October 3, 2021

Spicy Candied Walnuts

Nothing spices up a meal like a candied nut treat perfect for complimenting a salad or side-dish. Candied nuts are often made of melted white sugar but there are other more natural options. Maple syrup adds a complex flavor. Purchase 100% pure, organic maple syrup when you can. The grades of maple syrup indicate the richness of color, but not the quality. A pinch of salt and spicy cayenne pepper offer an unexpected pop of flavor. Enjoy the healthy omega-3 fats in crunchy walnuts for anti-inflammatory benefits. YIELDS 2 Cups Ingredients 2 cups raw walnut halves 1/3 cup pure maple […]
April 26, 2020

Refreshing Papaya Relish

This refreshing relish will help boost your immune system and keep your skin young and elastic. Papaya is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. It’s also high in potassium. Certain enzymes in papaya aid digestion. I use this salsa on grilled meats and fish, such as my Grilled Swordfish in Secret Marinade, and it’s also delicious as an appetizer with whole-grain chips. YIELDS about 4 cups Ingredients 2 cups cubed papaya, ripe but still firm ¼ cup seeded and chopped red bell pepper ¼ cup chopped red onion 1 tsp. minced garlic ½ […]
April 2, 2019

Atchara Pickle

When I was a teenager, my mom and I would make atchara together. Atchara is a sweet-and-sour pickle made with green, unripe papayas and other vegetables. My mom would make florets out of a few carrots because they added beauty and color to the pickle. Eaten with grilled pork or fried fish, it’s considered a national dish of the Philippines. In America, I eat it with BBQ, grilled meat, and smoked fish. Papayas contain papain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins. This is why I sometimes use green papaya as a meat tenderizer. (There is less papain in ripe […]