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March 29, 2022
Lamb is a nutritious and delectable protein and one that I like to serve on special occasions or when I just want a change from beef, poultry or pork. But consumption of lamb in the U.S. has plummeted over the last 50 years. In the 1960s, Americans consumed on average 4.5 lbs. per year. Today, it’s about 0.7lbs. Why, when lamb is so delicious? There are a couple of theories that help explain the decline. First, soldiers during WWII were fed a lot of canned lamb and mutton, so when they returned home, they wanted no more of the meat […]
March 15, 2022
Here in Los Angeles, with our access to plentiful produce and a pervasive interest in healthy eating, we have a long history of plant-based cuisine. In 1885, a newspaper called The Daily Alta California reported on a popular vegetarian brunch item, “Quartered alligator pears with the pulp spread on slices of grilled bread and seasoned with salt and pepper.” Today we know this delicacy as avocado toast! When Upton Sinclair published The Jungle in 1906, it highlighted the exploitation of workers and unsanitary conditions in the meat packing industry in Chicago. The novel inspired a minor craze for vegetarian restaurants […]
September 6, 2021
I’ve written about Mediterranean cuisine and the Mediterranean diet before. But it’s worth writing about again because it’s so delicious and so good
June 7, 2021
When it comes to a small but mighty summer fruit, it’s hard to beat blueberries. Is there anything
March 29, 2021
Pork has had to overcome a bit of a bad reputation. Remember the insult, ‘fat as a pig’? The fact is today’s pork has been bred to have 16 percent less fat and 27 percent less saturated fat than 30 years ago. Many cuts of pork, such as tenderloin, have less fat and calories than skinless chicken breasts. Pork is a source of high-quality lean protein and is an excellent source of important nutrients including thiamin, selenium, niacin, vitamin B-6 and phosphorus. It’s also a good source of zinc, riboflavin and potassium. Unprocessed pork is naturally low in sodium and […]
March 1, 2021
I met chef Mike Elmachtoub when someone recommended his catering company to me. I called Urban Crunch Meal Prep & Catering and ordered some pistachio-crusted salmon and filet mignon for my staff. The food was well received, so I began to order more and more from Urban Crunch. Chef and owner Mike and I got to talking about his upbringing in Lebanon and how his father owned multiple restaurants all over the world. Mike knew he wanted to be in the restaurant business himself, so he studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. (He’s lived in the U.S. […]
February 3, 2021
It’s 2021, a new year and time to try something new — game! Don’t knock it till you’ve tasted some of these recipes.
January 19, 2021
Chia has gained recent popularity for good reason; these little seeds are nutrient powerhouses: High in protein (great for lean muscle, burning fat, and balancing blood sugar levels). High in fiber (providing nearly 11 grams per ounce) Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (this helps reduce the growth of cancer cells in both breast and cervical cancers). 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 absorbs water and expands, so if you enjoy […]