Easy Cheezy Pasta: Gluten-free, Grain-free, Vegan

My husband and I are both Italian. Back in the day, we sat around the big family table eating endless plates of homemade raviolis before the main course even arrived. Those wonderful memories feel so warm, you can almost taste them! These days, most in our family favor healthier options – smaller portions, healthy oils… Read more »

Zucchini Cauliflower Soup

This time of year we should consume plenty of warm comforting foods and liquids as Dr. Sheppard recommends in “The Tao of Winter” (p.11). Ensuring those foods nourish us is also key to maintaining strong immunity. This light and zesty soup is just what the doctor ordered! Snuggle up and enjoy with family and friends… Read more »

Snow-capped Sweet Treats

Need something simple to throw together for a holiday party? These guiltless little pleasures take less than 15 minutes and are sure to steal the show at any holiday gathering.  Rogers’ raw “brownie” bites are gluten-free, naturally sweetened and sprinkled with unsweetened coconut flakes to add that seasonal sentiment.  Makes 20-24 tasty morsels. Ingredients Directions… Read more »

Fiesta Frijole Ensalada and Bites

This colorful, cool salad is refreshingly satisfying. Bold flavors and bright in-season vegetables bring this dish to life. Scoop onto romaine hearts for the perfect pool party app, or enjoy as a nutritious bowl on a warm summer day. Ingredients: Combine the tomatoes, cilantro, oregano, oil, vinegar, light salt and pepper in a salad bowl.… Read more »

apple caramel tart

Apple Caramel Tart

This simple treat from Young on Raw Food’s Mimi Kirk is a satisfying alternative to sugary, high-carb holiday pies. No cooking and easy prep makes these four-inch delights perfect in a pinch and enjoyed as a single serving or shared with a friend. The crust: • ½ cup raw almonds • ½ cup Medjool dates… Read more »

Mango cucumber summer slaw wraps

Mango Cucumber Summer Slaw Wraps

These cool and crunchy wraps are the perfect “negative calorie” dish for hot summer days. Made with cucumber, mango, cabbage, bell peppers and fresh herbs, they are packed with flavor. Add a touch of jalapeño for spice and a little metabolic kick! Servings: 4 Prep/Total Time: 15 mins Ingredients: ½ large cucumber, split lengthwise, seeded,… Read more »

Strawberry Coconut Bliss Bites

These No-Bake Strawberry Coconut Bliss Bites are loaded with dried strawberries, almonds, dates, and coconut for an easy, bite-sized and naturally sweetened snack. They are gluten free, vegan and contain no extra sugar! Prep/Total time: 15 mins Ingredients: 1.2 ounce bag freeze dried organic strawberries 1 cup almonds ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1 cup… Read more »

The Best Millet Cornbread

This healthy holiday cornbread is gluten-free, dairy-free, perfectly sweet, moist and full of flavor! Made with nutrient-rich ingredients like millet, zucchini and turmeric, this corn-free alternative is the perfect side dish for your seasonal feasts. (Serving: 9). Ingredients: 1¼ cups millet, soaked (250g)  1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or milk of choice 2 teaspoon lemon… Read more »

Pumpkin and Chocolate Mini Muffins

These incredibly moist and tasty marbled Pumpkin and Chocolate Mini Muffins are made with wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened and gluten-free! Ingredients: 2 bananas, mashed 1/3 cup canned pumpkin 1/3 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup coconut flour 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder ¼ cup cacao powder 2 tablespoons… Read more »

flourless lemon almond cake

Flourless Lemon Almond Cake

It’s summer, and I love to treat myself to a little tasty snack on a hot day. Enjoy this lemony, flourless goodness for a mid-day treat or even to end your evening with loved ones. I love this easy-to-make recipe; it’s simple and easy on the sweeteners. You can make it as individual serving sizes… Read more »

Lemon Poppy Seed Bites

Makes: 16 bites  •  Prep: 10 minutes Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups almond flour (168g) 3 tablespoons coconut flour (22g) 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, creates yellow color)  1/8 teaspoon salt  1 tablespoon poppy seeds  1/4 cup maple syrup  Zest of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of lemon juice  1 teaspoon almond extract  1/4 cup coconut butter, softened… Read more »

Shrimp Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

In keeping with my low-carb meal plan, I’d like to share my version of Shrimp Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry. This meal is easy to make, full of flavor and great texture. In place of animal protein, you can also make this recipe with shitake mushrooms, tofu or just by cutting the additional veggies into larger pieces… Read more »

Happy Cinco de Mayo! The Skinniest Margarita

Who doesn’t love an ice-cold margarita? With desert weather warming up and Cinco de Mayo around the corner, a few more are sure to pour throughout our valley. But most margaritas are filled with sugar from sweet and sour or citrus juices added. Even skinny margaritas, usually offered with agave, contain sugar and can taste… Read more »

Healthy Chocolate Brownies

These brownies from Brenda Bennett of Sugarfreemom.com are Lauren’s favorites. (Mom makes them for her all the time!) These gooey, tasty chocolatey delights are simple to make and especially good with So Delicious vanilla bean coconut milk non-dairy frozen dessert. They are so healthy, you can even have them for breakfast! Prep Time: 10 minutes… Read more »

Simple Spiced Scottish Porridge

Many of us are welcoming the New Year with new lifestyle and eating habits. Personally, I believe it’s time to clear my digestive tract and flush out those accumulated pandemic and holiday toxins. Over the holidays, I indulged in hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners, so it is time to simplify my morning routine.  If you’re… Read more »

Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

It’s a new year and time to press the reset button! I believe that we’re all more than ready to begin 2021 with a clean slate and hope for a better tomorrow. The past year has been challenging for all of us (good riddance 2020!), and nourishing ourselves through the difficult times is absolutely critical.… Read more »

Lemony Kale and White Bean Soup

Lemony Kale and White Bean Soup

Servings: 4  Ingredients:  30 ounces of cooked cannellini beans (2 cans) 1 ½ cups of chopped kale (remove stems) you can also use spinach, Swiss chard or collard greens 4 cups low sodium vegetable stock (or chicken broth) 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely… Read more »

salmon

Healthy Inspiration from My Italian Kitchen

Wellness is our most precious gift, and one of the best ways to ensure good health is to keep our immune systems strong, especially in this age of COVID-19.  Eating mindfully is essential for strengthening the immune system and fighting disease. Protect your body by eating fresh produce. Build strong bones with foods like broccoli,… Read more »