YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Black-eyed Peas & Corn Salsa

Years ago, I attended a special lunchtime celebration honoring a co-worker who was expecting her first baby. This salsa was contributed by an exercise physiologist named Heather, and it was so good that the recipe was distributed by popular demand to the entire department the following day. It was sooo good! Its simplicity is a huge plus, and the combination of sweet ingredients with mild sour notes and aromatics gives it wonderful flavor. Balsamic vinegar is sweet, corn is sweet, red peppers are sweet, onions are sweet, and tomatoes are sweet. Plus, I like honey. Continue reading →


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Beans, Beans, They’re Good for Your Heart!

Many years ago, my vegetarian sister had a boyfriend whose mother served her “bean loaf” when she went to their home. Its dreadful, unappetizing name was nothing like its wonderful flavor, so my sister and I renamed it “chickpea pie.” The chickpea pie recipe stuck around for much longer than the vegetarianism (and the boyfriend). I sure wish I could find that recipe again. Chickpeas, like peanuts and lentils and edamame (soybeans), are a type of bean. Continue reading →


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: All About Beans PLUS Recipes

Many years ago, my then-vegetarian sister had a boyfriend whose mother served her “bean loaf” when she went to their home. Its dreadful, unappetizing name was nothing like its flavor, so my sister and I renamed it “chickpea pie.” The chickpea pie recipe stuck around for much longer than the vegetarianism (and the boyfriend). I wish I could find that recipe again. Chickpeas, like peanuts, are yet another type of bean. Continue reading →


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Hoppin’ John Right into the New Year

I don’t know why this dish is called Hoppin’ John, but I do know that it’s made from all my favorite things to eat. And there is absolutely NOTHING like a slow cooker to bring it all together. I seriously love this dish. Hoppin’ John is traditional Southern food, and it’s rumored to bring extra special good luck when eaten at the New Year. So what else would I post tonight? Continue reading →