Posts Tagged ‘healthy’

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 [...]

Many people shy away from salads because the leafy entrees either lack flavor or leave their stomachs wanting more. But this salad with smoky bacon, crisp water chestnuts and a tangy vinaigrette will satisfy even the biggest of appetites. I love to create salad recipes because you have the freedom to pick and choose your [...]

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 [...]

My sister Alison is more of a fashionista than a cook, but when she does decide to join me in the kitchen, you can guarantee she’ll be cooking up something delicious. Her baked sweet potatoes are a family favorite because they’re full of flavor and incredibly tender. Alison says you can add red pepper flakes [...]

Roasting your own nuts is incredibly easy and gives you the freedom to customize them with your favorite flavors. The brown sugar in my recipe carmelizes the nuts while the cayenne pepper adds a little heat to this protein-packed appetizer. Serve the nuts during a cocktail hour or take a small bag of them [...]

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 [...]

While many people may be averse to fruit for dessert, this recipe transforms a plain banana into a hot treat. And while it’s not quite Bananas Foster, the flavors evoke a similar taste … but with less fat. This recipe is a perfect example of my cooking motto: balance healthy foods with moderate splurges. This [...]

Green beans are one of my favorite vegetables because they pair well with a wide variety of ingredients. While this recipe emphasizes the combination of carmelized onions and soy sauce, the addition of two or three Tablespoons of brown sugar will instantly transform the beans from salty to sweet. Either variety is a great accompaniment [...]