Grace O

July 31, 2023

Published by Grace O

Veracruz Street Corn Bowl

Veracruz Street Corn Bowl Mexican street corn (maíz callejero) is roasted ears slathered with chile powder and mayonnaise. My version treats the corn with a lighter touch, calorically speaking, and includes black beans, brown rice, and the crunch of Romaine and jicama. Benefits: Black beans contain protein, tissue-repairing lysine, vitamin B-6 for producing energy, calcium for building strong bones, and collagen-building zinc. Corn provides zinc, eye-healthy lutein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that fights free-radical damage in your cells. Brown rice is full of fiber for gut health as well as beneficial trace minerals. Serves 4 Ingredients […]

July 19, 2023

Published by Grace O

Tropical Mango-Habanero Salsa

The mangoes in this salsa give it a tropical flavor profile. Their sweetness nicely balances the zing from the vinegar and the heat from the habanero. This salsa is delicious over chicken or fish. If you want less heat, remove all the habanero seeds. Benefits: Mangoes, like all orange fruits and veggies, contain antioxidant carotenoids, which help inhibit cancer and tumor growth, reduce your risk of heart disease, and support healthy immune function. The vitamin A in mangoes supports the healthy growth of skin and hair and keeps your eyes healthy. Unpasteurized vinegar contains many different nutrients, including those from […]

July 18, 2023

Published by Grace O

It’s Summer: Create Your Own Ice Cream Flavors

When it comes to preparing food, I like to go all out. Cooking brings me such joy that I’m willing to go to any length to share the pleasures of the table with others. When the weather turned warm this year, I decided it was time to make ice cream. I have a small ice cream maker for home use, but I quickly realized it wouldn’t produce enough to feed all of my family and friends. So, I bought a professional ice cream machine. And then I bought a blast freezer to go with it, to freeze the ice cream so […]

July 18, 2023

Published by Grace O

Tropical Grilled Chicken with Mango-Habanero Salsa

Chicken breasts are the perfect vehicle for zesty tropical flavors. Calamansi is a citrus hybrid also known as Philippine lime. It’s popular in Asian (especially Southeast Asian, Malaysian, and Indonesian) cuisines. If you can’t find it in an Asian market, you can use more traditional limes or lime juice. My Tropical Mango Habanero Salsa is not just good with chips, it’s also delicious over grilled chicken (or even steak or shrimp). You can serve this dish alongside my Jamaican Rice with Curried Corn, which is another delicious recipe in my new cookbook, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the […]

July 4, 2023

Published by Grace O

Almond Blueberry Gelatin Parfaits

Almond Blueberry Gelatin Parfaits The flavors and colors of the almond and blueberry gelatins play off each other beautifully in this dessert. Benefits: Blueberries rank very high in their ability to fight free oxygen radicals that damage cells. They also contain vitamin C and antibacterial elements called anthocyanosides, which are great for maintaining vein health and your immune system. Almond milk is an excellent source of antioxidants. SERVES 6 Ingredients For Blueberry Gelatin 2 cups blueberry juice 2 envelopes (1 oz. each) unflavored gelatin ¼ cup brown sugar 1 tsp. lemon zest ½ cup chopped fresh blueberries For Almond Gelatin […]

July 4, 2023

Published by Grace O

Mediterranean Superfoods Are Health Heroes

You have probably heard of the Mediterranean Diet. Besides conjuring visions of sipping chilled prosecco overlooking a sparkling sea, this way of cooking and eating is a heavily plant-based diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, fish, lean meats (in moderation) and monounsaturated oils, such as olive oil. It’s a true farm-to-table diet that relies on locally produced/caught/raised foods. In a number of studies, people who live around the Mediterranean in Southern Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece, as well as countries such as Croatia, Israel and Morocco, and live a mostly agrarian life tend to have lower incidences […]

June 20, 2023

Published by Grace O

Well-Traveled Salad Dressings and Marinades

As the summer heats up, quick salads and meals inspire my favorite international-style dressings, while maximizing the benefits of FoodTrients. Most of these dressings can also be used to marinate meat, chicken or seafood. You’ll notice that many of these dressings/marinades contain a small amount of mustard. Mustard serves as an excellent emulsifier to fully incorporate the oil and the acid. It also tenderizes the protein you are using in the dish. BBQ Grilled Scallops with Grilled Asparagus Scallops are such wonderful nuggets of protein with a sweet, nutty taste. Scallops are also low in calories, high in protein (19.5 […]

June 6, 2023

Published by Grace O

Asparagus: The Fabulous, Finicky Vegetable We Love

Asparagus may be a finicky vegetable, but there are lots of reasons to eat it. It has lycopene, which lowers cancer risk, aids cognitive function, and promotes prostate health. Asparagus also contains Vitamin C, which helps the body resist infection, prevent cataracts, and regenerate tissue. Asparagus is a source of the soluble fiber inulin, which can suppress your appetite. There’s also an array of B vitamins in this popular vegetable, including B1, B2, B3 and B6. It also encourages digestive health and contains vitamin K, which acts as a natural diuretic. On top of that, along with vitamin K, asparagus […]

May 22, 2023

Published by Grace O

Veggie Quesadillas Are a Healthy, Tasty Meal

Vegetable Quesadillas Quesadillas have a reputation for being unhealthy. It’s true that they can be very high in fat and calories but it is possible to lighten up this classic dish. Cheese is still required to hold the tortillas together, but now you can get creative by adding high-fiber, detoxifying protein and antioxidant-rich vegetables for more nutrients. Spinach and beans create a heartier and more filling base while spicy salsa and creamy avocado add flavor and texture. For a quick, healthy dinner or lunch this quesadilla recipe features convenience foods that are common pantry staples. Next time you need dinner […]