Happy May Everyone. There is lots happening this month between Mother's Day on Sunday May 8th, then Memorial Day Weekend starting Saturday May 28th with Memorial Day being Monday May 30th. If you're celebrating mom with breakfast or brunch, I've got a few recipes ideas for you. And with Memorial Weekend being the unofficial kickoff for summer, great grilling and outdoor entertaining is around the corner.

Need Recipe Ideas for Mother's Day? Try These for Breakfast or Brunch

This vegetable quinoa casserole is easy, tasty and vegetarian. Pair a slice with a fresh fruit salad and you're set (except maybe for a glass of Champagne or sparkling mineral water). If you are taking mom out later, start the day with these colorful and healthy Greek yogurt parfaits. Lastly, if you've never made Dutch Baby Oven Pancakes, they are one of my favorites! So easy and a recipe I do for holidays and when friends stay the night.

Is Red Meat Good for You?

My husband asked me this recently. My Answer? Like most answers with food and nutrition, it depends. If we're talking grass-fed or organic unprocessed meats the answer is yes. It provides better nutrition because of how the animals are raised. If we're talking about conventionally (CAFO) raised meat, not so much. Another factor in meat's health-full-ness is the way it's cooked. With summer grilling around the corner, studies find it's better for you if meat is not charred and burned, so be careful with your cooking temperatures. Another factor is marinating, which reduces something called HCA's (heterocyclic amines). More on that soon. Here's a good article to read on why choose grass-fed beef.​

Grilled Flank Steak for Memorial Day

Following on, here's a delicious recipe for grilled flank steak, Mexican style. It has a tangy marinade of olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic and spices that doubles as a fresh sauce for serving. Grill up some veggies with it or serve it on top of fresh greens for a steak salad. If you've never cooked it, flank steak grills in just minutes (about 10). I just did 10 pounds for a catered dinner party last weekend! I'm aiming to get that recipe out later this month. We served it with fresh chimichurri sauce that doubled as the marinade. In the mean time, try this recipe. It's delicious. And be sure to slice it thinly across the grain and cook only to medium rare.

Ever Hear of Natural Killer Cells?

They are the flu bugs worst enemy. Natural killer (NK) cells are a specific type of white blood cell, part of your innate immune system. The good news is you can boost your NK's with healthy eating and lifestyle practices. This article is a fascinating read, important because your immune system is your first line of defense!

Signing off for now, stay healthy and happy cooking (and eating!). However I can be of help and support in your journey please let me know.

Sally