Grace O

July 1, 2026

Published by Grace O

Food, Family & Freedom: Celebrating

America’s 250th Birthday! A message from Grace O One Nation. Many Cultures. Endless Healthy Traditions As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States this Fourth of July, I’m reminded that one of America’s greatest strengths has always been its diversity—not only in the people who call this country home, but also in the foods, traditions, and cultures we share around our tables. Every family has its own favorite Fourth of July recipes. Some traditions have been passed down for generations, while others have traveled here from around the world. Together, they tell the story of America—a nation built […]

June 30, 2026

Published by Grace O

Ramp Up the Flavor with Wild Boar Kebabs

Wild boar has more flavor than tame pork. It has to be tenderized a bit, but that’s easily accomplished with an onion-juice marinade. You can use pork or beef medallions instead of boar and any type of cubed vegetables. BENEFITS: Wild boar (and therefore pork) has protein and lysine for building muscle, bone, and blood. It also contains phosphorus for nerve and muscle function and vitamin B12 for protecting nerves and brain cells. Yields: about 6 skewers Ingredients 1 lb. wild boar medallions or pork tenderloin 1/2 cup each cubed white onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper […]

June 26, 2026

Published by Grace O

Ashitaba Potato Salad

Potato salad is a great way to showcase ashitaba leaves. These healthful leaves, grown in Japan and Southeast Asia, are often dried, ground and taken as a dietary supplement. I grow my own ashitaba plants here in Southern California and I like to eat them fresh. The dark green leaves taste like spinach or sweet kale. But if you can’t find fresh ashitaba leaves, this potato salad is delicious without them. I like to use fingerling potatoes, but you can use small white new potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes instead. I prefer the French haricot vert variety of green bean, […]

May 20, 2026

Published by Grace O

Memorial Day Gathering — Simple, Nourishing & Made for Sharing

For me, Memorial Day has always been about gratitude, family, and gathering around the table with the people we love. As someone who grew up in Southeast Asia and later made America my home, I have always appreciated the way food brings people together across generations, cultures, and traditions. This year feels especially meaningful as our country approaches its 250th anniversary — honoring generations of courage, sacrifice, and service by the men and women who helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Memorial Day reminds us to pause, reflect, and appreciate those sacrifices while also celebrating the simple joys of […]

May 18, 2026

Published by Grace O

Grilled Watermelon with Lime, Mint & Pistachios

Grilled Watermelon Grilling watermelon lightly caramelizes its natural sugars and gives it a surprisingly rich, smoky flavor while keeping its refreshing juiciness. This colorful summer dish is perfect for Memorial Day gatherings because it’s simple, unexpected, and easy to prepare outdoors alongside the rest of the barbecue menu. Fresh mint, lime, and pistachios add brightness, crunch, and heart-healthy nutrients that beautifully balance grilled foods and richer barbecue dishes. FoodTrients Benefits Watermelon is naturally hydrating and rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and skin health. Pistachios provide plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats that support satiety and cardiovascular […]

May 7, 2026

Published by Grace O

Eat the Rainbow: Phytonutrients for Healthy Aging

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how the simplest meals—often the most colorful—can be the most nourishing. Growing up and through my travels, I’ve always been drawn to vibrant fruits and vegetables, not only for their beauty, but for how they make you feel. We’ve explored how stress, fiber, and gut health all play a role in how we feel each day. But how do we bring it all together—simply and naturally—on the plate? One of the easiest and most effective ways is to eat a variety of colorful, whole foods. The Power of Color in Food The vibrant […]

May 6, 2026

Published by Grace O

Sweet & Savory Red Cabbage with Apple & Crispy Bacon

Sweet & Savory Red Cabbage With its deep purple color and crisp texture, red cabbage is a wonderful example of how colorful foods can help nourish the body. Naturally rich in fiber and antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanins, red cabbage helps support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy aging. This comforting dish brings together the natural sweetness of cabbage and apple with savory flavor for a balanced and satisfying side. For a lighter, more plant-forward version, the bacon can easily be omitted while still creating a delicious and nourishing dish. It pairs beautifully with turkey, barbecue dishes, and other savory […]

May 6, 2026

Published by Grace O

Savory and Satisfying Dishes with Mushrooms

Most people either love or hate mushrooms. But hear me out: the beauty of mushrooms is that they take on the flavor of whatever they’re cooked with. They become Asian cooked in a soy or teriyaki-style sauce. They’re Italian sauteed in olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. Sprinkle middle Eastern spices on them such as zaatar or sumac and they become Moroccan or Lebanese. For those who want to cut down on eating meat, a portobello mushroom grilled and placed in a hamburger bun is very satisfying. Mushrooms provide that ‘fifth taste’ (joining sweet, salty, sour and bitter), umami, which […]

April 27, 2026

Published by Grace O

Your Gut Is Your Second Brain: How Food Affects Mood, Stress, and Aging

We often think of our brain as the center of how we feel—our mood, our stress, our energy. But there is another system in the body quietly influencing all of these: the gut. Often referred to as the “second brain,” the gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in how we feel each day—not just physically, but emotionally as well. I’ve always believed that the foods we choose each day are deeply connected to how the body functions as a whole. One of the most powerful of these connections is the one between the gut […]