If you think cabbage is boring or you simply use it for coleslaw or in your boiled dishes as in corned beef and cabbage, have I got news for you! This delicious, healthy elegant vegetable side-dish of Parmesan roasted wedges is a crowd-pleaser even for those who “think” they don’t like this humble vegetable.

Fun Cabbage Tidbits

• Cabbage is one of the oldest vegetables, dating back to the 1600’s.
• Cabbage is available in many varieties: red or...

This month as an alternative to providing a Nightshade-free recipe, I'm sharing information about an exotic vegetable that has stirred way too many questions from my readers and patients—"is it a nightshade, and can I consume it if I have inflammation?" Since numerous questions were asked, naturally the Health Detective in me went on a mission; this article is the result of my research. The following questions and answers reflect what my patients and readers have asked. That said, before I...

My patients and readers keep asking for more ideas for sauces and salsas that do not contain Nightshades that we know scientifically accelerate most inflammatory conditions. My test kitchen crew has been working with me to create, adapt and taste alternative recipes and this is one of our favorites—necessity IS the mother of invention—try it, it's deliciously unique.

Definition: tos-ta-da—a Mexican dish of deep-fried tortilla (usually flour),...

French Fry Nightshade-FREE Alternatives

Many of us, particularly those educated on the inflammatory effects of the genre of foods known as nightshades, potatoes, in this case, are always looking for ways to substitute some of our favorite foods and snacks—French fries are no exception. These delicious Zucchini Fries are a healthy alternative with a rich crispy outside of Panko and Parmesan, and a dipping sauce that is addicting—it's literally "Molecular...

Historical Reference

Enchiladas originated in Mexico, where the practice of rolling tortillas around other food dates back at least to Mayan times. The people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate corn tortillas folded or rolled around small fish. Don't be limited by these recipes, enchiladas can be filled with whatever you choose and they're healthy, filling and only limited by your imagination. Many of my readers and patients asked for a version...

Readers and patients keep asking for more ideas to dress up their favorite salads, dishes, and to use as marinades… you asked, here are three of our test-kitchen favorites:

• Avocado-Papaya
• Papaya-Mango
• Papaya-Jicama***
• Peaches-Papaya
• Papaya-Avocado

For this dish, you want ripe papayas, tender but not mushy. The skin should be bright yellow with a few...

Do you know...

• American households on average purchase pickles every 53 days;
• More than 67 percent of all households eat pickles;
• Americans consume more than nine pounds of pickles per person annually?

That's a whole lot of pickles…and pickle JUICE! But what to do with the juice once the pickles are gone? Most individuals just pour it down the drain! *GASP* I bet you won't be doing that once you learn how many different...

These deviled eggs are naturally colored and a healthy, sweet n' spicy twist on traditional deviled eggs. With a super-smooth, creamy filling of chopped bread-n-butter pickles and Greek yogurt, these deviled eggs are perfect for your next party, potluck or Easter celebration!

Dr. G's Perspective
It's interesting, and also perplexing to me, that many recipes include paprika in a very small amount simply for color and/ or garnish. Just that little sprinkle can...

No one who responds to seasonal allergens looks forward to spring, especially when the tree pollens begin flying. That said, you can minimize or eliminate—as I did—allergic responses to airborne triggers by taking simple steps you may not have considered. In addition, using a proprietary homeopathic remedy to not only rid yourself of symptoms but to take proactively before the season is well on its way, is your best "insurance." AND, March is the time to begin that...

You're going to fall in love with this soup and all it's healthy variations. I love its vibrant orange color and the mild sweet aroma of the anise-flavored liquor. I am not a fan of licorice flavor, but this recipe gained the respect of my taste buds. It's an amazing addition that transforms what can be a bland soup into a gourmet mouth-watering one.

Again, our recipes are created and tested in our health sciences kitchen in Cotacachi, Ecuador. As more people, here and...

Those that follow my teaching know about my passion for educating my patients and readers why they must avoid all foods in the Nightshade genre because of their known contribution to inflammation. Keep in mind that inflammation is inflammation; in your mouth, joints, ligaments, soft tissue and elsewhere.

Scientists estimate that by 2025, the number of Americans with an inflammatory disorder/disease will reach 50 million. Arthritis, fibromyalgia and joint disease affect...

Recipes from Dr. Gloria’s Ecuadorian Kitchen

December 24th: All Ecuador celebrates Christmas. The streets and churches have special decorations with Nativity scenes, lighting, ornaments, etc. It is characteristic in Ecuador to celebrate the 24th with midnight mass or " Misa de Gallo," shortly after Christmas dinner. This is their ceremony commemorating the birth of Christ in this deeply religious Christian culture.

Carols, and the "Pase del niño" (religious...

A Dairy-Free South American Delight

If you love coconut and treasure its taste and health benefits as I do, this dessert is one you'll add to your list of easy favorite healthy treats.

TEMBLEQUE gets its name from the Spanish word tiembla which means to shake—also likened to the Spanish word temblor which is used to describe an earthquake or trembling—very appropriate for Ecuador known for its earthquakes. It's a pudding thickened with...

Warming Spiced Fruit Drink with Special Ecuadorian Bread

Recipes from Dr. Gloria's Ecuadorian Kitchen

The "Colada Morada" is an indigenous tradition in Ecuador, specifically the Northern Andean Region where my Health Sciences/Research center is based. This holiday, on November 2nd, (Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead) is a day that honors deceased saints in this deeply religious culture. It is celebrated in families and social gathering as a tradition handed down...

If you're looking for a healthy, colorful, tasty and quick salad, this is it ...assuming of course the corn is organic.

Summer Corn Salad...South American Style, that is!

• 1 cup organic canned or dried black beans, well rinsed (soaked and drained)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 small yellow onion, cut in half (if you're cooking the beans)
• 1 small red onion finely chopped (if you're using canned beans)
...

Anytime I cook quinoa, about twice a week, I always make extra for use in stir-fry's, soups or these little patty burgers, like pictured, they are also great tapas (Spanish for appetizers, snacks or hors d'oeuvres). They're good hot or cold and a healthy quick snack when those hunger pangs haunt us, especially when traveling because they're loaded with protein and on a flight, can be taken in your carry-on. These burgers are slowly pan-fried in a touch of coconut oil, and gently...