INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 shallots, diced 1 bunch green onions, chopped, green and white divided 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced 5 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetarian broth) 2 whole star anise 2 tablespoons soy sauce 10 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced 6 ounces rice noodles, uncooked 2...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 to 4 medium leeks (about 1 1/2 pounds total), well rinsed, drained, and both white and light green parts chopped 1 large egg 1 tablespoon milk 2 medium potatoes (about 10 ounces), peeled and coarsely grated 3 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives 1/3 cup grated kefalotyri (or Parmesan cheese) 2...Read More

By using olive oil instead of butter, you are eliminating the saturated fat of butter, and replacing it with “good” monounsaturated fats and some antioxidants. A light, mild-tasting olive oil is best for cakes or muffins made with fruits or vegetables, such as lemon, orange, apple, banana, and carrots. Chocolate cakes and brownies are excellent...Read More

This tasty tomato juice is a refreshing beverage for hot days! INGREDIENTS: 2 tomatoes, chopped 1/3 cucumber, chopped 1 or 2 cloves garlic 1/4 onion, chopped 2 ounces extra virgin olive oil Splash of red wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste METHOD: Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Chill in refrigerator.Read More

Olives are a fruit and a native of the Mediterranean region. Olives are high in monosaturated fats and a good source of vitamin E. Olives are almost always on the Greek table, enjoyed as snacks or appetizers or as part of a meal. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar...Read More

Sweet, fresh cherries make this melon summer salad a perfect choice to serve for brunch.  If possible, use a cherry pitter so cherries can be left whole. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 honeydew melon, seeds and skin removed, and cut into 1/2″ slices 1/4 cantaloupe melon, seeds and skin removed, and cut into 1/2″ slices 1/4 cup minced...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup cherry preserves 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon allspice ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon canola oil 2/3 cup finely chopped onion 2 cups pitted fresh Bing cherries 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper pinch of salt 4 bone-in pork loin chops METHOD: Preheat the barbecue grill to medium/high...Read More

A refreshing and colorful salad, perfect for summertime. INGREDIENTS: Salad 1 head Romaine lettuce, medium-chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup diced green onion, some green included 1 can (11-ounce) mandarin oranges, drained 1 cup smoked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2/3 cup Bing cherries, washed, halved, and pitted Balsamic Vinaigrette 1/3 cup extra-virgin...Read More

Admittedly — hot oatmeal is not my favorite breakfast. But, keeping in mind the benefits of increasing fiber in the diet and chasing the cholesterol monster away, it is a mainstay in the fall and winter breakfast lineup. But, when spring arrives — I’m so ready to jettison the gruel for granola topped with a...Read More

Cherries are one of the most anticipated summer fruits. The short California cherry season generally begins in mid-May, hits its peak by the end of May, and tapers off considerably by mid-June. The San Joaquin and Santa Clara Valleys are ideal for growing cherries with the perfect combination of nutrient-rich soil and sunny yet mild...Read More