August 30, 2022

India’s Lassi Gets a New Twist with Soursop

Soursop (Guanabana) Lassi From my first book, The Age GRACEFULLY Cookbook, here is an easy and delicious beverage featuring guanabana. Called, Soursop Lassi, it’s essentially a lassi drink from India made with yogurt and a pinch of salt. Mango lassi is very popular in Indian restaurants. I put a South American spin on the healthful drink by using guanabana in place of the mango. Guanabana provides antioxidants, immune-boosting vitamin C and riboflavin. Yogurt has beneficial probiotics that aid digestion and gut health. Learn more about the benefits of soursop here. You can find frozen guanabana pulp in Latin markets. Ingredients […]
July 30, 2022

What is a FoodTrient?

The inspiration for my empowering FoodTrients program—this website, the cookbook, my board of advisors—really came from my father.  He was a physician and he had a way of looking at food as though it could heal us.  He understood the value of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh foods and how those elements could influence our health.  Foods like organic fruits and vegetables, wild fish, and humanely raised animals have so many good things in it: antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory agents, fiber, and anti-bacterial compounds.  I needed to come up with a term to encompass the […]
July 19, 2022

Oatmeal-Date Cookies

I love classic American oatmeal cookies, and Moroccan elements like dates and cardamom make them more interesting and healthier. These treats require less butter and sugar than regular recipes because of the natural sweetness dates provide. This recipe, found in my latest cookbook Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World, uses whole-wheat flour in addition to all-purpose for a boost of fiber and nutrients while maintaining a soft texture. Benefits: Dates are full of detoxifying fiber and also offer B vitamins for building blood cells, potassium for strong bones, and iron for healthy red blood cells. Adding oats to your cookies […]
May 30, 2022

Amazing Gooseberries

I just love berries! Not only are they sweet and delicious, but they are loaded with healthful antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. Soon we’ll be heading into prime berry season. Strawberries are already here, and June marks the prime time for blueberries, raspberries and boysenberries, and other berries. There are scores of recipes and serving ideas for them. But there is another berry that’s available starting now in late spring that’s a little different and a nutritional powerhouse — Indian gooseberries, also known as amla fruit. The fruit is about the size of blueberries and looks sort of […]
May 4, 2022

Deviled Eggs — Lightened Up!

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. 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! Benefits: Eggs are loaded with protein for strength, and choline for brain health. Serves […]
January 12, 2022

Coconut Chai Oatmeal

  Lighten up your oatmeal and create a new breakfast ritual with flavorful chai and coconut blended with nutritious cholesterol-lowering whole oats. If you think that whole rolled oats take too  long to make, think again! Instant oats lack the amount of gut-friendly fiber found in unprocessed oats, so finding an easy way to prep the whole version is important. A favorite flavor generally added to oats is classic brown sugar or maple syrup which can equal a lot of added sugar to your morning. By using ripe bananas and vanilla extract, this dish is naturally sweet and quick to […]
January 3, 2022

Stir-Fried Korean Glass Noodles

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 […]
August 30, 2021

Munch a Bunch of Savory Spinach!

This quick and easy spinach recipe is the perfect way to prepare the best tasting side dish around. Buy spinach in bunches to cut down on plastic packaging then sauté it with some simple herbs and spices for the most flavorful preparation. When you need a break from green salads or want a warm dish in colder weather, cooking spinach is a perfect way to get nutrients and antioxidants. Garlic, lemon juice and fresh capers add an unexpected zest and richness to a simple veggie dish. Spinach has protein; folate, which promotes healthy skin, hair, and eyes; lutein, which may […]
August 26, 2021

Pomegranate Iced Tea

Combining antioxidant-rich pomegranates with the catechins in black tea gives your body extra free-radical-fighting power to combat aging. If pomegranates are too tart for your taste, you can sweeten this tea with honey or use pre-sweetened pomegranate juice. For a stronger drink, stir a teaspoon of instant iced tea into the pomegranate juice. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 black tea bags 1 cup hot water 1 cup pomegranate juice 2–4 Tbs. honey (optional) 1 cup ice cubes Pomegranate seeds and slices as garnish Procedure 1. In a pitcher, steep the tea bags in hot water for 3 minutes. Remove bags. 2. […]