August 30, 2022

India’s Lassi Gets a New Twist with Soursop

Soursop (Guanabana) Lassi From my first book, The Age GRACEFULLY Cookbook, here is an easy and delicious beverage featuring guanabana. Called, Soursop Lassi, it’s essentially a lassi drink from India made with yogurt and a pinch of salt. Mango lassi is very popular in Indian restaurants. I put a South American spin on the healthful drink by using guanabana in place of the mango. Guanabana provides antioxidants, immune-boosting vitamin C and riboflavin. Yogurt has beneficial probiotics that aid digestion and gut health. Learn more about the benefits of soursop here. You can find frozen guanabana pulp in Latin markets. Ingredients […]
August 30, 2022

Spicy Chickpea Burgers Are Simple & Savory

  Spicy Chickpea Burgers Enjoy a healthier burger full of detoxifying fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants by blending chickpeas with vegetables, herbs and spices. While some veggie patties are fried or cooked in oil, these spicy chickpea burgers are baked golden brown and offer a mildly spicy aroma. A very simple meal, this recipe can be prepared in a matter of minutes. Serve these savory patties on a whole grain bun with a fresh green salad for an easy meal full of nutrients and flavor. Ingredients 1 Tbs. olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ medium […]
August 15, 2022

Prune and Walnut Bars

Prunes and walnuts are both exceedingly high in antioxidant power. Both are listed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) scale with over 10,000 units. Eating a ¼-cup serving of prunes, or about four prunes, provide you with 12% of the daily value for fiber, 32% of the daily value for vitamin K and 9% of the daily value for potassium. A hundred grams of prunes (about ½ cup) provides at least 9% of your daily needs for the B vitamins, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B-6.  Walnuts have heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and detoxifying […]
July 6, 2022

Aztec Berry Salad with Lemon Chia Dressing

The Aztecs recorded using chia seeds as far back as 1540. This colorful and refreshing salad is perfect for summer afternoons and evenings. Serve this salad as a starter, side dish, or light summer meal. Benefits: Chia seeds provide energy in the form of healthy fats (including anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids) and plant-based protein. Fresh, seasonal berries provide a concentrated source of beneficial antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which improve capillary function in the brain, eyes, and skin. SERVES 4 Ingredients For the salad 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped baby spinach 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced 1 cup […]
May 31, 2022

Tandoori Spice Mix

This spice blend from India gives an exotic twist to summer barbeques! Shake it onto beef, lamb, chicken, shrimp or swordfish before grilling. Benefits: The spices in this mix act as powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatories (especially ginger and turmeric which is enhanced by black pepper), antibacterials, and antiseptics (nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon). Cumin may even have potential antidepressant or anti-anxiety properties. Yields about 2/3 cup Ingredients 3 Tbs. ground ginger 3 Tbs. ground coriander seeds 1 Tbs. ground cumin 2 Tbs. Hungarian or Spanish paprika 1 Tbs. ground black pepper 2 tsp. sea salt 1½ tsp. ground turmeric 1½ tsp. ground […]
May 31, 2022

Marrakesh Spice Mix

This sweet and savory blend from Morocco gives an exotic flavor to lamb, poultry and vegetables like carrots and cauliflower. Benefits: Cloves and cinnamon both have antiseptic properties. Cumin contains safranal, an antioxidant that may have some antidepressant properties. Ground spices like these contain small amounts of minerals like manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron for an additional nutrition boost. Yields about ½ cup   Ingredients 2 Tbs. ground cinnamon 2 Tbs. ground cumin 2 Tbs. ground coriander seed 1 tsp. ground cayenne pepper 1 tsp. ground cloves   Directions Mix together and store in an airtight glass jar […]
April 1, 2022

Carrot Quiche

Carrots are well known for their beta-carotene content, which our bodies convert into vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that is needed for healthy immune function. Carrots have hundreds of other cartenoids that help inhibit cancer growth. They also contain lutein, which is beneficial to eye health. Our bodies process the nutrients in carrots more efficiently when they are cooked. In this quiche, the carrots stay bright orange and firm, a nice contrast to the silky custard base. SERVES 6-8 Ingredients 1 (9-in.) whole-wheat pie crust 2 tsp. canola oil 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped 2 tsp. chopped garlic 1/2 cup […]
February 23, 2022

Turkey Meatballs with Gravy

The chlorophyll in fresh parsley gives this herb its antioxidant power, while vitamin C makes it a good anti-inflammatory. Parsley also contains folic acid, which is great for protecting your heart. I use a half cup of fresh parsley in these delicious meatballs, then sprinkle more on top when plating. I’ve included a quick gravy recipe that goes well with these meatballs or over mashed potatoes. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1 lb. ground turkey 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 medium eggs Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup chopped parsley 2 Tbs. seasoned breadcrumbs 1/4 cup olive oil 1 […]
January 28, 2022

Shrimp and Moringa Curry

Shrimp and coconut milk are a classic Asian combination; they are also anti-inflammatory. I’ve added moringa powder to this very mild dish in order to increase the antioxidant power of this dish. If you want to dial up the heat a notch or two, use serrano or other hot peppers in place of the mild red Anaheim chilies. If desired, serve over brown or jasmine rice. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 1⁄4 cup peanut oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 inch peeled and thinly sliced gingerroot 1⁄2 cup sliced red onion 2 red Anaheim chilies, seeded and cut into strips 1 can […]