Our Bartlett pear tree yielded a frugal bounty this year. What we were able to reap went straight into this pear-ginger clafoutis. A clafoutis is a rustic French country dessert that traditionally calls for eggs, milk, sugar, flour and seasonal fruit. My version is a cross between a souffle and a custard; it’s also dairy-free, […]
Cherry Clafoutis
Clafoutis, a rustic French country dessert that originated in the south-central Limousin region of France, traditionally featured black cherries baked in an eggy, crepe-like batter. Many variations have evolved since, often featuring seasonal stone fruits, like sweet red cherries, plums and pears. I have a little confession. I LOVE cherries. As a child, I used […]
Grilled Five Spice Duck Breast
Duck is a rich source of protein and nutrients, including B vitamins, selenium, iron and zinc, that support thyroid health. This is a fun way to get out of the kitchen on a sweltering day, while grilling something delicious. For a more traditional way of cooking duck stove top, click here for this duck breast […]
Braised Rabbit in Almond Sauce
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 […]
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 […]
Poached Black Cod
Despite its name, black cod is NOT a member of the cod family; it is a member of the fish family, Anoplopomatidae, which thrive in the Pacific Northwest waters. Black cod is also known as sable fish or butter fish (aptly named). Its high, healthy fat content gives black cod a soft, silky texture and […]
Sichuan-Style Chili
Happy Lunar New Year! Once I moved to NYC, I started celebrating Chinese New Year by cooking (and eating) traditional “good luck” dishes. It was fun. And it took place in the winter, the time of year I most craved Chinese food. But, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s 7 years ago, I stopped. I seldom […]
Pasture-Raised Pork Chop with Scallion-Garlic Rub
One of my favorite cozy winter meals is a pasture-raised pork chop with buckwheat “grits” (actually, it’s organic Cream of Buckwheat) and any variation of greens, raw or cooked. Pasture-raised pork is an excellent source of lean protein. It’s also an excellent source of B Vitamins (B6, B12, niacin, thiamine); a good source of Vitamin […]
Simple Roast Chicken with Garlic Chive Rub
Chicken, specifically pasture-raised chicken, is an excellent choice of hormone-balancing protein. It is also an excellent source of thyroid-supporting B vitamins (all B vitamins) and thyroid-supporting selenium; it is a good source of other minerals, including zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Personally, I am not obsessed about cooking a “perfect” roast chicken with brown, crisped […]
Detox Spinach-Pear Smoothie
My beef with commercial “green” smoothies is that they often contain more fruit (sugar) than actual greens. Commercial smoothies can also contain ingredients that sound “healthy”—for example: coconut nectar, agave, mango puree, apple juice or yogurt—but are really hidden sources of sugar that add up to a high-calorie or high-carb load for that smoothie. I […]