March 27, 2024

Taste the International Language of Chicken

Everyone loves chicken! That’s because it’s so versatile and takes on whatever flavors it’s cooked with. Chickens, as a source of high-quality protein, can be raised in small spaces and require relatively modest amounts of feed to grow rather quickly. Every culture in the world has a national version of a chicken recipe. Traveling the world and growing up in the Philippines, where the cuisine is influenced by so many cultures – Spanish, Asian, Indian, Polynesian, and American – I have been exposed to delicious dishes from around the globe. That’s why at FoodTrients we love exploring international flavors. What […]
February 13, 2024

Surprise! It’s Spaghetti Red Pepper Sauce

One of the easiest ways to broaden kids’ palates is to start with a food you know they like and make minor tweaks. This familiar marinara sauce incorporates roasted red peppers. Hemp seeds add a little protein and a pleasantly nutty undertone. The sauce flavor will likely be slightly different than they expect, but not enough to set off tiny alarm bells. It’s vegetarian and Gluten free, too. Spaghetti with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Ingredients: 2 red bell peppers, sliced (about 2 cups) 1 small to medium onion, peeled and sliced (about 1 cup) 1 Tbs. olive oil ¼ tsp. […]
January 16, 2024

5 Delicious Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Recipes

Gluten-free eating and cooking can be difficult, and once it gets cold outside, your options are even more limited. What’s an (aspiring) gluten-free chef to do? Break out your slow cooker. This is your secret weapon to tackle 3 of the biggest problems about making meals at home: convenience, health, and taste. Well, guess what: the slow cooker can make anyone look like a good chef. To show you the power of a slow cooker when it comes to gluten-free cooking, here are 5 of our favorite gluten-free slow cooker recipes, broken down to savory meals and sweet treats… Savory, […]
December 5, 2023

Tasty Turkey Recipes without the Whole Bird

I love turkey. My mother always prepared it for holidays. Most of my friends and family like turkey, too, so they’re happy with the big roasted bird. But I know a number of people who don’t want or need to cook a whole bird. So, if you’re looking for ideas for less turkey and more flavor, I’ve got some tasty turkey recipes for you that will make this Thanksgiving extra special. Like most Americans, Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays. As much as I adore Christmas, you don’t have the pressure of finding perfect gifts or getting to […]
November 16, 2023

Have a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a carb-loaded, over-eating frenzy. You can make satisfying, healthy, anti-aging food choices for this holiday that will leave you feeling thankful for indulging. Take turkey, for example. I cook at least four turkeys each Thanksgiving because I usually have about 30 people over for dinner. Turkey contains tryptophan, which produces niacin, giving us energy. Tryptophan also builds the hormone serotonin, which helps ensure healthy neurotransmitters in our brain. Turkey also contains the FoodTrient selenium, a detoxifying antioxidant. You don’t have to drown your turkey in fatty gravy. It can be deliciously sauced using healthier ingredients. […]
October 23, 2023

Hearty White Bean Soup

White Bean Soup This hearty vegetarian soup makes a great appetizer or light lunch. I use my Homemade Vegetable Stock as a base, but you can also use store-bought vegetable broth. You can use white cannellini or navy beans instead of white kidney beans. Beans are loaded with protein and detoxifying fiber, which makes them a great ally if you’re trying to manage your weight. Fiber can also help regulate cholesterol and reduce your risk of certain cancers. Swiss chard has cancer-inhibiting carotenoids and vitamin C. Chard is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps build strong bones. Both […]
October 10, 2023

Mining the Herbal Medicine in Your Kitchen

Did you know there’s a powerful herbal medicine chest in your kitchen? Imagine being prepared for that next cold, scrape, headache, digestive issue, stressful day, or sleepless night with simple ingredients from your cupboard. Instead of pills, reach for: Cinnamon Tea to soothe your throat . . . Garlic Hummus to support your immune system . . . Ginger Lemon Tea for cold and flu symptoms . . . Cayenne Salve to relieve sore muscles . . . Cardamom Chocolate Mousse Cake for heart health . . . A glass of Spiced Cold Brew Coffee as a powerful antioxidant . […]
March 14, 2023

Eastern European Favorites Walk on the Lighter Side

Eastern European foods are not necessarily known for their healthy attributes. In general, the foods of countries including Russia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Lithuania and the Czech Republic are heavy on meat, sour cream and lard or chicken fat. However, they are delicious comfort foods, no matter where in the world you or your ancestors hail from. In the spirit of FoodTrients, I’ve adapted some recipes to make them lighter, more healthful versions of the originals. Here are a few of the guidelines I used to make these recipes more modern and health-friendly: Add vegetables – By increasing the […]
February 25, 2023

Soup Recipes Warm It Up for Winter

On freezing winter days, nothing warms you up more than a hot, hardy bowl of soup. Add to that a variety of ingredients that boost your immune system, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect cold-weather meal. While we don’t have the severe winter weather that much of the country has, we do have chilly winter nights here in California.  On those nights, I love to come home and prepare a delicious soup. Here are six of my favorite soup recipes that I hope you will enjoy. Potato Kale Soup Serves 4 This Balkan-inspired recipe has clean, bright flavors that […]