January 29, 2022

Savory Flavors of Southeast Asia

This area of the world covers a large geographical area and many unique cultures that have some commonality of herbs and spices in their cuisine style. Southeast Asia actually includes 11 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Though there are important differences between all of these countries, and cultures within each as well, common culinary threads can be found in the food. This is a hot and humid part of the world and so lightly prepared dishes made of vegetables, rice and broth are staples. Flavors like citrus, mint, and other herbs offer […]
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 […]
December 10, 2019

Add Life To the Menu With Spice Mixes

As you probably know from history, North America was discovered by Columbus’ expedition in the 15th century because Europe wanted to find a shortcut to India, with whom they had been trading in valuable spices. Back then, spices were mostly used to help preserve food in the days before refrigeration and to mask the off flavor of food starting to spoil. In general, herbs are the fresh leaves of a plant, such as sage, oregano and basil. Spices are usually considered the seed, berry, bark, root or rhizome (creeping root) of a plant. In common practice, once fresh herbs are […]
June 11, 2019

Black Bean Salad

Black beans and pasilla chiles give this salad a Southwestern flavor, and red rice makes it fun and different. A lime vinaigrette brings it all together. You can use regular wild rice and store-bought corn. Black beans and wild rice both have protein for building muscles, bones, and blood, and fiber for gut health. Red rice also contains anthocyanins, antioxidants that protect the heart. The red pepper adds lots of the antioxidants vitamin A and C, which contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained ½ cup cooked red rice ¼ cup julienned […]
January 8, 2019

Ostrich (or Turkey) Meatballs

In my family we call these meatballs albondigas. I tweaked this recipe by making the broth out of green tea and using ostrich meat from a local farm. You can use store-bought vegetable broth instead of homemade. You can use it instead of the green tea, but you won’t get the same health benefits. You can use organic or free-range ground chicken or turkey instead of ostrich meat. The benefits include: Green tea leaves are full of catechins, theaflavins, and safranal, which are all cancer killers. Ostrich meat contains copper, riboflavin, and selenium. Copper is a necessary component of collagen […]
December 13, 2016

Superfoods: Time to Celebrate Cilantro

When you choose to cook with cilantro, or the seeds of the plant that cilantro comes from, known as coriander, the simple act of spicing up your dishes becomes an easy way to spice up your health and boost your longevity. Cilantro is a power-packed flavor enhancer that contains an eye-popping amount of phytonutrients, including borneol, carvone, camphor, elemol, geraniol, and linalool, among the most prominent. It also contains popular flavonoids that Life Extension® readers are familiar with, such as quercetin andapigenin. Along with such incredible antioxidant potency, cilantro contains active phenolic compounds and is nutritionally dense in dietary fiber, manganese, iron, […]
July 2, 2013

Strawberry-Avocado Relish

  No cooking is required for this condiment. The strawberries, avocado, and cilantro all contain antioxidants. Strawberries are also very high in vitamin C and flavonoids, while avocados also provide glutathione, a detoxifying agent. I use this relish with my Summertime Grilled Chicken, but it also makes a great topping for grilled fish and a satisfying dip for whole-grain tortilla chips. YIELDS about 2 cups Ingredients 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries 1 diced medium-size avocado 1/4 cup minced red onion 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes) 1 Tbs. chopped cilantro 1 tsp. sugar Sea salt and ground pepper to […]