits and vegetables like apples, grapes, carrots and celery, to parfaits with granola, nuts, seeds and more fruit, to a simple, protein-loaded yogurt snack. For the parfait demoed in the video, we used bananas, which are high in fiber and micronutrients — vitamin B6, manganese and vitamin C. The fiber in bananas consists of pectin and resistant starch, with resistant starch helping to maintain gut health and pectin having been studied to have preventative cancer properties, especially with colon cancer. The Greek yogurt adds higher protein than typical yogurt, while nut butters offer higher calories and additional protein. Vanilla extract can be added for more of a defined flavor for those with taste changes, and maple syrup can be added for those looking for greater sweetness. Mix-in options for the yogurt parfait are far and wide — oatmeal adds fiber, whole grains, protein and a hearty texture; nuts add healthy fats and protein and help round out the nutrient density of the parfait; and jam toppings increase calories and palatability for patients with issues swallowing or chewing. Adding in dried or frozen fruits increases antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. The Nut Butter Greek Yogurt offers great nutrient density per bite using simple, hearty and filling ingredients. As always, it’s important to remember that safe preparation and handling of foods is the most important factor for food preparation to make sure that you have lowered the risk for introducing foodborne illnesses, bacteria and viruses into your body. Ingredients 2 tbsp. nut butter — peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup fruit- frozen berries, fresh bananas, apples (optional) ½ cup dried fruit (optional) ½ cup nuts and seeds (optional) ½ cup granola (optional) Directions In a small bowl, mix nut butter and Greek yogurt well To make a parfait, layer ½ cup Greek yogurt with ½ cup fruit (frozen or fresh), ¼ cup nuts or seeds or granola, top with another ½ cup Greek yogurt, ½ cup fruit and nuts, seeds or granola Enjoy!