June 7, 2023

Gluten-Free Pigs in a Blanket

Since going gluten-free there have been many foods that I’ve had to bid farewell to. Thankfully the food industry has been quite kind to us as of late, and the majority of these things I’ve been able to find pretty good gluten-free versions of, or at least learned to make something almost as good. Pizza? Check. French Toast? Check. Cinnamon Buns? Big Check. Pigs in a blanket have remained a distant, delicious memory. Until now. Whether you want to make your own batch or would rather throw frozen franks in the oven, we’ve got you covered. Those of us that bake […]
June 6, 2023

Baobab Butter Squares

Edit Edit date and time These squares are like lemon bars but made with antioxidant-rich baobab. Baobab is an African fruit that has a powdery texture. You can buy it from Amazon or you can use fresh lemon juice (3 Tbs.) or lemon zest (1 Tbs.) instead of the baobab powder. Feel free to substitute gluten-free flour for the wheat-based flour. BENEFITS: Baobab is a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that appears to guard against heart disease and stroke and also protects the skin from the aging effects of ultraviolet rays. It contains fiber, which helps with detoxification […]
June 6, 2023

Mamma Mia! Chia Frescas!

Aguas frescas are popular, refreshing fruit drinks found in Mexico. Some roadside vendors add chia seeds to their drinks for extra texture. When soaked, the seeds develop a soft outer coating, somewhat like tapioca. Chia seeds add more than just a textural dimension to fruit drinks; they also provide detoxifying fiber and the anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Their nutty flavor goes well with peach tea and strawberry lemonade. They’re also nice mixed into sweetened green tea. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 Tbs. white chia seeds 1/2 cup water 3 sliced strawberries 2 Tbs. lemon juice (about 1 lemon) 2 Tbs. agave nectar or […]
June 6, 2023

Lemon Herb Bean Soup

Soup isn’t just for winter anymore! This hearty, flavorful soup features anti-inflammatory ingredients balanced with fiber for gut health, protein and healthy fats. Plenty of fresh and dried herbs and spices liven up the flavor as beans take the center stage in this dish. Blending part of the soup helps it maintain a complex texture while taking on a creaminess. Soup makes wonderful leftovers as flavors mingle over time. It also freezes well so it is perfect for weekend batch cooking and planning ahead for busy weekends ahead. Enjoy this light, healthy soup this spring. SERVES 6 Ingredients 2 Tbs. […]
June 6, 2023

Got a Skillet? Then Let’s Bake a Cake

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 […]
May 22, 2023

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 […]
May 22, 2023

Velvety Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Chocolatey, rich mousse is a perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day or any time of the year, really. Heart-healthy compounds abound in cocoa, so a lightened-up, vegan version of this classic recipe will benefit you and the ones you share it with. Many mousse recipes use chocolate chips for flavor, but this one features pure baking cocoa for an antioxidant punch and tangy bitterness to balance the sweetness of the syrup. Using vanilla almond or soy milk as well as vanilla extract offers depth in flavor aside from pure chocolate. Be sure to garnish with fresh strawberries or cherries for texture, […]
May 10, 2023

Tilapia Filets with Cilantro Are Anti-Aging

The anti-inflammatory properties of fresh cilantro, ginger, and olive oil help keep skin looking young. I prefer to make this recipe using tilapia fillets, though you can substitute any firm, whitefish fillet. Using banana leaves to wrap the fillets will impart the full flavor of the fish, but the use of aluminum foil alone will also work. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 banana leaves 2 tilapia fillets Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 lemon, cut in half and sees removed 1/2 cup seeded and sliced tomato 1 Tbs. peeled and thinly sliced gingerroot 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 Tbs. […]
May 10, 2023

Soy Soba Buddha Bowls Are Nutritious

Fresh ginger, baby bok choy, dry-roasted edamame, yellow bell pepper and nutritious soba noodles make these vegan Buddha Bowls an easy (and delicious) win for lunch or dinner. Ingredients: 1 (12- to 18-ounce) package firm or extra-firm water-packed tofu ¼ cup finely chopped shallots 4 Tbs. toasted sesame oil, divided 2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce (organic) 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper 4 heads baby bok choy, halved lengthwise 1 yellow bell pepper; stemmed, quartered and seeded 4 ounces dried soba noodles ½ cup coarsely shredded carrot ½ cup dry-roasted edamame 1 Tbs. sesame seeds, toasted […]