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 […]
January 26, 2022

Maple Herb Roasted Tofu

If you think tofu always lacks flavor, you have to give this sweet, savory, and herbaceous soy-based holiday entree a try. A simple blend of oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and tamari or soy sauce combine to create a flavorful entree that’s wholly worthy of a coveted spot on your holiday table. The added aroma from fresh, wintry herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage is just a bonus. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love this comforting and festive main dish! The tofu provides plant-based protein for strength while the vinegar and tamari promote gut health. Rosemary boosts brain power. […]
January 3, 2022

Kale-Cashew Pesto

Cashews are a sweet nut that helps to balance the sharpness of kale. I use Tuscan kale, which is mild and tender. It’s also called lactinato kale, black kale, or cavolo nero. This pesto is wonderful tossed with pasta, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or even spread on sandwiches. This recipe is from The Age Beautifully Cookbook, and it’s loaded with antioxidants, which prevent and repair oxidative damage to cells caused by free radicals. Kale is practically a wonder drug, with all its disease-preventing indoles (sulfur compounds), immune-boosting carotenoids, quercetin, vitamin C, and a bonus helping of bone-building calcium. Olive oil is […]
August 30, 2021

Munch a Bunch of Savory Spinach!

This quick and easy spinach recipe is the perfect way to prepare the best tasting side dish around. Buy spinach in bunches to cut down on plastic packaging then sauté it with some simple herbs and spices for the most flavorful preparation. When you need a break from green salads or want a warm dish in colder weather, cooking spinach is a perfect way to get nutrients and antioxidants. Garlic, lemon juice and fresh capers add an unexpected zest and richness to a simple veggie dish. Spinach has protein; folate, which promotes healthy skin, hair, and eyes; lutein, which may […]
November 17, 2020

Sugar Pumpkins Stuffed with Applesauce

Sugar pumpkins are mostly used as decoration in the fall months. That’s a shame because they are the best variety of pumpkin to cook with. Their flesh is less stringy and watery than the larger jack-o’-lantern pumpkins. I like to roast them and fill them with applesauce for a nice holiday side dish. Pumpkins have immune-boosting beta-carotene, and apples have quercetin, which also strengthens your immune system. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 4-6 small sugar pumpkins Salt or salt substitute and freshly ground black pepper to taste Cinnamon (optional) About 4 cups applesauce Procedure 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. […]
April 21, 2020

Citrusy Asparagus

Asparagus is a finicky vegetable. It must be very fresh and picked early in the season or it will have woody stalks. Don’t cut the dry ends of the stalks. Instead, bend the stalks until the dry ends break off. Otherwise you risk serving chewy, inedible asparagus parts that your guests won’t enjoy. This citrusy side dish can be served hot or cold and is good cut up and served in a salad. Serves 4-6 Ingredients 2 lbs. asparagus spears, ends snapped off 4 Tbs. orange juice 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice ½ tsp. sea salt or salt substitute 4 […]
January 21, 2020

Apple Sage Cauliflower

Golden brown cauliflower, sprigs of fresh sage, and a dollop of sweet and tart applesauce make this tasty side dish the perfect addition to almost any meal. It’s inspired by the Blue Zone city of Loma Linda, California, where the mostly vegetarian population enjoys great longevity and health. Like other cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is a rich source of detoxifying fiber and the cancer-fighting sulfur compounds indoles and isothiocyanates. Serves: 2 Ingredients 1 head (3-4 cups) cauliflower, chopped into florets 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar Salt and black pepper 3 sprigs fresh […]
January 14, 2019

Broccoli Steps It Up With Miso

Plain veggies can be boring but doctoring them up with savory miso and spices can make anyone a lover—even of broccoli, cauliflower, or kale. Japanese miso is a fermented soybean paste you can buy in the refrigerated section of natural food stores. Miso tastes salty and savory; some people describe it as earthy. White miso paste, which is preferred in Kyoto, Japan, has a more delicate flavor than brown or red miso paste. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain slightly bitter compounds that may help kill cancer cells. Miso provides probiotic bacteria for a healthy gut. […]
November 13, 2018

Celery Root Mashed Potatoes

Celery root (celeriac or knob celery) gets no respect. Sure it’s somewhat ugly, but so are other tubers that grow underground. This mild vegetable is low in carbohydrates, full of fiber, and can pair well with higher-carb vegetables like potatoes. In fact, your guests might not even notice that these mashed potatoes taste any different. Celery root is rich in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot normally (good for your heart, circulation system, and brain). It also has phosphorous, which helps nerves and muscles function properly and strengthens teeth. Potatoes are a surprisingly good source of the skin-protective antioxidant […]