Ending our Healthy Holiday Recipes series is a fresh twist to a Southern favorite dish served for the New Year. It would be wrong to say, we don’t enjoy traditionally stewed black-eyed peas with ham, smoked turkey or vegetables. In addition, if fresh ingredients are used, the traditional recipe is still a healthy dish. Read more
Pasta and Grains
Delicious recipes using whole-grains, such as rice, farro, wheat, couscous and quinoa–to increase the nutritional value of a healthy meal.

Butternut Squash and Kale with Red Quinoa with Ginger Vinaigrette
Is there a whole grain recipe in your holiday menu? Impress guests with this vegetarian and gluten-free salad of red quinoa tossed with dice butternut squash, lightly sauté dinosaur kale and ginger vinaigrette. Currently in season in the Northeast region of the United States, butternut squash taste similar and can be used interchangeably with pumpkin. Use one large butternut squash diced in vegetable soups, pureed in breads and roasted for salads. It’s mildly sweet flavor compliments red quinoa’s earthy and nutty taste. Adding a bit of savory flavor is thinly sliced sauté kale. The vinaigrette adds tiny bites of ginger throughout the salad. Include this beautiful and healthy salad in your traditional holiday meal. Read more

Lamb Chops with Apple Cider Sauce over Couscous with Dried Fruit
Confession: I used to think red meat and pork was unhealthy. While at a dinner party a few years ago, someone ordered seared lamb chops. They looked irresistible. He sliced into one and offered a taste. How could I resist? I blame the wine for having the courage to say yes. Like a crack addict, each medium-rare chew was a sensuous flavor of high delight. It was unforgettable. Read more
Red Beans and Chicken with Wild Rice
Red beans and Rice isn’t my favorite dish in the world. My indifference to the stew is why it took some time to develop it. When I originally started making it, I tried adding more spices such as ginger, cinnamon and so forth. The boyfriend and I agree on the older results: Keep trying (however, I later discovered he’s not partial to cinnamon flavors). A few versions later, I’ve learned the characteristics of an excellent bowl of red beans and rice is in its simplicity. Read more
Peach Salsa Spaghetti and Seared Scallops
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending time with a few kids. They proudly bragged how they’re served exactly four servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Are meals supposed to be a mathematical equation? These days the government is promoting their new food plate of recommended proportions, dieters shout caloric numbers, and grams of sugar consumed are closely monitored. With today’s cuisines being precise and instant, we’ve lost touch with joyful eating. Read more