I have been eating this Kale and Cashew Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing on repeat lately. I love the crunch from the kale, cabbage and cashews, and the punch of flavor from the mint, cilantro and Serrano pepper. The creamy maple tahini dressing ties all of the flavors and textures together nicely. It is my new favorite salad.
Kale and Cashew Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing Read More »
This Maple Tahini Dressing is nutty and creamy with the perfect touch of sweetness. I love it on fresh salads, like my Kale and Cashew Salad. It is also delicious as a dip for fresh vegetables and sweet potato fries.
Maple Tahini Dressing Read More »
This Roasted Potato and Cauliflower Soup is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly day. I love the simplicity of roasting all of the ingredients on one pan in the oven and then blending them with broth. It is so easy. The consistency is rich and creamy without any added dairy.
Roasted Potato and Cauliflower Soup Read More »
Tahini Freezer Fudge is a delicious treat enjoyed directly from the freezer. It is wonderful to have on hand for when a chocolate craving strikes. I love that this chocolate creation is made with healthy ingredients but will still satisfy a sweet tooth.
Tahini Freezer Fudge Read More »
One of the many perks of visiting my daughter in Los Angeles is going to Erewhon Market, an upscale supermarket featuring the latest in health food trends at an upscale price. I love to see what they are serving in their hot bar and take out section for inspiration, and I enjoy looking for new ingredients I haven’t seen before. One morning when my daughter and I walked there for breakfast, we got the Coconut Yogurt Chia Pudding.
Coconut Yogurt Chia Pudding Read More »
These blood orange margaritas are one of my favorite cocktails to make in the winter. The deep ruby color is gorgeous, and I love the hint of raspberry flavor in the fruit. Blood oranges are in season during the winter months, and this refreshing drink will help transport you to a warmer climate.
Blood Orange Margaritas Read More »
Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate, and gifting healthier Homemade Chocolate Bars is the perfect way to let your loved ones know how special they are to you. This recipe is fun to make because you can customize them with the type of chocolate you like and any additions you desire.
Homemade Chocolate Bars Read More »
Making a frittata, which is a crustless quiche, is a simple and delicious way to cook eggs for a group. I love this Spinach and Bacon Frittata recipe because it is dairy-free but still full of rich flavor.
Spinach and Bacon Frittata Read More »
It can be difficult to find treats to enjoy during the holidays when you have dietary restrictions. With these Grain-Free Ginger Cookies, you don’t have to miss out! The perfect item to bring to a holiday party.
Grain-Free Ginger Cookies Read More »
It is easy to make your own powdered hot chocolate mix to have on hand for a quick warm treat on a cold winter day. This Dairy-Free Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix is rich and creamy with a kick of spice from the cinnamon and cayenne.
Dairy-Free Mexican Hot Chocolate Read More »
When I am craving a green juice, but I don’t want to pull out my juicer, I make this Green Blender Juice. It is easy to make and requires less clean up than my juicer.
Green Blender Juice Read More »
Using a dry rub is a great way to add flavor to finger food without the messiness of a sauce. These Dry Rub Chicken Wings feature a subtle sweet flavor from the honey that blends well with the smoked salt and other spices.
Dry Rub Chicken Wings Read More »
There is nothing more comforting on a cold winter day than a cozy bowl of chili. In this recipe, I skip the ground beef and use lentils instead. The texture and flavor is similar to a traditional chili and is just as satisfying.
This restaurant-style blender salsa couldn’t be easier to make. I typically have all of the ingredients on hand and it only takes 5 minutes to throw together.
Restaurant-Style Blender Salsa Read More »
It can be difficult to find good substitutes for baked goods when following a grain free diet. I love pumpkin bread and was determined to create a grain free and refined sugar free recipe that would satisfy my memories of fall treats.
Grain Free Pumpkin Bread Read More »
Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice! This pumpkin spice chai latte is easy to make and has healthier ingredients than one you would buy at your local coffee shop. Made with real pumpkin and sweetened with pure maple syrup.
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Read More »
Hummus is a delicious nutrient-packed spread or dip that originated in the Middle East and quickly became popular throughout the world. This simple, classic hummus recipe is easy to make and tastes much better than the store bought versions.
Miznon in the Chelsea Market in NYC is famous for this recipe and they have generously shared the recipe with me, to pass to you! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite side dishes to prepare at home.
Roasted Cauliflower – Miznon Style Read More »
Adding a fruit syrup or liqueur is a fun way to dress up a glass of Prosecco or other sparkling wine. In this recipe I make a blackberry and sage syrup and sweeten it with honey.
Blackberry Sage Prosecco Read More »
When I’m entertaining, I like having something ready for guests to nibble on. These Rosemary Cashews are easy to throw together and are guaranteed to elevate a cocktail hour or afternoon snack. Sweet & salty with a subtle kick of heat!
I love the combination of apples, cheddar cheese, and smoked almonds in this salad. Adding these ingredients to fresh spinach with a simple honey dijon dressing makes a delicious salad. This recipe couldn’t be easier to make and is always a crowd pleaser.
Apple, Cheddar, and Smoked Almond Salad Read More »
Nothing is more comforting on a cold or gloomy day than a warm bowl of soup. This white bean and pancetta soup is simple to make and very satisfying.
White Bean and Pancetta Soup Read More »
We have a wonderful restaurant close to our home called Birch’s on the Lake. It is one of those places that has a neighborhood feel and everything on the menu is great. There is one salad they serve that I particularly love made with crisp lettuce, quinoa, chèvre, avocado, red onion, pistachios and a lovely green goddess dressing.
Birch’s Gatherer Salad Read More »
I love that this dressing is creamy, flavorful and very versatile. It works well with leafy green salads and as a dip for vegetables. You can also use it as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.
Avocado Herb Dressing or Dip Read More »
This makes my list of all time favorite foods! It takes a tremendous amount of restraint not finish the whole plate. Try this recipe & eliminate the extra ingredients and cooking methods that are not necessary to make these simply delicious.
Southwestern Sweet Potato Fries Read More »
This refreshing citrus cocktail was created while we were on vacation with friends on Oak Island in Lake of the Woods. This remote island is accessed by boat from a small town in northern Minnesota. Before we crossed the lake to our friends’ cabin, we gathered supplies at the neighborhood grocery store, grabbing an assortment of citrus fruits to use with a small citrus juicer.
The Oak Island Press Read More »
When my daughters came home from college during quarantine, I made a lot of treats. I think it was my way of trying to make their newfound circumstances more fun. Each week I put together a batch of peanut butter bars, experimenting with different ingredients.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars Read More »
Nothing says summer like fresh tomatoes, especially if they come from your garden or the local farmers’ market. One of my favorite ways to eat tomatoes is with fresh basil and garlic. This grilled chicken bruschetta recipe is similar to traditional bruschetta except I skip the toasted bread and use grilled chicken breasts in its place.
Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Read More »
When my daughters visit from college, I ask them what meals they want me to prepare while they are home. Their first request is always seared tuna bowls. This dish is light and fresh with a delicious combination of flavors.
Açai (pronounced ah-SAH’-ee) is a superfood that originated in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil. These dark purple berries have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants known to man. Adding them to a smoothie is a great way to incorporate them into your diet.
Peanut Butter and Açai Smoothie Read More »
Chicken strips are always popular with kids. But if you are looking for a healthier choice, try making these delicious homemade chicken strips! The coating is made with almond flour and parmesan cheese.
Parmesan Chicken Strips Read More »
This simple salad is as delicious as it is gorgeous. The bright grapefruit and creamy avocado complement each other impeccably well. To preserve the individual flavors of each fruit, I keep the dressing simple using only olive oil and Maldon sea salt.
Grapefruit and Avocado Salad Read More »
I was that rare kid on Halloween who was excited when I got Mounds or Almond Joy candy bars while trick-or-treating. Everyone else hoped for a Snickers or Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Don’t get me wrong, I liked those too, but I have always loved the combination of coconut and chocolate.
Almond Joy Granola Bars Read More »
White chicken chili makes a delicious meal on a cold day. However, most recipes include a lot of dairy, which can make it heavy and too rich. In this version, I omit the cream and cheese, instead pureeing the ingredients with white beans to give the chili the same creamy consistency as one made with dairy.
Dairy Free White Chicken Chili Read More »
Easy, quick, and makes the perfect breakfast or snack! Chia seeds are full of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and high quality protein. Eating them in a pudding is a fun way to add them to your diet.
Chocolate Chia Pudding Read More »
These healthy salmon kebabs are easy to make and loaded with flavor. I love the peppery punch from the horseradish and the brightness of the lemon and chives in the marinade. The combination is delicious.
Growing up we took summer vacations at a lake in the Midwest with my mother’s extended family. One of the relatives would make different batches of special cocktails in the evenings for the adults in the group.
Peach Flip Cocktails Read More »
I love Mexican street corn and I also love a good green salad. I was craving both one day so I decided to combine the two in one dish. The recipe that resulted has become the most requested menu item in my house this summer.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Read More »
Potato salad is an American picnic and potluck staple. It’s often the first side dish to disappear at summer gatherings. This recipe is based on the one my mom always made when I was growing up. The ingredients are simple but delicious when combined.
Greek Layer Dip is a fun and flavorful appetizer to serve at a party or bring to a potluck. I like to serve it with home baked pita chips and cucumber slices.
Baking your own pita chips is simple to do and worth the extra effort. They are so fresh and crisp, making it difficult to go back to eating the store-bought ones.
This salad was inspired by a dish I had in Nashville at the restaurant Biscuit Love. I was there for breakfast with a few girlfriends and we decided we needed to order something healthier to balance out all the indulgent biscuit dishes we were sampling. We ordered their shaved Brussels sprout salad that comes topped with a few poached eggs. It ended up being as delicious as their famous biscuits.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Read More »
Maca root powder is a supplement with many health benefits. It helps balance hormones, improve libido, increase energy, and boost the immune system.
Strawberry Maca Cacao Smoothie Read More »
Broccolini is similar to broccoli, but with smaller florets and longer, thin stalks. It is milder and more tender than regular broccoli. I like to roast it bundled and wrapped in prosciutto with garlic and lemon. It is so simple and makes a tasty side dish.
Prosciutto Wrapped Broccolini Read More »
Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein. They cook quickly and are wonderful for soups. This Curried Red Lentil Soup is creamy with a hint of coconut and light curry flavor.
Curried Red Lentil Soup Read More »
Walleye is a popular fish in the Great Lakes Region of North America. So much so that Minnesota designated walleye as the official state fish. Not only is it a fun fish to catch, it is delicious to eat. We are fortunate to have some good friends who are avid fishermen so we have been treated to walleye fresh from the lake.
Macadamia Nut Crusted Walleye Read More »
Homemade tartar sauce is easy to make and tastes much better than the store bought versions. The dill and lemon juice make it fresh and bright. It is the perfect accompaniment for fish and seafood dishes.
I’ll be honest here: Kale was not one of my favorite vegetables. It is, however, a nutritional powerhouse loaded with vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and fiber,making it very worthy of consumption. Because of the nutritional benefits, I used to just throw kale in my smoothies to make sure I was getting it in my diet. Then I started adding a little to my salads, adding more each time. It grew on me, and now I love it.
Kale Salad with Garlic Dressing Read More »
This Kiwi Green Smoothie is clean and refreshing with a sweet and tart flavor. The kiwis are high in fiber and have a large dose of vitamin C as well as other immune-boosting nutrients. Kiwis are also known to aid in digestion.
Kiwi Green Smoothie Read More »
This is one of my all-time favorite meatless dishes. It is inspired by Mujadara, which is a Lebanese dish made of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. In this recipe I substitute cauliflower rice for the rice and top the mixture with Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce. It is the ultimate comfort food and perfect for enjoying on a cold winter day.
Lentil and Cauliflower Rice Bowls Read More »
Adding a few flavorful ingredients to Tahini creates a delicious and versatile condiment. This Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce is tasty as a salad dressing or dip – try it on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls!
Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce Read More »
Vegetable soups are easy and quick to make. This recipe combines white beans and broccoli. Beans are an inexpensive way to add plant-based protein and fiber to your diet.
White Bean and Broccoli Soup Read More »
When I was growing up, my family took a few vacations to the Gulf Coast of Florida. At restaurants there, we often ordered shrimp because it was so fresh. One of our favorite shrimp dishes was a spicy Yucatán peel-and-eat version.
Spicy Baked Yucatán Shrimp Read More »
The perfect thing to have on hand for a quick breakfast or snack. They can be eaten warmed up or cold – plus you’d never know they are dairy free!
Green Chili and Sausage Egg Cups Read More »
I love butter leaf lettuce, and I love warm goat cheese. Combine the two, and you have the perfect salad. Slices of goat cheese are coated in egg and then coated in an almond flour mixture and lightly fried.
Butter Leaf Salad with Goat Cheese Medallions Read More »
Roast beef tenderloin is a special occasion dish that’s perfect to serve during the holidays. It is the most tender cut of beef and always a crowd pleaser. With this recipe you can roast the meat a few hours ahead of time and store it in a cooler until you are ready to serve it.
Make Ahead Beef Tenderloin Read More »
Growing up, peanut brittle was a treat we had during Christmastime. When I first learned to make it, I was amazed by how the addition of baking soda made the hot liquid sugar mixture puff up, causing the candy to be light and airy once it cooled.
Honey Almond Brittle Read More »
Looking for a festive cocktail perfect for the holiday season? Meet Pomegranate Ginger Fizz. The pomegranate juice gives it a pretty color and the honey ginger syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness with a mild ginger flavor.
Pomegranate Ginger Fizz Read More »
Delicious soft yet crunchy cookies! They are gluten and dairy free, and sweetened with coconut sugar, but you would never know it! We will use puffed quinoa to achieve the crunch.
Gluten Free Crunch Cookies Read More »
Bone Broth is simple to make and can do amazing things for your body. It is helpful in healing and restoring gut health, protecting joints, supporting the immune system and boosting detoxification. It has also been shown to assist with sleep and improve skin and hair health.
Chicken Bone Broth Read More »
Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert this time of year. Making a smoothie is a healthful way to enjoy the taste of pumpkin pie without all the extra refined sugar and calories.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Read More »
This is my go-to smoothie for after a workout or to drink as a meal on the go. It is full of unprocessed natural plant based proteins, fats, and fiber. The blueberries add a healthy dose of antioxidants without adding too much sugar.
I love green beans and serve them often at my house. They are simple to make and everyone likes them. In this recipe, I toss them in toasted hazelnut oil and add chopped hazelnuts, a squeeze of lemon, and coarse sea salt.
French Green Beans with Roasted Hazelnuts Read More »
I love the combination of flavors in this dish. The Dijon, maple syrup, pecans, and cayenne pepper together compliment the pork really well. This recipe is quick and easy to make and will bring rave reviews at the dinner table.
Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin Read More »
When I had my raw detox business, I served this smoothie for lunch on day 2. I strategically placed it on the detox at that time because it tastes like a milkshake and my clients didn’t feel like they were on a detox when drinking it.
Banana Almond Cacao Smoothie Read More »
This roasted pumpkin salad is festive with colorful ingredients that look and taste like fall. It is hearty and can be served as an entree or side salad. Vegans can substitute riced cauliflower for the goat cheese.
Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad Read More »
It is nice to have a healthy snack on hand after a workout or to hold you over between meals. Quick and easy to make, these protein bites fit the bill. They have plenty of protein and good fat to keep you satisfied.
Puffed Quinoa and Peanut Butter Protein Bites Read More »
One of the best ways to warm up after being outside in the crisp fall weather is with a piping hot bowl of soup. This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a favorite in our house.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage Infused Coconut Cream Read More »
These muffins are moist, delicious and taste like a dessert. But since they are made with almond flour and sweetened with honey, they are actually a healthy breakfast or snack.
Grain Free Apple Streusel Muffins Read More »
I love the combination of flavors and textures in this salad. The soft sweet burst of blueberries with the crunchy walnuts and velvety goat cheese is so satisfying. Adding the freshly toasted walnuts with honey melts the goat cheese and creates a creamy dressing with the olive oil and lemon juice.
Blueberry and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Walnuts Read More »
We eat a lot of tacos at our house. All varieties—shrimp, carnitas, fish, veggie, etc. They are all delicious and everyone loves them. One of our favorites are these grilled chicken tacos with guacamole.
Grilled Chicken Tacos with Guacamole Read More »
If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, I think it would be guacamole. I don’t even need the chips. I would eat it with a spoon.
These grain free, vegan crackers are incredibly easy to make. They are a delicious substitute for regular crackers or chips if you are following a grain free or low carb diet.
Grain Free Olive Oil Crackers Read More »
This smoothie is reminiscent of a few childhood favorites. The Orange Julius from the mall food court, and the Creamsicle popsicle from the ice cream truck or grocers freezer. This is a healthier version made with plain yogurt and sweetened with honey.
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Read More »
The cashews in this dairy free ice cream give it an incredibly creamy texture making it difficult to tell that it is dairy free. It is hard to believe that a few simple ingredients can produce this delicious healthy treat! After you have finished freezing the ice cream in your ice cream maker, it’s usually the texture of soft-serve ice cream.
Dairy Free Chocolate Ice Cream Read More »
The first time I visited New York City, I went with my sister, Liz. An apparel designer, Liz was traveling there for a trend shopping trip and invited me to join her. She told me, “Since you are the foodie, you can pick where we eat. I only have one place we need to go to, Cafe Habana for the Mexican Street Corn.”
Mexican Street Corn Read More »
When I was growing up, my family took a few vacations to the Gulf Coast of Florida. Many of the restaurants we went to offered barbecue bacon wrapped shrimp on their menus. It became a popular entree for members of my family to order.
Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Read More »
When I was following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, I couldn’t use bottled condiments and sauces because of the added sugars and additives, which motivated me to make a barbecue sauce from scratch that I could use with some of my favorite recipes.
This salad reminds me of Italy because all of the meals I ate there were made with a few simple and fresh ingredients. The dishes didn’t need much added to them because of their high quality components.
Peach and Burrata Salad Read More »
Drinking this Thai Green Smoothie is a refreshing way to start the day. It tastes clean and healthy. I like this smoothie because there are so many benefits to each of the ingredients. Enjoying them all in one drink is a huge win for the day.
Thai Green Smoothie Read More »
Ranch dressing is an American staple for kids and adults alike. Unfortunately, the bottles lining the shelves in grocery stores are full of processed ingredients and chemical preservatives. Making it from scratch is easy though.
Dairy Free Cilantro Ranch Read More »
Grilled Asian Chicken Thighs are on the dinner rotation at my house year round. They are a guaranteed hit. I always make extra to add to salads or wraps for my family’s lunches the next day.
Grilled Asian Chicken Thighs Read More »
This fresh, light salad was inspired by the popular Mediterranean-Middle Eastern tabouli, which is traditionally made using bulgur wheat. In this recipe, the bulgur is replaced by quinoa, making it gluten free.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Read More »
When I was following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, I couldn’t eat grains of any kind. I really missed granola, and back then, I couldn’t find any grain free varieties in stores so I created this recipe using nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes.
Grain Free Granola Read More »
This recipe is on repeat at our house in the summer. I fire up the grill as often as I can after our long Minnesota winters. These little lamb lollipops cook up quickly and are always a crowd pleaser.
Grilled Lamb Lollipops Read More »
I really enjoy a good margarita. Drinking one transports me to a beach and puts me in vacation mode. In the summer, it is nice to take advantage of the seasonal options and use fresh watermelon for a twist on this classic cocktail.
Spicy Watermelon Margaritas Read More »
These tasty, chewy cookies are vegan and grain-free. The toasted coconut and maple syrup compliment each other’s natural sweetness. They are wonderful on their own or drizzled with dark chocolate.
Toasted Coconut Cookies Read More »
Making yogurt from scratch may sound daunting, but it is actually very easy to do. I started making yogurt years ago when I was on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Back then, I used the Yogourmet yogurt maker, but now that the Instant Pot has a yogurt setting, making it is even easier.
Probiotic Yogurt in the Instant Pot Read More »
This lemonade is so simple to make. The recipe uses the whole lemon, peel included, so no juicing is required. The essential oils in the peel not only add great flavor, but also help to boost immunity, aid digestion, and neutralize free radicals. The lemonade is sweetened with a honey simple syrup, so no refined sugars, artificial colorings or flavorings. It is wonderful on its own or you can add vodka for a refreshing summer cocktail. Enjoy!
Easy Fresh Lemonade with Mint Read More »
Strawberries and basil remind me of summer. Combining them gives this green smoothie a unique flavor that is so enjoyable you won’t even realize you are drinking two servings of your daily leafy greens. The avocado gives this smoothie the creaminess of a milkshake while adding nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and monounsaturated fat—the good fat we all need. The dates add the perfect touch of sweetness. Enjoy!
Strawberry Basil Green Smoothie Read More »
I hesitate to call any food my favorite, but I could eat this salad all day, every day. It’s dressed with Macadamia nut oil and fresh lemon juice which allows the raw flavors of the other ingredients to shine through. The sautéed and seasoned almonds add just the right amount of additional flavor. This salad is fresh and crunchy and oh so good! You will love it. Enjoy!
Chopped Green Salad Read More »
These are honestly the best burgers. I have yet to meet someone who has not loved them. My mother made these often when we were growing up and they are still a favorite for everyone in my family. Be sure to use 85% or 90% lean beef. A higher fat content than that will cause the burgers to fall apart on the grill. For those of you who like more fat in your ground beef, don’t worry. The avocado adds enough fat to keep them tender and juicy. At my house, we like to eat these wrapped in lettuce with tomato. If you eat bread, they are also incredible on a toasted, buttered bun. Enjoy!