Age GracefullyFire Up the Flavor for Labor Day Weekend!
Nothing says summer quite like gathering around the grill—and my Summertime Grilled Chicken is an easy, colorful way to celebrate Labor Day weekend. The chicken is marinated in my bright and zesty Honey-Lime Dressing, grilled until tender, and topped with a refreshing Strawberry-Avocado Relish. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little unexpected—exactly what a holiday cookout needs! Bringing a dish to a barbecue? Cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you arrive, warm it briefly on the grill to bring back that fresh-off-the-barbecue flavor. Add the relish just before serving, and you’ll have a beautiful dish without […]READ MORE
May 5, 2020
Published by Grace O
I just love to travel! I’m endlessly curious about other cultures and have been fortunate to travel throughout Asia, Europe and North America on a pretty regular basis. Eating and exploring the food in each country or region really gives me insight into their history and how the people live. Spice blends are an easy way to bring international flavor to the most common of foods, like vegetables or chicken breasts. A few shakes of curry powder in an otherwise predicable tuna salad takes it to a new dimension. Following are some spice blends from around the world that are […]
April 14, 2020
Published by Grace O
There are certain foods I always have in my pantry and refrigerator because they are delicious, versatile and full of great nutrition. By keeping these around as staples, you’ll always be able to boost the FoodTrient value of whatever you’re preparing. Both of my award-winning books, The Age Gracefully Cookbook and my newest one, The Age Beautifully Cookbook, would not be complete without these culinary essentials: APPLES Loaded with fiber, eating an apple a day has been associated with reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma and diabetes. A key ingredient in apples is a flavonoid that a 2001 […]
March 24, 2020
Published by Grace O
Turmeric is a root, like ginger, that has anti-inflammatory properties. Growing up in southeast Asia, I became very familiar with turmeric root. I love its bright yellow-orange color and its zingy flavor. In India, turmeric is used to give curry its yellow color. In America, it’s mostly seen as a dried powder and added to chicken-flavored soups or sauces. Turmeric is so good for us, I think it’s time we expanded our diets to include spicing fish and other foods with it. Anti-inflammatories help keep our arteries young and less likely to clog, our skin from turning red or scaly, […]
March 18, 2020
Published by Grace O
An excellent source of vitamin C as well as pantothenic acid, copper, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, biotin, and vitamin B1, grapefruit is also a good source of dietary fiber. The pink, red or ruby varieties contain the carotenoid phytonutrient lycopene, which is found to be a more powerful antioxidant than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and research has suggested it may significantly reduce risk of stroke. Studies have also indicated that people with a diet high in lycopene have a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. In my cookbook, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook, you’ll find an easy and delicious recipe for Spinach […]
February 17, 2020
Published by Grace O
I like my food to be very flavorful. And I’ve learned that my spice chest can also be my medicine cabinet. So when I begin to create a recipe, I reach for the oils, herbs, spices, and sweeteners that will do my body good. I’ve picked out my Top 35 flavorings so that you, too, can defy aging while you cook. Fats are a very controversial subject. Butter, in particular, has gone in and out of favor with nutritionists over the last 20 years. Today the consensus is that butter, in moderation, is actually better for your arteries than margarine, […]
January 18, 2020
Published by Grace O
I really enjoy this time of year because in addition to the religious significance, it gives me the excuse to entertain on a grander scale than usual. I love reaching out to friends, family and those I would like to spend more time with. It’s important to me that I spoil my guests, but that doesn’t mean with rich, tasty foods that aren’t necessarily good for you. There are plenty of FoodTrient-worthy entrees (or ‘centerpieces’ as I think of them) that are both indulgent and healthy for mind and body. There are a number of main courses in my book, […]
January 14, 2020
Published by Grace O
My birthday falls on December 31, so often I throw lavish parties on New Year’s Eve. I book a banquet room in an upscale hotel; order a rich, multicourse menu for about 100 people; and end the night with a spectacular dessert buffet. I don’t drink alcohol, but I make sure that the Champagne is free-flowing for my guests. So we tend to overdo it. And the next day I always think about detoxification. Sometimes I’ll even book some time at a health spa to recover from all the indulging I’ve done over the holidays. Why is detoxifying important? Alcohol […]
December 10, 2019
Published by Grace O
As you probably know from history, North America was discovered by Columbus’ expedition in the 15th century because Europe wanted to find a shortcut to India, with whom they had been trading in valuable spices. Back then, spices were mostly used to help preserve food in the days before refrigeration and to mask the off flavor of food starting to spoil. In general, herbs are the fresh leaves of a plant, such as sage, oregano and basil. Spices are usually considered the seed, berry, bark, root or rhizome (creeping root) of a plant. In common practice, once fresh herbs are […]
December 2, 2019
Published by Grace O
This bright red bog berry has claimed a variety of remarkable healing properties, especially for women (researchers linked cranberries to healing urinary tract infections in the early 1990s). Because cranberries don’t grow in the subtropical climate of southeast Asia, I didn’t discover them until I moved to the United States. I like their tart flavor, and I eat them raw (in cranberry-orange relish), cooked or dried (they make a great snack!). Get the recipes: Cranberry Bread Pudding Cranberry Compote Buffalo Sliders with Cranberries In addition to their taste, I value the many health and wellness benefits cranberries provide. Cranberries are loaded […]
November 19, 2019
Published by Grace O
Most people throw out the healthiest part of pumpkins and squashes—the seeds! Don’t do it! This time of year when pumpkins and squashes are in season it always fun to enjoy fresh seeds and the many health benefits they offer. They’re nutty, savory and have high concentrations of the nutrients that make squashes and especially pumpkins valuable to your diet. The roasted seeds are some of the most nutritious and flavorful seeds around. Pumpkin seeds are available all year, but it’s best to roast them now when they’re fresh. Also known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds contain high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and […]
November 19, 2019
Published by Grace O
Sweet Potatoes and yams are a staple during the fall and winter months. They owe their bright orange color to the carotenoid, beta-carotene, which help inhibit cancer and tumor growth. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that can also ward off free radicals that damage cells through oxidation, contributing to the aging process. Sweet potatoes and yams are also good sources of heart-healthy potassium as well as containing phytochemicals such as quercetin, a strong anti-inflammatory. They are delicious just baked in the oven, but I also like to include them in dessert. I make a Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Delight for a […]
November 5, 2019
Published by Grace O
Brussels sprouts may be small but they offer big benefits. These mighty sprouts represent a cancer-fighting powerhouse and are part of the cruciferous cabbage family which have more cancer-preventative nutrients than any other category of vegetables. They contain a chemical called sinigrin that suppresses the development of pre-cancerous cells, causing them to self-destruct. The sulfur-containing compounds in Brussels sprouts are what activate the cancer-fighting enzyme systems in your body. They are delicious and take on an almost creamy texture when they are roasted with olive oil, a little salt, pepper and a splash of lemon juice. Brussels sprouts, pomegranate, and […]
October 22, 2019
Published by Grace O
Losing weight is never easy, but for many of us, it is a step toward improved health and longevity. The first thing we have to conquer is the fear of feeling hungry. Hunger tells us that we are eating fewer calories than we normally do. This is a good sign on your road to weight loss: The more comfortable we are with feeling hungry, the likelier we are to succeed at losing weight. There are many tricks we can use to reduce calories while keeping our stomachs feeling full. A recent study re-confirms the need to eat breakfast when trying […]