I have been cooking simple, good food for a friend who is facing a health challenge. She hasn’t yet connected the dots between eating well and health, something I see as essential. Since I love cooking it seemed natural to try and entice her to see the importance with nutrient dense, clean food.

While her inability to connect the food intake to well being confuses me, I suppose it isn’t all that surprising given what doctors are telling their patients. When my mother was going through chemotherapy, her Oncologist told her she need to fatten up.

“Go home and eat your Sees candy and drink Ensure,” he told her. A prescription for pure sugar.

She followed the good doctors order like a good girl. When I questioned his instructions, she rebutted me by sharing his success. “For god’s sake, he owns a winery in Napa, Dianna. I think he knows a thing or two about caring for cancer patients,” she confidently told me.

I never quite figured out how owning a winery equated to being a good doctor, but I had to honor that it was her journey to navigate. She died in my arms eighteen months later.

My cooking is a simple offering to my friend, what I hope is wholesome, healthy food to tip the health scales in her favor. In recent years, I have strayed away from being in the kitchen the way I used to because it became a chore, but perusing cookbooks, shopping and constructing meals for her reminds me of how much I really do love it.

Here are two recipes I found that might bring you gastronomic joy. Simple, lip-smacking-delicious and healthy. Thanks to Gywneth Paltrow and It’s All Good for the inspiration. I changed them up just a bit.

 

Japanese Meatballs

(My son said they taste like the inside of a wonton.)

Home ground, organic chicken – I used one-pound chicken thighs, plus one breast. Place in Cuisinart until thoroughly ground into small pieces.

½ teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon pepper

2 large cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons maple syrup

After grinding chicken in the Cuisinart, mix in a bowl with other ingredients. Place foil over a baking sheet and lightly coat with safflower oil. Get some oil on your hand to shape the mixture into small balls. Broil for approximately 4 minutes and turn over. Cook another 3 – 4 minutes. Do not overcook.

 

Korean Slaw

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice

½ teaspoon fish sauce

2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage

1 cup thinly sliced baby kale

3 scallions, green + white parts, minced

2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped

½ cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Whisk together oil, lime juice and fish sauce. Mix all other ingredients in a bowl and pour dressing over. Mix well and let stand for an hour before serving. It’s even better the next day. Serve with Japanese Meatballs and sliced avocado.

Nourish your soul, eat well and enjoy good health.

May your journey always be protected.

–db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.