SidesIkarian Walnut Pesto
The region of Ikaria, Greece, is a Blue Zone, meaning some of the world’s longest-living people live there. Ikarian Greeks include walnuts in their diet, and it’s no wonder many of them live well past the age of 100! Walnuts are one of the best foods for you because of their many nutritional qualities. In this pesto, the light, fresh flavor of the celery leaves goes well with the rich flavor of the walnuts. Just buy a bunch of celery with plenty of leaves still on the stalks. If you can’t find enough celery leaves, you can use stemmed watercress […]READ MORE
SOME OF OUR FAVORITES
January 21, 2020
Published by Grace O
Golden brown cauliflower, sprigs of fresh sage, and a dollop of sweet and tart applesauce make this tasty side dish the perfect addition to almost any meal. It’s inspired by the Blue Zone city of Loma Linda, California, where the mostly vegetarian population enjoys great longevity and health. Like other cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is a rich source of detoxifying fiber and the cancer-fighting sulfur compounds indoles and isothiocyanates. Serves: 2 Ingredients 1 head (3-4 cups) cauliflower, chopped into florets 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar Salt and black pepper 3 sprigs fresh […]
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November 12, 2018
Published by Grace O
Brussels sprouts, pomegranate, and four common pantry ingredients are all that is needed to put together this colorful and crowd-pleasing side dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts are easy to make and filled with digestion-boosting fiber and beneficial antioxidants. Even those skeptical of this healthy cruciferous vegetable will love it alongside tart and juicy pomegranate and chopped walnuts. Enjoy this plant-based dish throughout the fall and winter seasons! Serves 2 Ingredients 16 halved Brussels sprouts 2 Tbs. coconut oil Salt and pepper to taste ⅓ cup pomegranate arils ⅓ cup walnut halves and pieces (toasted if desired) 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive […]
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November 13, 2018
Published by Grace O
These green beans are easy to make and can even be prepped a day ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holidays and dinner parties. Marcona almonds make this simple side dish elegant. Green beans contain vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that boosts immune function and keeps eyes and skin healthy. Vitamin C helps the body resist infection, prevents cataracts, and boosts collagen. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb. green beans (about 6 cups), trimmed 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. Marcona almonds 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbs. chopped fresh […]
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November 12, 2018
Published by Grace O
Brussels sprouts, pomegranate, and four common pantry ingredients are all that is needed to put together this colorful and crowd-pleasing side dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts are easy to make and filled with digestion-boosting fiber and beneficial antioxidants. Even those skeptical of this healthy cruciferous vegetable will love it alongside tart and juicy pomegranate and chopped walnuts. Enjoy this plant-based dish throughout the fall and winter seasons! Serves 2 Ingredients 16 halved Brussels sprouts 2 Tbs. coconut oil Salt and pepper to taste ⅓ cup pomegranate arils ⅓ cup walnut halves and pieces (toasted if desired) 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive […]
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November 8, 2016
Published by Grace O
Heart-friendly yams are tarted up with lime juice and shredded coconut in this festive side dish. Serve it with lamb or my Ostrich Meatballs (Age Beautifully Cookbook). It also goes well with turkey, pork, and meatloaf. BENEFITS: Yams (and/or sweet potatoes) contain carotenoids and fiber. Carotenoids inhibit cancer and tumor growth, reduce your risk of heart disease, and support immune function. Fiber lowers blood cholesterol and, like carotenoids, reduces your risk of heart disease. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 cups cubed yams or sweet potatoes, peeled 1 Tbs. coconut oil ½ tsp. salt or salt substitute 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice (and/or thin […]
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June 7, 2016
Published by Grace O
At the height of allergy season, incorporating nettles into your meals can be a soothing practice offering relief. With research supporting the use of nettles for seasonal allergies and hay fever, this plant contains anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties (Learn more about the benefits of nettles in our story on them). It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nettles care commonly cooked into a tea, but they also make a flavorful sauce. Enjoy this fresh nettle pesto today over quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Chef’s note: Never eat or touch fresh nettles; heat neutralizes the volatile compound that sting […]
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November 22, 2013
Published by Grace O
I use this stuffing for my Stuffed Turkey Rolls. Homemade croutons, raw celery, and sausages give this dish its unique flavor and texture. To serve as a side dish, spread the stuffing in a greased baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. YIELDS 2-3 cups Ingredients 4 Tbs. olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 lb. ground turkey 2 slices cubed whole-wheat bread Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 cup turkey or chicken broth 1/4 cup chopped celery 1 can (5 oz.) mashed Chicken Vienna sausages (optional) Procedure 1. Heat 3 […]
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April 26, 2011
Published by Grace O
This rice is mildly spiced because it’s designed to go with Grace’s Turkey in Turmeric Sauce. If you want the rice to carry most of the flavor, substitute coconut milk for half of the water. Then serve it with grilled turkey, chicken, or fish. Either way, you get both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits from the fresh turmeric. YIELDS 2 cups Ingredients 1 cup jasmine rice ½ cup Fresh Turmeric Juice or 1 tsp. turmeric powder 2 cups water Procedure 1. Rinse rice under running water once. Drain and set aside. 2. Combine the turmeric juice or powder with 2 cups […]
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