Grace O

October 10, 2023

Published by Grace O

Harvest Fall Vegetables for Delish Dishes

The change in season is such a wonderful time, even in temperate Southern California. Yes, the days can be hot, but the sun sets earlier and though it may still reach 80-plus degrees at 2:00 pm, evenings are cool, and thoughts turn to comforting, fallish foods, including vegetables. Most fall vegetables are available in winter, too, and most vegetables, for that matter, are available year-round thanks to farmers in Mexico and Central America. The key is that typically fall vegetables are at their peak this time of year, so take advantage of them at their best. Here are some vegetables […]

September 24, 2023

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 […]

September 24, 2023

Published by Grace O

Classic French Apple Tart

Pear and Apple Tart In this dessert, I take the recipe for the classic French dessert tarte tatin–with its quercetin-containing apples–and add pears for their copper content and pecans and cinnamon, which are high in antioxidants. It is worth noting that when used in sufficient amounts, cinnamon also has anti-blood-clotting agents and anti-inflammatory properties and may help stabilize blood sugar levels. SERVES 6-8 Ingredients 6 Tbs. butter, cut into small pieces 1/2 cup sugar, combined with 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 4 apples (Braeburn, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and cut in half 2 pears (Bosc), peeled, cored, and […]

September 11, 2023

Published by Grace O

Summertime and It’s International Salad Time

As the summer heats up, I’m less inclined to cook hot meals. Plus, go to any supermarket and it’s clear that produce is in full bloom. Colorful fruits and vegetables inspire me to whip up delicious and healthful salads. When you go to Italy in the summer, you can’t believe how luscious the produce is. That’s because much of it is local or grown not far from where it’s consumed. Our own grocery stores are stocking much more local produce. Check out all the delicious produce at your nearby farmers market. A few weeks ago, I wrote about international dressings […]

August 30, 2023

Published by Grace O

Try One-bowl Meals from Around the World

The growing trend of one-bowl meals just keeps going. I enjoy creating a blend of flavors, spices and textures in my bowl recipes and find them to be delicious, satisfying meals. The legend of the Buddha carrying a bowl with him on his journeys and accepting food as donations to be eaten at the end of the day is the origin of the Asian-inspired “Buddha Bowl.” If the Enlightened One had lived in Morocco, a Buddha Bowl would probably have contained couscous and the spice blend, zaatar. Or if he travelled throughout Peru, at the end of the day his […]

August 30, 2023

Published by Grace O

Tasty Fig Salad Is Great Source of Fiber

Fig Salad Figs are an excellent source of fiber which promotes gut health and helps pull toxins out of the body. One serving of this salad provides about 12-15 percent of the daily requirement, in addition to some benefits from antioxidants, beta-carotene, and potassium. Figs also contain anthocyanins, which help reduce the risk of cancer. Deep purple figs have a greater concentration of anthocyanins than green or golden figs. Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants and helps boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar. Slightly sweet and slightly tart, this salad also works well as an appetizer or dessert. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1 […]

August 30, 2023

Published by Grace O

This Avocado Dressing Is Homemade & Versatile

Whole, natural foods combine in minutes to create this simple, creamy dressing. Avocado creates a rich base full of detoxifying fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. High levels of healthy fats in this dressing increase satiety and support cells for optimal vitality. Keep in mind that avocado dressing isn’t just for salads! You can use it as a dip or dressing for a variety of crackers or other veggies you love. Toss all of these unprocessed ingredients into a food processor or blender and enjoy a delicious, homemade dressing in minutes. YIELD about 1.5 cups Ingredients 1 whole, ripe avocado, peeled […]

August 16, 2023

Published by Grace O

Stuffed Petite Peppers Are Perfect Starter

Stuffed Petite Peppers I like to combine the nutty flavor of millet with Canadian bacon and chlorophyll-laced parsley to make a satisfying filling for these cute pepper appetizers. Millet is a protein-rich but under-used whole grain. Gluten-free, it can be cooked like rice and used in place of white rice in many recipes–simply use three parts water to one part grain. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1/2 cup millet 1 1/2 cups water 4 tsp. olive oil 4 slices Canadian bacon 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/2 tsp. minced garlic 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 tsp. paprika 1 medium egg white 8-10 mini […]

July 31, 2023

Published by Grace O

Toss Summer Salads with Anti-Inflammatories

We’ve talked a lot about anti-inflammatory foods in this space before. However, it’s so important to anti-aging and your overall health, it bears repeating. And since it’s the apex of summer, I want to share with you some salad recipes that are high in anti-inflammatory foods and are at the peak of their deliciousness this time of year. Anti-inflammatory foods are those that have properties known to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body against injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to various health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, […]