Eggplant and Summer One of my favorite colors is purple. So, maybe that's why I was first curious about eggplant. The color is so beautiful and since we eat with our eyes, I hope eggplant will get your attention, too. When the sun gets really warm in July and August, there is a large supply of eggplant to buy at the grocery store or Farmer's Market. Or, pick it from your own vegetable garden if you are a grower yourself. Whatever, don't miss eggplant as a versatile and very Mediterranean vegetable that tastes great. Here's an eggplant recipe with an Italian twist and here's another eggplant … [Read more...] about A Healthy Eggplant Recipe called Yakne!
Chocolate and Banana Cupcake Recipe
A Dessert that's Perfect for Everyone When I first made and tasted this recipe, I thought it was chocolate-y, moist and not too sweet. For me it was a perfect dessert, but I needed other opinions to help me decide if it was a 'keeper' recipe - or not. So, I asked my grown-up son to try it. After going back for a second one, he commented that it was a perfect muffin for him. Great. Next, I shared a plate of cupcakes with my book co-author, Andrea, so that her family of 5 could do a tasting. All agreed that it was a great dessert. Yay. Then, my good friend, Tomomi, made a batch and asked her … [Read more...] about Chocolate and Banana Cupcake Recipe
How to Grow and Use Fresh Mint
Fresh Mint is an Easy Herb to Grow I grew up in a family of gardeners. My mom mostly enjoyed growing flowers and my dad liked growing vegetables. So, at least in the summer, we had a colorful yard and we also ate a bunch of homegrown vegetables for dinner. Fresh herbs were not a part of the mix for some reason, so I changed that when I got my first job and moved into a very small house of my own. I immediately planted some herbs in a small, sunny garden out back. Partly I grew herbs because they were easy to grow and partly I did it because I was getting very interested in cooking and … [Read more...] about How to Grow and Use Fresh Mint
Salmon for Dinner
What's For Dinner? If you're the everyday 'chef' in your family then you've heard this question hundreds of times before - What's for dinner? When I planned this dinner, I thought it would be a family-pleaser and I was right. I bought a nice piece of fresh salmon as the star of the show and since we are a family of seafood lovers, it was right on target. I try to cook 2 fish meals per week for deliciousness (is that a word?) as well as great health benefits. Do you? What's On-The-Side? I grew up eating a dinner with protein, vegetables, and starch on my plate, and I'm a fan of … [Read more...] about Salmon for Dinner
The Simple, Mediterranean Foods of Greece
Enjoying the Simple, Mediterranean Foods of Greece There's nothing like the simple and delicious foods of Greece. Sure - you've been to a Greek restaurant. You've been to a Greek food festival. You've been to a Greek friend's home and savored the home cooking of her/his mother. All of these experiences are super enjoyable and even memorable. But, have you ever thought about how the simple, Mediterranean foods of Greece could become your favorite way to eat day-after-day, like a fresh and new lifestyle? Understanding the Health Benefits of Simple, Mediterranean Foods of … [Read more...] about The Simple, Mediterranean Foods of Greece
Less Sugary Homemade Lemonade
Less Sugary Homemade Lemonade Kids can help by squeezing the lemons, measuring the ingredients and stirring, with supervision. Makes 3-4 servings 2 large, juicy Lemons, or 3 small lemons 2 cups Water 2 tablespoons Sugar Get out a small pitcher. Cut lemons in half, squeeze juice into pitcher and discard seeds. Add water and sugar. Stir well to dissolve all sugar. Taste and add ½ tablespoon sugar if needed. Kids Thrive on Good Nutrition Making less sugary homemade lemonade is a simple 'cooking' project for kids. It helps them enjoy being in the … [Read more...] about Less Sugary Homemade Lemonade