March 14, 2023
Wild boar has more flavor than tame pork. It has to be tenderized a bit, but that’s easily accomplished with an onion-juice marinade. You can use pork or beef medallions instead of boar and any type of cubed vegetables. BENEFITS: Wild boar (and therefore pork) has protein and lysine for building muscle, bone, and blood. It also contains phosphorus for nerve and muscle function and vitamin B12 for protecting nerves and brain cells. Yields: about 6 skewers Ingredients 1 lb. wild boar medallions or pork tenderloin 1/2 cup each cubed white onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper […]
September 14, 2022
Mexican street corn (maíz callejero) is roasted ears slathered with chile powder and mayonnaise. My version treats the corn with a lighter touch, calorically speaking, and includes black beans, brown rice, and the crunch of Romaine and jicama. Benefits: Black beans contain protein, tissue-repairing lysine, vitamin B-6 for producing energy, calcium for building strong bones, and collagen-building zinc. Corn provides zinc, eye-healthy lutein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that fights free-radical damage in your cells. Brown rice is full of fiber for gut health as well as beneficial trace minerals. Serves 4 Ingredients 4 ears corn, shucked […]
August 30, 2022
In my version of Chinese chicken salad, I use mangoes instead of Mandarin oranges. The base of the dressing is a bottled sweet chili sauce. The crispy noodles, though not very healthy, are fun in moderation. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps keep your appetite in check and maintain muscle mass. Cabbage contains indoles and isothiocyanates (sulfur compounds), both of which have anticancer potential. Vitamins C and A in mangoes fight inflammation and support immune function.. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 cup peanuts (raw or roasted), separated into halves ¼ cup olive oil 2 cups shredded Napa […]
July 30, 2022
Roasting vegetables is one of the easiest ways to add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet. This dish’s blend of summer and year-round produce is tossed in an immune-boosting garlic miso sauce for added nutrition and delicious flavor. Miso is a thick paste made from fermented soybeans. Sometimes called miso paste or miso soybean paste, it can be found in any Asian grocery, or in the international section of mainstream grocery stores. You can use either white (mild) or red (stronger) miso. In Tokyo, they prefer the stronger red or brown varieties. Benefits: Miso is high in protein and rich […]
July 30, 2022
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 […]
May 31, 2022
In this tasty appetizer, I pair moringa–which is loaded with strength-building protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and potassium–with artichokes, which add lutein for eye health and fiber for gut health. I like to steam the artichokes first and finish them on the grill, but you can omit this step to save time. Add other grilled vegetables such as red bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to expand on this delicious party food. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 4 artichokes, trimmed and steamed for 30 minutes 2-3 Tbs. olive oil 1 cup olive oil mayonnaise 1 Tbs. finely chopped red onion 1 […]
May 4, 2022
Deviled eggs are everyone’s favorite party appetizer but loaded with mayonnaise, can be a caloric bomb. Lighten up a classic treat by subbing mayo for protein-packed low-fat Greek yogurt, dropping a couple of yolks (but keeping the majority!) and adding mustard, dried dill and smoked paprika for an unexpected burst of flavor. Eggs are loaded with protein for strength, and choline for brain health. This recipe is quick and very easy, using common household ingredients so next time you need the perfect appetizer, on-the-go snack or after-school dish, whip up a batch of Deviled Eggs – Lightened Up! Serves 6 […]
January 3, 2022
Korean glass noodles are made from sweet potato starch. Gluten-free and low-calorie, they have a springy texture and a neutral flavor. In Korean BBQ restaurants, this dish is known as Jap Chae or sometimes Chap Chae. In this recipe, I jazz them up with marinated meat, stir-fry vegetables, eggs, and a sesame sauce. By cooking and assembling the noodles, meat, vegetables, and eggs, this becomes a perfect party dish: your guests can toss together exactly what they want. Traditionally, these noodles are served with a scrambled egg on top, but you can omit it. You can use chicken or tofu […]
January 26, 2021
Pork shoulder is pretty tough, so I like to start this dish the night before and let it cook slowly overnight. This method will tenderize any tough cut of meat. The balsamic sauce can be made at the last minute. This is a perfect dish for a buffet dinner. Pork has protein and lysine for building muscle, bone, and blood, and phosphorous for nerve and muscle function. Annatto (achiote) seeds have a very bioavailable form of vitamin E, which helps lower cholesterol and protects the skin from the aging effects of ultraviolet radiation. They also contain carotenoids for healthy eyes. […]
January 20, 2021
Fajitas are a perfect party or family food because they can be assembled by your diners and the ingredients can be kept hot for an hour or two in a chafing dish. I use three different colors of bell pepper for eye appeal, but you can use only one. You can use other vegetables, such as mushrooms, scallions, zucchini, or even kale, cut long and thin. The cayenne pepper adds a little heat, which you can adjust to your preference. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. It also has detoxifying selenium as well as lysine, which repairs tissue. […]