January 26, 2022

Maple Herb Roasted Tofu

If you think tofu always lacks flavor, you have to give this sweet, savory, and herbaceous soy-based holiday entree a try. A simple blend of oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and tamari or soy sauce combine to create a flavorful entree that’s wholly worthy of a coveted spot on your holiday table. The added aroma from fresh, wintry herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage is just a bonus. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love this comforting and festive main dish! The tofu provides plant-based protein for strength while the vinegar and tamari promote gut health. Rosemary boosts brain power. […]
September 8, 2020

Cherry Barbecue Tempeh Sandwich

Tempeh is a traditionally Asian fermented plant-based protein source made from whole soy-beans. Because of the fermentation process, tempeh also contains beneficial probiotics. With a meat-like texture, tempeh is a hearty substitute for meatless meals and pairs well with many flavors due to its own mild, slightly nutty taste. Try it with my homemade cherry barbecue sauce, a lower sugar and preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions. Yields 4 Sandwiches Ingredients For The Sauce 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted 6 oz. tomato paste 2 garlic cloves ½ cup water 1 tsp. fresh orange zest 2 Tbs. fresh orange juice 1 Tbs. […]
August 4, 2020

Mint Agave Tonic

The inspiration for this drink comes from the Cuban mojito. My nonalcoholic version uses sparkling water. Mint leaves aid digestion. The vitamin C in limes is a great immunity booster. For a stronger mint flavor, use more mint leaves. Serves 2 Ingredients 2 small bunches fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup lime juice 4-8 tsp. agave nectar 2 1/2 cups sparkling water crushed ice (optional) Procedure 1. Place 5–7 mint leaves in each of 2 tall glass. Bruise the leaves with a cocktail muddle, the handle of a wooden spoon, or the tines of a whisk to help them release their fragrant oil. […]
May 19, 2020

Pineapple Black Bean Salsa

Party food can most definitely be colorful, delicious, and healthy at the same time. This pineapple black bean salsa is a perfect example. Pineapple, beans, avocado, and other nutrient-dense ingredients combine to create a festive dish that promotes optimal energy levels, digestion, and wellbeing. This dish is also versatile. Try serving it with tortilla chips as an appetizer or use it as a sweet and spicy topping for grilled tofu or fish. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit at your next summer barbecue. Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 pineapple, peeled and diced (about 2 ½ cups) 1 ¼ cups […]
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 3, 2019

Are We Only 10% Human? Microbes Are Key to Health

Obesity, autism, mental health problems, IBS, allergies, auto-immunity, cancer — Does the answer to the modern epidemic of ‘Western’ diseases lie in our gut? According to author and biologist Alanna Collen, you are only 10% human. For every one of your cells, there are nine impostors hitching a ride. You are not just flesh and bone, but also bacteria and fungi. And you are more ‘them’ than you are ‘you.’ Your gut alone hosts 100 trillion of them and until recently we thought that our microbes didn’t matter. This is all set to change as the latest scientific research tells […]
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 […]
May 28, 2019

Turmeric-Garlic Potato Salad

Potatoes are versatile and packed full of nutrients: a perfect side dish. Think outside the typical, rich potato salad to create this lightened up, non-traditional version. Unexpected flavors including turmeric and tahini blend together in a fresh sauce that complements the roasted flavor of the potatoes. By adding cabbage, this potato salad gets crunchy. Roast these small potatoes with the skin on then serve with a light, tangy, antioxidant-packed sauce for an irresistible side-dish sure to please. The fiber from the veggies and the yogurt’s probiotics lead to good gut health. Serves 6 Ingredients 1 lb. fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise […]
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 […]