All posts filed under: healthy cooking

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken, Zucchini

On Monday’s while commuting to work on the train, I think about what to make for dinner. Something quick to sort of break into the week. And this recipe find couldn’t have come at a better time: Ingredients 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce 1/3 cup rice vinegar 4 tablespoons sesame oil 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut in to 2-3 inch pieces 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 zucchini, chopped 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 cup fresh basil rice for serving  

Food: Rosemary Peach Chicken

For dinner tonight – an interesting take on chicken, some peaches I’ve had for a week and was wondering what to do with and a dash of this and that: Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme zest of 1 lemon kosher salt and pepper 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped 3/4 cup dry white wine 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 2 peaches, sliced 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn fresh basil

Food: Avocado, Zucchini Pasta Carbonara

In Italy, everywhere I sat down for dinner or lunch even, I ordered Pasta Carbonara – my favorite – but only in Italy.  I haven’t yet found a place in San Francisco that serves such an authentic dish. The downside to this tasty meal is the carbs it is packed with  – so when I found this tasty variation, I had to share – in case you happen to share my passion for the meal: Ingredients 1 pound bucatini pasta 2 ripe, small to medium avocado, halved 1 egg 1/4 cup fresh basil, plus more for serving kosher salt and pepper 6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped 2 small zucchini, cut into ribbons 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or oregano 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Food: Grilled Sweet Potato, Baked Beans and Cilantro Yogurt Drizzle

I’ve indulged sweet potatoes for about ten years now. I mean to say, in addition to eating them every Thanksgiving supper. I used to simply order them as fries and just nipple while enjoying a cocktail with friends. And then I grew up and began to experiment with different recipes. So with that bit of nonessential  intro – I give you the following recipe I think is a meal in itself: INGREDIENTS  2 large sweet potatoes 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil (or any neutral high-heat oil) 1 red onion, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 can of black beans, drained 1 cup of (your favorite) bbq sauce (store bought, or homemade) 6oz of plain greek yogurt (coconut yogurt to make this dairy-free) 2 tablespoons of minced shallots ¼ teaspoon of salt 1 tablespoon of lemon juice ½ cup of cilantro leaves (plus more for garnish)

Food: The Best Ideas For When You Crave

I’m always craving the weirdest things…wait…let me clarify. I crave things at the weirdest times of the day. For example, I sometimes want to it a insalata caprese in the morning, or crave dessert just before dinner, raw peanuts or almonds at midnight, and even Chinese food at 9:00 in the morning. So, to feed my cravings when they hit, I look for interesting variations on prepping the usual. Just thought I put that out there…nothing interesting. Just that it’s Friday and I’m itching to leave for my day-trip – see here: In the meantime, check these out:

Food: Cheesy Zucchini Ravioli

I never say no to Italian food, but I know that since I need to watch what I eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I try to minimize eating Italian to once a month. Okay, maybe twice a month if I happen to be around pizza I cannot resist at a company lunch or a quick bite at a sports bar to watch a Giants game. Anyway. I was very glad to find this no-carb recipe for a 3-cheese zucchini ravioli bake which is not only easy to put together, but fun to eat for the entire family. Maybe consider adding ground turkey or chicken in my household if meat-protein is your thing.  But check it out: Ingredients 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1 cup cherry tomatoes 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar large handful fresh basil, roughly chopped 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt and pepper 3 medium zucchini or summer squash kosher salt and pepper 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Food: Tonight’s Dinner – Thai Basil Noodles

Here’s a craving I’ve had for a few days, so…I am heading to Trader Joe’s after work for this recipe’s ingredients: Ingredients 1/3 cup Simple Truth Tahini sesame seed paste 2 tablespoons honey juice and zest of 1 lime 2 tablespoons fish sauce 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 (8 ounce box) rice noodles 4 cups baby kale, finely chopped 1 (16 ounce bag) frozen shelled edamame, thawed 3 carrots, shredded or chopped 2 bell peppers (red, yellow and or orange), sliced thin 1 cup fresh or frozen mango, chopped into chunks 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 4 green onions chopped 3/4 cup fresh basil, and cilantro sliced fresno peppers, sesame seeds and roasted cashews, for topping

Lifestyle: How To…

There seems to be an online manual for everything these days and that’s fine. Because once in a while we do need a little push to get things done, or even ideas to improve upon the norm, and then there are even suggestions which raise an eye brow or causes our jaws to drop open, wondering why we didn’t think of this or that. Anyway, you get the point and so here we go:     {photo source}

Food: Tomato and Goat Cheese and Bacon – SOLD!!!

I’m loving this gathering of simple food items which has my mouth watering: Ingredients 6-8 ounces goat cheese 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving 2 teaspoons lemon juice kosher salt and pepper 6 slices whole grain or sourdough bread 3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced 6 slices bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1 pinch each salt and pepper