Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. It’s still possible to indulge in your favorite foods, while nourishing your body at the same time. Here we share clean versions of delicious recipes that will leave you feeling and looking incredible and not to mention, insanely satisfied!

Name: Aliza J. Sokolow

Instagram: @alizajsokolow

Tell us about yourself: My name is Aliza J. Sokolow. I am an LA-based food stylist, private chef and photographer. my first children’s book THIS IS WHAT I EAT is hitting the shelves on January 3, 2023. The best job I’ve ever had was working for Jamie Oliver on the Food Revolution with kids in inner-city schools. It changed my life, and I am serving my life mission of getting people to eat a little bit better.

Favorite dish to serve at a dinner party: I always start with stacked crudites with dips and cheese board. I never know if friends will be arriving hungry or just need a little nosh before dinner so I have a lot of options before dinner. I always cook what’s in season, but there is nothing better than a beautifully grilled steak, fish or a perfect roast chicken depending on the occasion.

Favorite skin food ingredient and why: Avocado!!!!! Avocado is a great source of healthy fats. I always tell my avocado farmer Laura Ramirez at JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch in CA that she is the reason I get compliments on my skin. Growing up in the 90s people were very scared of fat. The word fat. Everything fat. But now, I think we know that healthy fats have a variety of benefits one of which is healthy skin.

Top three Instagram accounts for inspiration: 

Anna Jones- @we_are_food

New York Times food- @nytcooking

Dorie Greenspan- @doriegreenspan

Must-have cookbook: I am obsessed with Italian food. The one book that I have covered in sauce and grease is Scott Conant’s Scarpetta cookbook. His sauce tastes the same at home that it does in the restaurant. It is delicious and user-friendly.

Favorite tableware brand/items: truly – merci ( https://merci-merci.com/ ) in Paris has the dreamiest table items. I stock up whenever I go. Or gjusta goods in venice… also pierce and ward on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. I went to college with one of the female founders and everything they have is flawless. I have so many mugs from their shop.

Dinner ambiance or vibe when throwing a party: I like to make things easy and chill. Everyone knows when they come to my house I will have old indie music playing, foods that you can dip into the sauce from another dish and will be relaxed. I’m an incredibly warm and inclusive person -  that vibe and love carry across into my dinner parties. Also – dessert. I love to bake. I will bake something memorable and send you home with cookies every time.

Three things you always keep in your refrigerator: Eggs, avocados and little gem lettuces.

Favorite healthy treat: I love Hu chocolate. I just love it. They recently came out with a milk chocolate bar and if I need a sweet treat that isn’t fruit – to me this is it! I also love to take fruit that is in season like blueberries and drizzle with a grassy olive oil and flaky sea salt. It’s surprisingly fabulous.

Eat this recipe for An impressive, yet easy dish that gets 3 colors into your body. It’s SOOOO DELICIOUS!!!! 

Recipe: Roasted pumpkin with gremolata and pomegranates

Ingredients

1 pumpkin ( I chose a long island cheese pumpkin)

Olive oil

1 bunch parsley

1 clove garlic

2 lemons

1 pomegranate

 Method

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Slice pumpkin into 2 in pieces, along the lines of the pumpkin
3. Rub pumpkin with olive oil, season with salt and pepper
4. Place in oven for 50 minutes

Gremolata

1. Finely chop 1 bunch of parsley
2. Zest 2 lemons
3. Smash 1 clove of garlic
4. Juice one lemon
5. Pour at least ¼ c olive oil
6. One large pinch of salt
7. Combine all ingredients in either a food processor or mortar and pestle

Beautifully place pumpkin onto a plate. Drizzle gremolata on top. Top with pomegranate seeds. A scoop of labne goes great with these flavors as well.