Grace O

July 14, 2024

Published by Grace O

Fight Allergies with Apple Barley Salad!

When pollen is flying through the air on a summer breeze, foods that reduce allergy symptoms can be a lifesaver. I immediately head to my kitchen to make my Apple Barley Salad. Eating specific compounds—such as the FoodTrients omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, gingerol, oleuropein, and quercitin, as well as probiotics—go a long way toward reducing the swelling of nasal passages and the production of antihistamines. The old adage about an apple a day is really true for allergy sufferers. Apples contain quercitin, which supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and may reduce allergic sensitivity. Quercitin is found not only in […]

July 7, 2024

Published by Grace O

Take a Tropical Vacation with These Recipes

If you dream of going to a tropical paradise for a relaxing vacation, but you can’t get away anytime soon, we’d like to bring a little paradise to you with some delicious ideas for tropical fruit treats. Just a whiff of these succulent fruits will take you away to the beach and thoughts of relaxing under a palm tree. You’re probably familiar with mangoes, papayas, and pineapple. But there are so many fruits we don’t see often in the U.S. And most of these exotic fruits are full of FoodTrients® including vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and more. Full disclosure: You won’t […]

July 2, 2024

Published by Grace O

It’s the Summertime Blues when Blueberries Rock!

When it comes to a small but mighty summer fruit, it’s hard to beat blueberries. Is there anything more simple and delicious? You can eat them plain by the handful or add them to smoothies, yogurt, whole-grain cereals, pancakes, desserts, you name it. Growing up in the Philippines, we had blueberries, but they were a rare treat, so I appreciate the abundance of fresh berries available here in California. Native to North America and now cultivated widely in Chile and New Zealand as well, blueberries are an undisputed “superfood.” They are high on any list of foods that do so […]

July 2, 2024

Published by Grace O

Ya! It’s Time for Swedish Chocolate Chip Cake

It’s a brownie! It’s a cookie! It’s a cake! Yes! It’s all of these in one delicious recipe. My friend Barbara got this recipe from her Swedish grandmother and it’s one of the dessert recipes featured in my latest cookbook, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World. This simple cake should not be overmixed, or it will lose its tender crumb. The dark chocolate chips add a wonderful counterpoint to the rich batter; you can substitute carob chips if you like. I toss the chips in flour first to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This cake […]

July 2, 2024

Published by Grace O

Let’s Get Beautiful with Colorful Annatto Noodles!

Vegetarian Stir-Fried Annatto Noodles These colorful noodles, which are made with my Annatto Oil and Annatto Water, are as delicious as they are healthful. They can be served as a main course, appetizer, or side dish. I use cornstarch noodles, but you can use glass or rice noodles. You can substitute other varieties of mushroom, and almost any cabbage will work–Napa, savoy, bok choy, green, or even red. You can use store-bought vegetable broth instead of homemade. This is a gluten-free dish, so I use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. Bragg Liquid Aminos provides even more flavor. BENEFITS: Annatto […]

June 19, 2024

Published by Grace O

Turkish Eggplant Stuffed with Lamb & Walnuts

Turkish Eggplant Stuffed with Lamb & Walnuts In this recipe, eggplant is the star, with lamb an important supporting player. Some versions of eggplant stuffed with meat are found throughout Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. I added walnuts to my version to increase the health benefits of this dish. Pomegranate molasses is available at Middle Eastern markets. Or you can make it yourself by simmering pomegranate juice over medium heat until it thickens to the consistency of syrup. It’s very tangy and lends a wonderful depth to many dishes. Benefits Eggplant contains gut-healthy fiber and cancer-fighting anthocyanins. Pomegranates are […]

June 19, 2024

Published by Grace O

Indian Mint Pesto

Indian Mint Pesto There’s something about fiery Indian curry that pairs wonderfully with mint. This pesto can be spread on naan, stirred into soups, or mixed in with steamed cauliflower and potatoes for a memorable side dish. It’s also ketogenic and vegan. Benefits Mint aids digestion, perks you up when your energy is low, and can help clear congestion in the nose and sinuses. Raw mint leaves have chlorophyll, which acts as an antioxidant and has some anticancer benefits. Curry powder is full of antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory spices. Yields 1 cup Ingredients 1 cup tightly packed fresh mint leaves 1 Tbs. […]

June 17, 2024

Published by Grace O

Give Your Day a Lift With Mangosteens

When mangosteens are in season, from May to September, I can’t wait to get my hands on some to eat fresh and in my delicious chutney. I know that these exotic treats, sometimes called purple mangosteen, will soon be gone. These beautiful little fruits are about the size of a baseball. Dark purple in color, they have a tough outer shell. The top is crowned with small green leaves and the bottom is stamped with a flowerlike shape. They almost look manufactured, but this is how God makes them. You have to carefully cut a line around the tough outer pericarp—the […]

June 17, 2024

Published by Grace O

Up Your Game with Grilled Artichokes & Moringa Dip

Grilled Artichokes With Moringa Dip In this tasty appetizer, I pair moringa–which is loaded with strength-building protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and potassium–with artichokes, which add lutein for eye health and fiber for gut health. I like to steam the artichokes first and finish them on the grill, but you can omit this step to save time. Add other grilled vegetables such as red bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to expand on this delicious party food. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 4 artichokes, trimmed and steamed for 30 minutes 2-3 Tbs. olive oil 1 cup olive oil mayonnaise 1 Tbs. […]