Grace O

November 13, 2018

Published by Grace O

Garlicky Green Beans

These green beans are easy to make and can even be prepped a day ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holidays and dinner parties. Marcona almonds make this simple side dish elegant. Green beans contain vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that boosts immune function and keeps eyes and skin healthy. Vitamin C helps the body resist infection, prevents cataracts, and boosts collagen. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb. green beans (about 6 cups), trimmed 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. Marcona almonds 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbs. chopped fresh […]

November 12, 2018

Published by Grace O

Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate

Brussels sprouts, pomegranate, and four common pantry ingredients are all that is needed to put together this colorful and crowd-pleasing side dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts are easy to make and filled with digestion-boosting fiber and beneficial antioxidants. Even those skeptical of this healthy cruciferous vegetable will love it alongside tart and juicy pomegranate and chopped walnuts. Enjoy this plant-based dish throughout the fall and winter seasons! Serves 2 Ingredients 16 halved Brussels sprouts 2 Tbs. coconut oil Salt and pepper to taste ⅓ cup pomegranate arils ⅓ cup walnut halves and pieces (toasted if desired) 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive […]

November 12, 2018

Published by Grace O

Roasted Veggies and Greens Salad

Roasted veggies aren’t just for fall anymore! They can fit into the diet year round when mixed with other fresh, seasonal choices. Root vegetables such as beets and carrots can be combined with a variety of greens and a light, lemony vinaigrette to make the perfect warm-weather salad. Quick and easy to make, try this roasted vegetable salad with summer greens this week. The veggies and greens are full of detoxifying fiber and chlorophyll. The colors point to disease-preventing Foodtrients. Serves 5 Ingredients 4 large carrots, peeled and diced 1 medium yellow onion, diced 3 medium purple beets, peeled and […]

November 5, 2018

Published by Grace O

Chia Seed Southwestern Fettuccine

Most Americans are probably familiar with chia pets—clay pots shaped like animals that you fill with chia seeds and water. The chia seeds sprout and grow green “fur” on the clay pot. Few people who own those chia pets, however, realize that chia seeds are not only edible—sprouted or not—but they’re also wonderful for your health. The ancient Aztecs of Mexico began eating unsprouted chia seeds over 500 years ago. In the Mayan language, “chia” means “strength.” The tiny seeds come in white or black varieties and are native to Mexico and Guatemala. Today, Mexicans drink chia frescas: chia seeds stirred […]

October 22, 2018

Published by Grace O

What’s for Lunch? Pack FoodTrients To Go

By Grace O Everyone is busy, which makes grabbing fast food or convenience foods so tempting at lunch time. There are many days that I have to go from meeting to meeting without any time to stop for lunch, so I find myself eating on the run. When I do have time, I’m always interested in checking out new dishes and new restaurants, but that can lead to way too much temptation. When it comes down to it, I know that if I’m to make the best choices for my mind and body, I should take my own advice and […]

October 10, 2018

Published by Grace O

Be Thankful for Cranberry Bread Pudding

Cranberry Bread Pudding Cranberries don’t grow in the subtropical climate of Southeast Asia, so when my mother and I wanted to make this dessert, we had to use a local red-colored berry as a substitute. I like this recipe better with cranberries, which are high in immune-boosting vitamin C. They also rank very high on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scale, so they have great antioxidant power. Use my Cranberry Compote on the bottom layer (it becomes the top layer when you turn out the dessert). To serve this dessert cold, place the pudding in the refrigerator overnight before […]

September 25, 2018

Published by Grace O

Howdy! Meet the Delicious Superfoods of the Southwest

When we think of the Southwest, what do we picture? Beautiful red rock landscapes. A saguaro cactus silhouetted against a perfect sunset. A bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. A pitcher of Margaritas? Super healthy, age-defying foods probably don’t come to mind. Most of us think of what’s come to be known as Tex-Mex cuisine — lots of cheesy, spicey, tomato-y dishes wrapped in tortillas. Delicious, yes, but good for you? Not so much. But if you dig a little deeper and explore what indigenous people grew and ate in the Southwest, you’ll find there are plenty of foods that […]

August 27, 2018

Published by Grace O

Eat to the Beat of Caribbean Superfoods!

The Caribbean is blessed in so many ways. There is the famous weather, which is warm and sunny during the winter when most of North America is shivering, and the gorgeous turquoise water and sugary white (or sometimes pink!) sands with Calypso music wafting. What I love about the Caribbean is the blend of cultures, which gives richness to the language, traditions and especially the food. There are influences from every civilization, East and West, that ever set foot on these island gems — from the indigenous Amerindian people, who were followed by British, Spanish, French and Dutch explorers, to […]

August 22, 2018

Published by Grace O

Watercress Dressing

Use this on just about any green leafy salad with fresh vegetables. For a thinner dressing, use regular or low fat yogurt. Marinated or flavored, crumbled feta cheese might be fun to use in this recipe. Other nice additions would be ¼ tsp. of crushed garlic and/or ⅛ cup of red onion. Raw watercress contains chlorophyll, a great detoxifyer. Yogurt has probiotics that promote gut health. YIELDS 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 cup whole watercress leaves, without stems ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese ½ tsp. salt or salt substitute Dash of black or white pepper Procedure […]