September 25, 2018

Howdy! Meet the Delicious Superfoods of the Southwest

When we think of the Southwest, what do we picture? Beautiful red rock landscapes. A saguaro cactus silhouetted against a perfect sunset. A bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. A pitcher of Margaritas? Super healthy, age-defying foods probably don’t come to mind. Most of us think of what’s come to be known as Tex-Mex cuisine — lots of cheesy, spicey, tomato-y dishes wrapped in tortillas. Delicious, yes, but good for you? Not so much. But if you dig a little deeper and explore what indigenous people grew and ate in the Southwest, you’ll find there are plenty of foods that […]
September 19, 2018

Cheddar Chive Cornbread Takes To Skillet

If you are able to buy chives with their pretty purple flowers, stir the petals into softened butter with a little honey—then smear over warm cornbread, you’re in for a treat. To make this with regular flour, simply use whole-wheat or all-purpose flour and omit the flaxseed. Best eaten the day it is made. Cheddar Chive Skillet Cornbread Ingredients: 4  Tbs. unsalted butter 1½  cups cornmeal ½  cup gluten-free flour blend (such as King Arthur Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour) 1  Tbs. ground flaxseed 1  Tbs. baking powder ½  tsp. salt 1   cup low-fat (1 percent) milk or unsweetened nondairy milk […]
September 11, 2018

Nugget Burritos Are Shortcut to Dinner

Struggling to get dinner on the table every night? Shortcuts are 100 percent acceptable! These burritos use frozen chicken nuggets for protein and kid-friendly flavor. Because all of the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, you can assemble these on time-strapped evenings and have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. That’s a win! Easy Chicken Nugget Burritos Ingredients: 8 oz frozen chicken nuggets (TRY: Applegate Organic Chicken Nuggets) 6 (8-inch) whole-grain tortillas 1 cup baby spinach 1½ cups cooked brown rice 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese ¼ tsp. ground cumin, or to taste ¼ tsp. chili powder, […]
August 29, 2018

Mango Avocado Dip Is a Crowd Pleaser

Perfect for gatherings, you can prep the ingredients ahead, but don’t make this dip until right before serving. Serve with radish rounds and tortilla chips.   CHUNKY MANGO AVOCADO DIP Ingredients: 3 large mangoes (peeled and diced to ½-inch pieces) ¼ cup fresh lime juice 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper (seeded and finely diced) ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro 2 Tbs. minced red onion 4 medium avocados (peeled, pitted and diced to ¾-inch pieces) ½ tsp. coarse salt ½ cup crumbled feta or Cotija cheese (optional) Fresh radishes, cut into rounds Seeded tortilla chips (TRY: […]
August 14, 2018

Sage-Breaded Chicken Salad Is Tasty Toss-Up

If you like a little zing in a salad, you’ll want to try this one! It’s a beautiful blend of spinach, snap peas, avocados, strawberries and chicken. Tender basil leaves add mild flavor and vivid color to the fabulous, nutrient-loaded vinaigrette. Sage-Breaded Chicken, Spinach and Snap Pea Salad Ingredients: 1 egg (lightly beaten) ¼ cup sour cream ¾ cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs 1½ tsp. ground sage 1 pound chicken tenders 5 ounces baby spinach 2 cups snap peas (chopped) 2 cups strawberries (sliced) 2 avocadoes (thinly sliced) ¼ cup roasted unsalted almonds (chopped) ¼ cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves […]
July 31, 2018

Cool Off With Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho

People sit up and take notice when you carry this cold soup to the table. Watermelon gives it a gorgeous, unexpected color and a sweetness that works well with onion, pepper, and lime juice. For a small-plate party, serve in short, clear glasses with demitasse spoons. CHILLED WATERMELON GAZPACHO Ingredients: 1 small seedless watermelon (cubed) 1 cup cucumber (peeled, seeded, and finely diced) 1 red bell pepper (finely diced) 1 yellow bell pepper (finely diced) 1/2 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced 3 stalks celery (finely diced) 1/2 small red onion (finely diced) 1/4 cup fresh mint (finely chopped) 1/4 cup […]
July 17, 2018

This Pasta Is Full of (Black) Beans

Made from black beans, black bean pasta is a nutritional powerhouse. One serving typically contains 15 to 22 grams protein and 6 to 8 grams fiber, not to mention a healthful dose of calcium, vitamins and minerals–and it’s gluten-free. Pairing the pasta with tomatillos gives it a zesty, almost lemony taste and adding avocados makes it creamy good. It’s the perfect match. Black Bean Pasta with Tomatillo Sauce Ingredients: 1 Tbs. olive oil 1 cup chopped white onion 2 cups vegetable broth 3 cups tomatillos, husks removed, washed and chopped (about 12) 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 jalapeño […]
April 11, 2018

French Style Sheet-Pan Tuna Niçoise

This is served French style, as a salade composée—each person assembles the elements on a plate and then drizzles with vinaigrette. Simple Sheet-Pan Tuna Niçoise Ingredients: 8 ounces haricots verts or very slender green beans 2½ cups cherry tomatoes 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided Pinch each of sea salt and freshly ground pepper 2 ahi tuna steaks, sear grade (about 8 ounces each) ¼ cup OrganicVille Herbs de Provence Organic Vinaigrette, plus more for serving 4 large eggs 1 cup (about 5 ounces) pitted Niçoise olives 1 lemon (cut into wedges) 5 ounces baby spinach Directions: Preheat oven to 450 […]
April 10, 2018

TV Show Stars Grace O and FoodTrients

Don’t miss Grace O’s appearance on TV. Recently, she taped four shows as part of a series on food and aging with TV host Faith Bautista of Charter Cable’s Owning a Piece of America show. Each show is dedicated to one of the benefits of FoodTrients.  They were taped in Grace’s home in LaCañada Flintridge, California. The first show, which focuses on anti-inflammatories, is airing now. Grace makes two of her tasty recipes that help fight inflammation – Spinach Salad with Chia Dressing and Chia Frescas. You can watch it on FoodTrients.com, and read more about some of the best […]