J-Pen, as I affectionately like to call this soup, or Jewish Penicillin, is the type of recipe that has becomes habitual from years and years of exposure. Somehow, the steps and process permeate my being and, every time an inkling of a cold emerges, J-Pen is the first line of defense. In my family, each generation puts their unique imprint on the soup, but the root of the matter is always the same. For my version, I add extra immune boosters - ginger and turmeric - to add that nutrient oomph. I also take the extra step of browning the chicken, a simple albeit slightly timely step that yields a multitude of value in flavor. Browning the chicken not only locks in the juices and creates a caramelized crust on the meat, but also the browned bits in the pan add a fantastic foundation to the soup, lending depth and flavor. The finishing touch of lime, which is one of my favorite tricks learned from my Mexican co-workers during my restaurant days, provides a refreshing burst of acidity as well as a dose of Vitamin C. Although this soup is not your mother's J-Pen, it for sure will become a staple in your home on frosty nights or "under the weather" days.
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It’s February! The second month of the new year. How are you faring with your "resolutions" and dedicated decisions to make this year healthier and happier? It is easy to lose momentum and steam as January passes and the days seem to get colder and snowier. Birthdays and celebrations and any excuse to indulge start to reappear, and rich and decadent comfort food seems like the only way to keep warm. It is essential to keep in mind that the small positive shifts that you make over time have major long-term ramifications. Consider every meal a Monday morning - an opportunity to start fresh and get back on the healthy eating track. Focus on what you have already changed and continue to set realistic goals for yourself.
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Is Watermelon Juice the New Coconut Water?
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Adequate hydration is essential for optimal wellness. The ideal source of hydration comes from clean and simple H2O. Not only does water quench your thirst, it is involved in a myriad of essential bodily functions. Water helps ensure luminous skin, flushes toxins from the body, and carries nutrients to and from the cells.
Read moreGet The Glow
It is wedding season and either you, your friend, or your friend’s friend is getting married. If you are bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest, you likely want to achieve that luminous wedding day glow. Getting that glow starts from the inside out with nourishing foods and adequate hydration. Here is my list of essential foods and nutrients to indulge in and to limit in order to achieve wellness and optimal radiance.
Read moreMatcha Movement
Anti-oxidants come in many shapes and forms. I have discussed their importance here on TCR multiple times, but I have yet to discuss the power of matcha! Matcha is the powdered form of green tea leaves. Pure, exceptional quality Matcha, like that from Panatea, ensures that the tea leaves are harvested in the most protective way to optimize the nutritional potential.
Read morePop it Off
This recipe was initially featured on Refinery29, but I wanted it to find a home here, on The Crunchy Radish. Zesty, flavorful, and antioxidant- rich, this carrot ginger soup makes for a lovely light and nourishing "clean" meal. The topping of the poppers makes the soup more hearty and fills a void where heavy and calorically dense croutons or bread typically lie.
Read moreThe Naughty Vegan
“The unhealthy vegan/vegetarian” - sounds like an oxymoron, but it does exist. Are you or do you know someone who leads a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle ladened with processed soy-filled fake meat and imitation cheese products, french fries, potatoes, pasta, bread, and rice with little to no vegetables? Warning: You are doing you body more harm than good!
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