Organic Bombay Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain that’s naturally low in fat and calories, while high in complex carbohydrates and fiber. It has no artificial additives or preservatives, and it’s sugar-free.

Air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories per cup, while oil-popped popcorn weighs in at only 55 calories per cup. When lightly buttered, popcorn contains about 133 calories per cup.

Today’s Super Bowl-ready recipe transforms the everyday into the exotic. Organic curry powder offers a spicy change of pace, with toasted coconut, golden raisins and sliced almonds as optional additions.

Chicken Mini Meat Loaves

There are two types of moms: those whose meat loaf became your ultimate comfort food and those who served scary bricks of incinerated beef.

As San Francisco Chronicle reporter Amanda Gold points out, meat loaf “has both staunch supporters and fervent detractors. But no matter whether it’s considered jail food or the stuff of happy childhood memories, it has made a definite resurgence in recent years, especially in local restaurants.”

These days, many of us substitute ground chicken or turkey for the traditional ground beef in an effort to reduce consumption of red meat. Baking single-serving mini meat loaves is another culinary trend—one that allows us to control portion size.

Teasing the Taste Buds with Truffles

The Fifth Annual Oregon Truffle Festival concluded its run on Sunday, showcasing what gastronomy experts call the ultimate mushroom.

Truffles are found naturally throughout North American woodlands and are poised to become the next big culinary trend.

“With seven truffle orchards in production around the country, and dozens more about to reach producing age, an American truffle industry is about to be born, following in the footsteps of the American wine industry,” says festival organizer and mycologist Charles Lefevre, PhD.

Organic Produce: February Report

You’ll make the most nutritious—and delicious—produce choices when you buy locally grown organic fruits and vegetables that are in season. It’s also the most economical way to shop the produce aisle.

Here are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s top peak-season choices. Some of the listed fruits and veggies are available year-round, but you’ll find higher quality at a lower cost this month.

• Apples
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli

Spicy Marinated Olives

Whether you’re snacking during a football game or relaxing in the company of friends, bring a touch of the Mediterranean to the occasion with today’s nibble-ready recipe.

Prep time is 15 minutes, and all of the ingredients should be available at your local natural and organic food store.

Serve with an aromatic Pinot Grigio, fruity Chardonnay or richly flavored Cabernet Sauvignon.

Note: You may also top a salad with these spicy olives.