It seems that the simplest things are often the most powerful. Tonics—beverages that help “tone” the body or specific systems of the body over time—are a great example. Simple and […]
Category Archives: Self-Health Survival Guides
In my mother’s kitchen, we would put the water on the stove to cook the corn—or what my mother called “summer’s golden child”—before it was even picked. She loved corn. […]
One late August afternoon, with a chilly 60-degree breeze whizzing by me, I sat still, nearly motionless. I had that fall feeling. The end of summer was quickly approaching, bringing […]
The last recorded song by John Prine is a beautiful ballad called “I Remember Everything,” and it says a lot to me. John Prine, a man of simple words but […]
Sauces define French cuisine. Although there is some debate, most sources credit Auguste Escoffier as the creator of the five French “mother” sauces: béchamel, velouté, espagnole, hollandaise, and tomato. From […]
What is fermentation, and why is it so important? Fermentation is, first and foremost, a traditional way of preserving food that has been around for millennia. The earliest evidence of […]
I married an Irishman whose mother was from County Kerry and whose father was from Thurles, Tipperary. (Now that’s a county you’ve heard of.) I was married to my husband […]
A few years back, I wrote about a throw down I had with the resident cook at the Covered Bridge Inn restaurant. If you remember the post, you may recall […]
With March being National Nutrition Month and all, it seems wise to examine the things we take for granted on the topic. Part of being a self-healther is to find […]
The ultimate comfort food, soup is in the news! Whether it’s an old favorite that’s been around for years, a familiar soup with a new twist, or a beloved classic […]
It’s that time of year again, my friends—American Heart Month. If you’re interested in keeping your heart healthy all year long, this is a good reminder in case you’ve slacked […]
There are those who believe that when you focus on something, you bring more of it into your life. For the most part, I believe it too. When I get […]
The new year has begun, and whether you’re a resolution maker or not, you likely have some idea of what you’d like to see happen over the next 12 months. […]
“Clown’s treacle.” Surely you’ve heard of it? If not, it’s still likely that you have some in your kitchen right now. According to The Spice and Herb Bible by Ian […]
The weather is turning cooler, and winter is officially just around the corner. As the temperature drops, many of us start craving foods and beverages that are warming, both in […]
Christmas chestnuts roasting on an open fire…or right in your oven. Here’s to bringing this underused fruit/nut to your holiday table. I’m a New Yorker through and through. Though I’ve […]
Many years ago, at a Christmas party, the hostess served a dish called Shrimp Dijon. It was delicious. I live in Chicago, and this dish is a favorite served in […]
Whenever someone tells me that they’re not much of a cook, but they want to learn, I always steer them in the same direction—one dish with endless variations that’s so […]
The holidays are coming! As we all know, nuts are featured in many holiday cookies, cakes, pies, and snack bowls. They are not only flavorful but also packed with protein, […]
A lot of families are spending more time together during these days of COVID, but being in the same space doesn’t necessarily guarantee a deeper connection with each another. After […]
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