May 20, 2026

Memorial Day Gathering — Simple, Nourishing & Made for Sharing

For me, Memorial Day has always been about gratitude, family, and gathering around the table with the people we love. As someone who grew up in Southeast Asia and later made America my home, I have always appreciated the way food brings people together across generations, cultures, and traditions. This year feels especially meaningful as our country approaches its 250th anniversary — honoring generations of courage, sacrifice, and service by the men and women who helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Memorial Day reminds us to pause, reflect, and appreciate those sacrifices while also celebrating the simple joys of […]
May 18, 2026

Grilled Watermelon with Lime, Mint & Pistachios

Grilled Watermelon Grilling watermelon lightly caramelizes its natural sugars and gives it a surprisingly rich, smoky flavor while keeping its refreshing juiciness. This colorful summer dish is perfect for Memorial Day gatherings because it’s simple, unexpected, and easy to prepare outdoors alongside the rest of the barbecue menu. Fresh mint, lime, and pistachios add brightness, crunch, and heart-healthy nutrients that beautifully balance grilled foods and richer barbecue dishes. FoodTrients Benefits Watermelon is naturally hydrating and rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and skin health. Pistachios provide plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats that support satiety and cardiovascular […]
May 6, 2026

Sweet & Savory Red Cabbage with Apple & Crispy Bacon

Sweet & Savory Red Cabbage With its deep purple color and crisp texture, red cabbage is a wonderful example of how colorful foods can help nourish the body. Naturally rich in fiber and antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanins, red cabbage helps support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy aging. This comforting dish brings together the natural sweetness of cabbage and apple with savory flavor for a balanced and satisfying side. For a lighter, more plant-forward version, the bacon can easily be omitted while still creating a delicious and nourishing dish. It pairs beautifully with turkey, barbecue dishes, and other savory […]
April 21, 2026

Apple Barley Salad Delivers Fiber & Detoxing

Apple Barley Salad Barley is a great source of detoxifying fiber, B vitamins, and selenium. I pair it with apples in this bright, crunchy salad. For the corn kernels, I prefer fresh-roasted corn, but you can use thawed frozen corn kernels, too.  The apples can be any variety or color that you like, or even a combination. All apples contain quercetin, a compound that helps support the immune system, thereby “keeping the doctor away.” Raisins provide antioxidants and resveratrol, the same heart-healthy compound found in red wine. My Honey-Lime Dressing increases the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting components of this recipe. […]
March 30, 2026

Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Delight

This exotic dessert is a beloved treat across Asia! Featuring jackfruit—one of the world’s largest and most antioxidant-rich tree fruits—it delivers a mild and tropical taste . You can discover this golden fresh fruit in specialty markets or conveniently canned at Asian grocers. Be sure to pick ripe jackfruit, glowing in a vibrant yellow. Combined with creamy coconut milk, known for its skin-hydrating and elasticity-boosting powers, and nutrient-packed sweet potatoes loaded with carotenoids and potassium, this dessert is as nourishing as it is delicious! SERVES 6-8 Ingredients ¼ cup tapioca 2 cups water 1 can (8 oz.) jackfruit, drained of […]
March 18, 2026

Southwestern Flavors Enhance This Black Bean Salad

Black Bean Salad Black beans and pasilla chiles give this salad a Southwestern flavor, and red rice makes it fun and different. A lime vinaigrette brings it all together. You can use regular wild rice and store-bought corn. Black beans and wild rice both have protein for building muscles, bones, and blood, and fiber for gut health. Red rice also contains anthocyanins, antioxidants that protect the heart. The red pepper adds lots of the antioxidants vitamin A and C, which contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained ½ cup cooked red rice […]
March 3, 2026

This Flavorful Chaat Salad Is Packed With Protein

South Asian Chaat Salad This flavorful salad was inspired by a type of chaat or savory snack served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra plant-based protein and fiber. A satisfying serving of 2 ½ cups contains 14 g of protein. Benefits The green lentils in this recipe provide a hearty source of plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestive health and helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels. The mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes delivers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping reduce your risk of chronic diseases and calming […]
February 12, 2026

Tart Cherry Bread Pudding with Cherry Compote

A lightly sweet, nutrient-rich dessert layered with antioxidant-packed tart cherries and toasted walnuts. The compote forms a beautiful ruby topping when inverted — warm and glossy, or chilled and sliceable. Ingredients For the Bread Pudding 3 cups whole-grain or whole-wheat bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (slightly stale works best) 2 large eggs 1½ cups fat-free evaporated milk (or 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk + 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for richness) 2 tbsp melted butter or Smart Balance ¼ cup organic sugar, coconut sugar, or xylitol ¼ cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted ¼ cup dried tart cherries ½ tsp lemon zest […]
February 11, 2026

Tart Cherries: Powerful in Every Bite

Tart cherries — especially Montmorency varieties — are emerging as one of nature’s most impressive anti-inflammatory fruits. Their deep ruby color signals a rich concentration of anthocyanins and polyphenols, plant compounds known to help calm inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. Whether enjoyed frozen, dried, or as juice concentrate, tart cherries deliver powerful support for muscle recovery, joint comfort, heart health, and brain function. But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit. Everyday stress, aging, poor sleep, and chronic low-grade inflammation can all take a toll on the body. Tart cherry juice offers a simple, food-based way […]