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 […]
Blueberry-Cauli Smoothie
I’ve pretty much banished refined “white foods”, like rice, potatoes, flour, bread (even gluten-free breads) and pasta, from my diet. With one exception: cauliflower “rice”. From cauliflower mash to cauliflower pizza, cauliflower is all the rage as a smart carb, low-carb substitute for common blood sugar-spiking processed “white foods”. Cauliflower is the other “white food”, […]
Slow Burn Buckwheat Gingerbread Brownies
Do you enjoy a slow burn? Then you’ll love these gingerbread brownies! (And, no, you won’t be rating Scoville heat units…there are no chili peppers in these brownies!) Moist and flavorful, a combination of gently warming spices (including fresh ginger root) natural sweeteners and buckwheat flour, makes these brownies a delicious, warming treat (and digestive aid!) […]
How to Succeed in Making Health Resolutions Stick
On New Year’s Eve, did you make a health resolution to physically transform your body in some way—lose weight, get leaner, gain muscle or increase stamina? Or, did you vow to have more energy, eat “healthier”, or to experience relief from uncomfortable symptoms, like chronic bloating and gas; joint pain; or skin conditions (e.g., acne […]