Raw Asparagus Salad

I love fresh spring asparagus! It's crisp, tasty and packed with vitamins. I decided to give it a try raw after the success of my raw bok choy salad a few weeks back. This salad is super simple and filled with flavor. Shaved raw asparagus is "cooked" slightly by the lemon juice and softened by the shaving. Mixed with some sweet onion and topped with salty parmesan it is a sophisticated and healthy salad.

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Lentil Stew with Potatoes

Lentils are one of the world's most consumed foods. In addition to being cheap and easy to prepare, they are packed with filling protein. One of the worlds best plant based protein sources, they are an excellent source of iron, folate and B vitamins. I love lentils because they are comforting and filling. This is a simple and tasty dish that full of flavor as well as nutrients. Lentils, potatoes and some veggies make for a a cheap stew. Flavored with balsamic vinegar, habenero and fresh herbs, it is a healthy comfort food. I usually make this once a week or so and the leftovers last for days. Sprinkle some parmesan and black pepper and serve with some green veggies for a complete meal.

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Tortellini with Arugula Pesto

Every time I make tortellini I lament how I should do so more often. A sophisticated comfort food, these delicious cheese-filled pasta rings make for a tasty and quick dinner. Tortellini was invented in the region of Emilia-Romanga, and legend has it the pasta shapes were created to mimic the architectural features of many buildings in the city of Modena, which bear a popular turtle motif.

I was inspired to create a dish inspired by this central Italian region. I topped the tortellini with a pesto made of arugula, cannellini beans, and pistachios. I chose arugula for its light and peppery taste, a perfect spring sauce for this tasty pasta. The ancient Romans believed arugula was a powerful aphrodisiac. Arugula is low in calories and filled with fiber, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, C and K. I also included beans to add a creamy texture as well as protein and fiber and pistachios for a salty crunch. Finished with Parmagiano-Reggiano, a regional staple of Emilia-Romanga, this is a complex, tangy dish that you can whip up in only 15 minutes.

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Spice Up Your Life: 9 Disease Fighting Spices and How to Use Them

Spices don't just make your food tasty, there is also a great deal of research about the therapeutic and disease fighting effects of herbs and spices. It turns out that even small amounts of the following nine super spices can have an impact on your health and well being. Since the active compounds in herbs and spices degrade over time, it's important to buy them at their peak and pay attention to "best buy" dates. Always replace yearly and use fresh if available.

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