In my past life as a food and lifestyles writer, I remember a trip to Catalonia, Spain (which hugs the Mediterranean coast in northeast Spain) with great fondness. I spent time at an olive oil estate, learning their production methods, and also took a side trip to Barcelona. Catalan home cooking demonstrates a real affinity […]
Roasted Parsnip Puree
Roasted parsnip puree is a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes—all the pleasure…without any blood sugar spike-and-crash downside. Parsnip is a root vegetable in the carrot family; in fact, a parsnip looks like a cream-colored carrot. Parsnips are best eaten cooked (NOT raw!) and have a very sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Nutrient-dense parsnips are a slow-digested, […]
Braised Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce with Mushrooms and Rosemary
Braised Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce with Mushrooms and Rosemary Serves 2 to 4 2 large or (4 small) lamb shanks 1 cup dry red wine, like a Rhone, Bordeaux, Burgundy 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons of Celtic sea salt 1 teaspoon of freshly ground […]
Makeshift “Ratatouille”
How often have you bought produce from the farmers’ market only to get busy at work, and later discover that once beautiful produce has “died”, untouched, in your crisper?! Same with leftovers…how often have you stored leftovers in the fridge, with the intention of eating them, then promptly forgotten about them—until their pungent stink smacks […]
Ginger Lamb Ragu
Ragus are a part of classic Italian cooking. A traditional ragu is a meat-based sauce that typically consists of ground meat (beef, lamb, veal, pork or poultry), a sofrito of minced onions, carrots and celery (sometimes, pancetta); vegetables; tomato puree; wine, broth and, sometimes, milk or heavy cream. My anti-inflammatory version of ragu omits wine […]
Scallion-Shallot Turkey Burgers
Allium vegetables are in the the garlic and onion family and include: –Red onion –Leeks –Ramps –Scallions –Chives –Garlic Chives, a.k.a. Chinese Chives –Shallots Allium vegetables contain organosulfur compounds, which contribute to their distinctly pungent aroma. These sulfur compounds are also associated with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Allium vegetables, like onions, red onion, scallions and […]
Spiced Apple-Turkey Ragu
This is one of my favorite breakfasts. Use organic or all-natural (antibiotic-free, hormone-free) ground turkey, whenever possible. The combination of spices, apple and ground turkey make this a delicious sweet-savory meal that stabilizes blood sugar and helps you feel full longer. If you eat this, as I do, for breakfast, you start off your day […]
Easy Turkey-Ginger Ragu
Ragus are an easy-to-make and versatile weekday meal. You can hide extra vegetables (as long as they’re finely minced!) in ragus, especially, if you’re cooking for picky eaters! Transform any leftover ragu into a body-warming “soup”: simply add enough filtered water to leftover ragu until thinned and liquid in consistency. Warm on stove and fold […]
10 Cleanse Tips for a Healthy Reset
Okay…the holidays (including Martin Luther King Day!) are officially over. If you overindulged during the holidays (and into January) and find yourself struggling to get back to your “normal” eating routine; or, you feel challenged to make healthier food and lifestyle choices in the New Year of a New Decade…. …it’s time to consider a […]
Braised Napa Cabbage with Sesame Oil
While I am NOT a fan of the common cabbage, I love Napa cabbage, which does not smell or taste “cabbage-y”. Its cylindrical-shaped head of tightly packed leaves are longer, softer, mild-tasting and almost sweet when cooked. Napa cabbage is also budget-friendly ($1.29 / pound where I shop), filling and delicious. Bonus: it’s listed as […]