Way better than canned, this slow cooker pork and bean stew is pure comfort food that is satisfying, nutritious, and low sodium! Pork and beans became a southern staple because, not only is it hearty, satisfying, and nutritious after a hard day’s work, but economical as well – a pot of beans could feed a […]
Heart Healthy
Safe Eggs and a Holiday Caesar Salad Recipe
What would the holidays be without Christmas or Hanukkah cookies? And then there’s eggnog, the traditional holiday drink – really, the holidays are full of yummy treats that include the most inexpensive and complete source of protein available: eggs. Last weekend I dashed up to Fullerton to see my good friend, Chef Louise Mellor demonstrate […]
Trufflicious: Low Fat Truffled Mashed Potatoes
Welcome to December 12, 2012! 12/12/12 is either lucky or the end of the world as we  know it according to the ancient predictions of Nostradamus and the Mayans. Considered auspicious by some, doomed by others, and just plain easy to remember by many. The number certainly holds significance in human existence through the millennia, a […]
15 Stress-less Sides for Thanksgiving
Wow! I feel like it was only yesterday that we said goodbye to the ghouls and goblins of October, but with Thanksgiving next week it’s time to get serious about the menu for the most anticipated and calorie-busting meal of the year. Armed with an arsenal of easy whole food side dish recipes, you can […]
Saffron Rice with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts
Saffron imparts a lovely golden hue and a touch of the exotic to fragrant basmati rice, and, combined with golden raisins and bit of crunchy nuttiness from pine nuts, produces a sweet and savory combination that I love. It’s easy to make and a dish that you can turn to for everyday meals or special […]
Sweet Potato Crostini
What’s your go-to appetizer for a spontaneous get together? In our house it is…or was, crostini, that is until Don’s sodium restrictions required a closer look at how much bread we consumed. Believe it or not, bread is quite high in sodium – one slice contains anywhere from 160 milligrams to over 360 milligrams, depending […]
Grilled Pluots with Mozzarella and Pear Vinaigrette
On the table in 15 minutes, this fresh and vibrant stone fruit salad tastes as good as it looks! Pluots are used here, but plums, peaches or nectarines are delicious substitutes. Every year around the autumnal equinox (September 22nd this year) the food and drink world is all abuzz with warming spirits, simmering satisfying comfort […]
118 Degrees Vegan Raw Cacao Truffles
With my love of cheese, it would be very difficult for me to go vegan, but I am utterly fascinated by gourmet living cuisine, a prettier name for vegan raw foods, and what goes into making a beautiful, innovative, and delicious dish without applying any heat. In August I attended the Grand Opening/Meet and Greet […]
Veggie Pork Fried Rice for My Girl
Veggie Pork Fried Rice: how I got my kid to eat, and love, vegetables! Jump to Recipe I struggled with the title of this post – How My Kids Learned to Love Vegetables would have been good, Veggie Pork Fried Rice for Whole Foods Newport Beach Grand Opening was appropriate but too long, How to […]
Savory Hatch Chile and Candied Bacon Pancakes
When is Hatch Chile Season? Hatch Chile season has arrived! I’ve got mine, thanks to Melissa’s Produce, and they’re already grilled and roasted with a few bags stashed in the freezer to satisfy my hatch chile craving when they’re long gone. These highly coveted chiles are in big demand, but don’t worry – you’re not […]