Tuscany is where I first fell in love with this region’s take on that legendary dish, minestrone soup. Who cannot love the creamy consistency of Italian’s homegrown borlotti beans, the vitamin-packed leaves of lacinato kale, and the gritty texture of that nutty yet savory Parmesan? (more).
A staple in every kitchen, vegetable broth, is easy to make and is so much better homemade than with the store-bought variety. Plus, it yields a vegetable purée, which can be added as a thickening agent to add more flavor and body to your soups. (more).
These cookies are an addiction with their combo of shredded coconut for texture, applesauce for moisture, and sesame seeds for a nutty flavor. Such delights will jumpstart your morning as an accompaniment to your coffee or will cap off your night as an irresistible dessert. (more).
With over 22 grams of fiber and 22 grams of protein per serving, this nutrient-packed salad is a must for vegan and vegetarian eaters and will easily satisfy the average carnivore. Plus, who can resist a good vinaigrette, set off by a punch of pepper? (more).
With my party cheese ball, the sweetness of the coconut date rolls enhances the mild flavor of the goat and cream cheese. And the textural crunch of the pecans offsets the softness of the cheese. Serve with a biscuit and you have an unforgettable crowd-pleaser! (more).
This hearty, soul-nourishing soup gets its flavor from tender lentils complemented by the natural saltiness of a ham hock and a garnish of Parmesan cheese. An array of mild, sautéed vegetables fills the background, rounding out a subtle burst of earthy flavors. Rich in fiber (more).
This heartwarming soup is exceptionally rich in flavor but nutritiously high in protein, as it derives its body from the stewing of cannellini beans, smoked pork hocks, earthy herbs, and hearty mirepoix. Its aroma will fill your home and whet your family’s appetite, ushering in (more).
This sensational soup fills the home with the flavorful aroma of earthy hominy and smoky chili anchos. The garnish of lemons and radishes lends a textural crunch and tangy note to this unique soup. Note: this soup is mild in heat although using chilies. It (more).
This sweet delight is a treat with your morning coffee or a goodie to top off your evening dinner. The rich taste of the butter, combined with the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and cornmeal, make this a mouth-watering morsel to have in your repertoire. (more).
This robust, aromatic cider has long been a staple in my family’s holiday festivities. It combines the base of Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider with a bag of peppery and smoky mulling spices. Spiked with your favorite rum, this seasonal drink will complement the joyful holidays! (more).
Here, the traditional cup of Joe is given a twist, with the unexpected complement of allspice and sugar to coffee. This is the customary way coffee was served when I was a Peace Corp Volunteer two decades ago in the coffee-producing sector of West Honduras. (more).
I found it remarkable that this vinaigrette was so creamy, provided it didn’t have any dairy. What’s more, the sweetness of the honey tempered the pungent garlic, shallots, and red wine vinegar, while the sour tinge of lemon juice added another level of complexity. I (more).
Don’t be fooled by the name, “simple” salad. This recipe is far from mediocre—exuding a burst of flavors—with the dill and black pepper elevating a robustness to your palate and the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese tempering the bitter herbs. Very few ingredients are needed, (more).
This dip has a subtle orchestra of flavors, running from the salty hint of the artichokes and Parmesan cheese to the sour notes of the vinegar marinade. It is perfect in itself and does not need the heavy fat, as added by many others. *Note: (more).
This adapted, time-honored soup from the Yucatán features a blend of sweet mini peppers, which is accented by a sour tang of freshly squeezed lime juice. Naturally low in fat and calories, this soup still abounds in flavor and is a true guiltless comfort food! (more).
This classic, heart-warming soup was a staple in our household to make use of Christmas’s bone-in ham leftovers. But it can be served on any occasion, as this vitamin-rich, protein-packed soup stands out as a star in its own right. Enjoy any time of year! (more).
While you often think of guacamole as a splurge, its star ingredient, avocado, is nutritively high in fiber and potassium. So, indulge in this mouth-watering appetizer, which is alway the hit of any occasion, whether a simple family gathering or a potluck where you want (more).