This delicious Tuscan style ragu comes to us from Fattoria il Poggio - a farm in Montecarlo that we visited on my last culinary tour of Italy! The team there was amazing and they were so generous to share their small cookbook with me and allow me to share their recipes! Their ragu sauce recipe seemed perfect as we head into these cooler days. It's rich and hearty and perfect over your favorite pasta on a chilly day! It does take a little over an hour to pull together so it's definitely best for a Sunday style dinner!
Read MoreSee how easy it is to make this classic Italian focaccia bread! This one is better know in Italy as focaccia al rosmarino because of its rosemary topping! In Italy there are MANY types and flavors of focaccia, but this is the classic version that we have come to know and love here in the U.S.! It's so simple to make focaccia at home, you'll never buy it out again!
Read MoreSee how to cook perfect brown rice, step by step. Along with some of my other favorite whole grains! There's a lot of confusion out there around what is a whole grain, do all carbs have gluten, and how the hell do I cook them? This week's Health Coach Hack is here to answer these questions! Whole grains are just that, a whole grain. They include things like rice, corn, quinoa, millet, farro, kasha, oats and more! Some of them DO have gluten, but not all of them! And they're each loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, key to human health! Watch the video to see how easy it is to make the perfect pot of brown rice on the stove top. No special equipment needed! Then head to my website to learn more, check out my grains chart AND grab one of my favorite quick and easy rice based recipes!
Read MoreBeth Nydick is back with us and this month has a really creative way to create a Clean Cocktail. She's adding jam! That's right! This easy, 3-ingredient cocktail is slightly sweet and perfect for porch sitting! Jam, lemon juice, and gin (or vodka, or both) create a beautiful color and flavor! And as always, nothing in here is TOO bad for you! Use a good quality jam that's mostly fruit (no added sugar), and fresh squeezed citrus and you're all set!
Read MoreChef Kathleen Sanderson is my special guest today as she shows us the RIGHT way to pack a salad in a jar! She shares her tips and tricks, like these reusable/washable lids (https://amzn.to/2N6Rkcl )! We make a classic cobb in the video but she shares her overall technique
Read MoreWe’re saying “salute” to Summer with one last, refreshing Clean Cocktail for Labor Day Weekend! Beth Nydick is back again and this time we are mixing up some Pineapple Fizz. This pineapple fizz cocktail recipe is quick, clean and easy. Simple fresh ingredients combine for the perfect way to toast to these last hazy days of Summer.
Read MoreSummer may be ending but she's leaving us with some of her best produce! Stone fruits, peaches, plums, nectarines, etc - are in season and they make the BEST desserts! In this cobbler I use a mix of some of my favorites to create a simple fruit based dessert that isn't loaded with sugar! A bit of vanilla extract helps the fruits' flavor shine and those biscuits are perfect for soaking up all the juices! Top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
Read MoreI asked my favorite kiddos to share their favorite school lunch ideas and from there, put together my Top 5 Healthy School Lunch Ideas! Of course you can mix and match here! The idea is to get the kids involved, and to get the good stuff in their bellies! Without driving Mom (or Dad, or Aunt/Uncle, Grandma/Grandpa) nutty! Check out my lunch ideas, then head keep scrolling to see the FULL list of foods each kid shared. And let me know what YOUR kids love in the comments! Let's make this a GREAT resource for parents and caretakers across the board to find ideas and inspiration!
Read MoreFast, fresh and easy - this is how we make Caprese Salad in the Di Falco house! To start, we always do a chopped caprese salad - a bit different from the traditional slices you'll see served in Italy. We also make it a cucumber caprese salad - mostly because, that's how we like it! Finally, I use some balsamic to dress the salad because, let's be honest, I could drink the stuff!
Read MoreSimple and healthy, it's SO easy to make roasted red peppers at home! And more delicious! Here I show you how to roast them on the stove and explain what to do if you have an electric stove. There's nothing quite like the flavor of roasted red peppers in olive oil!
Read MoreBeth Ritter Nydick is back and we are In Too Deep with this delicious, watermelon based clean cocktail! Refreshing watermelon becomes an adults only treat when mixed with tequila, fresh mint and a hint of orange! But all those fresh fruits and herbs help keep your body from having a meltdown in this heat! Check out this healthy drink recipe here:
Read MoreEating healthy does NOT mean you have to cut things out, restrict yourself and eliminate foods. Instead, try adding healthy elements until THAT'S what your body is craving! You'll be surprised how quickly you become accustom to eating healthy foods! And you won't feel like you let yourself down if you "cheat"! Click to learn more about the Crowding Out Method, AND get my top 10 tips for healthy weight loss!
Read MoreCheck out my version of "American Pie"! The red, white & blue are deliciously proud in this peach berry pie! It's super easy to make and perfect for the 4th of July!
Read MoreCheck out how fun and EASY it is to make fresh ricotta cheese at home! A few simple ingredients yields the most delicious, fresh ricotta! This is my go-to ricotta cheese recipe!
Read MoreMY good friend and fellow Health Coach Beth Nydick is back at the Chef's Counter at Vanillamore in Montclair NJ. And we're mixing up another healthy cocktail drink for you! We're officially kicking off Summer with this sunset colored concoction! The Seeing Eye is named because of the benefits carrot juice gives to the eyes - but as Beth expains, too many may have you seeing double! Check out the video and get the recipe here!
Read MoreCheck out Chef Jesse Jones' recipe for New Orleans style BBQ shrimp! This dish makes the perfect Father's Day appetizer! Plus it's got that BIG flavor that Dad will love and Chef Jesse is known for! Watch the video, get the recipe, AND snag yourself a copy of Chef Jesse's book, POW! My Life in 40 Feasts!
Read MoreCheck out this healthy hack to help you eat more greens! The benefits of eating more greens is HUGE! Not only are they a food to lose weight with, they help detoxify and alkalize the body, they help feed healthy gut bacteria, AND are loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body needs to be its best! Get my ideas for green smoothies, egg dishes, grain bowls and more!
Read MoreWatch how easy it is to make chia seed pudding! This simple combination of 3 basic ingredients makes the best chia seed pudding! I make mine with almond milk but you can use whatever milk you use at home! Plus, find out what it is about these little seeds that has them referred to as a super food!
Read MoreBeth Nydick is back in the Cucina with me to kick off Summer with this classic throwback cocktail! We're making Strawberry Limeade! Perfect for this weekend’s festivities!
Read MoreAre you “chronically disorganized”? Me too! But I grabbed professional organizer Gayle Gruenberg to help me get my pantry organized so my kitchen (and pretty much my life) can run a bit more smoothly! Learn how to save money, time and space! Plus helpful organizer “hacks” and why having an organized pantry can lead to an overall healthier lifestyle!
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