Caramelized Leeks with Fennel Bulb
March 3, 2010 by Alison
Filed under Breakfast/Brunch, Healthy Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Makes 4 side servings
Leeks are caramelized to release their natural sugars, and cooked with fennel bulb for a sweet, licorice-like taste. Toasted fennel seeds add a more robust flavor. Serve alongside meat, poultry, eggs or grains.
Cooking Tip: “Caramelizing” is a different technique than “browning”. Caramelizing is when the natural sugars inside cook up and [...]
Homemade Nut Butter
February 22, 2010 by Alison
Filed under Appetizers and Snacks, Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Healthy Recipes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Makes about 1 cup
Last year, I vowed never to buy pre-packaged nut milks again. This year, it’s nut butters. Not only is it easy, but you can get creative by using ANY nuts you like or mixing in fun additions (see below). It’s also potentially more nutritious, as there’s always the option of soaking the [...]
Steamed Beets with Miso, Mustard and Clove Dressing
February 8, 2010 by Alison
Filed under Appetizers and Snacks, Healthy Recipes, Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dishes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Serves 4
A sweet and tangy dressing with a hint of clove enhances and enlivens the flavors of sweet steamed beets in this healthy side dish. It makes a showy presentation too, with the stark contrast in colors. For a raw version, grate or thinly slice the beets with a v-slicer and drizzle with the dressing.
Nutrition [...]
Asian Pear and Watercress Smoothie
January 20, 2010 by Alison
Filed under Appetizers and Snacks, Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Healthy Recipes, Raw Foods, Smoothies and Shakes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Serves 2
An exciting deviation from strawberries and bananas, this healthy green smoothie uses the sweet and crisp flavor of Asian pear with almond butter. Watercress is a detoxifier and adds a touch of spice, but not too much to overpower. This is a sweet smoothie with all the benefits of good fats, protein and greens.
Nutrition [...]
Cleansing Grapefruit Salad with Bananas and Coconut
January 19, 2010 by Alison
Filed under Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Healthy Recipes, Raw Foods, Salads and Salad Dressings, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Serves 2
A refreshing and tangy breakfast salad with sliced banana to balance the sour flavors of seasonal grapefruit. Serve with yogurt for protein. Also makes a healthy, not-too-sweet dessert.
Nutrition Tip: Late winter and spring is the time to kick-start fat metabolism and cleanse the body to prepare for season changes. According to Ayurvedic physician, [...]
Raw Jicama Salad with Curried Macadamia Dressing
January 11, 2010 by Alison
Filed under Ethnic Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Raw Foods, Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dishes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Serves 4
Warming curry spices counter the clean crispness of jicama in this simple, flavorful, all-season salad. The sweet, tropical taste of macadamia nuts and coconut water bring it all together. Served with an edible green sprout garnish.
Cooking Tip: Jicama (HIH-kuh-ma) is a sweet, watery root native to Mexico. Its crisp, refreshing taste is reminiscent of [...]
Honey-Kissed Fennel and Orange Salad with Candied Almonds
January 1, 2010 by Alison
Filed under Appetizers and Snacks, Healthy Recipes, Raw Foods, Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dishes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Serves 2-4
Lemon, orange and fennel give this refreshing salad a tangy hit, while raisins and honey balance the act with their delightful sweetness. Candied almonds bring it over the top. Makes a perfect dinner party salad or appetizer. Some of the honey can be replaced with liquid stevia, if desired.
Cooking Tip: Ever wonder how to [...]
Italian Meatballs with Kabocha Squash Sauce
December 9, 2009 by Alison
Filed under Healthy Recipes, Red Meat Dishes, Sauces, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Serves 2-4 (8-12 meatballs)
This is a terrific rendition of basic Italian-style “red sauce” replacing the tomatoes with roasted winter squash. Herbed meatballs are the highlight. The meatballs in sauce can be served alone or atop fresh or cooked vegetables. Feel free to make a double or triple batch.
Cooking Tip: To mimic the binding qualities of [...]
Maple and Lemon Glazed Brussels Sprouts
December 1, 2009 by Alison
Filed under Healthy Recipes, Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dishes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Serves 4
An easy sweet and sour side highlighting browned Brussels sprouts and toasted cashews. Sauteed garlic adds a pungent note. Brussels sprouts are in the cruciferae family, making them some of the best cancer- and disease-fighters on Earth.
Cooking Tip: Steaming is a great way to retain nutrition and flavor to many foods. I use a [...]
Baby Pumpkins with Maple and Spices
November 18, 2009 by Alison
Filed under Desserts, Healthy Recipes, Holiday Foods, Side Dishes, Vegetarian/Vegan Dishes
Yield: As many as you want
These fun and festive pumpkins are not just for show, their sweet and tender taste make them a perfect accompaniment for all of your favorite holiday foods. Look for these little pumpkins at the farmers’ market; if you can’t find them, larger pie pumpkins or acorn squash can be substituted.
Baby [...]





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