Age GracefullyThe First Taste of Fall: Apples & Pears
There’s always a moment when I realize fall has arrived. Here in Southern California, it isn’t necessarily because the temperature has dropped or the leaves have started changing. Sometimes, it’s simply walking through the market and seeing beautiful displays of crisp apples and ripe pears. To me, apples and pears are some of the first tastes of fall. I love them because they’re delicious just as they are, but they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Slice them into a salad, pair them with nuts and cheese, cook them alongside a savory meal, or bake them with cinnamon and warm […]READ MORE
March 29, 2021
Published by Grace O
Pork has had to overcome a bit of a bad reputation. Remember the insult, ‘fat as a pig’? The fact is today’s pork has been bred to have 16 percent less fat and 27 percent less saturated fat than 30 years ago. Many cuts of pork, such as tenderloin, have less fat and calories than skinless chicken breasts. Pork is a source of high-quality lean protein and is an excellent source of important nutrients including thiamin, selenium, niacin, vitamin B-6 and phosphorus. It’s also a good source of zinc, riboflavin and potassium. Unprocessed pork is naturally low in sodium and […]
March 16, 2021
Published by Grace O
Medical technology has always fascinated me, and I love to explore new healing modalities, especially if
March 9, 2021
Published by Grace O
Here in Southern California we’re enjoying a break from relatively cold weather. But in reality, we have
March 1, 2021
Published by Grace O
I met chef Mike Elmachtoub when someone recommended his catering company to me. I called Urban Crunch Meal Prep & Catering and ordered some pistachio-crusted salmon and filet mignon for my staff. The food was well received, so I began to order more and more from Urban Crunch. Chef and owner Mike and I got to talking about his upbringing in Lebanon and how his father owned multiple restaurants all over the world. Mike knew he wanted to be in the restaurant business himself, so he studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. (He’s lived in the U.S. […]
February 19, 2021
Published by Grace O
Chinese New Year is a very important holiday for me. Although I was born and raised in Southeast Asia, my father
February 3, 2021
Published by Grace O
It’s 2021, a new year and time to try something new — game! Don’t knock it till you’ve tasted some of these recipes.
February 2, 2021
Published by FoodTrients
Long before the idea of FoodTrients was born, I ran a culinary school, owned restaurants and wrote a food column in Southeast Asia. So it made perfect sense that when I first moved to America 20-plus years ago, I would open a bakery. I love to bake, and cakes were my specialty. But the long hours and the need for far more support than I could afford then, caused me to close the bakery. It broke my heart at the time, but it was one of the best things that happened to me because it changed the course of my […]
December 15, 2020
Published by Grace O
Pomegranates seem to be the darling of the anti-aging community. New stories appear almost every day touting the health benefits of this large red fruit native to Iran and northern India. Sure the dark red arils or edible seeds of the pithy fruit are tart and tasty, but do they deserve all the hype they’re getting? I think so. I’ve found some compelling research and recommendations by trusted sources telling me how pomegranates can help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation and risk of heart disease, and even fight dental plaque. So breaking through the leathery outer skin of the pomegranate is […]
November 2, 2020
Published by Grace O
I love sea urchin. The Japanese refer to these spiky colorful sea creatures as uni. When the round
October 21, 2020
Published by Grace O
Sheet pan meals are having a moment and why not? What’s better than preparing a whole meal using just one
October 7, 2020
Published by Grace O
Beef is a little controversial for several reasons. First, many popular cuts of beef such as prime rib, filet mignon and short ribs are pretty high in
September 22, 2020
Published by Grace O
Pineapples are a part of the bromeliad family. You’ve probably seen their decorative cousins in peoples’ homes and gardens. Some time ago, a friend of mine told me about white pineapple. She described it as having creamy, white flesh and an especially sweet, floral taste. It’s not as tart as regular pineapple and less woody and fibrous. This really intrigued me—I HAD to try it! It took almost a year of asking around and searching specialty markets, but I finally found a grower in Hawaii who ships them. Called Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple or Kona Sugarloaf Pineapple, this variety is in […]
July 14, 2020
Published by Grace O
When reading Dr. Eric R. Braverman’s book, Younger (Thinner) You Diet, I was impressed by how much space he devotes to eating foods that promote brain health. I’ve known for years that eating the right antioxidant-rich, organic foods can keep your body young and healthy. But I didn’t realize how much our diet can affect our brains. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for feeding the brain, which needs fat to produce neurotransmitters. This means ingredients such as: Salmon – Salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help improve cognition. Fresh produce – One study found that seniors who ate close to […]