Inspired by the dynamic duo of Dr. Roizen and Chef Jim at the Cleveland Clinic, where I interned last summer, I’m embarking on a mission to introduce culinary medicine in an accessible way – through social media. Every Friday, I’ll be sharing a “Functional Foodie” recipe as part of my job as Patient Care Navigator at Princeton Integrative Health.

Last week, I asked the patients at my office what content they would like in regards to cooking. Overwhelmingly, they asked about quick dinners and ways to include more greens, without much effort. I thought, why not combine these two requests in one delicious recipe?

Luckily these noodles come together in 15 minutes, are a crowd pleaser, and full of pantry and freezer (hello, edamame!) staples.

Make sure to check out @princetonintegrativehealth for the full video 🙂

For my mom’s 50th birthday, I wanted to do something special.  I took inspiration from some of her favorite restaurant dishes and brought them to our kitchen table. 

The first dish that I had to recreate was one that we had tried at Urban Hearth in Cambridge this past December.

On a whipped cloud of ricotta, laid a melody of sautéed spiced apples and onions.  It was simultaneously smooth yet crisp, sweet and sour. The accompaniment of a hearty whole wheat focaccia played with the dish’s sweetness in a rustic way.

When it came to making this dish myself, I had no recipe to rely on – just my memory.  According to my mom, this recreation was even better than the restaurant.

I’ve always dreamt of throwing a dinner party.  According the Cal and Janice of Beacon Hill’s Elegant Findings antique china shop, it’s in my future.  They also predict that I’ll be married in 2 years, which sounds unlikely. 

Regardless, my graduation marked the perfect occasion for my ultimate epic dinner party.  I invited some of my closest Tufts friends, consulted many blogs for recipes, and crafted a melodious playlist for a farewell night.

WHAT WAS ON THE MENU?

After good company, good food is a crucial aspect of any gathering.  Luckily, my very talented friend, Ari, pitched in to help in more ways than one.  If you’re ever doubting your compatability with someone, cooking together is a telling test – and as we’ve established before, we make a stellar team.  Just like any meal, a balance of carbs, protein, and fats in a party menu are essential for me.