Healthy and Delicious Cooking

All you guacamole lovers, I am one of you!  Those bright flavors mingling with creamy avocado tastes  rich and decadent, and is actually good for you. It is packed with anti-oxidants and omega-3-fatty acids, boosting our immune system and preventing heart disease and strokes. And that is probably why it is the most over produced dip of our times, and we have gotten into a bit of a rut. Let me offer an Indian twist to this Mexican classic, just for a change. It is spicy and cooling, quick and easy, and still South of the border, just the Indian border. RECIPE Serves 4-6 1 large avocado, cubed Juice of 1 lime 1/4 cup coriander, chopped salt 1 tablespoon oil 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon garlic minced 1 small onion minced 1 teaspoon curry powder 2-4 green chilies 1/2 red onion. chopped In a bowl, mix the avocado with the lime, coriander and salt. Heat oil in a small pan and add the mustard seeds. Be sure to cover immediately, and wait until the seeds s...

I am continually appalled at the amount of food we throw away in the average American household. My eternal quest to utilize over-ripe fruit and vegetables have led me to some tasty creations. Puree vegetables and fruits to serve with grilled meats, or stir into soups and sauces, or use in baking  to reduce the fat and sugar content in a recipe. If your fruits are going south throw them in the freezer and use them to make dairy and non-dairy smoothies. There is no excuse for wasting food! Now fruit cake is not beloved by many, so when our family fruit cake, namely my daughter Sarina, concocted this delicious treat, using over-ripe pears, bananas and berries, the Fruit Bread (not cake) was born. The blended, frozen fruit produced the moistest of  loaves. Sarina tested her creation on the next door kids, as well as us grown-ups, and the sighs and smiles of contentment said it all. Sarina, you took the term "Waste not, want not", to a brand new level. RECIPE 1 Loaf 1 cup...

My daughter Sarina loves to experiment with food. Salty with sweet, sour with spicy, and every other combination you could possibly imagine. This can be a hit or miss proposition, but this was an amazing hit. A thin smear of creme fraiche on toast, 2-3 anchovies, slices of avocado, and a squeeze of lemon; heaven. For those anchovy-haters, smoked salmon is also delicious, but not quite so dramatic. Both anchovies and avocados are high in protein, lower cholesterol levels, promote heart health, and are rich in omega fatty acids. I believe that eating healthy is an admirable goal. However, when it's decadently, sinfully delicious as well, you have hit the jack pot! Thanks Sarina. RECIPE Serves 2 for a light meal Serves 4 for a snack 4 slices of whole grain bread creme fraiche or sour cream 8 anchovies 2 ripe avocados juice from 1/2 a lemon pepper to taste (optional) Toast the bread and spread a thin layer of the creme fraiche. Lay 2 anchovies on each toast. Slice hal...

For those of you who have checked in on this blog, in the month of December, I truly apologize for my negligence. The holidays brings on so much activity that, though I had lots of anecdotes and recipes to share, getting to the computer proved to be  a little difficult. So forgive me, and perhaps we can share the season, together, in the quiet, hibernating month of January, as we welcome in the New Year. Happy 2013. My Mother-In-Law, Jody Marcia  Strohl, has been making this bread every year during the Christmas season since the year of my husbands birth. Suffice it to say that that was a very, very long time ago. Michael has continued the tradition. He bakes several mini-loaves, and shares them with family and friends along with a bottle of cheer. It can be toasted and topped with cream cheese or a slice of cheddar, but I enjoy it simply on its own. My Mother serves it at tea time, and my children nibble on it while emptying their stocking on Christmas morning (yes, they s...