March 13, 2019

Superfood Granola

With walnuts, goji berries, blueberries, and chia seeds, this delicious homemade granola recipe is filled with nourishing whole foods. Walnuts and chia seeds provide healthy fats, including essential omega 3’s, while berries are a rich source of immune-boosting antioxidants. All of the fiber in the nuts, seeds, oats, and fruits contributes to gut health and detoxification. Use this granola as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, and oatmeal, or eat it all on its own for a satisfying, sweet snack. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats ½ cup roughly chopped almonds ½ cup walnut halves and pieces ¼ cup […]
December 11, 2018

Galangal Is a True (and Tasty) Superfood

A traditional Chinese medicinal root, you may recognize galangal as alpinia or Chinese Ginger. Similar to ginger in some ways and also part of the rhizome family, there are many medicinal uses for galangal including stomach soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This root was being used in Europe to treat conditions before it was identified in 1870 with origins in the South of China. It is also an Ayurvedic herb with a pungent/bitter taste and heating energy good for Vata and Kapha. In Ayurveda is it commonly used as a digestive or to reduce blood sugar or blood pressure. A true […]
December 4, 2018

Creamy Pumpkin Bars with Orange-Oat Crust

Swap traditional pumpkin pie for these pumpkin bars with a gluten-free crust. They’ll be a hit throughout the fall and winter holidays. Ingredients FOR THE CRUST 1¼ cups gluten-free rolled oats ½ cup pecan pieces ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice ¼ tsp.  fine salt 5 ounces medjool dates, pitted and chopped (about ¾ cup) 3 Tbs. coconut oil, room temperature 1 Tbs. maple syrup ½ tsp. grated orange zest FOR THE FILLING ½ cup maple syrup 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée ⅓ cup whole-milk plain yogurt 2 eggs (beaten) 1¾ tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1½ tsp. vanilla extract ¼ t […]
November 18, 2018

Treat Yourself to GF Apple Cider Cupcakes

It’s the perfect time of year for these gluten-free apple cider cupcakes, which are a treat full of nostalgic fall flavors that will have you reminiscing of your favorite harvest memories. They are a hit with kids and adults and, believe me, nobody would ever know they are gluten free. Ingredients: 1 (15-ounce) bag gluten-free yellow cake mix (TRY: Glutino or King Arthur)* ¼ cup butter (melted) 2 eggs 1 Tbs. ground cinnamon ⅔ cup real apple cider (not from concentrate) CREAM CHEESE FROSTING ⅓ cup real apple cider 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, room […]
November 13, 2018

Celery Root Mashed Potatoes

Celery root (celeriac or knob celery) gets no respect. Sure it’s somewhat ugly, but so are other tubers that grow underground. This mild vegetable is low in carbohydrates, full of fiber, and can pair well with higher-carb vegetables like potatoes. In fact, your guests might not even notice that these mashed potatoes taste any different. Celery root is rich in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot normally (good for your heart, circulation system, and brain). It also has phosphorous, which helps nerves and muscles function properly and strengthens teeth. Potatoes are a surprisingly good source of the skin-protective antioxidant […]
November 13, 2018

Garlicky Green Beans

These green beans are easy to make and can even be prepped a day ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holidays and dinner parties. Marcona almonds make this simple side dish elegant. Green beans contain vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that boosts immune function and keeps eyes and skin healthy. Vitamin C helps the body resist infection, prevents cataracts, and boosts collagen. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb. green beans (about 6 cups), trimmed 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. Marcona almonds 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbs. chopped fresh […]
October 10, 2018

Be Thankful for Cranberry Bread Pudding

Cranberry Bread Pudding Cranberries don’t grow in the subtropical climate of Southeast Asia, so when my mother and I wanted to make this dessert, we had to use a local red-colored berry as a substitute. I like this recipe better with cranberries, which are high in immune-boosting vitamin C. They also rank very high on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scale, so they have great antioxidant power. Use my Cranberry Compote on the bottom layer (it becomes the top layer when you turn out the dessert). To serve this dessert cold, place the pudding in the refrigerator overnight before […]
October 9, 2018

Cheeseburgers With a Healthy Little Secret

Stretch high-quality grass-fed ground beef—which has a higher ratio of healthy fats than conventionally raised beef—and boost nutrients by adding vegetables and cheese. All ingredients, including the cheese, are incorporated right into the meat mixture, which makes these burgers moist and flavorful. Small patties are perfectly portioned for kids, and each one provides a quarter of your little ones’ daily vegetable needs. Serve with a side of fresh fruit to add another food group. Hidden Veggie Cheeseburgers Ingredients 1 lb. grass-fed ground beef 2-3 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed completely dry (to yield 7-8 oz) ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley […]
September 26, 2018

Warm It Up With Cheesy Pepper Chive Muffins

As fall begins, leaves turn and temperatures drop, it’s time to warm things up. Add a little heat (and cheese) to one our favorite comfort foods – muffins – and you get our Cheesy Pepper Chive recipe. Make a batch for a week of quick morning meals and mouth-watering flavor. Cheesy Pepper Chive Muffins Ingredients: 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt Generous pinch of black pepper 1 cup milk 1 egg ½ cup chopped green onions or chives ½ cup minced red bell peppers 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese ¼ […]