Dinner Tonight: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

brussels-sproutsMy husband’s aunt made this Brussels sprouts dish for a get-together a few weeks back and it was a huge hit. The combination of the tart pomegranate seeds and the sweet mandarin oranges, along with the greens, was such a delicious combination that I had to ask for the recipe.

Not only is this a tasty side to any meal, it is also chock-full of nutritional goodness.

Pomegranates are a super food and studies have shown positive effects in preventing tumor growth, as well cutting down the risk of breast cancer. Antioxidants in pomegranates can also help to reduce the effects of aging, lower cholesterol, and prevent heart disease.

Not to be outdone, Brussels sprouts contain a plethora of health benefits. Two phytonutrients in particular, sulphoraphane and indole-3-carbinol, are found in abundance in these mini-cabbages.

A phytonutrient formed in Brussels sprouts when the leaves are chopped or chewed, sulphoraphane boosts our body’s natural detoxification enzymes and can help clear cancer-causing substances from our system. Studies have indicated sulphoraphane may also inhibit the growth of colon cancer and help control the spread of late-stage breast cancer cells. Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate Seeds”

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Dinner Tonight: My Family’s Chicken Soup

chicken-soupChicken soup isn’t just good for the soul. Experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha found evidence the soup contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent a cold’s miserable side effects. Although they couldn’t pinpoint the exact biological reason, they did find that eating chicken soup can help prevent cold symptoms.

Here is one of my family’s favorite chicken soup recipes. It is loaded with veggies, herbs and spices and it always makes us all feel better.

Chicken Soup

• 1 whole chicken or a few chicken legs/breasts (whatever you have on hand)
• 6 cups (or more) of water or organic broth (if you are using just the breasts or the thighs)
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bag of fresh or frozen spinach (or you can use kale, bok choy, swiss chard)
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
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Dinner Tonight: Crispy Baked Cauliflower

cauliflowerCauliflower (along with cabbage and broccoli, to name a couple others) belong to the Brassicaceae family, which literally translates to “cabbage” in Latin. Also referred to as cruciferous vegetables, they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals—including vitamins C, E, K, and A, as well as folic acid, iron, magnesium, and fiber. They also contain a group of chemicals called glucosinolates, which studies have shown could reduce the risk of certain cancers. Funny enough, these same glucosinolates are also responsible for the sulphuric odor and bitter taste that cause many to shy away from these beneficial vegetables.

However, this recipe involves baking the cauliflower, bringing out a very rich toasty flavor. This a is a great side dish to any meal. Crispy baked cauliflower is delicious, as well as nutritious!

Crispy Baked Cauliflower 

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 Tbsp  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 to 2 Tbsp capers
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 lemon

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Dinner Tonight: A Twist on Italian Wedding Soup

greens+beansLately, I have been craving warm comfort foods. This variation of Italian Wedding Soup uses a heartier leafy green than spinach, and navy beans instead of orzo pasta. The one thing that remains the same is the meatballs.

This soup provides an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, including folic acid, iron and potassium. Not to mention, it can be a fantastic meal for those watching their weight, because of the high water content.

1 lb organic lean ground turkey
1 large free-range egg
1/2 cup oat bran
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp dried thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
5 cups of organic reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage or 2 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups cooked navy beans (if you use canned, rinse and dry them well)
1 bunch of kale or escarole, roughly chopped

To make the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, oat bran, parmesan cheese, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. Roll into balls, using about 1 tbsp of the mixture for each. Should make about 12 to 16 balls.  Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: A Twist on Italian Wedding Soup”

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Dinner Tonight: Miso French Onion Soup

French-onion-soupI remember the first time I had French onion soup. I was in college and had gone over to a friend’s house for dinner. Her mom brought us these handled bowls full of steamy soup, covered in bread and cheese. From that moment on, French onion soup became a favorite.

As the days turn a little chillier, this soup becomes a staple. The following recipe uses miso paste instead of the traditional beef broth. A staple in Asia for thousands of years, miso is made from soybeans fermented with a grain such as brown rice or barley. The result is a tasty, salty condiment that is live with bacterial culture and excellent for promoting gastrointestinal health. Soybeans also contain lecithin, which provides key ingredients for brain neurotransmitters, an excellent way to boost brain function. The onions provide sulphoraphanes, which increase immunity, counter free-radical damage, and fight cancer.

French Onion Soup

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cups water
3 Tbsp miso paste
4 slices whole wheat French bread
4 tsp seeded mustard
1 cup Swiss or mozzarella cheese or dairy free equivalent, grated

In a large pot, warm oil over low heat and add onions. Caramelize the onions by cooking them slowly for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. I know it is a long time, but definitely worth it to get sweet, delicious onions.  Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Miso French Onion Soup”

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