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

This recipe is a healthy, non-dairy version of a spinach dip made popular by Café La Vie, that featured raw food. INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 cups zucchini 1/4 cup water 2 cups cashews (soaked) 1 1/2 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons white miso 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon yellow onion 3 cloves garlic 1/2 teaspoon white...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 6 large artichokes, trimmed to the pale tender leaves, some stem left on if edible 1 cup loose mint leaves, chopped 2 tablespoon mint leaves, sliced into fine chiffonade* 3 cloves of garlic-thinly sliced 2 lemons, sliced (optional) plus 1 lemon cut in half for rubbing the cut surfaces Salt and fresh ground pepper...Read More

These pickled strawberries are bright, crunchy, and versatile. They are a delicious addition to salads. They are great coarsely chopped, tossed with fresh herbs, and served with seafood or used as an accompaniment on a cheese plate. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup white wine vinegar 3/4 cup red wine vinegar 6 ounces ice 1 cup sugar 1...Read More

Fresh artichokes are available year-round in California, but some claim the “frost-kissed” chokes you find in January and February are the sweetest. However, spring is the official season for artichokes and you’ll find them in abundance at the farmers’ markets. Medium to large artichokes are best for steaming — save the smaller ones for roasting....Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 pounds button mushrooms 1-2 cups balsamic vinaigrette (recipe follows) METHOD: Clean the mushrooms. Do this by wiping them down with a clean towel or using paper towels. If you must, lightly rinse them with cold water and dry them with paper towels. Prepare the mushrooms for cooking. Decide on what you will...Read More

Green garlic packs wallop of garlicky goodness into this easy appetizer. This hummus is best served and eaten right away, since the flavor will intensify. Serve with crackers, pita bread, or fresh veggies. INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch green garlic (6 to 8 stalks), cleaned, trimmed and chopped 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon sea salt...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 market bag bean mix (1 3/4 cup) from New Natives 2 lemons, juiced 2 garlic cloves 1-2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce 1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh organic carrot juice METHOD: Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend till smooth. (A blender may need a little more liquid to get...Read More

Chef Charles Phan of the Slanted Door, one of San Francisco’s hottest Asian bistros, shares his coveted recipe for braised pea greens seasoned with the flavors of garlic and sesame. This preparation complements fish or chicken dishes beautifully or can be served over rice for a light lunch. INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. fresh pea shoots (New...Read More

This is a mouth-watering, delicious Indo-Chinese appetizer popular in the Straits region of Southeast Asia and throughout Malaysia and India. The cauliflower has a crispy coating and is glazed with a tangy spicy sauce. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 medium-head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets Oil – for deep frying For the batter: 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3...Read More