There are some things in life you do not skimp on; Italian shoes and Italian balsamic vinegar to name a few. Cooking light can be easy and delicious with the right ingredients. Try as I might the store brand of certain ingredients just will not cut it. Most like flavor and depth unlike a favorite brand like The Artisanal Kitchen. My husband has to have his Breyer’s Ice Cream and I have to have my Artisanal Kitchen. The full flavor of the Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes are enough to make my full blooded Italian grandfather sing songs of praise. Oh … Continue reading →

August is National Catfish Month. It is also National Peach Month and National Brownies and Brunch Month. We will discuss those as well. Let’s talk catfish. Catfish gets a bad rap as a fish of low nutritional value. Some say it is dirty since catfish are bottom feeders. However, if you purchase farm raised fish then you need not worry about the fish’s eating history. Also, catfish is low in mercury, lean, and contains a large portion or our vitamin B intake for the day. It is also an affordable fish. Due to its mild flavor and meaty texture it … Continue reading →

Could it be true? Could chocolate actually help you lose weight? For years we have been told to stay as far away from chocolate as possible, don’t even breathe when walking down the candy aisle. Most spend wasted years crossing chocolate off the list if there was any hope of fitting into that little black dress by Christmas. Tell me it is true that chocolate is actually good for you. Well, good for you is an exaggeration. Eating a Hershey bar will not increase your weight loss but your sugar consumption. We all know the devastation to the hips if … Continue reading →

Today is National French Fries Day! The simple concept of fried potatoes is much loved by many. Sadly, it has become an unhealthy tradition full of saturated fats, sodium and excess calories. Many are beginning to hail the French fry as the new cancer stick as cigarettes are known. Fast food companies fearing losing customers concerned with the health of their families are now supplying substitutes in kids’ meals such as apples or oranges. Ah, yes, today is National French Fries Day so we should put aside our anger toward an unhealthy favorite and dive right into a fast food … Continue reading →

We recently discussed Agave Nectar. Agave Nectar comes from the Blue Agave plant more commonly known for making the tequila. Agave Nectar is also used as a sugar substitute. You can cook with Agave Nectar the same way you use sugar. It even caramelizes, browns and retains moisture. As with any sweetener you must use common sense and moderation. Be certain the Agave Nectar you purchase is organic otherwise it may have been processed using chemicals which results in harmful refined fructose. As someone who is trying to cut down on sugar I am happy to introduce Agave Nectar into … Continue reading →

A lovely recipe from Live Raw by Mimi Kirk. Mashed Parsnips and Cauliflower A delicious replacement for mashed potatoes. 1/2 cup cashews, soaked 3-4 hours 1 1/2 cups parsnip, peeled and cut into 2-3 pieces. 1/2 cup cauliflower, cut into pieces Juice of 1 lemon. Himalayan sea salt 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 small clove of garlic or scant amount of garlic powder 2 Tablespoons of nutritional yeast (not raw) 1/2 Cup filtered water 1 teaspoon truffle oil or pinch of truffle salt (optional) Freshly milled pepper Directions: Place all ingredients except truffle oil in the food processor … Continue reading →

I first became familiar with Enjoying Tea during a Mother’s Day Tea event I planned. The event was blessed with using Enjoying Tea as your featured beverage. Everyone commented on tea and praised the quality and flavor. As a tea drinker, I enjoy a good cup of tea. I am happy to say I found it in Enjoying Tea. Tea is a wonderful alternative for health and for cutting calories to coffee, soda, juices and sports drinks. While I am a coffee lover, I tend to add a lot of sugar and cream to it. I can drink tea all … Continue reading →