October 20, 2020

Autumn Salad with Maple-Protein Dressing

Sometimes salads aren’t filling, but they can be if you add the right combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats. This fall salad offers double beans, a protein punch! Maple syrup, mustard, tahini, tamari and savory nutritional yeast combine into a thick dressing that pairs perfectly with hearty salad greens. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale are cancer fighting, anti-aging champions. Enjoy them blended into a salad that packs perfectly for lunch or accompanies a holiday meal. YIELDS 10 SERVINGS Ingredients Dressing 1 (15-oz.) can cannellini or white beans, rinsed and drained 2 Tbs. tahini paste 2 Tbs. […]
October 6, 2020

Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce

Have you ever read the ingredients on a bottle of prepared sauce?  Full of corn syrup, caramel color and artificial flavoring, these products can irritate the body leading to inflammation and sluggish energy. If you need a simple clean-eating stir-fry sauce that is quick to make at home, create your own sauce rather than ingesting all that sugar and preservatives in a bottled product. Home-made sauce provides brighter flavors to your dish and gut-healthy properties thanks to the fermented soy sauce and vinegar. Choose fresh herbs and spices for added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants in your sauce. Ingredients 1/3 cup low […]
September 22, 2020

Pining for Pineapple: Great White Bromeliad

Pineapples are a part of the bromeliad family. You’ve probably seen their decorative cousins in peoples’ homes and gardens. Some time ago, a friend of mine told me about white pineapple. She described it as having creamy, white flesh and an especially sweet, floral taste. It’s not as tart as regular pineapple and less woody and fibrous. This really intrigued me—I HAD to try it! It took almost a year of asking around and searching specialty markets, but I finally found a grower in Hawaii who ships them. Called Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple or Kona Sugarloaf Pineapple, this variety is in […]
September 8, 2020

Cherry Barbecue Tempeh Sandwich

Tempeh is a traditionally Asian fermented plant-based protein source made from whole soy-beans. Because of the fermentation process, tempeh also contains beneficial probiotics. With a meat-like texture, tempeh is a hearty substitute for meatless meals and pairs well with many flavors due to its own mild, slightly nutty taste. Try it with my homemade cherry barbecue sauce, a lower sugar and preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions. Yields 4 Sandwiches Ingredients For The Sauce 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted 6 oz. tomato paste 2 garlic cloves ½ cup water 1 tsp. fresh orange zest 2 Tbs. fresh orange juice 1 Tbs. […]
August 11, 2020

Guacamole with Pomegranate Seeds

  The idea for this guacamole recipe came from a very talented Mexican chef who owns an upscale restaurant in Santa Barbara. The pomegranate seeds add a spectacular, tart crunch to this otherwise mild dip. I serve this dip with blue corn chips, which add a splash of color and are higher in antioxidants than yellow chips. BENEFITS: Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, which help protect the skin from the aging effects of the sun. The anthocyanins in pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and cancer. Blue corn chips provide […]
August 4, 2020

Mint Agave Tonic

The inspiration for this drink comes from the Cuban mojito. My nonalcoholic version uses sparkling water. Mint leaves aid digestion. The vitamin C in limes is a great immunity booster. For a stronger mint flavor, use more mint leaves. Serves 2 Ingredients 2 small bunches fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup lime juice 4-8 tsp. agave nectar 2 1/2 cups sparkling water crushed ice (optional) Procedure 1. Place 5–7 mint leaves in each of 2 tall glass. Bruise the leaves with a cocktail muddle, the handle of a wooden spoon, or the tines of a whisk to help them release their fragrant oil. […]
July 14, 2020

Garlic Crab Royale Has Benefits

Crab provides detoxing selenium in this dish while garlic brings a host of impressive health benefits to the table through the compound allicin. Allicin has been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce plaque buildup in arteries, and keep blood platelets from sticking together too aggressively. I’ve served this garlic crab dish to presidents and to royalty. It consistently wins raves. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 large Dungeness crabs, cut in half, or 4 small whole crabs 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup mirin (seasoned rice wine) 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes) Pinch of ground pepper 1/4 cup […]