Category Archives: Self-Health Survival Guides

Most of the time, I prefer my meat to shine in all its glory, with not much more than a simple dose of salt and pepper. But sometimes I get bored with just a hunk of meat on my plate, and I feel the urge to jazz things up a little. When I stumbled across […]

I recently went away on vacation and returned home to a garden grown to such heights it resembles a rainforest. Amidst the wave of spaghetti squash tendrils and stalks of majestic purple amaranth, I have been blessed/cursed with a plethora of six varieties of cucumber. I can’t express my joy enough: some hungry critter, who […]

The days are finally here where garden-fresh tomatoes are beginning to grace our tables. There really is nothing like that first luscious fruit plucked from the plant, still warm from the sun and bursting with intense flavor. It’s the time of year where I practically live off versions of this salad and BLTs. By adding […]

Cabbage, the unglamorous, underappreciated cousin of uber-trendy kale, just doesn’t get enough props these days. It’s unfortunate, because not only is it quite affordable in comparison to other leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, but it is rich in dietary fiber, phytonutrients and, surprisingly, even omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Used extensively throughout history as both a […]

This classic combination of chocolate, whipped cream, and cherries originated in Germany. Historians believe it dates as far back as the 16th century, from a region known for its sour cherries and kirsch (cherry brandy). Most recipes I come across these days call for store-bought cherry pie filling and maraschino cherries, both loaded with preservatives, […]

I love asparagus in all shapes and forms. I would even venture to say it’s my favorite vegetable—or at least one of them. My husband was never a fan, until the day I made these addictive specimens. He even requested them for his birthday this year! A member of the lily family, asparagus is related […]

With the 4th of July upon us, our thoughts stray to celebrations both patriotic and epicurean. And I can think of no other food that epitomizes this holiday quite so much as barbeque does. Sadly, most commercial barbeque sauces are laden with excessive artificial (and harmful) sweeteners and preservatives. Luckily, this homemade stuff takes just […]

I rarely eat corn, waiting only until the short peak-season to indulge. Imagine my excitement when I chanced upon some fresh, organic corn on the cob last week. The next day, I whipped up this tasty side dish with the leftovers. It’s hearty, without feeling terribly heavy, and loaded with fiber. The garnet yam provides […]

The condition of our gut determines every aspect of our mental and physical well-being. When our intestinal flora is out of whack, a multitude of health problems are quite sure to follow, from the obvious symptoms of sluggish and inefficient digestion to the potential for more serious problems, including auto-immune disorders, such as celiac sprue, and […]

What a pleasant surprise I got this morning when I woke to the sound of a delicious rain pattering outside my window. I’m always amazed at how much I miss everything about it—the smells, the sounds, the clean, fresh air, and even the wet, muddy shoes. It is inevitable that when the climate cools even […]

Sound the dinner bell; fresh salmon season has begun! Being from the Pacific Northwest, fresh, wild-caught seafood was a staple in our household and one that, sadly, I took for granted until I moved far away from the ocean. I have fond memories of anticipating the first run of fresh salmon—an exciting time that we […]

I like to make this luscious French stew once the frigid winter lets up, when asparagus and baby new potatoes are at their prime. By swapping out bone-in chicken pieces for boneless, skinless thighs, dinner can be on the table in around 45 minutes, but the depth of the velvety sauce tastes as if you […]

By using a little stevia, these yummy bars are low in sugar but still satisfy that craving when you need a sweet treat. The gluten-free filling can be adjusted to use any fruit that you prefer and to suit the season. Strawberry-rhubarb is a classic springtime combination, but other personal favorites are blackberry-apple, pear-ginger, and raspberry-peach. Ingredients […]

These protein-packed treats make a quick and easy breakfast or snack when you’re on the go. The filling can be customized to suit your tastes and what you have on hand, plus it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and all those assorted cheese ends that seem to accumulate in your fridge (at […]

This delicious soup wears many hats. It is warm and comforting on a cold, snowy day but light enough to enjoy on a balmy summer evening. It has a rustic air to it but is elegant enough to serve to company. Seafood contains a host of vitamins and minerals, many that are harder to find […]

Most store-bought salad dressings, even organic ones, contain highly refined, highly inflammatory seed or vegetable oils as well as added sugar and other nasty processed bits. Use this wholesome, whole-food vinaigrette to dress mixed greens as well as chopped raw salads, cold or hot steamed vegetables, or anything else that needs a little zing. Ingredients […]

The secret to great scrambled eggs isn’t adding cream or milk or water. It’s heat. By thoroughly preheating the pan, you can create a delectable breakfast with nothing more than a couple of eggs and some salt. We like coconut oil for its low reactivity and medium smoking point, but if you find the flavor […]