July 30, 2022

North African Freekeh

Ancient grains are trending, so you have probably heard of the roasted young (green) wheat called freekeh (pronounced free-kuh). This grain and the dishes made with it are from North Africa. In this recipe, I’ve combined it with savory garlic, fresh lemon, mint, sweet dates and nourishing chopped kale for a well-rounded side-dish full of flavor. Freekeh can be found in Whole Foods and other health-food stores or online. Benefits: Freekeh is packed with fiber and protein, so it will keep you full and satiated for hours. It also has vitamin B for energy, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and manganese […]
April 22, 2022

Exotic Fruit Salad with Granola

  My recipe for Exotic Fruit Salad, which is featured in my new cookbook – The Age Beautifully Cookbook — is a protein-packed, vitamin-filled way to grab a healthy snack or start your morning. You can add spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice (about ⅛ tsp. each), and nuts. Instead of exotic fruits you can use grapes, blackberries, strawberries, and/or bananas. The Omega-3 fatty acids in the flaxseeds are great for your arteries and heart. Oats and fiber are both known to reduce cholesterol. The exotic fruits in this recipe are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps […]
February 12, 2022

Tomato Soup With a Tempeh Twist!

Savory, soothing tomato soup gets a protein kick by adding tempeh, a fermented soy product with a firm and meaty texture. Some people do not care for the squishy texture of regular tofu, preferring tempeh instead. A product that crumbles directly into this soup and cooks along with it, tempeh adds the unexpected benefit of probiotics for gut health and protein. Cooked tomatoes offer a heart-healthy punch of the antioxidant lycopene. With plenty of flavorful herbs and spices, consider this tomato soup when you need a simple, healthy dish. SERVES 6 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, […]
January 12, 2022

Coconut Chai Oatmeal

  Lighten up your oatmeal and create a new breakfast ritual with flavorful chai and coconut blended with nutritious cholesterol-lowering whole oats. If you think that whole rolled oats take too  long to make, think again! Instant oats lack the amount of gut-friendly fiber found in unprocessed oats, so finding an easy way to prep the whole version is important. A favorite flavor generally added to oats is classic brown sugar or maple syrup which can equal a lot of added sugar to your morning. By using ripe bananas and vanilla extract, this dish is naturally sweet and quick to […]
October 6, 2020

Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce

Have you ever read the ingredients on a bottle of prepared sauce?  Full of corn syrup, caramel color and artificial flavoring, these products can irritate the body leading to inflammation and sluggish energy. If you need a simple clean-eating stir-fry sauce that is quick to make at home, create your own sauce rather than ingesting all that sugar and preservatives in a bottled product. Home-made sauce provides brighter flavors to your dish and gut-healthy properties thanks to the fermented soy sauce and vinegar. Choose fresh herbs and spices for added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants in your sauce. Ingredients 1/3 cup low […]
September 8, 2020

Cherry Barbecue Tempeh Sandwich

Tempeh is a traditionally Asian fermented plant-based protein source made from whole soy-beans. Because of the fermentation process, tempeh also contains beneficial probiotics. With a meat-like texture, tempeh is a hearty substitute for meatless meals and pairs well with many flavors due to its own mild, slightly nutty taste. Try it with my homemade cherry barbecue sauce, a lower sugar and preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions. Yields 4 Sandwiches Ingredients For The Sauce 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted 6 oz. tomato paste 2 garlic cloves ½ cup water 1 tsp. fresh orange zest 2 Tbs. fresh orange juice 1 Tbs. […]
August 4, 2020

Mint Agave Tonic

The inspiration for this drink comes from the Cuban mojito. My nonalcoholic version uses sparkling water. Mint leaves aid digestion. The vitamin C in limes is a great immunity booster. For a stronger mint flavor, use more mint leaves. Serves 2 Ingredients 2 small bunches fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup lime juice 4-8 tsp. agave nectar 2 1/2 cups sparkling water crushed ice (optional) Procedure 1. Place 5–7 mint leaves in each of 2 tall glass. Bruise the leaves with a cocktail muddle, the handle of a wooden spoon, or the tines of a whisk to help them release their fragrant oil. […]
April 26, 2020

Refreshing Papaya Relish

This refreshing relish will help boost your immune system and keep your skin young and elastic. Papaya is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. It’s also high in potassium. Certain enzymes in papaya aid digestion. I use this salsa on grilled meats and fish, such as my Grilled Swordfish in Secret Marinade, and it’s also delicious as an appetizer with whole-grain chips. YIELDS about 4 cups Ingredients 2 cups cubed papaya, ripe but still firm ¼ cup seeded and chopped red bell pepper ¼ cup chopped red onion 1 tsp. minced garlic ½ […]
August 6, 2019

Summer Vacation Oatmeal

Hot cereal is not just for the fall and winter anymore! Quick and easy to make, whole oats offer health benefits like gut-healthy fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Adding other unprocessed ingredients like ground flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids and fiber as well as a small portion of almonds or pecans balances the carbohydrate content with healthful protein and fat sources. Feel free to add whichever other ingredients you favor to create your optimal, healthy breakfast or snack – even in the warmer months. Ingredients ½ cup whole rolled oats (not instant) 1 cup milk of your choice (unsweetened almond, […]