This is easy to make and even easier to eat. A fruit centric dessert like this is generally lower in fat, has none of the processed white sugar, and offers many more nutrients and fiber than a more standard piece of cake. I used marscapone for the cheesecake effect, it is very a very light, soft and subtle Italian cheese, but regular cream cheese can work in its place. Continue Reading →
Spiced Chocolate Covered Dates
My old coworkes loved these so much that they equated them to a love potion in food form and nicknamed them “dates for dates”. They joked that they were so good that if you gifted some to a date they would fall instantly love with you. I didn’t make this recipe up, my friend Dubravka taught me how to make them and I think they have Middle Eastern origins. They are surprisingly filling and are the perfect couple bites for any sweet or chocolate cravings. Continue Reading →
Creamy Lemon Salad
My lovely father generally does not eat salads unless they are so drenched in salad dressing that you cannot see the vegetables. Either he was starving or he wasn’t wearing his glasses, but he tried this and to my delight he really enjoyed it. My secret to making creamy dressing that goes a long way is plain Greek yogurt, it lets the other flavors shine through while adding some protein and a slight tanginess. Continue Reading →
Trail Mix Chocolate Bark
While dark chocolate has some nutritional benefits itself, it is more ideal if we eat it with some extra protein and fiber to offset the sugar rush that it also provides. This is an easy way to add in lots of nuts and seeds and some dried fruit to chocolate to give it that extra oopmh. I made it specifically because my mom and her friend are having some major chocolate cravings lately Continue Reading →
Mediterranean Salad
The Mediterranean diet attracts people from all over the world for its focus on simplicity and natural, nutrient rich ingredients. Some of the main components of this cuisine are whole grains, olives (and olive oil) and fresh produce, all of which contain phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that protect against cancer and atherosclerosis, as well as help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Red wine on the side is optional. Continue Reading →
Candied Cinnamon Almonds
Almonds are one of my go to snacks, they are portable, energy dense and have a longer shelf life than most fresh food. They are good sources of fiber, protein, vitamin E, and minerals like copper and magnesium. I always have bags of them stashed around everywhere and sometimes I like to dress them up a little. Continue Reading →
Berry Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are no longer just for growing pets. They are an excellent source of essential fatty acids and fiber, along with several important minerals like calcium and manganese. They are also very helpful for the digestive system because they keep things moving and thus reduce any bloating around the midsection. Continue Reading →
Probiotic Rich Chai Porridge
Probiotics are one of the most increasingly marketed aspects of nutrition. Our small intestines, where much of our digestion and nutrient absorption takes place, need to have an optimal balance of intestinal flora, or gut bacteria, to do their jobs and keep our digestive and immune systems in order. One way to support our intestines is through consuming probiotics, either through supplement form or a range of fermented foods. Continue Reading →
Chocolate Power Banana Bread
While excess sugar is not great for waist lines, mood swings or maintaining high nutrient levels, in the right forms and moderate amounts it can provide easy energy. I especially like sweets that fall under the umbrellas of paleo, vegan or even raw because they all focus on whole foods and high quality ingredients. Continue Reading →
Butternut Squash Socca with Olive Tapenade
Socca is a flatbread made from chickpea flour, aka besan or garbanzo bean flour, and is cooked in stone ovens throughout Southern France, primarily in and around Nice. It is one of my favorite snacks and brunch side dishes. It can replace Continue Reading →