This recipe has been tweaked and prodded to create what I think is a pretty yummy cake. Makes 8-10 servings Crumb Topping: Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly oil a 10-inch round baking dish. Whisk together the oil, coconut sugar, vanilla, salt and lemon juice and zest. Mix in…
I have lived a vegan lifestyle for more than forty years. Before that I was a vegetarian. So I have eschewed meat for most of my life; all animal products…
With autumn just a few short weeks away, I thought it might be time to talk about how we will change our cooking to reflect the changes that will be…
It’s no secret that I love everything Italian. I fell in love with every single episode of the series with Stanley Tucci showcasing all that is wonderful about Italy. I…
A dear friend, Andrea Fein encouraged me to read Marion Nestle’s new book, an updated version (and massive volume) on her 2006, What to Eat. Called What to Eat Now,…
You might be wondering what exacrly I am talking about. Don’t we just take the food we choose, chew and swallow it and our bodies do the rest? Am I…
It wears me out. I see influencer after influencer (why do we listen to them?) telling us that plants are toxic and that meat, butter and other animal food products…
(Editor’s Note: I read this article recently by another hero of mine, Chef Alexis Gauthier, chef/owner of restaurants in Soho in London. He’s a brave, outspoken advocate for animals and…
Finally, it’s here! I am so excited to share this new season of the show. I think you guys are going to love what we cook; where we shot; who…
Every time I think that we can’t be more gaslit or sold out by the very agencies put in place to protect our interests…you know, the interests of the American…
Traditionally made with mozzarella, my pal Antonella has perfected the art of the vegan version of this dish. It’s rich and yummy. No one misses the cheese. Makes 6-8 servings Slice eggplant into long slices and pat dry with a towel. Make your tomato gravy (or sauce if you prefer…
Every Sunday that they were in season, artichokes were on our table. We savored each and every tender leaf. My mother stuffed them with breadcrumbs and herbs before poaching them to perfection. Makes 2 servings Clean the artichokes. Using a sharp knife, slice the bottom stem off the artichoke so…
As I grow more…mature, shall we say, one thing has become increasingly clear to me. I don’t know anything. Obviously, I am being a touch facetious, but as I grow…
So I saw this recipe in the NY Times and thought I would try to adapt it to be healthier and vegan. And what do you know? It worked on the first try! Here is what I did. You’re welcome! Makes 16 bars For the shortbread crust: 5 tablespoons extra…
Like many of us, immigration is on my mind. I see the same news that we all see; I am horrified by the violence I see around an issue that…
I have been doing what I do for a long time; more than 30 years. I have worked passionately at the mission that drives my every waking moment tirelessly and…
Happy New Year!!! I hope 2026 is your healthiest, strongest, fittest year yet. I read this the other day, from my hero, Arnold and I could not have said it…
It has not! The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been defunded by the federal government. In its quest to suppress any narrative except the one it prefers, it moved to…
You might be wondering what ‘protein harvesting’ means. I know that I was. It’s the sanitized word now being used to describe the slaughter of animals for our dining pleasure….
I have been reading a lot about veganism lately. Having lived this lifestyle for more than forty years, I would have thought I had heard it all. But there seems…
I was happily working as a private chef way back in the day. I loved that job: the different kitchens, the varying personalities of the families I cooked for; the…
This soup is perfect at any time of the year, as it helps our overworked and underpaid livers do their jobs more efficiently which makes us all happier campers in a world where that’s not always so easy. With origins in Puglia, this is the epitome of “la cucina povera,”…
I made a decision in 1997 that I thought was the best for my mission in life. I was at a food and wine event with chefs, many of whom…
I read another blog by my new hero Chef Alexis Gauthier and it made me think. The beginning of the story is a re-telling of his version of events in…
Protein is a key component of a healthy diet, and some of the best protein sources are vegetables. In addition to being easier on your wallet, these veggies (many of…
Imagine walking down cobblestone streets; the same streets walked by Michelangelo, Da Vinci and other luminaries of the Renaissance. Imagine cool early spring days spent enjoying nature in the hills…
Barcelona is widely praised for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and art, design, and delicious Catalan cuisine. It’s crazy beautiful and in April, the huge summer crowds have not arrived…
(From Christina-I have been following Chef Gauthier for some time and have loved his evolution. His commitment to the reduction of suffering and to the welfare of animals and humans…
I love serving these burgers at parties. They’re richly flavored and have a great texture. They have a nice density without being heavy. I love them. They are really burger-y with no saturated fat. Makes 4 full-size burgers or 8 miniature burgers Place oil, red onion, and garlic in a…
The numbers are terrifying. Here’s some food for thought, pun fully intended. Worldwide, humans waste 2.5 billion tons of food each year, but the United States discards more than any…
This amazingly simple and naturally gluten-free recipe is from La Cucina Povera, the food of the poor. Made simply from chickpea flour and seasonings, it’s high in protein and deeply satisfying with a crisp exterior and a creamy, richly flavored inside. Makes 2-4 servings Combine chickpea flour and water in…
With hot steamy days ahead, we have to plan so that eating well doesn’t fall by the wayside. And while I love to make most of my foods from scratch,…
Where are our manners? I wake each day with a sunny outlook on life. I am very blessed. I have a husband that I adore; friends and family who are…
As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. His philosophy on fitness and overall wellness is, to me, spot on. While I don’t always agree…
As the breezes are growing warmer, wafting through our open windows with the perfume that tells us the chill of winter is finally behind us; it’s clear sailing into summer….
Edward Hopper said: ““I do not believe there is another city on earth so beautiful as Paris nor another people with such an appreciation of the beautiful as the French…”…
I truly love the work I do. And I especially love hearing from all of my viewers and followers across the country. I love that they are inspired by my…
Honestly, I feel like I have written this blog a hundred times before, but here I go again. I recently read two articles that sent my blood pressure soaring. And…
With the interminable election season behind us, we now deal with the aftermath; who is disappointed, scared and apprehensive and who is thrilled with the results. The good news is…
I am having a passionate love affair with Stanley Tucci’s new book, “What I Ate in a Year.” He is a smart, articulate, passionate-about-food, clever writer who charms with every…
As the holidays come on the horizon in all their twinkling glory, we think about cooking. I confess that I always think about cooking, but that’s me. My passion for…
Not a day goes by (hardly) that I am not messaged, emailed or DM’d about a revolutionary new product that will change the way we think about food, nutrition and…
We live, day to day, in what can only be called a grand experiment. Our founders were sure that a government by and for the people could succeed. Are we…
There’s a lot of talk about this thing called healing. We use it like it’s a cliché, like ‘it is what it is’ or ‘just saying’ but in fact, healing…
There is nothing as simple or satisfying as a marmalade-filled tart. Seasonal and light, the preserves are nestled in a flaky crust that melts your heart. Makes 1, 8-inch tart Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Brush your tart pan (with a removable bottom) with oil, then dust it…
This savory, high protein, creamy, rich sandwich will kick start your day with a jolt of energy that will carry you right on through to lunch. Ready in minutes, this takes away any excuse you have for skipping breakfast. And delicious? You’ll look forward to breakfast every day. Makes 2…
I have been cooking all my life, well, almost. I fell in love with the rhythm of the kitchen at the tender age of 4, watching my mother, grandmother and…
It was October and the weather was amazing; perfect autumn, cool at night and warm during the day. We were in Puglia filming my TV series in various locations. I…
It will be steaming hot this summer, ‘punishing,’ I think it’s being called; as summer is known to be these days. Since it gets so warm and often muggy globally,…
When I was a kid, meals were considered sacred time. I always joke that if you weren’t at the dinner table, you’d best be dead. No excuses mattered. Not late…
It’s the season of seashells and balloons. We long to hang outside and take vacations, big or small. We savor every second of the long days and warm nights, making…
It’s June and I don’t know about you, but winter and spring where I am, have been grey and rainy to a degree that everyone is stir-crazy and longing for…
I think a lot about the future, even as I am maturing by the minute. Who knows how much of the future I will see? But what I see worries…
I love pots and pans. No; let me correct that. I adore pots and pans. My husband gets more anxious when I walk into a kitchen store than into a…
I was sitting in Charles De Gaulle airport, leaving Paris, heading to Rome for work. As usual, I ordered an espresso and my lovely Robert, a tea. Since we were…
It’s February and for so many of us, that means resolutions often as a recommitment to wellness. In my case, at the end of each year, I take a look…
I am all about food…and wellness. I love the communal, sensual nature of preparing luscious, healthy foods and enjoying them with people I love. As an Italian, we always joke…
It’s no secret that I adore Italy and that my Italian tours and adventures are very close to my heart and give both my husband and me enormous pleasure…enormous pleasure….
For some of us, the season of ‘peace on earth’ and ‘goodwill to all’ are little clichés that get written on Christmas cards and social media posts. Once the tinsel…
It’s no secret that I am all about food and natural healing. I am of the mind that wellness begins in the kitchen and that Mother Nature is our best…
When I first heard of GreenOnyx, I had no idea what I was in for. I was told it was a ‘revolutionary product;’ a game-changer.’ I have heard that before…about…
As we move into this glorious month; the month that kicks off the holiday season and allows us to deny the reality of a long, grey winter ahead, we begin…
I was at the gym the other day, sweating through one of my favorite, rough and tumble classes when the instructor yelled out, “Now is not the time to slack…
I love rice pudding. Since I was a kid, my family knew that if they wanted to get me to eat something even remotely nutritious, go with rice pudding. This is my version and it’s truly yummy. Makes 2-3 servings Combine all ingredients (except orange juice and almonds) in a…
Visions of a late Tuscan summer come with each spoonful of this simple, richly flavored Italian tradition. Using only the freshest tomatoes at the peak of their flavor, this simple soup is summer at its best. Makes 3-4 servings Place the oil and the garlic in a soup pot over…
I have lived a vegan, macrobiotic lifestyle for more than forty years. I came to this lifestyle through severe illness and using a rather rigid approach to eating, was able…
Regenerative Agriculture? Conventional, locally grown, CSA, organic…and now regenerative agriculture. Is it just another buzzy term for us to navigate as we try to shop and vote with our dollar…
This is a comfortable, rustic dessert that is just perfect for those casually lazy get-togethers. The flaky biscuit crust is a wonderful complement to the sweet, succulent summer fruit mounded on the surface. Topped with an apricot glaze, this homey tart strikes the perfect note for casual yumminess. Makes 8…
And the winner is? Blueberry muffins are consistently rated as the favorite muffin in America. My plant-based version has all the goodness of the berries wrapped in a delicately sweet moist muffin. Yum! Makes 12 standard muffins or 24 mini muffins Preheat oven to 350F and line a standard muffin…
Recently, I posted a photo about the smoke event in the Northeast from wildfires in Canada. I was working in Rome and was so sad to see this in my…
Brain care supplements are really having a moment, but are they worth the hype? Many of us think of this as a concern as we age, but brain health should…
There’s something about a tomato-based soup with chickpeas that makes for the perfect first course, no matter the weather. Could it be the vitamin C and lycopene? Or the protein and grounding nature of chickpeas? Or maybe the peppery, digestive help from the fennel? Or maybe, just maybe it’s simply…
As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Since high school (yup, I worked out to his vinyl exercise album, the chart of the moves…
The articles have been around for a couple of years (many years really…), creating a low-level buzz of discomfort in the cooking community. It seems to have become more like…
It’s February, the month dedicated to hearts, from health to romance. I thought I would take the opportunity to talk to you about my thoughts. On December 20, my lovely…
As 2025 begins to fade from our memory and 2026 begins, shiny with promise and hope, let’s try something new or at least something we may have forgotten about. For…
I know what you’re thinking. Won’t this soup be beige? Don’t let the mild mannered color fool you; this soup is deliciously sweet, satisfying and rich without being heavy. And because it nourishes our spleen energy, well, it’s pretty much the perfect starter course. Makes 3-4 servings ½ cup dried…
A high-octane, energizing side dish or starter course. Obsessed with all things lentils, this dish is on our table often. And the spicy tomato dipping sauce will have you moaning with pleasure, while your healthy heart dances with joy. Makes 2-4 servings 1 cup red lentils, rinsed very well 2…
This dish is a great mix of my Macroterranean thinking as it brings together both the worlds I cook in. a great side dish or light lunch, this dish is great for digestion and keeps us satisfied for a long time. Makes 2-4 servings Eggplant 1 large globe eggplant 1…
(Scarola Ripassata in Padella con Uvetta e Pignoli) There’s nothing quite like escarole to make my day. In this recipe, the delicate bitter flavor (which nourishes our liver function beautifully) makes for the perfect bite when combined with raisins and pine nuts. Makes 2-3 servings ¼ cup golden raisins 3…
I was reading the NY Times (as I do most mornings before I begin my work for the day) and saw a headline that made my heart skip a beat…for…
Chocolate cakes were the cakes of all my childhood holiday celebrations and I love them to this day. This version is spicier to lift the flavor of the chocolate onto your palate. I make them as Mini-Bundt cakes because I think they look so festive on a platter all together. …
This recipe came to me via Rakesh Shah, MD, a cardiologist friend who can cook as well as he repairs hearts. It’s a creamy, light version of traditional hummus that I think you’ll love. Makes 4-6 servings 1, 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, save ¼ cup of the liquid…
These tender, spiced fig-filled cookies are just the greatest. Each region of Italy seems to make them a bit differently. My Nonna did them 2 ways: this way and as thumbprint style cookies, depending on her mood. Makes 12-14 cookies Fig Filling ½ cup loosely packed dried figs, hard stems…
A classic Sicilian pasta dish that is as delicious as it is simple to make. Sicilian cooking is renowned for its ability to work magic with the humblest of fresh ingredients and this dish is no exception. Makes 2-3 servings Extra virgin olive oil 1 small eggplant, diced, soaked in…
Summer in a bowl. This sunny Mediterranean soup has the sweetness of summer tomatoes as its foundation with sunny yellow corn to make you dream of leisurely summer feasts in the garden. Makes 3-4 servings 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ red onion or 1 shallot, peeled, diced Sea…
I wasn’t sure this recipe would work, but while the color is darker than a conventional pound cake (because of the coconut sugar), the buttery texture and lightness of the cake is exactly like my mother’s recipe. So happy it worked. Makes 8-10 servings 1/2 cup vegan butter substitute or…
A classic Sicilian dish, this brings together many of the cultural influences of this gorgeous island. I adore how Sicilian cuisine combines sweet, savory and spicy flavors to create the most magnificent bite. And it doesn’t hurt that cauliflower is a nutrient-dense cancer-fighting champion either! Makes 2-3 servings Extra virgin…
When the weather outside is frightful, there is nothing more delightful than winter squash. It’s sweet, comforting, warming, centering, and loaded with antioxidants to ward off colds and flu. In this soup, I add cinnamon to up the ante on the warmth, increase sweetness, and help to stabilize blood sugar….
This Memorial Day will be the fifth anniversary of an event that changed the life of my little family. A serious health incident rocked us to the core and changed…
I was listening to some people at my gym talking and they referred to 2020 in the most perfect way: “a total and complete s*&t show.” Sad to say, but…
It’s been months now of living and working at home, working unmentionably long shifts as essential workers out in the world or living at home and not working at all….
As we venture out into the post-pandemic world, we are all still cooking. We are, right? I know so many of us are so eager to get back to eating…
As I write this, I casually glance at the calendar, just to see the date since, like most of you, I’ve lost all track of time. I saw that, if…
There’s no question. This is bad. Our current struggle (even with a light at the end of this very long tunnel) is out of the realm of imagination for us….
It was during my qigong practice. I was letting go of the realities of life and letting the chi flow freely through my body, softening the tightness in my back…
As COVID-19 continues its iron grip on our world and life as we know it continues to change, as it should, I thought I would talk about cleaning. As you…
Seems like everyone is into fermentation and that’s a good thing! This easy recipe for kim-chi takes some time, but little effort. And the results? YUMMMMM! Preparing the cabbage Cut the cabbage lengthwise through the stem into quarters. Cut the cores from each piece. Cut each quarter crosswise into 2-inchg-wide…
It’s been a long time since I was in a kitchen full time. Most of my days now are spent testing recipes, writing articles, planning and teaching cooking classes, serving…
A sweet creamy soup made from leftover roasted root veggies and oat milk makes for a rich, decadent-tasting and warmng soup with no guilt. Makes 3-4 servings 2 cups leftover roasted or stewed sweet vegetables (onion, leek, carrot, parsnip, sweet potato, winter squash work best) 4-5 cups water or plant-based…
Stewing vegetables creates a calm centered energy that is without compare; stewing sweet vegetables that grow close to the ground also relaxes our stressed-out psyches. Sweet winter squash such as butternut, acorn, Hokkaido, red kuri or kabocha relaxes the middle of the body, satisfies the desire for sweet taste, and…
Visions of a Tuscan summer come with each spoonful of this simple, richly flavored Italian tradition. Using only the freshest tomatoes at the peak of their flavor, this simple soup is summer at its best. Makes 3-4 servings 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced…
The mild character of cauliflower is the perfect complement to the strong flavor of mustard greens. Rich in calcium and iron, mustard greens have a sharp taste that helps support the work of your liver as it metabolizes macronutrients and aids the body in ridding itself of toxins. Makes 3-4…
A calming, sweetly satisfying starter course, this creamy, rich bisque is laced through with sweet corn. It’s the perfect soup to transition from the intense heat of summer to the brisk, chilly days of autumn. Warming winter squash will relax your middle organs, while the sunny yellow corn keeps the…
I discovered these southern Italian treats on our trip to Puglia and fell instantly in love. So I came home, jetlag and all, and adapted them to be healthy and of course, vegan. First try and they came out just as I had hoped. Maybe I should develop recipes when…
Our dear friend, Eric is passionate about lots of things in life, but nothing more than food and feeding his adorable niece, Jojo healthy treats. Here’s her favorite muffin or “muppin” as she calls them. Add fruit, nuts and seeds as you desire for variety. Makes 12 standard muffins 2…
I grew up in a wild, passionate Italian and Irish family. Food was the glue that bonded us and quality of ingredients reigned supreme. My Irish father worked as a…
Black bean soup and hot spice go together like love and marriage…perfection! Protein-rich soups like this keep us feeling deeply nourished for a long time, so we eat less and feel stronger for longer periods of time. Makes 4-5 servings Extra virgin olive oil 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced…
This miso soup brings together all the ingredients you need to fight the good fight to prevent…and yes, even treat cancer. Makes 3-4 servings 1 small yellow onion, diced 2 tablespoons wakame, soaked, diced 4 cups spring or filtered water 1 dried maitake mushroom, broken into bite-size pieces 1 cup…
It’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Childhood Obesity Awareness Month so let’s talk about our kids and their wellness, shall we? I’ll start this article by saying that I…
Can you feel like a new person in just 3 short days? Can you undo the damage you did over the holiday season? This 3-day plan can put your feet…
This succulent dish will leave you sated and satisfied and no one will miss the meat. Served over roasted potatoes this is a side dish that will have you dreaming of Paris. Makes 4-5 servings Extra virgin olive oil 4-6 Portobello mushrooms, cut into 1/2-inch chunks; remove and save ‘gills’…
I think a lot about food. I guess that’s obvious, right? The other day, my husband and I were driving on the highway, passing billboard after billboard for food…
Summer means strappy sandals, t-shirts and sundresses; long weekends picnicking at the beach and…road trips!!!! But wait. Can those of us dedicated to healthy living survive out there on the…
The perfect soup…and easy? Makes 2-3 servings 2-inch piece wakame, soaked until tender 4 fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced spring or filtered water ½ yellow onion, thin half-moon slices 1 carrot, thin oblong slices 2 teaspoons barley miso 3-4 leaves kale or collard greens, rinsed well extra virgin…
We asked and you answered! As a long-time advocate of healthy eating and natural living, I sometimes feel like I live in my own little world. Living the way I…
Did you know the difference between a muffin and a cupcake is frosting? A good muffin is just as satisfying as a cupcake, frosting or not. This basic recipe can be altered to create any number of delicious muffins. Makes 12 muffins 1 teaspoon chia seeds, soaked in 2 tablespoons…
Every three to four years you get a new skeleton. What you do now helps create the skeleton you will have later. Weight-bearing exercise and a calcium-rich plant-based diet go a long way to ensuring your bones serve you well for a long time. Makes 3-4 servings 1 teaspoon extra…
As I write, it is an unseasonably cold, grey March day. I am beginning to wonder if I will ever see sun or be blissfully warm again. As I write,…
Milkshakes are a signature kid food, but if you’re getting them from a food joint, it’s likely they have lots of sugar and chemicals…not exactly kid food, really. This one is so easy to make, lighter in calories and completely yummy. Makes 1 shake ½ cup non-dairy, dark chocolate chips…
Richly flavored and silky smooth, this main course will fill you with pleasure. Creamy, yes, but not mild-mannered, this dish is loaded with the kind of energy that will make you sparkle and your skin glow. Corn polenta, with its sunny disposition joins with vigorously sautéed vegetables and stimulating herbs,…
This deliciously sweet soup will relax the middle organs of the body–spleen, pancreas and stomach. And your looks? Think about how great your face looks after a vacation…ten years younger, usually. Removing constricting stress from the body will relax the face and open the body so you can breathe more…
As we move forward into these next days, let’s challenge ourselves with lifestyle choices that will result in real radiant health. Everyone tells us that being healthy is easy (including…
I am a gym rat. It’s my one true vice. Not chocolate or salt or even espresso. I am deeply attached to my workouts. If I could move my bed…
This sweet soup is an ode to the corn dotting the sweet bisque. The whole grain of corn gives us resources to burn while the sweet potato keeps us warm and nourishes the spleen, pancreas and stomach. Makes 4-5 servings 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes 1…
More than just an Italian tradition, this stew is loaded with complex B vitamins in the corn, and the stew contains artichokes, one of the most antioxidant-rich veggies we know. Along with the rest of the nutrient-dense veggies, this dish is more than just sexy…it’s good for your heart! Makes…
This basic muffin recipe will work for any muffin you could want to create . . . apple, banana nut, blueberry, cranberry, pumpkin, and with a couple of adjustments you can make corn muffins, bran muffins, or any other kind of whole-grain muffins you can imagine. Makes 12 servings ½…
Corn chowder can be made at any time of year using frozen organic corn, but truthfully, it’s only really yummy in the summer when organic corn is fresh and sweet. Loaded with fiber, B vitamins and folate, this sweet whole grain creates vitality and strength. Makes 4–5 servings Extra virgin…
This quirky soup is so cool. I love this combination. Coconut milk and carrots have a complementary sweetness that work together perfectly in this soup. It’s simple, yet rich, loaded with nutrients like beta-carotene as well as the good- quality fats of coconut! Makes 4–5 servings Avocado oil 1 yellow…
Thirty-five years ago, I changed the way I eat in order to regain my health during a life-threatening illness. Obviously, it worked out well, as I am here and healthy…
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