If there’s one whole grain I can’t get enough of, it would definitely have to be quinoa.  Since I’m sensitive to wheat, quinoa is the perfect grain for me, completely gluten-free. And I love the fact that you can cook it in 15-20 minutes, which seems like a breeze compared to brown rice.  Extra bonus: read more

Filed under: Gluten-free, Grains, Quinoa, Side Dishes | 1 Comment

When Thanksgiving rolls around, it’s easy to kick our diets to the curb, gain weight and forget all that we know about healthy eating. Sound familiar? But with a little creativity and some planning ahead, it’s possible to create healthy and delicious Thanksgiving dishes to accompany all that turkey. One of my favorite side dishes read more

Filed under: Healthy Meals, Locally Grown Food, Meal Planning, Optimal Health, Recipes, Side Dishes, Sweet Potatoes, Vegetables | 1 Comment

Talking about basil in last Friday’s audio tip got me thinking about one of my favorite side dishes - quinoa with basil pesto. Quinoa (pronouced keen-wah) when mixed with fresh pesto, makes an easy, healthy and delicious side dish. For those of you that don’t know, quinoa is a whole grain from South America that’s gaining popularity in read more

Filed under: Basil, Eating, Grains, Grains, Healthy Meals, High Quality Food, Recipes, Side Dishes | 2 Comments

I found this recipe on the Food Network website and thought it sounded delicious. I embellished it a bit by drizzling on some pure maple syrup. Brussels sprouts have taken on a whole new meaning for me!Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 35-40minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 3/4 read more

Filed under: Brussels Sprouts, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetables | No Comments

This is a family recipe I’ve been making for years that is incredibly easy and simply delicious.Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 Hour Ingredients: 4 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tbsp. pure maple syrup (optional) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork, place on a baking read more

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I love this recipe from Real Simple because it’s so quick and easy, yet has an interesting flavor with the addition of fresh ginger. Substitute a natural sweetener for the brown sugar and you’ll feel even better! Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 Hour Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1 cup read more

Filed under: Cancer, Dips and Sauces, Fruit, Heart Health, Recipes, Side Dishes, Sugar and Sweeteners | No Comments

Recipe of the Month: Tomatoes with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil   Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: None!Ingredients: 1 or 2 ripe, native tomatoes - choose your favorites Handful of fresh basil leaves Extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: 1. Slice tomatoes and place on a platter. 2. Roughly chop basil and sprinkle on top of read more

Filed under: Fruit, Recipes, Side Dishes, Summer | No Comments

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Yield: 6 ears of corn Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 garlic clove, pressed 1 teaspoon chili powder 6 ears fresh sweet corn Directions: 1. Thoroughly combine the butter, garlic and chili powder in a small bowl. Set aside. 2. Soak the corn in the husk in a sink or tub filled with cold water for read more

Filed under: Recipes, Side Dishes, Summer, Vegetables | No Comments