Cinco de Mayo (May 5) may be another excuse to party in a lot of places, but in Southern California celebrating Mexico’s defeat of French troops as they moved from Veracruz toward Mexico City in 1861* is a matter of national pride that is often confused with Mexican Independence Day (celebrated on September 19th). And, […]
Heart Healthy
Celebrating the Year of the Monkey #CNY
Being in China for the two weeks before Chinese New Year is exhilarating, but so is being in Orange County for Lunar New Year celebrations. This week South Coast Plaza celebrates Chinese New Year with a grand reception on Wednesday, February 3rd for the Year of the Monkey which extends from February 8, 2016 to […]
Red Beans and Rice: A New Orleans Staple
For Fat Tuesday, February 9th this year, I’m sharing a lot of “let the good times roll” and a “healthified” vegetarian version of New Orleans’ grand dame Leah “Dooky” Chase’s Red Beans and Rice recipe. Hopefully, Dooky won’t mind that I had to forego the smoked meats that impart such a complex flavor to the traditional […]
Chefs Toys and a Vegetarian Asian Chopped Salad
Eating and cooking at home is essential for any fitness and weight loss plan. If you have ever looked at the nutritional information (required for restaurants with 20 or more locations) you know what I’m talking about. If the calories don’t blow your mind…or your waist line, the sodium content will. The perception that ordering […]
The Foodie’s Guide to Fitness and Weight Loss
1. Start Now. Of course it’s the new year and many people are motivated to make changes to improve their health. But if you’re reading this any other time of year – start now – even if you have 60 lbs. to lose, it can be done. For the first time in a very long […]
Salmon Chilly Chili by Chef Rick Moonen and What You Missed at #NBWFF
See “Top Chef Masters” chef demonstrations by chefs Rick Bayless, Hubert Keller, and Rick Moonen; talk with executive chefs from Orange County’s best restaurants and savor tastes of their cuisine; meet Shirley Chung, Brian Huskey, Brooke Williamson, and Louis Maldonado, finalists from Bravo’s “Top Chef“; participate in a Home Chef “Top Chef” challenge; sip and learn […]
Low Carb Cauliflower Cheesy Grits
Grits? Only in the past decade has grits, specifically cheesy grits, entered the culinary vernacular for parts of the U.S. north of the Mason-Dixon line. This girl, born in Chicago, but raised in NW Arkansas never cared for grits – I know, such a statement borders on blasphemy in the South – but what I […]
Carrot, Ginger, Pineapple Detox Soup
A healthy, vibrantly orange soup with all the sweetness and nutritional value of carrots plus the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and tropical allure of pineapple juice that’s unbeatable. Served chilled, it’s the perfect antidote for the unusual hot, humid “monsoon” weather that we’ve been experiencing in Southern California. The inspiration for the soup happens to […]
4th of July and a Fast, Fresh + Easy Caprese Salad with Red Walnuts
Independence Day doesn’t get any better, crazier, or more patriotic than the celebrations in downtown Huntington Beach – beginning with the Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade. Not what you would expect from a beach city known for its surf culture, yet the parade is in its 111th year, is the largest 4th of July […]
Farro with Apricots, Fresh Mozzarella, and Red Walnuts
This farro salad of bright orange apricots topped with melty fresh mozzarella, and sprinkled with red walnuts and ribbons of mint is so many things: a perfect summer main dish salad, a quick and easy Meatless Monday meal, or a deliciously healthy, whole food appetizer. Fruit and cheese is always a natural pairing, but the […]