SOME OF OUR FAVORITES

November 6, 2023

Rosemary Apple Dessert Bars

Rosemary Apple Dessert Bars Cookies and pies abound during the winter holidays so why not mix things up with naturally sweet apple bars as a unique alternative? The crumbly top offers a familiar texture while the presence of rosemary and lemon blended with apples provides a flavor profile your guests won’t be expecting. Use a tart, firm apple like Fuji or Granny Smith. Cut these bars up and gift them in a festive tin or on a plate wrapped with a bow to celebrate time together with family and friends in a healthier way and without another trip to the […]
September 24, 2023

Classic French Apple Tart

Pear and Apple Tart In this dessert, I take the recipe for the classic French dessert tarte tatin–with its quercetin-containing apples–and add pears for their copper content and pecans and cinnamon, which are high in antioxidants. It is worth noting that when used in sufficient amounts, cinnamon also has anti-blood-clotting agents and anti-inflammatory properties and may help stabilize blood sugar levels. SERVES 6-8 Ingredients 6 Tbs. butter, cut into small pieces 1/2 cup sugar, combined with 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 4 apples (Braeburn, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and cut in half 2 pears (Bosc), peeled, cored, and […]

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July 2, 2024

Ya! It’s Time for Swedish Chocolate Chip Cake

It’s a brownie! It’s a cookie! It’s a cake! Yes! It’s all of these in one delicious recipe. My friend Barbara got this recipe from her Swedish grandmother and it’s one of the dessert recipes featured in my latest cookbook, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World. This simple cake should not be overmixed, or it will lose its tender crumb. The dark chocolate chips add a wonderful counterpoint to the rich batter; you can substitute carob chips if you like. I toss the chips in flour first to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This cake […]
June 17, 2024

It’s a Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chocolate Mousse 

Dark Chocolate Mousse It’s hard to imagine, but this vegan version of chocolate mousse offers the same satisfaction as its richer, less healthy sibling. Contributed by my colleague Dr. Lynn Blair, it has all of the same creaminess, the satiny, melt-in-your-mouth pleasure, and the full, no-holds-barred taste you expect from a dense and rich chocolate mousse. And if that’s not enough, just add plenty of great health benefits. Soy contains isoflavones, which help preserve bone density, lower your risk of certain cancers, and may alleviate menopausal symptoms. Dark chocolate has catechins, which are neuroprotective, and theobromine, which improves blood flow […]
June 1, 2024

Seasonal Fruit Makes This a Versatile Cake

This gluten-free recipe is so versatile, you can use just about any fresh fruit and it will taste wonderful. I’ve used blueberries, plums, pears, apples, peaches, mangoes, and even cherries. You can also use all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free. This cake can be served warm or cool. Benefits:  Blueberries are full of antioxidants, most notably anthocyanins, which improve blood flow to capillaries, helping the brain and skin to be healthy. Almond flour and eggs both add choline, which helps balance your brain chemistry. The almond flour also contributes vitamin E for beautiful skin, hair, and nails and for healthy brain function. […]
May 8, 2024

Blue Zone Flan Is Dairy-Free & Delicious

Blue Zone Ripple Flan with Berries Ripple is a non-dairy, nut-free milk made from pea protein. It’s popular here in California and in the Blue Zone of Loma Linda. It’s available in some markets and on Amazon. With a little creativity, it can be used to make a non-dairy flan. I’ve used dark agave syrup in place of the caramel for a more natural and less processed ingredient. Benefits Ripple non-dairy milk has half the sugar of cow’s milk but more calcium because it is fortified. It also contains protein for muscle and bone health, and omega-3 fatty acids for […]
April 9, 2024

Brazil Nut Tarts Are Detoxing and Delicious

Brazil Nut Tarts These tarts, with their hint of lime and rich texture, take Brazil nuts to a new level. Brazil nuts are full of detoxifying selenium and protein, as well as hearty-healthy omega-3s, which help to keep your skin elastic and hydrated and help to reduce swelling and redness. I like to make several small tarts from this recipe, but you can make large tarts if you prefer. SERVES 4-8 Ingredients 2 (9-in.) whole-wheat pie crusts 1 can (12 oz.) fat-free evaporated milk 2 Tbs. tapioca flour diluted in 4 Tbsp. water 2 beaten large eggs 2 Tbs. coconut […]