Diet

Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus

Ever-So-Delicious Classic Hummus

After years of trial and error, you can learn from my blunders and benefit from the right balance of tahini to lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. This creamy mix is a welcome taste for vegans and the population at large. Try it once and (more).

Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad

Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad

My Oriental Peanut Teriyaki Salad is exploding with a palate of Asian flavors— from that classic teriyaki sauce to a dressing full of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Plus, the peanut butter in this dressing makes you want to lick the spoon! And (more).

Oriental Pasta Salad with Spinach, Mandarins & Almonds

Oriental Pasta Salad with Spinach, Mandarins & Almonds

This scrumptious, protein-packed salad features over 76 grams of protein per serving from the dense chickpea pasta and the sweet yet savory teriyaki chicken. And don’t forget the nutrient-rich spinach, high in folate and Vitamin K, which is highlighted in this salad. And if that (more).

Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing

Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing

My Stellar Oriental Salad Dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste sensations of Asian cuisine but has little time on their hands. With the robust mix of sesame oil, lime juice, and teriyaki sauce, it’s unthinkable it takes 10 minutes to make. (more).

Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

With a one-of-a-kind blend of creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a savory balsamic vinaigrette, your guests will think you labored all day in the kitchen. Don’t tell them, it took just 9 minutes to assemble and used only 4 ingredients. Everyone deserves a secret!

Quick and Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

Quick and Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

I’ve learned over time that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This rings true for my Quick and Best Balsamic Vinaigrette. With only 7 ingredients that take just 9 minutes to make, this recipe adds dazzle to any salad, without a lot of toil (more).

My Original Mexican Lasagna

My Original Mexican Lasagna

My Original Mexican Lasagna drew its inspiration from the traditional Mexican dish of chilaquiles. Here, a red sauce of tomato, onion, and chiles dulces (sweet peppers) is layered between corn tortillas, oregano chicken, carrots, peppers, and more tomato. Cap it off with a sprinkle of (more).

My Original Mexican Lasagna Sauce

My Original Mexican Lasagna Sauce

Thirty years ago, after my junior year abroad  in Mérida, Mexico, I began to experiment with my own take on a regional dish known as chilaquiles. From a mix of sweet peppers, tomatoes, and onions, I stumbled across a rich sauce to use for my (more).

Lusciously Creamy Italian Dressing

Lusciously Creamy Italian Dressing

Try your hand at this lusciously creamy Italian dressing and you’ll see it lives up to its name! Here a rich base of buttermilk and cream cheese is balanced by the tang of vinegar and lemon juice and the pungency of shallots and garlic.

Beef Chili Like None Other

Beef Chili Like None Other

With this surprising twist of smoky chile negros, unami like Worcestershire sauce, and freshly ground pepper, this is truly a chili like none other. Here, the rich tomato base and earthy spices complement the tender beef and protein-packed beans. It will have your guests coming (more).

Tuscan-Inspired Minestrone Soup

Tuscan-Inspired Minestrone Soup

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).

Better Than Boxed  Vegetable Broth

Better Than Boxed Vegetable Broth

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).

Healthy Snacking Four-Bean Salad

Healthy Snacking Four-Bean Salad

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).

Soul-Nourishing Lentil Soup

Soul-Nourishing Lentil Soup

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).

Heartwarming White Bean and Smoked Ham Soup

Heartwarming White Bean and Smoked Ham Soup

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).

Mexican Pozole Soup

Mexican Pozole Soup

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).

Holiday Spiked Apple Cider

Holiday Spiked Apple Cider

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).

Honduran Morning Coffee

Honduran Morning Coffee

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).

Creamy Basic Vinaigrette (Vegan Too)

Creamy Basic Vinaigrette (Vegan Too)

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).

Simple Green Salad

Simple Green Salad

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).

A Healthy Twist on Artichoke-Parmesan Dip

A Healthy Twist on Artichoke-Parmesan Dip

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).