Posts under ‘Healthy Options’

This recipe is designed to distract the frozen taste buds of anyone who is still (un)fortunate enough to be enjoying the frigid cold of winter. So open wide and take a bite out of a warmer climate by tasting the sweet pineapple, toasted coconut and salty crunch of these macadamia nut granola bars. And while [...]

As a California girl at heart, I will find any excuse to enjoy homemade guacamole. This time I’ve put a spin on my traditional guac by serving it up as the centerpiece in this simply delicious bruschetta recipe. And how can you go wrong with this arsenal of flavor-packet ingredients? The crunchy French bread serves [...]

This simple salad is a great detox for all those who ate one too many chicken wings at yesterday’s Super Bowl party. Boiling beets is a great way to maintain their bright red color and to preserve the high concentration of fiber in this cholesterol-free root vegetable. I’m using Agave Nectar to caramelize the walnuts, [...]

Salsa cruda, or uncooked salsa, is one of the easiest appetizers and toppings to make. My recipe, while traditional in appearance, includes the uncommon addition of brown sugar. The slight touch of sweetness balances out the acidity of the tomatoes while pairing well with the spicy kick of the jalapeño. Replace boring tortilla chips with [...]

I should preface this recipe post with the caveat that I am in no way a calorie counter or health freak. But this low calorie carob fudge may just be the best sugary find since my first encounter with Splenda. This recipe was passed along to me by my dad, who I assure you can [...]

I’m gearing up for the start of my second semester of grad school, and with the pressures of the first draft of my master’s project due in less than a week I’ve resorted to one pot cooking for the night. A simple fried rice dinner is my go-to on days when I’m left feeling drained [...]

My mom Noni has been making homemade basil pesto for as long as I can remember. This sauce is rich in flavor and color and it can be used in any variety of ways - toss the pesto with linguine noodles for a flavorful pasta dish, spoon it over grilled chicken and fish, or add [...]

These fresh spring rolls are a great “detox” from heavy holiday fare. The fresh roll recipe was inspired by my friend over at PeanutButterMilk, who introduced me to cooking with rice paper (it’s easier then you think!). This Tyler Florence peanut sauce recipe is my go-to Thai favorite. The best part is that you can [...]

My aunt introduced me to this amazing recipe during our recent Thanksgiving potluck, and it quickly became the star appetizer for the evening. This salsa-like dip is great served with chips, and can also be used in salads or atop grilled chicken and fish. I’ve tweaked the marinade proportions slightly to lessen the sugar load [...]

It’s finally starting to get cold in New York, and the change in weather has been signaled by the arrival of parsnips in my local grocery stores. This seasonal vegetable can be cooked in any variety of ways, including boiling, baking and even pureeing. My carmelized parsnips and carrots are a great vegetable side dish [...]