If you think seriously about flavor, there are certain food pairs that work together in perfect harmony. For example, tomatoes and basil. There are many Mediterranean recipes that combine tomatoes with basil - and, almost always there's some extra virgin olive oil included, too. Here's an easy-to-make soup that works all year round, hot or cold. Out of fresh tomato season (fall, winter, spring,) use canned tomatoes for the best results and dried basil. In fresh tomato season (summer) get the best flavor by using both canned tomatoes and fresh ones, along with a big handful of fresh basil … [Read more...] about Simple Ingredients Make Great Flavors in Tomato and Basil Soup
Cool Foods Make Summer Better and 5 Options to Try
One important food lesson I learned while living in Spain last year was that cool foods like soup can make a hot day much better. Cool Tomatoes In Spain, one of the universally favorite foods to enjoy during summer and early fall is soup and it's refreshingly cool. Being in Spain was wonderful (pre-novel corona virus) and taste testing cool tomato soup was even better. My favorite, cool tomato soup is called Salmorejo and it's a specialty of Cordoba in the southern part of Spain where the summer heat is basically unbearable. Guess what? Sipping cool tomato soup makes everything … [Read more...] about Cool Foods Make Summer Better and 5 Options to Try
Mealtime Traditions Sprinkled with Good Nutrition
Most of us have meals or recipes that we consider traditions, but what we forget is that they don't have to be difficult and time consuming. The best sprinkled-with-good-nutrition traditions are ones that can be repeated and enjoyed. So, please keep it simple. Making time to cook isn't always easy so do your best to choose a tradition that's meaningful and also quick to fix. Will something below be your 'spark' to a delicious, new food tradition? I hope so. Quick-to-Fix Breakfast Traditions The morning meal is wide open for creative and satisfying nibbles. Here are a few new ideas … [Read more...] about Mealtime Traditions Sprinkled with Good Nutrition
Pumpkin is a Top Choice for Fall
Pumpkin has a lot going for it -- a bright orange color, a healthy nutrition resume, and a flavor that is truly delicious. Most people that I know, including nutrition professionals, are enthusiastic about eating pumpkin during the fall. Here is a short list of why? Pumpkin is a Top Choice - Nutrition The big nutrient in pumpkin is vitamin A which we know by its color. The exact name for what makes it orange is beta-carotene which readily converts to vitamin A. This healthy vitamin is also found in carrots and many other yellow-orange colored vegetables. Along with vitamin C, vitamin A is a … [Read more...] about Pumpkin is a Top Choice for Fall
Confidence Makes Cooking More Fun
Confidence adds a fun-factor to cooking and that's worth a lot. 5 Ways to Become More Confident with Cooking Read through your recipe before starting to cook. This is a very important tip and it's hard to follow for most people. When you read a recipe, there's a little organizing and a little learning which builds a little confidence. Do your best not to rush the process and you'll feel more comfortable about what you're getting ready to make. Commit to learning knife skills. There are very few recipes that do not require some knife work. From veggie soups to chicken stews to … [Read more...] about Confidence Makes Cooking More Fun
How to Start a New Nutrition Plan and Succeed
Every January, when we turn over the calendar to a new year, there seems to be a natural starting point for positive change. If you've been waiting to start fresh in the New Year then here's a layered approach to new and better nutrition. Is it rocket science...no. Is it a 30-day, get-it-done-fast diet... no. Is it a gradual lifestyle shift to feeling better....yes. Is it full of joyful and delicious food adventures... yes! And, yes, to asking for the assistance of a nutrition pro, like me. A new nutrition plan can be overwhelming and getting compassionate, customized help can be … [Read more...] about How to Start a New Nutrition Plan and Succeed