As winter-like weather made its way into the Northeast a few weeks ago, temperatures dropped and my immune system took a beating. I first developed the telltale scratchy throat and sore back of the mouth. Then, a runny nose transformed into a full-blown cold. A week or two later, I had a raging sinus infection with the barking threat of bronchitis. Determined to avoid antibiotics this time … [Read more...]
When I was a child, the carefree months of summer meant long, leisurely days of play with my brothers and my friends—and my siblings were the dearest of my friends. School vacations were also a time for sports camps, cultural excursions and, especially, family adventures. Both my parents were from North Carolina, so my brothers and I packed into the back of our Volkswagen Rabbit for long, road … [Read more...]
Over the years I’ve spent cooking and baking in the kitchen, I’ve discovered that the tastiest dishes often arise from creative, culinary experimentation. Like most, I’ve tinkered with numerous recipes to add my own flavor and consistency to certain dishes. I have also created unique meals by throwing together whatever ingredients I’ve scrounged up from the fridge or at the farmer’s … [Read more...]
Here in Connecticut, the first days of spring have meant a return to freezing temperatures, replete with dashes of snow and sleet. To warm up from the inside out, I’ve been making this Hearty Hemp Hearts Porridge that may tantalize your taste buds, while also helping to better your health. This warm, grain-free porridge is packed with fiber, disease-fighting antioxidants, healthy fats and … [Read more...]
One of America's top chefs Hugh Acheson is committed to helping people make the most out of fresh produce plentifully available in their communities, from local farmers, regional farmers markets and Community Support Agriculture (CSA) programs. We recently spoke with Acheson about healthy cooking, his new recipe book on seasonal fruits and vegetables, and his efforts to get Americans excited about … [Read more...]
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Ever wondered what the celebration is all about on May 5? Believe it or not, the day is more than a festive opportunity to drink margaritas and have Mexican fare—though we love that part too (and much more on that later). While many mistake Cinco de Mayo as Mexico’s day of independence (which is actually celebrated on Sept. 16), the holiday actually commemorates El Día de la … [Read more...]
Despite the hardship and struggles I’ve endured over the years, I suppose I’ve always had a bit of the Pollyana complex—doing my best to find the good even in unpleasant situations. To the eternal optimist, when life hands you lemons, you make some lemonade. So when the second big storm hit New England in a week, the snowed-in optimist makes some cookies. As we have been clearing out the pantry … [Read more...]
NOBREADNYC.com launched in September as an online consumer guide for gluten-free dining in New York City. It offers restaurant profiles, mini-reviews and customized menus to dining spots across the city for folks unable to properly digest the gluey protein substance called gluten. NOBREADNYC is quickly becoming an essential resource for diners seeking gluten-free offerings in NYC, which is exactly … [Read more...]
There are few things more soothing to a throat ravaged by the harsh coughing of a first fall cold than a cup of soup or broth. Fewer still things are as tailored for fighting the cold and flu better than a nutrient-rich cup of soup made with rejuvenating bone marrow, reduced cartilage to help normalize the immune system and mineral-rich bones. That’s why I’m excited to share with you the … [Read more...]
With a rapidly growing population of the diseased and obese, an increasing percentage of Americans is moving away from the cheap convenience of food-like substances to eating whole, real foods for nourishment. More attention is being drawn to traditional, ancestral diets that are rich and varied in nutrition, promising a myriad of health benefits, including treating disease to fighting the aging … [Read more...]