Elle Republic

An odd sounding but absolutely delicious dish in Northern Germany is one called “Birnen, Bohnen und Speck” (green beans with pears and bacon). I first was introduced to this delicious number by my friend Ines. It’s a regular at her family functions. Intrigued, I had to give it a try. My way of course. Though, I’m not sure there is a right way. I think every family has their...

Watermelon and mint transform a humble couscous salad into something wonderfully refreshing and light, and perfect for heat-wave like summery days. Tossed together with cool, crunchy baby cucumbers, refreshing mint, tangy lime and a little fresh red chili and green onion for pep, this salad will not only keep you refreshed and satisfied in summer but is so easy to prepare you can forget all about any of those...

The combination of papaya, avocado, sweet red onion and cilantro is a perfect match. It’s what I call a summer papaya salad of the highest calling. It’s a fantastic salad to serve as a main with grilled jumbo tiger prawns or as a sumptuous side. Not only does it taste great; it’s also pretty. Choose a firm, ripe avocado so you can enjoy the best of its smooth texture and...

Here we are again, just me and what looks to be just another big bowl of salad. But wait, this one is different. A few veggies and a whole lot of grain. What I love about grains in salads is their ability to deliver an all-in-one healthy, filling meal -- this time with barley. This salad with its south of the border flavors is the perfect make-ahead vegetarian dish...

If you haven’t already been introduced to raw maca root powder, you may want to get acquainted. For centuries, maca has been referred to as “the Food of the Gods, Nature’s Viagra, and Peruvian Ginseng”. Grown in the glaciated slopes of the Peruvian Andes, it is the highest growing food plant in the world. What is Maca? What we know as the globally marketed maca powder is derived from a humble root...

Easy to make and full of powerful nutrients, smoothies are a great way to a give your body a super-charged start to the day. No longer for hippies and health nuts, the smoothie revolution has found its way to Hollywood stars, busy moms and everyone in between. The concept of blending leafy greens was popularized by raw food movement pioneers Dr. Ann Wigmore and Victoria Boutenko and in 2004, Boutenko's...