June 17, 2024

Give Your Day a Lift With Mangosteens

When mangosteens are in season, from May to September, I can’t wait to get my hands on some to eat fresh and in my delicious chutney. I know that these exotic treats, sometimes called purple mangosteen, will soon be gone. These beautiful little fruits are about the size of a baseball. Dark purple in color, they have a tough outer shell. The top is crowned with small green leaves and the bottom is stamped with a flowerlike shape. They almost look manufactured, but this is how God makes them. You have to carefully cut a line around the tough outer pericarp—the […]
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 […]
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 […]
March 12, 2024

Argentinian Chimichurri Salmon

This salmon dish is a great way to use fresh herbs, which provide a multitude of nutrients, including detoxifying chlorophyll. The salmon has heart-healthy fats. Chimichurri is a traditional Argentinian sauce of fresh herbs, much like an Italian pesto, but without the cheese or nuts. Feel free to play around with the herbs you have on hand, but we find cilantro, basil and mint pair deliciously with baked salmon! YIELDS 4 SERVINGS Ingredients For the chimichurri sauce: 3 cloves garlic 1/4 red onion 2 Tbs. red wine vinegar 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves 1/2 […]
March 12, 2024

Baobab Butter Squares

These squares are like lemon bars but made with antioxidant-rich baobab. Baobab is an African fruit that has a powdery texture. You can buy it from Amazon or you can use fresh lemon juice (3 Tbs.) or lemon zest (1 Tbs.) instead of the baobab powder. Feel free to substitute gluten-free flour for the wheat-based flour. BENEFITS: Baobab is a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that appears to guard against heart disease and stroke and also protects the skin from the aging effects of ultraviolet rays. It contains fiber, which helps with detoxification and gut health. Yields 12 […]
January 29, 2024

Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Delight

This dessert is very popular in Asia. Jackfruit, one of the world’s largest tree fruits, is very high in antioxidants and has a mild tropical taste. You can find it fresh in some markets and canned in Asian markets. Be sure to get ripe jackfruit which is yellow in color. Coconut milk helps hydrate the skin and keep it elastic. Sweet potatoes are packed with carotenoids and potassium.   SERVES 6-8 Ingredients ¼ cup tapioca 2 cups water 1 can (8 oz.) jackfruit, drained of syrup 4 cups coconut milk 1 lb. peeled and cubed yellow and orange sweet potatoes […]
January 17, 2024

Rich Chia Seed Pudding

Chia has gained recent popularity for good reason; these little seeds are nutrient powerhouses–high in protein, detoxifying fiber and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Including chia seeds in your diet can deliver a healthy breakfast or afternoon energy boost because chia is associated with vitality and satiety due to the balance in fat, fiber and protein they contain. Chia seeds absorb water and expand, so if you enjoy the consistency of tapioca or rice pudding, this is a great snack for you. Ingredients 2 Tbs. chia seeds 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 Tbs. sliced or slivered almonds […]
January 2, 2024

Warm Up with Savory Green Pea Soup

Green Pea Soup This simple pea soup takes minutes to prepare and offers a rich creaminess and savory flavor everyone will love. Onion and cardamom add depth to the classic pea soup while ginger offers a subtle and unexpected spiciness. The fiber in the peas helps pull toxins out of the body. You can easily whip up this 6-ingredient soup with a basic blender or food processor making a perfect lunch, dinner or leftovers. Serves 10-12 Ingredients 1 Tbs. butter 1 large onion, roughly chopped (about 2 cups) 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger 1 tsp. ground cardamom 4 cups vegetable […]
November 17, 2023

Chocolate Chip Spice Cookies

Chocolate Chip Spice Cookies These chocolate chip and spice cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, rolled oats, whole-wheat flour, and applesauce to reduce caloric content while maximizing nutrients. They are made without butter and without white or brown sugar, yet they maintain a traditional taste and texture. Oats have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-itch, and anti-irritant properties. The fiber and omega-3 fatty acids in oats help lower your cholesterol. Cinnamaldehyde is a powerful antioxidant found in cinnamon. The spice also contains coumarin, a natural blood thinner. YIELDS 24 Cookies Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut) 1 cup […]