Grace O

October 8, 2024

Published by Grace O

Flavorful Flatbreads Get Worldly Makeover

It’s very tempting to call the topic of this blog “pizza” but, instead, I am referring to these endlessly delicious and versatile dishes as “flatbreads” because it suggests so much more than a round baked pie of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Almost every culture around the world uses some version of flatbread and, even among those that don’t have a traditional version, you can create one with any cuisine in the world. Some of the characteristics that make flatbreads so appealing are that they are usually presented thin, a little crispy (as opposed to fluffy and doughy), and they […]

October 8, 2024

Published by Grace O

Heart-Healthy Green Tea Noodles Ramp Up the Flavor

Green Tea Noodles with Edamame Green tea, with its powerful theaflavins, is a strong antioxidant with vigorous anti-inflammatory properties, a heart-healthy addition to anyone’s diet. Green tea is wonderful to drink on its own, but it also can be incorporated into recipes. I use an old Asian trick for mixing more green tea into your diet with my Green Tea Noodles with Edamame. It’s an easy and budget-friendly recipe. Just boil soba, udon, or ramen noodles in green tea instead of water. Green tea has far more age-fighting power than water. If you want to eat these noodles cold, rinse […]

September 24, 2024

Published by Grace O

Salt – The Good, the Bad, the Benefits!

Salt has been one of the most vilified substances in the world of food. Too much of it can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. There is way too much of it in processed foods. It can cause water retention and bloating. These things can be true, but there can be an even greater danger in not getting enough salt. Salt is also an important seasoning tool that puts the finishing touch on most dishes. I need to watch how much salt I put in my food so I try to boost flavors with other spices, but […]

September 24, 2024

Published by Grace O

It’s a Picnic, So Let Them Eat Cake!

No one lives by bread alone. Every so often you need something delicious, like cake. I truly believe that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing the foods you love or special treats. With an eye toward healthful ingredients and the right kind of recipes, you can make luscious desserts like cake work for you. All of my cookbooks contain indulgent recipes that provide important nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. When the weather is nice, I enjoy taking picnics to the beach or outdoor concert venues like the Hollywood Bowl. When it comes to dessert, you want something that will […]

September 24, 2024

Published by Grace O

Pork Loin Pockets Are a Meal With Big Benefits

Pork Loin Pockets I spread pork tenderloin slices with tomato paste to give this dish the antioxidant benefits of licopene. Canadian bacon has less fat than its American counterpart. It also adds a lot of flavor. Sulfur compounds in onions are great anticancer agents. Onions also contain antioxidants and quercetin. Steamed carrot sticks and broccoli make a nice accompaniment to these tasty pockets. Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb.), cut into 8 slices Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste 8 slices Canadian bacon 1⁄4 cup flour 2 beaten medium eggs […]

September 24, 2024

Published by Grace O

We’ve Got Great Recipes for Boosting Brain Function

We all want to stay clear-minded and sharp for as long as possible. To do that, exercise is important, but in addition to working out, you need to eat the right foods to stay engaged and focused. Just as important as your longevity to-do list — eat healthy, gentle workouts, stay connected with friends and family — is the NOT-to-do list — smoking, using recreational drugs, being sedentary, and isolating oneself. Foods that are good for boosting and supporting brain function typically contain nutrients that support cognitive health, such as antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating a variety of […]

September 10, 2024

Published by Grace O

Cold Tea Brews a Boost for the Brain

When it’s hot out, a cup of iced tea is very refreshing, and the benefits far outweigh so many other drinks on the market. The theaflavins in both green and black teas help improve blood flow, keeping your skin fresh and your brain young. Because tea is so beneficial, I’ve developed many recipes with it for my cookbook. One of my simplest tea recipes is Pomegranate Iced Tea. I simply blend pomegranate juice with brewed black tea that has been chilled. Catechins found in black tea inhibit the growth of cancer cells, stimulate metabolism, act as an anti-inflammatory, and can help […]

September 10, 2024

Published by Grace O

Strawberry Almond Cake Is GF and Delicious

Strawberry Almond Cake This almond cake recipe works well with gluten-free flour. I prefer the taste and texture of Cup4Cup flour. I also use monk fruit sweetener, which works beautifully as a sugar substitute. I recommend buying a brand that has been blended with erythritol so that you can replace it 1:1 with white sugar, like Lakanto, which makes both a classic variety and a Golden variety that substitutes for brown sugar. It’s available on Amazon, in Walmart, or in health-food stores. This cake is delicious even without the whipped-cream topping. Benefits: Monk fruit sweetener is made from the juice […]

August 27, 2024

Published by Grace O

Recipes and Foods You Can Eat To Prevent Disease

In the FoodTrients world, ‘disease preventing’ foods are those that reduce risk factors for common degenerative and age-related diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. According to our nutritionist, Ginger Hultin, “Disease preventing FoodTrients® focus on foods that can help reduce the risk of, or even help navigate chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. There’s a lot of research to suggest that the foods you eat make a difference in disease management. What you eat makes a difference.” There are a number of steps you can take to fight or prevent disease: Follow a Healthy Dietary […]