Grace O

August 12, 2025

Published by Grace O

Beautiful Bounty: The Stone Fruits of Summer

It’s so easy to eat well in summer! I get inspired every time I walk through a farmer’s market or even the produce section of the supermarket. There are so many stone fruits and melons available and right now they are at their peak. You just can’t go wrong creating desserts and salads from fruits like peaches, nectarines, apricots and the new pluots and apriums, which are hybrids created by crossing plums and apricots. In addition to the delicious taste there are plenty of health benefits from eating stone fruits. For instance: As a collagen booster: A cup of sliced […]

August 12, 2025

Published by Grace O

Summer Produce Brings a Bounty of Recipes

Let’s just start by saying that in summer, just about ALL fruits and vegetables are at their peak. With all the rain we had in California last winter, the quality of the local produce is more spectacular than usual. The summer months are the best time of year for enjoying produce prepared in the simplest methods. These fruits and vegetables are not only refreshing and delicious during hot summer days but also often have high water content, which can help keep you hydrated. Remember to choose fresh, locally sourced produce whenever possible for the best flavor and nutritional value. Tomato […]

July 30, 2025

Published by Grace O

Summertime Is Tops for Tasty Tomatoes

Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to look for tomatoes at local farmers markets to see what’s organic, fresh and in season. I am always drawn to the variety of tomatoes that are available in the summer. The flavor is nothing like those pale, sad things you see in the supermarket in February. During the summer I’m inspired to use tomatoes in just about everything from appetizers and salads to satisfying main courses. Tomatoes are very good sources of lycopene, which is an effective antioxidant. Lycopene is in the carotenoid family, which includes beta-carotene, lutein (good for eye […]

July 29, 2025

Published by Grace O

Mexican-Inspired Grilled Chicken

Summertime Grilled Chicken This Mexican-inspired dish just screams dellicious! The chicken is marinated in my Honey-Lime Dressing, grilled, and paired with my refreshing Strawberry-Avocado Relish for an immunity boost, a dose of antioxidants, and detoxifying support. Serve it with corn on the cob or tortillas. SERVES 2 Ingredients 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 recipe Honey-Lime Dressing 1 recipe Strawberry-Avocado Relish Procedure 1. Marinate the chicken breasts in the Honey-Lime Dressing in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. The easiest way to ensure that the marinade coats the chicken evenly is to put both in a resealable plastic […]

July 29, 2025

Published by Grace O

Beat the Heat & Savor Cool Summer Beverages

Most of us enjoy sweet beverages during the warm days of summer—juices, iced tea, lemonade, and others. But there are times when drinks become even more refreshing if they offer a slightly savory element. Besides, juices and sweetened beverages have high amounts of sugar that can aggravate a propensity for diabetes and other health issues, including weight gain. Beverages that refresh with ingredients such as sparkling mineral water, herbs, florals and vegetables can be a welcome change. Non-alcoholic beer, for example, has a number of health benefits. Not only is it lower in calories than that alcoholic beer, but the […]

July 29, 2025

Published by Grace O

Savor the Flavors of Summer – From the Grill to the Garden

When I think back to my most pleasant summer memories, I think about cooking outside. Most of the time that means grilling . . . and one of my favorites — barbequed ribs. Whether you use a traditional charcoal barbecue or a gas barbecue (my preference because you can control the heat more precisely), foods come out tasting delicious—almost magically so. And while most of us think of protein on the grill, fruits and vegetables come out brilliantly — the direct heat caramelizes whatever produce you’re grilling, deepening the flavor. For a delicious starter, try my recipe for Grilled Artichoke with […]

July 7, 2025

Published by Grace O

Rich Chia Seed Pudding

Chia has gained recent popularity for good reason; these little seeds are nutrient powerhouses–high in protein, detoxifying fiber and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Including chia seeds in your diet can deliver a healthy breakfast or afternoon energy boost because chia is associated with vitality and satiety due to the balance in fat, fiber and protein they contain. Chia seeds absorb water and expand, so if you enjoy the consistency of tapioca or rice pudding, this is a great snack for you. Ingredients 2 Tbs. chia seeds 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 Tbs. sliced or slivered almonds […]

June 16, 2025

Published by Grace O

Blueberry Hemp Smoothie Is a Beauty Tonic

Blueberry Hemp Milk Smoothies Hemp is the natural fiber from the stalk of a cannabis plant. Hemp seeds and the hemp milk made from them are beneficial to your skin. The Omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds help keep skin hydrated and reduce inflammation. Blueberries have tons of antioxidant power and contain protective anthocyanins. Together hemp milk and blueberries make a superfood smoothie. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 cups hemp milk 2 cups fresh blueberries 1 banana Crushed ice (optional) Procedure Combine the hemp milk, blueberries, and banana in a blender and mix until smooth, about 1 minute. For a cold […]

June 16, 2025

Published by Grace O

Rustic Desserts and Savory Comforts from Skillet to Table

Do you have a cast iron skillet among your pots and pans? I do, and I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with it. The thing is heavy! I can barely lift the nine-inch one with one hand. And cleaning them is something else. You’re not supposed to use soap—just scrape, rinse and dry immediately. Don’t leave it wet or you risk rust! It should be stored seasoned with a little neutral oil (like avocado) and covered in parchment so it doesn’t mess up your other pans. BUT– The way a cast iron skillet cooks food is […]