Food

Notes of sweet honey mixed with the full-bodied warmth of cumin seeds in a velvety carrot base make this soup a hearty and comforting meal. Its bright gold colour tells of its rich antioxidant activity. Research suggests that eating foods with high levels of carotenoids (found in carrots) may help reduce the risk of diabetes.

This simple colourful salad is packed with probiotic power.

Sour pickles dress up this satisfying salad.

My personal preference is to use quinoa in place of bulgur wheat. Please use organic ingredients when available.

1/4 cup (60 mL) natural cocoa powder
2 Tbsp (30 mL) granulated sugar
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) red pepper flakes
Pinch of cloves and cayenne
2 1/4 cups (560 mL) skim milk

Use dark chocolate that has been processed correctly for the best flavanol hit.

This savoury citrus soup is a delightful beginning to any meal.

Just like a good sorbet, this salad prepares the palate for nearly any entrée to follow.

This drink is perfect for thirsty health fanatics (it has liver-cleansing action).

And now for a scrumptious finale. Go ahead and live a little!

The heat comes from a combination of curry powder, cracked black pepper, and cayenne.

This is a great snack for after school or work; it’s low in calories, high in flavour, plus it’s a wonderful way to eat broccoli and its cruciferous buddy Brussels sprouts more often.

Nothing rejuvenates the senses like a serving of citrus redolent with the colours and scents of summer. Layered with the flavours of lemon grass and coconut and the soft textures of lobster and avocado, this starter, though cold, will banish the chill.

Game meats such as elk and bison are becoming more widely available and provide a flavourful and healthy alternative to traditional red meat proteins. With this leaner meat, it is best to avoid overcooking, which leads to toughening. The sour cherries and wild mushrooms make for an ideal pairing atop the game.

Roasted Pears

This is a quick and easy all-in-one meal soup. It’s packed with outstanding veggies such as tomatoes, carrots, onions, and kale, plus whole grain pasta, extra-virgin olive oil, and cholesterol-lowering beans. I made this on TV one morning and the crew gobbled it up. A true testimonial to eating beans at 8 am, it was either delicious or the crew members were out of their minds. I’m going with delicious. Serve with whole grain bread, if desired.

There’s been a real trend in newfangled hummuses with hip chefs puréeing every bean known to man. But hummus purists know that only a chickpea ends up as hummus—everything else is just a bean dip.

Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes

Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus advance soaking time)

Preparation time: 20 minutes This smooth, soothing soup is the perfect complement for a meal that has many strong flavours. This soup tastes best when served the day it is made.

This dessert is light and refreshing, with a lemony tang. It is made with the flesh of a young coconut, also called Thai coconut, which is found in health food stores and Asian markets. Look for coconut pre-cut into a white cylinder with a pointed top. Because these coconuts are young, their flesh is soft and creamy.

2.2 lbs (1 kg) rhubarb, trimmed and sliced into large chunks
2/3 cup (160 mL) brown sugar
Zest and juice of 1 orange
1 scant cup (250 mL) flour
1/2 cup (125 mL) cold butter
1/2 cup (125 mL) rolled oats
2 pieces of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

3/4 lb (375 g) rhubarb, trimmed and finely sliced
1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar
A bottle of bubbly, such as Prosecco or Champagne

This light, lemon zesty pasta can be served as a vegetarian entrée. Sprinkle each serving with 2 Tbsp (30 mL) walnuts; or skip the nuts, go carnivore, and serve it with grilled chicken or salmon.