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April 10, 2024
GARLIC CRAB ROYALE When served in martini glasses, these crab cocktails make elegant appetizers for dinner parties. I use Alaskan king crab legs, but you can use grilled shrimp instead. Semi-ripe mangoes are more tart than fully ripe mangoes and hold their shape better. Depending on your taste for spicy food and drink, adjust the amount of hot sauce and jalapenos, or omit them. These cocktails are delicious alongside my Guacamole with Pomegranate Seeds and tortilla chips. HEALTH BENEFITS: Crab and other shellfish contain selenium, an antioxidant that increases resistance to infection. The mango, lime, and hot sauce deliver plenty […]
August 16, 2023
Stuffed Petite Peppers I like to combine the nutty flavor of millet with Canadian bacon and chlorophyll-laced parsley to make a satisfying filling for these cute pepper appetizers. Millet is a protein-rich but under-used whole grain. Gluten-free, it can be cooked like rice and used in place of white rice in many recipes–simply use three parts water to one part grain. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1/2 cup millet 1 1/2 cups water 4 tsp. olive oil 4 slices Canadian bacon 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/2 tsp. minced garlic 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 tsp. paprika 1 medium egg white 8-10 mini […]
July 19, 2023
The mangoes in this salsa give it a tropical flavor profile. Their sweetness nicely balances the zing from the vinegar and the heat from the habanero. This salsa is delicious over chicken or fish. If you want less heat, remove all the habanero seeds. Benefits Mangoes, like all orange fruits and veggies, contain antioxidant carotenoids, which help inhibit cancer and tumor growth, reduce your risk of heart disease, and support healthy immune function. The vitamin A in mangoes supports the healthy growth of skin and hair and keeps your eyes healthy. Unpasteurized vinegar contains many different nutrients, including those from […]
May 22, 2023
Vegetable Quesadillas Quesadillas have a reputation for being unhealthy. It’s true that they can be very high in fat and calories but it is possible to lighten up this classic dish. Cheese is still required to hold the tortillas together, but now you can get creative by adding high-fiber, detoxifying protein and antioxidant-rich vegetables for more nutrients. Spinach and beans create a heartier and more filling base while spicy salsa and creamy avocado add flavor and texture. For a quick, healthy dinner or lunch this quesadilla recipe features convenience foods that are common pantry staples. Next time you need dinner […]
August 30, 2022
No-cook recipes should be easy, quick, and healthy. Be ready to entertain any time with this simple crowd-pleasing hummus. Fresh herbs add depth to a classic chickpea blend bursting with flavor from rich tahini paste, fresh lemon juice and zest and savory garlic. Quick to make, you can whip this up in a matter of minutes with your food processor. Beans provide heart-healthy protein and detoxifying fiber which is good for gut health. Ingredients ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup tahini paste ¼ cup lemon juice ½ tsp. fresh lemon zest 2 garlic cloves 1 ½ Tbs. fresh thyme, picked […]
May 31, 2022
In this tasty appetizer, I pair moringa–which is loaded with strength-building protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and potassium–with artichokes, which add lutein for eye health and fiber for gut health. I like to steam the artichokes first and finish them on the grill, but you can omit this step to save time. Add other grilled vegetables such as red bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to expand on this delicious party food. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 4 artichokes, trimmed and steamed for 30 minutes 2-3 Tbs. olive oil 1 cup olive oil mayonnaise 1 Tbs. finely chopped red onion 1 […]
May 4, 2022
Deviled eggs are everyone’s favorite party appetizer but loaded with mayonnaise, can be a caloric bomb. Lighten up a classic treat by subbing mayo for protein-packed low-fat Greek yogurt, dropping a couple of yolks (but keeping the majority!) and adding mustard, dried dill and smoked paprika for an unexpected burst of flavor. Eggs are loaded with protein for strength, and choline for brain health. This recipe is quick and very easy, using common household ingredients so next time you need the perfect appetizer, on-the-go snack or after-school dish, whip up a batch of Deviled Eggs – Lightened Up! Serves 6 […]
January 26, 2021
A heart-friendly snack, this olive and watercress tapenade is wonderful on crackers or warm bread and even dabbled on top of pizza. The olives provide heart-healthy fats while the watercress brings detoxification to the party. YIELDS 2 CUPS Ingredients 1 1/2 cups tightly packed watercress, without stems 1 1/2 cups tightly packed parsley, without stems 1 cup drained and pitted black olives 1 cup drained and pitted kalamata olives 1 cup drained and pitted green olives with pimentos 1/4 cup olive oil 3 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. fresh oregano Instructions Place all the ingredients in a food processor bowl […]
August 11, 2020
The idea for this guacamole recipe came from a very talented Mexican chef who owns an upscale restaurant in Santa Barbara. The pomegranate seeds add a spectacular, tart crunch to this otherwise mild dip. I serve this dip with blue corn chips, which add a splash of color and are higher in antioxidants than yellow chips. BENEFITS: Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, which help protect the skin from the aging effects of the sun. The anthocyanins in pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and cancer. Blue corn chips provide […]